2011 LaCrosse goes on sale this summer

Edmunds and several leading automotive blogs are theorizing that Buick will finally go ahead and build a sport version of its popular LaCrosse midsize sedan. Unlike the original model, the proposed car will be a true roadster as Buick seeks to inject some youthfulness into its aging model line. This is big news for Buick, which hasn't built a true youth oriented car since stopping production of the hot-rod Regal Grand National during the 1980s. Will the Super Sport be enough to help Buick recapture a lost segment of the marketplace? That remains open to debate, so let's see what Buick is planning with the Super Sport and then you can decide for yourself.

2011 LaCrosse goes on sale this summer


2011 LaCrosse goes on sale this summer

When the 2010 LaCrosse goes on sale this summer, it will be offered in three models CX, CXL and CXS. The CX will be equipped with the 3.0L V6 engine and come with premium cloth seats and 17-inch wheels. The CXL adds leather-appointed heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lamps, outside rearview mirror with LED turn indicators and puddle lamps, 18-inch wheels as well as the option of all-wheel drive. Finally, the CXS features the more powerful 3.6L V6 unit and adds real-time active-dampening suspension; perforated, leather-appointed, heated and cooled seats, and chrome-plated 18-inch wheels (19-inch optional).

2011 LaCrosse goes on sale this summer

Buick LaCrosse With New Machine

Based on GM's Epsilon II front-wheel-drive platform that underpins the new Opel Insignia, the LaCrosse is roughly the same size as the car it replaces. Buyers can choose from two direct-injection V6 engines, a 3.0-liter unit generating an estimated 255 horsepower and 211 lb.-ft. of torque (286 Nm), and a 3.6L engine producing an estimated 280 horsepower and 261 lb.-ft. of torque (354 Nm). Both V6 engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Buick LaCrosse With New Machine

Buick LaCrosse With New Machine

The standard Lacrosse versions come with all accessories and a 7-speaker MP3/CD audio system. The top-lined trims such as CXS and CX have dual-zone automatic climate control, alloy wheels, heated power leather seats, Bluetooth, a heated steering wheel, rear parking sensors, and eleven speakers Harman Kardon surround-sound system combined with a USB port. There are a plenty of options include xenon headlamps, flexible shock absorbers, a hard-drive-based navigation system, a head-up display, and a back-seat entertainment system along with two headrest displays.

Buick LaCrosse With New Machine

standard six-speed 2011 Buick Regal

GM has been looking at separating Opel from its operations, possibly selling off the brand or at least a share of it. That may not affect the Regal as whatever agreement is reached would likely include a long lasting supply chain for Buick's operation. Moreover, the car is sold in Brazil as the Chevrolet Vectra in the UK as the Vauxhall Insignia and will soon be sold in Australia as a Holden model.

standard six-speed 2011 Buick Regal


standard six-speed 2011 Buick Regal

Buick says with the standard six-speed manual gearbox, the GS will accelerate from 0 to 60mph in less than seven seconds (*estimated). In comparison, the basic $28,200 VW Passat CC 2.0 Turbo with 200HP completes the standard sprint in 6.9 seconds, while the European Opel Insignia OPC in 5.8 seconds.

standard six-speed 2011 Buick Regal

Buick Regal-GS National

Though US specifications for the new Regal have yet to be announced, we know that the same six-speed manual and automatic transmissions offered in Europe will be paired with the engines sold in cars in the United States. Furthermore, given that Buick is an upscale brand, leather seating surfaces, navigational controls, wood and aluminum inlays and dual zone air conditioning will either be standard features or packaged optionally.

Buick Regal-GS National


Buick Regal-GS National

The car rides on standard 19-inch alloy wheels and all-season tire, with 20-inch polished alloy wheels shod in performance tires being optional. Braking power comes from a four-wheel disc brake system featuring Brembo front calipers, while there's also a standard StabiliTrak stability control system with integrated, full-function traction control.

Buick Regal-GS National