New Cars for 2013: Borcherding Buick

New Cars for 2013: Buick

Charting the changes for the 2013.

Enclave: A minor redesign brings body-color rocker panels and front and rear fascias, as well as a new hood, fenders, grille, lighting elements, and wheels. Inside, there’s a new instrument panel and a center airbag that deploys between front-row occupants [see Tech Tidbit below]. IntelliLink infotainment is now standard on all Buicks.
Encore (shown above): New for 2013, the Encore shares its tiny platform—not quite seven inches longer than a Honda Fit—with the Chevrolet Sonic. It also shares the Sonic’s 1.4-liter turbo four rated at 140 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. Attempting engagement with the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3, the Encore will offer front- and all-wheel drive. Buick estimates that, in either configuration, the Encore will exceed 30 mpg on the highway.
Regal: The eAssist hybrid system is now the standard powertrain. It pairs a 182-hp, 2.4-liter four with a 15-hp electric motor/generator and brings with it underbody aero tweaks and active grille shutters. The EPA estimates fuel economy of 25 mpg city and 36 highway for the combo. A 220-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter remains an option, and the GS retains its 270-hp version of that engine.
Verano: The Verano Turbo joins the lineup with a 2.0-liter four making 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Both the automatic and the optional manual transmissions have six ratios. Other turbo equipment includes dual exhaust outlets and a rear spoiler.
Minor trim changes: LaCrosse.

Source: [Car and Driver]

Trio of New EcoTec3 Engines Powers Silverado and Sierra

Trio of New EcoTec3 Engines Powers Silverado and Sierra

• Advanced combustion system increases power and efficiency
• Seamlessly switches to four-cylinder operation under light loads
• Rugged hardware engineered to help keep operating costs down
• New 4.3L V-6 with ample torque for towing and hauling, even in a crew cab

DETROIT – The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 will deliver more power, more torque and improved fuel efficiency, thanks in part to a trio of all-new EcoTec3 engines designed specifically for the needs of full-size truck customers.
The new engine family includes a 4.3L V6, a 5.3L V-8 and a 6.2L V-8.
EcoTec3 engines feature three state-of-the-art technologies – direct injection, cylinder deactivation and continuously variable valve timing – to make the most of power, torque and efficiency across a broad range of operating conditions.
“We believe these are the most technologically advanced engines ever offered in light-duty pickups, and they are 100 percent truck – specifically designed for the way customers use trucks in the real world,” said Jordan Lee, Small Block chief engineer and program manager.
“They have all the power and torque needed to confidently handle the tough jobs, and they seamlessly switch to four-cylinder mode to increase efficiency during light-load driving.
“This is technology no other truck maker can match, and we offer it in every one of our EcoTec3 engines, for every one of our customers,” said Lee. “It is not an extra cost feature. You get our best and most sophisticated technology regardless of trim level.”
Although they share only a handful of parts with previous Chevrolet and GMC engines, the new EcoTec3 engines build on experience gained from millions of trucks and billions of real-world customer miles, while incorporating the latest in advanced materials and combustion systems.
“The combination of straightforward mechanical systems, the latest in materials, and an advanced combustion system enable us to improve power and efficiency, while also reducing noise and vibration,” said Lee. “We think truck customers will find our new engines to be the right tools for the toughest jobs, while helping hold down ownership costs over the long run.”
A family of three all-new engines
The EcoTec3 lineup for the 2014 Silverado and Sierra 1500 includes a 4.3L V-6 and 5.3L and 6.2L V-8s, all matched with proven, efficient six-speed transmissions in the United States and Canada.

• The new 4.3L V-6 will offer budget-conscious customers a state-of-the art truck engine, with ample torque to power a crew cab and tow a trailer.
• The new 5.3L V-8 is engineered for more horsepower, more torque and better fuel economy than the current 5.3L V-8.
• The new 6.2L V-8 is expected to be the most capable engine offered in any light-duty pickup truck.

