Standard equipment includes a new, technologically advanced 3.0L direct injection (DI) V-6, premium cloth seats and 17-inch wheels. The 3.0L engine generates 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 217 lb.-ft. of torque (294 Nm) and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
"The new LaCrosse, with its luxurious interior, premium craftsmanship and personal technologies, represents a strong value in todays changing market," said Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president. "It is the next step in Buicks renaissance that is drawing all-new customers to this revitalized brand."
Pricing and details for LaCrosses other models includes:
$30,395 for CXL FWD (including destination). Building on the CX models equipment, it includes the 3.0L DI V-6 and six-speed automatic, but adds leather heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lamps, outside rearview mirror with LED turn indicators and puddle lamps, and 18-inch alloy wheels
$32,570 for CXL AWD (including destination). Equipment is similar to the CXL FWD model, but includes a fully automatic, intelligent all-wheel-drive system that works in tandem with the anti-lock braking system and StabiliTrak electronic stability control system to deliver sure-footed traction in almost all driving conditions
$33,765 for CXS (including destination). Equipment includes a 3.6L direct injection V-6; perforated, leather heated and cooled seats, and chrome-plated 18-inch wheels (19-inch wheels are optional). The 3.6L engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and generates 280 horsepower (209 kW) and 259 lb.-ft. of torque (351 Nm)
The 2010 LaCrosses sculpted design is instantly recognizable as a Buick, with signature sweep spear body-side styling, a waterfall grille and portholes," said Docherty. "Inside, premium materials create an inviting and comfortable environment, with ice blue ambient lighting used throughout " from the center console to the instrument panel and door panels."
A roster of standard and available features delivers a responsive, refined driving experience that is complemented by personal technologies. Examples include:
European-designed chassis and suspension systems that deliver a confident driving experience
Real-time damping suspension system
High-intensity discharge headlamps with adaptive forward lighting
Side Blind Zone Alert
Bluetooth phone connectivity
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
Six standard air bags, including roof-mounted head curtain side air bags
Complementing all of LaCrosses features is Buicks signature QuietTuning, an engineering process that reduces, blocks and absorbs interior noise to provide a distraction-free passenger environment.
Click here to find a Buick for you.
2009 Pontiac G8 GXP
Pontiac on launched the G8 GXP sports sedan for the 2009 model year, following the success of the regular G8. The GXP is the new range-topping variant of the Pontiac G8 lineup. Like the company's other GXP models, this high-performance G8 is expected to deliver more power and better handling than the base and GT models.
The G8 GXP delivers a zero to 60 mph time of about 4.7 seconds, and a quarter-mile time of 13.0 seconds at 108 mph.
Power comes from a 6.2-liter LS3 small-block V8 engine delivering 402 horsepower and 402 pound-feet of torque. This engine is the newest member of GM's small-block V-8 family. It features a revised, larger-bore cylinder block, high-flow, L92-style cylinder heads; larger-diameter pistons; unique camshaft and camshaft timing; revised valvetrain with offset intake rocker arms; high-flow intake manifold; and high-flow fuel injectors.
The LS3 engine has an aluminum cylinder block with cast-in-place iron cylinder liners. Larger bores help create a 376-cubic-inch displacement. The block casting also features revisions and machining in the bulkheads to enhance its strength and improve bay-to-bay breathing. New pistons were designed for high-rpm performance.
New, high-flow cylinder heads aid engine breathing and are based on the large port and valve design found on the LS7 engine and other GM L76 engines. The larger-capacity, straighter intake port-design optimizes intake flow to the combustion chamber, an effect augmented by large valves, measuring 2.16 inches (55.0 mm) on the intake side and 1.59 inches (40.4 mm) on the exhaust side.
"More than just raw power, the GXP delivers the sophisticated yet exciting driving experience that enthusiasts expect in a car costing far more than the GXP," said Jim Bunnell, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager.
The standard Hydra-Matic six-speed 6L80 automatic can be substituted for a a new six-speed Tremec TR6060 manual transmission. The manual gearbox features: a shorter throw; premium gear synchronizers; stronger gears, housing, and bell housing; a single-piece counter shaft; and machined gear teeth. The automatic has a generous 6.04:1 overall ratio that enables a "steep" first-gear. The result is strong launch acceleration along with "tall" overdrive ratios that lower engine rpms for better fuel economy and reduced noise. A limited-slip differential is standard.
GM claims the GXP's handling was developed and validated on racetracks and highways around the world, including the famed N�rburgring racing circuit. The suspension employs a MacPherson strut design in the front and a four-link, coil-over-shock design in the rear. A direct-acting front stabilizer bar, decoupled rear stabilizer bar and lateral ball joints on the rear suspension deliver increased lateral stiffness for more responsive handling. The front suspension features fully adjustable caster, camber and toe; the rear suspension has fully adjustable camber and toe, for more precise tuning.
The Brembo braking system includes 14-inch (355 mm) vented front and 12.76-inch (324 mm) rear disc rotors, with quad-piston alloy calipers in front. The alloy calipers on the rear brakes have single-piston actuation.
