GMI Exclusive: LaCrosse Engines, Details Emerge

[avro206]

This looks very interesting....perhaps the best Buick to come out in......a very long time?

[cougs95]

Never imagined i would be this interested in a Buick! Maybe the wife's new car..?

[boblutzfan]

Originally Posted by lam

It looks like you don't understand jack,

As I typed before, the Cruze coming one year later , not because of the Cobalt , but because of the 1.4 Turbo 4 Cylinder Engine.

The plant that makes the engine has not even been completed let.

When does GM start manufacturing the Chevy Cruze?

When do they go on sale in the United States?

Why is there a year between those dates?

GM loves to delay entries to US markets...because they know that rental fleets will continue to buy crap. The LaCrosse has been delayed once already as has the next generation Aura and Malibu replacement. The Cruze has already been announced for the rest of the world to go on sale a year before it does in the US. GM should have had the right engine ready for this to go on sale on time in their home market.

[boblutzfan]

Originally Posted by avro206

This looks very interesting....perhaps the best Buick to come out in......a very long time?

Most likely. We shall see...sometime next summer when the production units hit the show rooms.

[nsap]

Originally Posted by boblutzfan

When does GM start manufacturing the Chevy Cruze?

When do they go on sale in the United States?

Why is there a year between those dates?

GM loves to delay entries to US markets...because they know that rental fleets will continue to buy crap. The LaCrosse has been delayed once already as has the next generation Aura and Malibu replacement. The Cruze has already been announced for the rest of the world to go on sale a year before it does in the US. GM should have had the right engine ready for this to go on sale on time in their home market.

The LaCrosse was also pulled ahead more than the recent delay was, so really it is ahead of schedule still.

The pull ahead on the LaCrosse is why we haven't seen the 9-5 yet.

[boblutzfan]

Originally Posted by nsap

The LaCrosse was also pulled ahead more than the recent delay was, so really it is ahead of schedule still.

The pull ahead on the LaCrosse is why we haven't seen the 9-5 yet.

That isn't saying much. The LaCrosse was introduced in 2005 as basically a heavy MCE of the 2004 Regal. I know some folks will disagree...but it was along the same lines of the current Malibu...just a heavy MCE for the last body style. Same platform and same basic powertrain options - with the 3.6L thrown in for good measure (but very low volumes - the 3.8 was the volume leader just like the Regal). Buick hasn't had an all new sedan since the G-body Park Avenue/LeSabre were introduced back in the 90's. The Regal/Centry/LaCrosse have used the same tired W-body and 3.8L V6/four speed powertrains for nearly 20 years.

As it is, the 2009 LaCrosse is in its fifth model year. Buick should have had an EPI sedan years ago. So the fact that GM is trying to get the 2010 out a few months early isn't anything to congratulate them on. The current LaCrosse is so tired and out classed - GM shouldn't have waited so long!!! (we could launch a discussion as to why - maybe too many brands to maintain? But I won't)

That said - I am glad GM is giving Buick the EPII platform first. They needed something to follow the hit Enclave desperately. This just might be it. I am hopeful that Buick might finally have something that is competitive. The powertrain news is encouraging as are the early pictures of the interior. But like seeing a good movie trailer...while interested...I will wait to see the film (i.e. the production ready sedan) before handing out the Oscar.

Unlike some on this thread who are willing to hand out an oscar in nearly every category after seeing a teaser trailer. For that I am branded a hater. I see it as realistic.

[Buick Riviera]

Will these new lacrosse have these new FlexRide System?

[PA Dweller]

It has everything I expected it to have. What about the likely price?

[Astra RL]

Originally Posted by boblutzfan

That isn't saying much. The LaCrosse was introduced in 2005 as basically a heavy MCE of the 2004 Regal. I know some folks will disagree...but it was along the same lines of the current Malibu...just a heavy MCE for the last body style. Same platform and same basic powertrain options - with the 3.6L thrown in for good measure (but very low volumes - the 3.8 was the volume leader just like the Regal). Buick hasn't had an all new sedan since the G-body Park Avenue/LeSabre were introduced back in the 90's. The Regal/Centry/LaCrosse have used the same tired W-body and 3.8L V6/four speed powertrains for nearly 20 years.

As it is, the 2009 LaCrosse is in its fifth model year. Buick should have had an EPI sedan years ago. So the fact that GM is trying to get the 2010 out a few months early isn't anything to congratulate them on. The current LaCrosse is so tired and out classed - GM shouldn't have waited so long!!! (we could launch a discussion as to why - maybe too many brands to maintain? But I won't)

That said - I am glad GM is giving Buick the EPII platform first. They needed something to follow the hit Enclave desperately. This just might be it. I am hopeful that Buick might finally have something that is competitive. The powertrain news is encouraging as are the early pictures of the interior. But like seeing a good movie trailer...while interested...I will wait to see the film (i.e. the production ready sedan) before handing out the Oscar.

Unlike some on this thread who are willing to hand out an oscar in nearly every category after seeing a teaser trailer. For that I am branded a hater. I see it as realistic.

I agree that this is why GM is in trouble 2009 Lacrosse = 1988 Regal. 21 years is way too long for a car body to be on the market. GM should have taken the LH bodies from Chrysler apart in 1993 and made a new set of large midsize and full size sedans in 1996-7 not in 2010. The Lacrosse is looking like it will have the features to compete. What I want to know is, did GM never see other luxury makers increasing content. Did they miss the boat on luxury cars?
And to the person that suggested the 3500 as a base engine, what other luxury maker has a low class v6.

[crm2019]

i wouldnt get too excited about the lacrosse... theyre cutting back... wayyyyy back on spending, and theyre going to spend it on other things first, before a new buick

[HotCarNut]

Originally Posted by crm2019

i wouldnt get too excited about the lacrosse... theyre cutting back... wayyyyy back on spending, and theyre going to spend it on other things first, before a new buick

All of the capital has already been spent. This puppy is due out in a matter of months, so there's no sense delaying it now. The delays that you'll definitely see are on programs that are still in development. You'll probably also see a large white-collar layoff in engineering in addition to plant idlings and going to a single shift at the ones that remain open.

[NoMoMopar]

Originally Posted by crm2019

i wouldnt get too excited about the lacrosse... theyre cutting back... wayyyyy back on spending, and theyre going to spend it on other things first, before a new buick

And that is if Buick/Pontiac/GMC make it into 2010.....

[akenaten]

Originally Posted by Quickening

The HID's need to be standard on both levels. Which I know GM won't do, so need at least projectors. Please GM. Stop short changing people. I expect HID's on a 30k car.

+1