SAE certified horsepower and torque ratings and EPA fuel economy estimates for the new Silverado and Sierra will be available beginning early next year.
Advance combustion system drives greater power, efficiency
At the heart of the new EcoTec3 engine family is an advanced combustion system that maximizes the potential of the direct fuel injection system, cylinder deactivation, continuously variable valve timing and other technologies.
Development of this advanced combustion system involved extensive design and engineering by GM’s global powertrain organization. More than 100 iterations of the combustion systems were evaluated through computer modeling before a final design was selected for each engine variant. The overall engine design involved more than 10 million hours of computational CPU time, with the combustion process alone accounting for more than 6 million of those CPU hours.
“Owning a truck doesn’t mean settling for second-best technology,” said Lee. “Our new EcoTec3 engines harness some of the most advanced powertrain technologies in the world to meet the specialized demands of truck owners.”
For example, truck engines often need to provide maximum power under heavy load for long periods of time, such as towing a trailer up a mountain grade or slogging through mud at a job site. A rugged, large displacement engine is well suited to reliably providing this power and torque, year in and year out.
“For the 2014 Silverado and Sierra 1500s, these larger displacement EcoTec3 engines can now instantly switch to four-cylinder mode to improve efficiency when less power is required. It gives customers the best of both worlds – a rugged truck engine when they need it, with improved efficiency in light-load driving,” said Lee.
The ability to more precisely control combustion also enables the new engines to run with a higher compression ratio – 11.0:1 for the versions with regular fuel recommended. This higher compression is one of the best ways to simultaneously increases both power and efficiency.
This increased efficiency can now be maintained over a broader range of operating conditions.  For example, when towing a trailer on a hot summer day, Silverado and Sierra’s advanced combustion system can reduce the need to trim back spark advance to control detonation, helping maintain both performance and real-world fuel efficiency, even when the going gets really tough.
Emissions are also reduced, particularly during cold starts, when hydrocarbon emissions are cut by about 25 percent.
Direct injection for precise fuel metering
New EcoTec3 engines use direct fuel injection, which precisely meters fuel directly into the cylinders, to optimize combustion over a broad range of conditions.
The engines also feature a new cylinder-head design and a new, sculpted piston to optimize the mixing of air and fuel in the engine and the burning of the mixture to create power.
The heads features smaller combustion chambers shaped to complement the unique topography of the piston heads. The smaller chamber size and sculpted pistons produce a compression ratio of 11.0:1 or higher, depending on the engine, while the heads features large, rectangular intake ports with a slight twist to enhance mixture motion.
To further enhance combustion, the intake and exhaust valve positions have been switched from previous versions, and the valves are now slightly canted toward the cylinder centerline. Also, the spark plug angle has been revised and the electrode is now closer to the center of the chamber to support optimal combustion.
The pistons feature unique sculpted topography that was optimized via extensive computer analysis to precisely direct the fuel spray for better mixing and more complete combustion. The contours of the piston heads are machined after casting to ensure dimensional accuracy – essential for precise control of mixture motion and the compression ratio.
Deactivating cylinders to enhance fuel economy
Cylinder deactivation, also known as Active Fuel Management, is now standard on all three engines for the Silverado and Sierra 1500.
The new trucks make the most out of cylinder deactivation, with improved engine mounts, electronic throttle control, adaptive exhaust systems, improved aerodynamics, low-rolling resistance tires, and other technologies that help the engines operate in four-cylinder mode for longer periods of time, further increasing efficiency.
“GM pioneered cylinder deactivation technology, and we consider it a great technology for improving the efficiency of full-size trucks,” said Lee.
The system uses oil pressure, controlled by the powertrain control module, to deactivate the lifters on selected cylinders, closing the valves for those cylinders. It deactivates four of the cylinders on the V-8 engines and two cylinders on the V-6 under light load conditions – operating the engines as a V-4 – and seamlessly reactivates the cylinders when the driver demands greater power. The transition takes less than 20 milliseconds and is virtually imperceptible.
“This is another great example of using a relatively simple mechanical system and powerful software to provide a real benefit to our customers,” said Lee.
2014 Silverado and Sierra EcoTec3 engines features and highlights
Proven truck engine designs:  Although the EcoTec3 engines for the 2014 Silverado and Sierra are all new – sharing just a handful of small parts with previous engines – they build on a foundation of more than 100 million Small Block engines and billions of real-world customer miles.
Engines based on the Small Block architecture are typically smaller and lighter than competitive engines with overhead camshafts, and typically have lower friction.  Although package size is usually not a concern with full-size pickups, lighter weight and lower friction can both contribute to improved efficiency.
Weight-saving aluminum engine blocks: For 2014, all three engines for the Silverado and Sierra use lightweight aluminum blocks with cast-in iron cylinder liners. The blocks were developed with math-based tools and data acquired in GM’s racing programs, providing a light, rigid foundation for a smooth and strong engine.
The deep-skirt block design helps maximize strength and minimize vibration. Cross-bolted main bearing caps are secured to the block with four main bolts and two cross bolts each. A structural aluminum oil pan further stiffens the bottom of the block. The result is an engine that is quieter, smoother and more dependable, even under the toughest conditions.
Advanced oiling system: The oiling system incorporates a new variable-displacement oil pump that enables more efficient oil delivery, based the engine’s operating conditions. Its dual-pressure control enables operation at a very efficient oil pressure at lower rpm, and then delivers higher pressure at higher engine speeds to provide a more robust lubrication.
Oil capacity has been increased to six quarts for the 4.3L V-6 and eight quarts for the V-8 engines.  All engines use GM’s Dexos oil for increased fuel efficiency and longer oil life, and V-8s are engineered to use 0W/20 oil to improve lubrication and reduce friction.
All trucks also feature GM’s oil life monitor, which better protects engines by recommending oil changes based on actual engine operating conditions and can save owners’ money by avoiding unnecessary oil changes.
Oil-jet piston cooling: At higher engine speeds, small jets spray oil on the underside of each piston. This helps reduce piston temperature, enabling the engine to maintain maximum horsepower and torque, and also reduces engine noise.
PCV-integrated rocker covers: New domed rocker covers house a patent-pending integrated positive crankcase ventilation system that enhances oil life, reduces oil consumption and reduces exhaust emissions. The domed sections of the covers contain baffles that separate oil and air from the crankcase gases, with about three times the oil/air separation capability of previous engines.
Exhaust manifolds: The exhaust manifolds were developed to improve durability and sealing and reduce operating noise. The cast iron manifolds feature saw cuts along their cylinder head mounting flange, which split the flange into three separate sections on the V-6 and four separate sections on the V-8s, allowing each section to move under extreme hot-cold temperature fluctuations to virtually eliminate movement of the exhaust manifold gaskets. That helps ensure proper sealing for the life of the engine and reduces the chance of gasket failure. The exhaust manifolds also feature triple-layer stainless steel heat shields, which limit heat transfer to the engine bay and help further reduce noise.
Cooling system, humidity sensor and more: Additional features and technologies of new Silverado and Sierra engines include:

