News Wire: Buick Introduces All-New 2017 LaCrosse

The All – New 2017 Buick LaCrosse. © General Motors.
The All – New 2017 Buick LaCrosse. © General Motors.

(This article originally appeared on Buick.com)

Leaner and sleeker with effortless technology

LOS ANGELES – The all-new 2017 Buick LaCrosse introduces the new face of Buick, influenced by the dramatic cues of the award-winning Avenir concept unveiled at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and inspired by a Buick concept from the mid-20th century.

The LaCrosse, which goes on sale in early summer 2016, features a new grille design with a large opening distinguished by the return of a three-color – red, silver and blue – Buick tri-shield insignia, accented by wing-shaped elements set against darkened waterfall grille bars inspired by the 1954 Wildcat II concept.

Buick revealed the 2017 LaCrosse today at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

“The new LaCrosse is drop-dead gorgeous and signals the next phase of Buick’s international momentum,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global Buick. “Its quietness, comfort and connectivity were developed to set new standards in the segment, supported by technologies not offered on competitors such as the Lexus ES.”

Longer, lower and wider than the current model, the 2017 LaCrosse is built on a stronger yet lighter structure. It is about 300 pounds lighter than the current LaCrosse – largely due to the use of press-hardened, high-strength steels – which contribute to greater efficiency and more responsive handling.

The new LaCrosse’s lower weight is also due in part to new lower mass sound-absorbing materials including a lightweight dissipative dash mat in place of heavier noise-blocking pads that  result in a new threshold for Buick’s signature QuietTuning.

The balance of the efficiency equation comes from a technologically advanced, second-generation 3.6L V-6 engine paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. Standard Stop/Start technology improves efficiency in stop-and-go driving.

Additional new and enhanced features include:

  • New five-link rear suspension and available HiPer Strut front suspension
  • Available electronically controlled Continuous Damping Control active suspension with selectable Touring and Sport modes
  • Driver-selectable Electronic Precision Shift
  • An available advanced, all-new dual-clutch all-wheel drive system
  • Efficiency-enhancing low-drag disc brakes with Duralife rotors
  • Electric power steering system with Lead/Pull Compensation
  • Easier rear-seat entry/egress
  • More usable storage space
  • Technologies including available wireless charging, available Teen Driver and configurable, LED driver information center with 8-inch-diagonal color display
  • Perforated leather-appointed front seats with new lumbar massaging feature
  • IntelliLink with frameless 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot integration.

The 2017 LaCrosse also features extensive active and passive safety including:

  • Ten standard air bags – including two knee air bags for front passengers
  • Front Pedestrian Braking, which alerts drivers to and can automatically apply the brakes for pedestrians detected directly ahead in some driving conditions
  • Lane Keep Assist, which provides gentle steering wheel turns – and Lane Departure Warning alerts, if necessary – to help drivers avoid crashes due to unintentionally drifting out of their lane
  • Automatic Park Assist, which helps the driver parallel park/perpendicular park by automatically steering the vehicle into a detected parking space while the driver applies the brakes
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Forward Automatic Braking
  • Forward Collision Alert
  • Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
  • Rear Vision Camera
  • Safety Alert Seat.

“We’ve blended sophisticated technologies and advanced safety systems to offer a more enjoyable and engaging driving experience,” said Aldred. “It’s a rewarding sedan for those who seek luxurious appointments, style and quality.”

New face of Buick
The new LaCrosse’s expressive exterior design creates a new proportion for a more dramatic road presence. The front wheels have been pulled forward and the wheelbase stretched 2.7 inches (65 mm), while the overall length is only 0.6-inch longer (15 mm). The dynamic proportion is further enhanced by a roofline that’s 1.6 inches (40 mm) lower than the current model.

The longer wheelbase is matched by wheels pushed outward 1.3 inches (33 mm) in the front and 1.1 inches (28 mm) in the rear, while the car’s width has grown only 0.4-inch (10 mm), creating a wheels-at-corners stance intended to convey road confidence.

Read the entire article at Buick.com