2010 Buick LaCrosse CXSGM
The rumour mill is grinding out stories about the future product plans at Buick.
Buick is apparently planning two new crossovers, including a plug-in hybrid and a small crossover that could ride on the Regal/Insignia platform or something else.
In an announcement last year, GM said the plug-in will feature some of GM's newest technology: a direct-injection, 3.6-litre V-6 engine combined with a lithium ion battery pack and two-mode hybrid technology. The hybrid, if it appears, will likely come in 2011. GM originally intended to release the hybrid technology in a Saturn model.
Here's a look at other models in Buick's lineup:
ENCLAVE
$43,505-$51,475, not factoring in the employee pricing promotion
The 2010 Enclave may be the very best buy in a large, luxury crossover at the present time. Not only is General Motors Canada offering (again) its employee pricing discounting - you pay dealer invoice, essentially - there are also a variety of factory discounts that could lop another $5,000 or so from the sticker price. The savvy buyer should be able to go out the door in a well-equipped, all-wheel-drive Enclave paying something in the mid-$40,000s.
As for the Enclave's future, the best guess is that it will receive a full redesign for 2014, though a facelift will surely come sooner. That said, the Enclave is quiet, handsome and safe, with three rows of seating and a gorgeous interior.
LACROSSE
$31,645-$40,795 retail, not with employee pricing
The LaCrosse is a big, four-door sedan sold in front- and all-wheel-drive versions. This is a pretty satisfying sedan overall - comfortable, quiet, powerful (especially the 280-horsepower V-6) and curvy. The design inside and out looks expensive, yet prices are relatively affordable. Sure, the trunk could be bigger, but the cabin seats five comfortably and the outboard rear passengers have loads and loads of leg room.
LUCERNE
This is expected to be the last year for the Lucerne, as it will be phased out in favour of the LaCrosse.
REGAL
$31,990-$34,990
The Regal is just rolling into showrooms with its four-cylinder engine lineup. The base model comes with a 182-horsepower, four-cylinder engine, while the upscale car has a turbocharged four-banger that puts out 220 hp. Both come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission, though the turbo can be had with an optional six-speed manual.
But there is more in the Regal pipeline. Buick will bring to market a performance-oriented model in 2011. A concept version called the GS was shown at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. It featured a turbocharged four-cylinder that sent 255 horsepower to all four wheels. The production version is expected to get the same engine but retain the standard model's front-wheel-drive setup.
SMALL CROSSOVER
A small crossover is expected to slot in below the current Enclave crossover. It could be based on the Regal/Insignia platform.