• A revised cooling system with an offset water pump and thermostat for more efficient performance
• An air induction humidity sensor ensures optimal combustion efficiency, regardless of the surrounding air’s humidity
• All engines feature an engine-driven mechanical vacuum pump to enhance braking performance
• 58X ignition system with individual ignition coil modules and iridium-tip spark plugs
• All-new “E92” engine controller.

General Motors’ investment in the new EcoTec3 engine family will create or retain more than 1,600 jobs in five North American plants, including Tonawanda, New York, which recently received upgrades to support its production.

Source: [GM Media]

2013 Verano Continues Buick Five-Star Safety Streak

2013 Verano Continues Buick Five-Star Safety Streak

Compact luxury sedan achieves highest possible ratings in NHTSA and IIHS crash tests

DETROIT – The Buick Verano compact luxury sedan recently received a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Earlier this year, Verano was named a 2012 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Since the beginning of the 2012 model year, every Buick passenger car tested has received these highest possible ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.
“New car customers leaving a Buick dealership can drive away knowing they are in a vehicle with superior crash protection,” said Gay Kent, GM General Director of Vehicle Safety. “The brand’s long-running record of five-star overall vehicle scores and Top Safety Picks is a testament to our commitment to exceptional vehicle crash performance.”
In achieving the 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score, the Verano was tested under NHTSA’s revised New Car Assessment Program.  The overall score is based on frontal and side crash tests in addition to evaluation for rollover resistance. Under the rating system, performances in three test segments are combined mathematically into an “Overall Vehicle Score.”
The Verano has 10 standard air bags and the security of OnStar, a combination unmatched by any competitor. In the event of a rollover crash, sensors in the vehicle deploy standard head curtain air bags prior to impact and leave them inflated for a longer period to provide additional protection.
Verano’s advanced body structure is comprised of more than 60 percent high-strength steel that provides a protective safety cage around occupants. Other safety measures include standard four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, panic brake override, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, and a collapsible pedal system that reduces the risk of leg injury.
Every 2013 Verano comes with a standard Rear Vision Camera that displays a view from the car’s rear bumper whenever the transmission is in reverse. Verano is available with Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. These two technologies share a set of radar sensors hidden in the corners of the rear bumper that may help drivers avoid crashes when changing lanes or backing.

