Buick

Hot news for 2010: Brand new LaCrosse is hopefully and glimpse of things to come from this time-honored American brand.

Carryover: Enclave; Lucerne

Gone: None

Starting line

n Buick began somewhat of a styling renaissance with the Enclave wagon and everyone wondered where the company would go next.

Well, here’s your answer. When considering out-of-the-box planning, the LaCrosse certainly breaks away from the pack. The car is based on the Invicta concept that was designed in China (Buick sells a whole bunch of cars there) and was first displayed at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show.

LaCrosse for 2010 is offered in CX, CXL and CXS trim levels. The first two get a 3.0-liter V6 while the top-line CXS gets a 3.6-liter V6. Both engines feature direct fuel injection and all three models use a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. Both engines offer variable valve timing and a broad power range.

The well-equipped CX includes 17-inch wheels, while the CXL adds leather heated seats, dual-zone climate control and 18-inch alloy wheels. The optional all-wheel-drive system sends torque to whichever wheel has most grip.The LaCrosse also boasts what Buick calls QuietTuning, which is a thorough effort to reduce unwanted noise, vibration and harshness. The process includes the use of acoustical laminate on the windshield and front side glass; steel laminate on the firewall; expanded baffles in the roof pillars; extensive use of sound deadeners throughout the body structure; and special sound-absorbing material throughout the engine, passenger and cargo compartments.