The GXP rides on 19-inch aluminum wheels with performance-oriented summer P245/40R19 tires as standard.
Standard comfort and convenience amenities include: bolstered two-tone sport seats, a leather steering wheel, fog lamps, alloy pedals, a 230-watt Blaupunkt audio system, XM Satellite Radio, and OnStar.
Click here to find a Pontiac for you.
2110 GMC Canyon
Three body styles and four trim levels of the Canyon exist, and buyers get a choice of two engines. There is a 2.9 liter inline-four banger that makes 185 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 190 lb-ft at a low 2,800 rpm. It returns 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the open road with the five-speed manual transmission and 4WD. The same truck with 2WD is good for 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the EPA's highway cycle. The 4WD / 2WD automatics, respectively, are rated at 16 / 23 mpg and 17 / 24 mpg, city and highway.
Then there is the 3.7 liter engine, with its cylinders arranged in an uncommon inline-five layout. Touted at its launch as offering the fuel economy of a four cylinder with the power of a V6, the 3.7 liter straight five manages to make decent power: 242 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 242 lb-ft of torque at 4,600 rpm. Fuel economy is rated at 17 mpg in the city cycle and 23 mpg on the highway for the rear-wheel drive model and 16 mpg / 22 mpg, respectively, for the four-wheel drive model. The only transmission on offer with the 3.7L is a four-speed automatic.
Buyers can opt for a regular cab with two full-size doors, an extended cab with two suicide-style rear half-doors or a four-door Crew Cab along with a choice of 2WD or 4WD with low-range.
Five trims exist on the extended cab body style, named curiously as WT 1SA, SL 2SA, SLE1 3SA, SLE2 3SB and SLT 4SA. The Regular cab loses the SLT 4SA trim, and the Crew Cab also removes the WT trim.
The WT sports single-zone manual air conditioning, AM/FM stereo, four wheel antilock brakes with front discs, rear drums, cruise control, front 60/40 split-bench with vinyl, integral outboard head restraints and dual cup holders, tire pressure monitor and 15-inch steel wheels.
The SL adds color-keyed carpeting on the floors, front 60/40 split-bench with Pewter SL Cloth, integral outboard head restraints and dual cup holders, and 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels.
SLE1 builds on top of the SL with some chrome accents on interior bits, a couple of grab handles, CD and MP3 capability to the audio system with speed compensating volume control, front 60/40 split-bench with SLE Deluxe Cloth, manual recliners, integral outboard head restraints, armrest with integral storage and dual cup holders.
The SLE2 goes one step further and begets the larger engine, and deep-tinted glass and rear sliding window.
The SLT takes it up another notch, with an auto-dimming rearview mirror that features an integrated compass and outside temperature display, front leather bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat adjuster, 6-way power front passenger seat adjuster, heated driver and front passenger seats with power lumbar control and adjustable outboard head restraints. Wheels are still 15s, but wider and finished in chrome.
Maximum towing capacities are 4,000 lbs for the Regular Cab, and 5,500 lbs for the Extended and Crew Cabs, while the beds of the Regular Cab 4WD, Extended Cab 2WD and Crew Cab 2WD models can carry the maximum payloads of 1,535, 1,532 and 1,316 lbs, respectively.
An automatic locking rear differential made by Eaton is optional, as is traction control, side inflatable airbags and towing hardware.
What Your Car Says About You
Whether you like it or not, your vehicle choice oftentimes speaks volumes about who you are.
By Lawrence Ulrich of MSN Autos
Certain sports cars guzzle down as much gas as the Hummer H2, but owners of large SUVs are often labeled narcissistic.
Excuse me. I don't mean to alarm you. But your car is talking. And I don't mean that husky voice on your GPS system. Instead, your car is saying a lot about your attitude and your personality. Yes, we are what we drive.
Car nuts can admit our rides are a power window into the soul. I may love driving the spectacular Corvette Z06, but I doubt I'd own one. European sports cars have always been more my speed, ever since I defied my blue-collar Detroit upbringing by plastering Lamborghini posters on my walls.
Carmakers acknowledge that minivan sales have gone flat in part because fewer of us, especially women, still subscribe to the "mommy-mobile" image. GM and Ford have given up on minivans entirely, preferring to focus on crossovers instead.
Matter Over Mind
For more than 20 years, Dr. Leon James at the University of Hawaii has researched and taught the psychology of driving. In our car culture, James says, drivers idealize their rides and even lend them human qualities. Under hypnosis, drivers will refer to their car as if it were a friend or lover. In everyday life, owners name their cars and talk to them. And whether the car is racy or outdoorsy, owners seek attributes that mirror their self-image.
"People construct an ideal in their mind of the perfect car, and those attributes are transferred to its driver as well," James said, noting how negatively we associate the drivers of dilapidated or dirty cars. Some of us get so offended we'll deliver a hand-scrawled scolding, strangely written from the car's point of view: Wash Me.
Discuss: Does your vehicle define who you really are? Voice your opinion!