Source: [GM Media]

What about the GMC Yukon

Buyers’ tastes in large SUVs have changed over the years, and the GMC Yukon has changed with them. Introduced in the early ’90s, the full-size Yukon sport-utility has gone from being a two-door 4×4 with a maximum passenger capacity of six to a four-door SUV with a choice of two- or four-wheel drive and seating for up to nine. Early Yukons were fairly basic on the inside, but later models offer numerous amenities, particularly the leather-lined Yukon Denali model. Road manners have improved greatly over the years, as it became apparent to GMC that Yukon buyers spend most of their time on pavement.

Some things haven’t changed, though. The Yukon has always been a spacious vehicle that balances comfortable passenger accommodations with above-average cargo room. In addition, it has always used body-on-frame construction, providing it with a stout foundation for towing. A succession of strong V8s has resulted in impressive trailer ratings over the years, as well as ample acceleration in just about any situation. Now more refined than ever before, the GMC Yukon is one of the better full-size SUVs on the market for families who require a roomy, powerful vehicle that doesn’t skimp on utility.

Current GMC Yukon
The GMC Yukon is a full-size SUV that rides on a stiff, fully boxed frame. The ride is smooth and quiet, while handling is reasonably secure for a 5,500-pound vehicle. Inside, the dash has a sleek, modern design, and materials are attractive and mostly of good quality. Numerous seating configurations can accommodate anywhere from five to nine passengers, depending on the trim level and options you select.

The basic trim structure includes SLE, SLT and Denali models, though numerous package options allow for considerable variation within the lower trim levels. Yukon SLE models come with all the essentials, including tri-zone air-conditioning, a CD player and full power accessories, while the SLT should be your pick if you’re looking for extras like leather upholstery and automatic climate control. Buyers can choose either 2WD or 4WD on both the SLE and SLT, which come standard with a 320-horsepower 5.3-liter V8. The upper-crust Yukon Denali comes with a full load of amenities as well as a larger 6.2-liter V8 good for an impressive 403 hp — same as the Cadillac Escalade.

In reviews, we’ve been impressed by the Yukon’s combination of utility and comfort, especially given its humble pickup-truck underpinnings. However, its hefty curb weight takes a toll on fuel economy, acceleration, braking and handling, particularly under the burden of heavier passenger/cargo loads. Additionally, its third-row seat lacks a fold-flat feature and is difficult to remove — as such, a Toyota Sequoia or big crossover like GMC’s Acadia is better for carrying passengers. But if you need the Yukon’s outsized towing and hauling capabilities, it’s one of the best of its breed.

Source: [Edmunds]

Attention Business Owners: GMC Year End Tax Advantages Don't Miss Out!

Do you need to add to your fleet? Don't miss the Year End Tax Advantages!

Now is great time to head to Borcherding Buick GMC and take advantage of outstanding holiday deals on the select trucks you want to add to your fleet. Be sure to make the most of any available incentives that could help save you money during the holidays.


Now when you purchase qualifying GM vehicles for your business before 12/31/12, you could earn a tax deduction of up
to $139,000. Plus you can stack other available incentives to really increase your savings.

Many more special incentives! Contact Borcherding Buick GMC now! 

1

The tax incentives are available for depreciable tangible property which is acquired by purchase for use in the active conduct of a trade or business. Additional limitation based

on purchases—for the 2012 tax year, the aggregate deduction of $139,000 under Internal Revenue code Section 179 is most beneficial to small businesses that place in service

no more than $560,000 of “Section 179 property” during the year. Certain vehicles, models and restrictions apply. Consult your tax professional for details.

2

Each individual’s tax situation is unique; therefore, please consult your tax professional to confirm vehicle depreciation deduction and tax benefits. For more details, visit

www.irs.gov, or to calculate your bonus depreciation, visit www.depreciationbonus.org.

3

For vehicles that qualify as passenger automobiles under the Internal Revenue Code, there is a $11,160 per vehicle depreciation deduction cap.

4

For vehicles that qualify as passenger automobiles under the Internal Revenue Code that are trucks or vans, there is a $11,360 per vehicle depreciation deduction cap.

5

For vehicles that qualify as sport utility vehicles under the Internal Revenue Code, there is a $25,000 per vehicle depreciation deduction cap.

