Buick’s 2017 LaCrosse

The 2017 Buick LaCrosse introduces a look, that was influenced by the dramatic cues of the highly regarded Avenir concept, which was debuted at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and was inspired by a Buick concept from the middle of the 20th century.

The LaCrosse, which being on sale from early summer 2016 with a starting price of $32,990, was a new grille design with a large opening distinguished by the return of a three-color Buick tri-shield insignia, red, silver, and blue, accented by wing-shaped elements set against darkened waterfall grille bars inspired by the 1954 Wildcat II concept.

At the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2016, Buick debuted the 2017 LaCrosse.

The 2017 LaCrosse is longer, lower, and broader, with a stronger but lighter frame that provides improved economy and more responsive handling. Due mostly to the use of press-hardened and high-strength steels, it weighs around 300 pounds less than the existing LaCrosse.

The 2017 LaCrosse's lighter weight is also partly attributable to new, lower mass sound-absorbing materials, such as a lightweight dash mat in favor of bulkier noise-blocking cushions, which results in a new threshold for Buick's renowned QuietTuning.

A second-generation, technologically advanced 3.6L V-6 engine paired with the eight-speed automatic transmission, which offers an EPA estimated 21 city and 31 highway for FWD vehicles and an EPA estimated 20 city and 29 highway for those models with AWD, makes up the remaining portion of the efficiency equation. Stop-and-go driving is more effective when using standard Stop/Start technology.

Additional updated and new features consist of:

• The availability of the HiPer Strut front suspension and new five-link rear suspension
• Active suspension with available electronic Continuous Damping Control and selectable Touring and Sport settings
• Driver-selectable Automatic Electronic Shift
• Advanced, brand-new dual-clutch all-wheel drive is an option. Efficiency-improving low-drag disc brakes with Duralife rotors are also offered
• Lead/Pull Compensation for the electric power steering
• Easier rear-seat access and exit
• Technologies including Teen Driver, adjustable LED driver information centers with 8-inch color displays, and optional wireless charging
• Front seats with perforated leather and a new lumbar massaging feature
• With OnStar 4G LTE and Wi-Fi hotspot integration, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a frameless 8-inch diagonal color touchscreen are all included with IntelliLink.

Along with a wealth of active and passive safety measures, the 2017 LaCrosse includes:

• Ten standard airbags, including two knee airbags for front-seat occupants
• When people are identified walking directly in front of a vehicle, front pedestrian brakes may automatically apply the brakes and notify the driver
• To assist drivers in avoiding collisions caused by accidentally drifting out of their lane, Lane Keep Assist gently rotates the steering wheel and, if required, sounds the Lane Departure Warning alarm
• Automatic Park Assist steers the car into an identified parking spot while the driver hits the brakes, assisting the driver to parallel or perpendicular park
• Cruise Control With Adaptation
• Braking in advance automatically
• Warning for Imminent Collision
• Back vision camera and safety alert seat with lane change alert.

New Buick design

The expressive external styling of the 2017 LaCrosse establishes a new proportion for a more striking road presence. Although the wheelbase has been extended by 2.7 inches (65 mm) and the front wheels have been moved forward, the total length has only increased by 0.6 inches (15 mm). A lower roofline than the present model, measuring 1.6 inches (40 mm), significantly improves the dynamic proportion.

While the car's width has barely increased by 0.4 inches (10 mm), the wheels have been pushed outward by 1.3 inches (33 mm) in the front and 1.1 inches (28 mm) in the back, giving the vehicle a wheels-at-corners attitude that is meant to exude road confidence.

Modern interpretation of the iconic sweepspear body-side design feature enhances the car's sculpting. In addition to taking up more body lines for a graceful, unbroken flow from the front fenders to the rear, the split design increases the body side's feeling of depth.

A longer "daylight opening," or the area of the top body between the A- and C-pillars, strengthens the 2017 LaCrosse's body lines. They are rimmed in chrome and are meant to give the body side a stylishly understated luxury accent.

Yet more details combine form and purpose. Instead of the corners of the front side windows, outside mirrors are installed on pedestals on the doors. While the mirror housings were sculpted in the wind tunnel to assist minimize wind noise, the design provides a wider field of vision.

Aerodynamic factors were also taken into account while designing the decklid's dynamic sweep, which serves as a spoiler to maximize airflow over the LaCrosse. To lessen drag, there are deflectors in front of the tires.

Exterior components that are additional include:

• LED taillamps, LED signature illumination, and standard high-intensity discharge headlights are all standard
• There are options for 20-inch wheels in addition to the normal 18-inch wheels
• Active grille shutters that open and close automatically to manage airflow, lowering aerodynamic drag and enhancing fuel economy
• Every model has a capless gasoline filler

Authentic craftsmanship and a seamless environment

The interior of the 2017 LaCrosse is designed to provide passengers with a spacious, inviting environment that is at once opulent, well-connected and relaxing. Technologies designed for ease of use harmonize with shapes that are sculpturally attractive and made of high-quality materials.