Whether this driving ideal has much to do with reality is pretty much beside the point. The obvious disconnect is with SUVs, which are forever being shown conquering the wilderness and clambering up mountainsides, even if most owners would hesitate to conquer the curb at the shopping mall.
Car Stereotypes
Speaking of sport utes, we've all seen people go apoplectic at the sight of a Hummer, ascribing all sorts of nasty personality traits to the guy behind the wheel. You might say you're only mad because he's guzzling gas, but I'm not so sure. Plenty of SUVs, or sports cars for that matter, drink as much fuel, but get a free pass. It's the Hummer's commando styling and in-your-face attitude that gets a person's dander up.
During the Ford Explorer rollover scandal, G. Clotaire Rapaille, the French anthropologist and auto-industry marketing guru, asserted that SUV owners were more vain and self-absorbed, and less likely to be community-oriented. As psychology, Rapaille's thesis was carelessly overstated, of course. The charge that an SUV was proof of narcissism could be as easily applied to anyone who buys a Ferrari, a mansion or a designer handbag.
Most of us realize that car stereotypes are just that. Just because Mazda Miatas are sort of cute, and women like them, doesn't mean the guy who drives one isn't manly. More likely, he's secure enough in his masculinity to enjoy his little convertible.
Yet while it's wrong to generalize, it doesn't prevent us from trying. C'mon, admit it: When you see a pickup truck, or a Bentley, it's hard not to speculate about its driver. Especially after they've just cut you off.
eBay Find: 1987 Yugo GV
Children of the 1980s will likely remember this week’s eBay-tastic discovery. When the Yugo appeared on U.S. shores in 1986, it was marketed as the cheapest (in this instance, least expensive) new car in America, with a base price of just $3990. Unfortunately, it also gained the distinction of being the cheapest (in this instance, well you get the idea) new car in America, with a reliability record rivaling Freddie Mac. Built in Soviet-controlled Yugoslavia using Fiat bits, the Yugo became known as the ultimate disposable car, universally ridiculed by nearly every corner of the motoring media. Even Time magazine bashed the Communist-era compact, saying it “had the distinct feeling of something assembled at gunpoint.” As such, despite a U.S. sales run of over 100,000 units from 1986-1992, finding a survivor is nothing short of miraculous.
This miraculous-looking Yugo with only 54,606 miles could well be the best example left on the planet. Provided the 1.1-liter, carbureted four-cylinder is in top condition, expect upwards of 60 horsepower which, according to the current owner, is “eager to rev.” The auction also states the timing belt was recently replaced, which is actually quite important considering the little mill is an interference engine with a self-destructing reputation. The interior looks new, underneath appears surprisingly clean as well and there’s even a sunroof for your bunny ears to stick through. Ideally, the car would come with the bunny suit shown in the photos, but if not, you can always opt for the AK-47 gun rack and the Vodka holder. For the discriminating quirky car shopper, this could well be your next ride, especially if you don’t take yourself too seriously.
What/who is Virginia’s largest private employer?
See answer under Car Doctor.
Ask the Car Doctor
Tire Safety Tips
Your tires are one of the most important parts of your automobile. Proper upkeep and maintenance will ensure save, affordable, and effective traveling. The following tips will help you remember what to do to keep them working well, as well as how to determine when the time is right for replacements.
It is extremely important to check your pressure regularly. Tires soften over time, and they can easily become a hindrance on your driving and on your gas use. It is recommended that you check you pressure once a month, and keep them filled to the level printed on your owner's manual and the inside of your driver's door. Pressure should be checked several hours after the car has been parked, as the friction of driving can often temporarily increase the pressure. Remember that replacements often have different pressure levels and maintenance needs, so keep those in mind when caring for your vehicle.
Don't forget to keep your spare in the same working condition as the ones in use. It would be very frustrating to get a flat, only to find that your spare is flat too. Compact spares usually have the inflation pressure written on them, so use that to guide you.
Checking tread depth is an important way to determine if you need to purchase new tires or not. A simple way to do is by setting the edge of a penny into the groove of your tire's tread. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, they need to be replaced. Also, check for even wear when checking for tread depth. The inside and outside edges of your tire should be worn down equally. Uneven wear is often a sign is misalignment. Also, check all of your tires thoroughly for signs of cracks, cuts, nicks, and tears. These sorts of damages are rarely fixable, and can be very dangerous. The easiest way to avoid frequent trips and misalignment is by replacing all four of your tires at once; if this is not possible, at least purchase them as axle pairs.
If your car seems to pull in a certain direction at different speeds, it might mean that your tires have lost their balance weight. This can easily be fixed at a low cost by your auto repairman.
Consider your geographical location when deciding on which type or brand to purchase. If you live in an especially cold and snowy region, you should consider buying snow tires, which will best protect you and keep your car running. Dry and sunnier climates often go best with summer performance tires, which have a great impact on your car's handling for a long stretch of time.
Make sure that your automobile is up to date on its service schedule.
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Virginia's largest private employer is also the world's largest ship building yard.