Borcherding New blog post alert: Powertrain Innovation Comes Standard on 2013 Regal

STANDARD EASSIST, OPTIONAL TURBOCHARGING CONTINUE FORWARD-THINKING POWERTRAIN APPROACH

DETROIT – The 2013 Buick Regal luxury sport sedan arrives at dealerships this fall with a standard advanced eAssist powertrain and 36 highway mpg. Two powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engines give Regal one of the most technologically advanced engine ranges in the brand’s history.
“With eAssist, Buick is redefining what a ‘conventional powertrain’ means to customers,” said eAssist global chief engineer Stephen Poulos. “It changes the fuel economy – but not the experience – for the 97 percent of new car buyers who aren’t buying hybrids.”
Where a hybrid vehicle requires a complex system of large, heavy batteries and electric motors, BuickeAssist uses a compact lithium-ion battery and a small electric motor/generator in place of an alternator to achieve an EPA-estimated 36 highway mpg for both the Regal and the LaCrosse luxury sedans.
The three main advantages of the eAssist system are its stop/start functionality, which turns the engine off when the vehicle is at rest; regenerative braking that gathers and stores energy that would otherwise be lost during braking, and an electric motor assist that reduces the gas engine’s work during acceleration or on inclines.
“It takes advantage of the best parts of a hybrid, and eAssist is now standard equipment for Regal,” said Poulos. “These new functions happen seamlessly, a requirement for Buick drivers who demand a refined driving experience. They’ll really only notice a difference at the pump.”
Buyers interested in more acceleration can choose from a no-cost option of a 220-horsepower, 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec engine or the 270-hp Regal GS, both with variable valve timing and direct injection. In addition to one of the most power-dense engines ever certified by the Society of Automotive Engineers, the GS offers high-performance Brembo brakes, HiPer strut suspension technology and unique design cues inside and out.
Both Regal Turbo and Regal GS are offered with automatic or manual transmissions; Regal with eAssist is available exclusively with a six-speed automatic.
The Buick Regal name, which celebrates its 40^th anniversary in 2013, is a powertrain innovation pioneer. In 1975, it was the only mid-size vehicle in the United States to forego a standard V-8 engine for a more efficient V-6, while remaining competitive in performance. Three years later, the Regal employed a turbocharger.
“In 1978, Buick was the only mainstream brand offering a turbocharged engine,” said GM Heritage Center Manager Greg Wallace. “Only small, performance-oriented brands like Porsche and Saab were experimenting with the same technology at the time. It was very progressive of Buick to offer a turbocharged V-6 in a mid-size luxury coupe in the late ‘70s.”
Regal powertrain engineers continued that innovation 19 years later, when the 1997 Buick Regal GS debuted with the brand’s first supercharged V-6, rated at 240 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. It was among the most powerful and efficient vehicles in its segment and still achieved 28 highway mpg.
Today’s Buick Regal combines sport sedan handling with intelligent powertrain technologies. Regal with eAssist offers five more highway mpg than an Acura TSX and six more than a Volvo S60, while the Regal Turbo and Regal GS offer more power than turbocharged four-cylinder engines from Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen.
Source: [GM Media]