The horizontal shape, which extends across the instrument panel and into the doors, distinguishes Buick as the first Buick with a single cockpit design approach. It also uses a "floating" center console that places the new Electronic Precision Shift Controller high and close to the driver while providing storage space below the console for items such as a purse or tablet. That attention to detail, according to the model, includes soft materials for nearly all contact points, French stitching on the seats, instrument panel and other areas, aluminum door sills and wood trim.

The 2017 LaCrosse is more comfortable because it is equipped with updated and luxury features:

• For the interior, there are three trim options with a fashionable touch: Jet Black, Dark Atmosphere and Shale, and Jet Black and Brandy
• Eight-way adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats with enhanced heating for faster warm-up on cool mornings and new seat upholstery with massage function and perforations
• Power steering column that tilts and telescopes, and heated steering wheel with dual-zone automatic temperature control
• Powerful Bose® audio system with rear sunshade.

Entry has also become easier, and there is more room for storage. For example, the rear doors have wider openings, making it easier to get in and out. Four golf bags fit in the trunk, which offers around 7% more storage space than the previous model.

Sophisticated, user-friendly technology

The 2017 LaCrosse has a host of communication and convenience features that make it easy to connect, making it one of the most technologically equipped vehicles on its market.

A version of Buick IntelliLink, which features an 8-inch diagonal frameless color touchscreen at the heart of an ergonomically designed instrument panel, serves as the centerpiece of the technology. It was built with fewer buttons and controls for easier operation, along with the temperature system and other elements on the "central stack"

With Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, phone integration technology connects with IntelliLink to display phone features customers want while driving on the 8-inch touchscreen. Through the touchscreen interface, customers can use some specific smartphone applications thanks to the functions. A button on the steering wheel that gives voice instructions can be used to operate various functions, allowing drivers to keep both their hands and eyes on the road.

Other features of LaCrosse technology include:

• A precision electronic shifting - Instead of a traditional shift lever, gears are selected and engaged with a simple toggle lever. This allows for more storage space in the center console and provides effortless, precise and quick gear changes.
• Configurable, high-definition driver information center - This unit features a large, 8-inch diagonal color display and is located in the center of the instrument cluster, with circular instrument panels on either side.
• Four side views are offered on the head-up display, including speed, music, navigation and performance. It also provides information on a range of active safety technologies such as lane departure warning and rear-end collision warning.
• Technology for teen drivers is available and promotes safer driving by turning off music or other connected devices when passengers aren't wearing seat belts. In addition, a "driving report" is provided to parents, and audible and visual warnings are given when the vehicle exceeds set speed limits.
• If the vehicle is equipped with this technology, the phone can be charged inductively in the center console without the need for plugs or cables.

Buick QuietTuning Technology

To deliver an even quieter driving experience, the 2017 LaCrosse builds on the current for its time model's reputation.

Other acoustic attributes include:

• Compared to the previous four-link design, the new five-link rear axle provides improved noise isolation from the road
• All versions are equipped with active noise cancellation
• Sound-insulating wheel arch linings Windshield and front side windows with acoustic laminate
• Doors with three seals more effective sealing of the body noise path
• Windshield wipers "park" below the bonnet to dampen wind noise.

Powertrain of the future

The 3.6L V-6 engine in the LaCrosse is the second generation of GM's DOHC V-6 engine family and includes modern technologies like Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and Stop/Start technology. It has direct injection and twin overhead cams.

In light-load driving circumstances, the 3.6L's two cylinders are momentarily turned off by the Active Fuel Management system to increase fuel economy. They are smoothly turned back on when full power is required.

The engine turns off in specific driving situations, including at a stoplight, to save gasoline thanks to the efficiency-improving Stop/Start technology. When the driver lifts his or her foot off the brake, it immediately resumes.

The LaCrosse sets the bar for silence thanks to a brand-new noise-canceling cam drive technology.

General Motors estimates that the 3.6L can produce 305 horsepower (227 kW) and 268 lb-ft of torque (363 Nm) when paired with a new eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Balanced, effective driving performance

Featuring Buick's first dual-clutch all-wheel-drive technology, the 2017 LaCrosse offers enhanced capabilities. It uses separate clutch actuation to determine and regulate the amount of torque transferred to each rear wheel, improving performance under acceleration and in corners.

The key element of the improved ride and handling characteristics is a five-link rear suspension. It reduces body roll, enables good lateral control and promotes dynamic stability. It ensures that the tires stay firmly on the road in any terrain and improves noise damping, making the ride quieter.

Front-wheel-drive vehicles with 20-inch wheels come standard with MacPherson strut suspension, while all other models come with Buick's HiPer Strut suspension. It increases maximum grip in all driving situations by minimizing steering torque and maintaining negative camber in corners. It also isolates unwanted shock and improves the vehicle's direct feel.

Available and electronically controlled Continuous Damping Control significantly improves ride comfort and handling in a variety of road conditions and profiles. The driver can choose between Touring and Sport damping settings of the active suspension, which can change the damping every two milliseconds.

An upgraded rack-and-pinion mounted electronic power steering system with lead-pull compensation, which automatically adjusts the steering angle for elements such as rough roads or strong crosswinds, also contributes to the LaCrosse's more direct driving experience.