2010 Buick LaCrosse gets Fuel Efficient Ecotec 2.4L Four-Cylinder Engine

Buick has announced they will be adding the 2.4-liter four-cylinder Ecotec engine to the upcoming 2010 LaCrosse.

Engineered to provide a balanced mix of fuel efficiency and performance, the direct-injected 2.4-liter Ecotec boasts 182 horsepower (136 kW) and 172 lb-ft (233 Nm) of torque. More importantly, the engine is expected to return 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. For comparison, the LaCrosse's 255 hp 3.0-liter V6 and 280 hp 3.6-liter V6 average an estimated 17 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

According to GM's vice chairman of Global Product Development, Tom Stephens, "Direct injection is a key component of GM's ongoing strategy to use advanced propulsion technology to help us deliver more fuel-efficient cars today and in the future."

Look for the 2.4-liter Buick LaCrosse to be offered "later this year" with a base price slightly below the 3.0-liter LaCrosse's MSRP of $27,085.

Source: Worldccarfans.com

Baby Buick Spied with Undisguised Interior

Buick is preparing to unveil a new entry-level model which is based on the new Delta II platform that underpins the Chevrolet Cruze.

Powertrain options are expected to mirror that of those offered by its corporate cousin, meaning we can expect the new front-wheel drive model to come equipped with a 1.8-liter petrol engine that produces 141 horsepower and 176 Nm (130 lb-ft) of torque. While it is possible that the new car could come with the Cruze's 1.6-liter petrol engine with 113 hp and 153 Nm (113 lb-ft) of torque, it seems unlikely as the Buick version will compete in a more premium segment. In a nod to the green movement, GM could also slot a version of the Chevy Volt's powertrain into the baby Buick which would be a logical step considering that the Cruze is currently serving as the primary testing vehicle for the production Volt.

In terms of styling, the baby Buick will feature traditional Buick design cues, such as a waterfall grille, and with these latest spy shots we get a first opportunity to see the interior for the first time. The design mimics that of the recently revealed 2010 Opel Astra; a model that also shares the same platform.

Source: Worldcarfans.com