New Shanghai-GM Buick LaCrosse (next RP Lumina?)

**AG4** · February 26th, 2006 05:24 AM

Shanghai-GM introduces Buick LaCrosse premium sedan

Shanghai-GM has issued the following press release yesterday, 02/23:

Shanghai General Motors (Shanghai GM) today introduced the newest member of its Buick lineup, the LaCrosse premium sedan. Using the LaCrosse architecture from North America, the vehicle has been engineered and developed specifically for the China market. It has an all-new body, exterior and interior, and unique engine lineup.

“With its contemporary design, luxurious interior and superior handling, the LaCrosse epitomizes the Buick spirit of striving for excellence,” said Chris Gubbey, Executive Vice President of Shanghai GM. “It is targeted at those who want a vehicle that reflects their exquisite taste and desire to achieve.

“The LaCrosse is another example of Shanghai GM’s integration of its global and local resources,” he added. “The design, state-of-the-art technology, interior amenities, advanced safety features and overall craftsmanship all raise the bar for domestically produced sedans.”

Based on the model of the same name sold in the United States since 2005, the LaCrosse was reengineered in Shanghai by the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), a joint venture of General Motors and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. Group (SAIC). The engineering and design center was responsible for body, exterior and interior design as well as the selection of powertrains. Refinements were made in line with China’s road and fuel conditions and customer requirements.

The new sedan competes in the upper-medium segment. Shanghai GM is offering three LaCrosse models: the 2.4 Luxury model priced at RMB 239,800, the 2.4 Elite model priced at RMB 269,800 and the 3.0 Flagship model price at RMB 329,800. Customers can start placing their orders today. Deliveries will begin in the second quarter of 2006.

Choice of Engines

LaCrosse buyers have a choice of two engines, both of which are making their debut in China. The ECOTEC D-VVT 2.4-liter all-alloy four-cylinder engine is the newest member of the highly acclaimed ECOTEC family. The engine has a host of advanced features such as D-VVT, or double variable valve timing, sequential fuel injection (SFI) and electronic throttle control (ETC). It is among the most competitive in terms of fuel economy in its class.

The 3.0-liter V-6 AFM engine adopts the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system, which offers improved fuel economy of between 2 and 8 percent compared to similar engines. The engine automatically shuts down half of the engine cylinders when not needed.

Contemporary Styling

The LaCrosse has an elegant design. Up front, an oversized three-dimensional chrome-plated grille joins with the U-shaped hood to create clean, flowing lines. Horizontally shaped air intakes contrast with fog lamps on either side of the sedan, giving it a more seductive feel. Specially designed low-air resistance side mirrors are inlaid with five LED indicator lamps.

The shape of the rear windows and trunk follows the overall shape of the sedan, creating a streamlined sensation. The dynamic-looking rear is highlighted by three-dimensional circular tungsten lighting with jewel-like lamps, which offer a strong visual contrast.

Luxurious, Comfortable Interior

The exterior design carries on into the interior. An integrated U-shaped central console takes on the shape of the Buick shield. Entertainment, information and air-conditioning controls are strategically placed for easy access. The interior is trimmed with chrome-plated strips, which contrast walnut wood inlays and genuine leather seats. A multifunctional wooden steering wheel has ergonomically designed buttons. A Bluetooth hands-free communication system permits the driver to receive calls through a hotkey on the steering wheel.

The sumptuous interior goes far beyond traditional midsize sedans. The LaCrosse boasts the most powerful GPS audio cruise control system in China, with street information for 140 Chinese cities as well as a Chinese language display with user-friendly graphics. It is complemented by a head-up display (HUD) system that shows a variety of information such as speed, direction indicator, even caller ID.

The cabin theater DVD system is equipped with 6.5-inch double display monitors in both front and back, each of which can be independently controlled. The car’s unique three independent media channel audio system allows users to enjoy DVDs, CDs and the radio all at once.

The adoption of GM’s QuietTuning as well as the extensive utilization of sound-deadening materials significantly reduces noise and vibration levels throughout the entire body structure, ensuring a quiet ride.

Advanced Safety

The LaCrosse has a number of active and passive safety features. GM’s Vehicle Stability Enhancement System (VSES) automatically adjusts the engine’s torque output if the car deviates from its ideal path, selectively applying braking pressure on all four wheels. ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) effectively shortens the braking distance during emergencies. With the Traction Control System (TCS), the on-board computer automatically adjusts power output and controls wheel drag to prevent skidding.

Among the passive safety features are a high-strength steel body that directs impact forces away from passengers. A lightweight aluminum-magnesium alloy dashboard panel coupled with protective features for the knees provides added protection to those in front. In the event of a frontal collision, a sensor allows the on-board computer to decide whether to activate the safety belt’s tightening function or to also activate the front and side curtain air bags. As a result of the attention to safety, the LaCrosse received a five-star rating in North American New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) testing.

To ensure security, the LaCrosse’s advanced anti-theft intelligent key system immobilizes the engine and locks doors remotely. For added safety and aesthetic purposes, the trunk does not feature an outside lock; it can only be opened remotely or from inside the vehicle. The pioneering Remote Engine Start (RES) allows owners to start the engine from up to 50 meters away.

-globalautoindex

**AG4** · February 26th, 2006 05:27 AM

**margaux** · February 26th, 2006 05:46 AM

does it have On-Star n it?

**AG4** · February 26th, 2006 05:04 PM

Originally Posted by margaux

does it have On-Star n it?

On star is only for the US...

The Shanghai GM Buick LaCrosse is made in China like the older Buick Regal.
The LaCrosse has a GPS audio cruise control system and DVD player(LCD monitor).

**number001** · February 26th, 2006 05:18 PM

Not bad, it does try to look like the redesigned Lexus LS 430! Side profile is like the Galant 240 M. With such an elegant looking car, why even bother badging it as a Chevrolet?

**AG4** · February 26th, 2006 05:25 PM

If it will be sold here it will be badged as a Chevy, because the Buick Brand does not exist here. GM Philippines hasn't decided yet what car will replace the RP market Chevy Lumina, this is just one of the options, since they seem to like Shanghai GM's premium models.
I believe the lower end Regal models(RP Lumina) are still going to be produced in China alongside the new LaCrosse.

**eggman** · February 26th, 2006 10:43 PM

My guess is GM Philippines will bring this car here and named it as Chevrolet LaCrosse and will be available in 3.0 V.6 and priced it at around 1.450M...The new car looks good and the interior looks more upscale.I wonder if this car inherit the sporty and comfortable performance of the US-spec over the Chinese-spec La Crosse.Hmm Sonata and Azera?Forget it...

**Flagg** · February 26th, 2006 11:07 PM

How come all these new cars gaya-gaya sa Hofmeister kink ng BMW?!

**AG4** · February 27th, 2006 01:11 AM

Originally Posted by eggman

My guess is GM Philippines will bring this car here and named it as Chevrolet LaCrosse and will be available in 3.0 V.6 and priced it at around 1.450M...

If its ever sold here, it will probably be called the new Chevy Lumina. The LaCross name is most likely reserved for Buick.
About the price....
Buick Regal 2.5 GL(Our Lumina 2.5 GL) cost 213,800 RMB in China
Buick Regal 3.0 GS costs 284,800 RMB in China
Buick LaCrosse 2.4(Ecotec) costs 239,800 RMB in China
Buick LaCrosse 3.0 costs 329,800 RMB in China
Assuming the importation costs are the same, the LaCrosse 2.4 would cost about P1.5M+ here, while a LaCrosse 3.0 would cost around P2M!.

The 2.4 liter Ecotec produces est.168 hp
The 3.0 AMF V6 produces 176 hp (its an updated version of the OHV V6 used in the Regal 3.0 and GL8/Venture 3.0) The AMF(Active Fuel Management) system improves fuel economy by 2 - 8 percent, the engine automatically shuts down half of the engine cylinders when not needed.
If GM Philippines does decide to sell it here as the new Lumina it would most likely be the 2.4 liter model, thats just my guess...

For the mean time the old Regal is till being sold as a cheaper alternative to the LaCrosse.
In the USA, the cheaper brother of Regal(Buick Century) was also sold alongside the new USDM LaCrosse(its replacement) until last year.

PS: Here is the other possible replacement for the Lumina, the Epica 2.0/2.5.

**eggman** · February 27th, 2006 09:16 PM

I think the Epica won't be sold here cause its a GM-Daewoo(in short Korean...) product and GM Philippines will be having hard time selling that car here(GM Philippines is still having is in trouble revoming the unsold Luminas here....).Maybe both variants 2.4 and 3.0 V6 of the La Crosse will be sold here anyway the Philippine-spec will be more cheaper.Hmm its seems the La Crosse Chinese-spec is really tailored to Chinese consumers,look mukhang Japanese luxury saloon.