What's New in the 2013 Buick LaCrosse

New for 2013 Buick IntelliLink is standard on all LaCrosse models, including vehicles equipped with available GPS-enabled navigation system Available XM Travel Link (Sirius XM Satellite Radio subscription required) includes refueling locations with pricing information, weather and movie theater locations (later availability) Buick signature blue ring added to the Xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps Fuel-saving electric power steering replaces hydraulic power steering on 3.6L V-6 with front-wheel drive Revised rearview mirror position to improve visibility Passive entry chrome button on each door handle replaces capacitive touch pad Exterior colors: Mocha Bronze Metallic, Champagne Silver Metallic, Atlantis Blue Metallic Revised look to OnStar buttons BUICK LACROSSE SEDAN BLENDS ELEGANCE AND EFFICIENCY The Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan introduced Buick’s reinvented passenger sedan lineup that now includes the Regal and Verano. Its sculpted design, craftsmanship, premium materials and advanced technologies have helped change consumers’ perceptions about Buick. LaCrosse is available in a five trim levels, including LaCrosse (1SB), Leather (1SL), Premium I (1SP), Premium II (1SR) and Touring (1ST) trim levels. LaCrosse offers two powertrains: an Ecotec 2.4L engine with eAssist light electrification technology (standard on 1SB and 1SL) that achieves an EPA-estimated 36 mpg on the highway; or an efficient 3.6L direct-injected V-6 with E85 capability (available on 1SB and 1SL and standard on 1SP, 1SR and 1ST.) LaCrosse is available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Buick’s easy-to-use IntelliLink color touch radio that debuted last year on the LaCrosse is now also available in combination with GPS-enabled navigation for 2013. Buick IntelliLink uses Bluetooth or USB to connect the driver’s smart phone – via voice activation and steering wheel-mounted controls – to an eight-inch, high-resolution, full-color touch-screen display radio. IntelliLink also enables streaming stereo audio from the phone through services such as PANDORA ®Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio ®. Later in the model year, XM Travel Link (SiriusXM Satellite Radio subscription required) will be available. It includes refueling locations with pricing information, weather and movie theater locations. Buick IntelliLink enables seamless integration of stowed portable devices, allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. LaCrosse design Designed to represent modern elegance, the LaCrosse exterior and interior are a balance of contrasts: The outside is characterized by taut lines with sensuous accents and surfaces. Inside, a flowing, uninterrupted design theme wraps around the instrument and door panels. It includes smoked chrome accents, warm wood, first-class leather and materials combined with ice blue ambient lighting to create an inviting environment. Meticulous attention to detail includes tight gap tolerances, analog instrument cluster, chrome offset by dark woodgrain accents, and contrasting stitching on the instrument panel. Buick’s signature QuietTuning – a Buick-exclusive engineering process to reduce, block and absorb interior noise – provides a distraction-free cabin. LaCrosse standard and available equipment As expected of a premium sedan, the entry level (1SB) LaCrosse offers a comprehensive list of standard equipment, including: Six air bags, including side curtain air bags StabiliTrak electronic stability control Traction control Four-wheel anti-lock brakes with Intelligent Brake Assist OnStar (complimentary six months of Directions and Connections service) Premium audio system with AM/FM/SiriusXM Radio (with three months of service), Bluetooth, USB port, CD player, auxiliary input jack, steering wheel-mounted controls, Buick IntelliLink eight-inch color touch-screen radio Leather-wrapped steering wheel Dual-zone automatic climate control Remote keyless entry Power windows with driver and front passenger express up/down Heated and power outside rearview mirrors Electric parking brake High-resolution driver information center Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror Four-way power driver lumbar Remote start Universal Home Remote. LaCrosse trim levels progressively add standard equipment with packages. Five trim levels and eight packages allow customers to easily configure their ideal LaCrosse. LaCrosse Leather (1SL) – Adds Leather Package: leather-appointed seats, heated front seats, front passenger eight-way power seat adjuster, front halogen fog lamps with projector technology; Comfort and Convenience 2 Package: rear park assist, driver’s side memory seat and mirror settings, auto-dimming outside rearview mirror with LED indicators and auto-dimming feature, and rear backup camera LaCrosse Premium I (1SP) – Adds Luxury Package: perforated leather-appointed and ventilated front seats, leather and wood grain heated steering wheel, power rear sunshade, passive entry/push-button start LaCrosse Premium II (1SR ) – Adds Entertainment Package: harman/kardon audio system, 11-speaker 5.1 Matrix surround system and power outlet; and Sport Package: 18-inch chrome wheels and HiPer Strut front suspension LaCrosse Touring (1ST ) – Adds Touring Package: 19-inch painted, machined alloy wheels and P245/40R19 tires; rear H-arm suspension; continuously variable real-time dampening and sport mode selectivity; Driver Confidence Package: Side Blind Zone Alert, head-up display, articulating high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps; and GPS-enabled navigation system. Efficient, proven powertrains, including eAssist The LaCrosse is equipped with a choice of two efficient engines: the standard Ecotec 2.4L four-cylinder engine with e Assist light electrification technology, rated at 182 horsepower (136 kW); and an available 3.6L V-6 that is E85 ethanol-capable. Both are mated to efficient six-speed transmissions. LaCrosse was the first GM passenger car to offer eAssist: It achieves EPA fuel economy of 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway using a lithium-ion battery system and electric motor-generator to enable regenerative braking capability. Instead of providing all-electric propulsion, the system provides power assistance to the internal combustion engine. The e Assist system also allows the engine to shut down fuel delivery in certain deceleration situations, which saves additional fuel. While in fuel shut-off mode, the motor-generator unit continues spinning along with the engine to provide immediate and smooth take-off power when the driver presses the accelerator. Other fuel-saving attributes on the LaCrosse with eAssist include aerodynamic features such as front lower active grille shutters and underbody aero panels, as well as low rolling-resistance tires and single-outlet hidden exhaust. A next-generation six-speed transmission is paired with the Ecotec 2.4L engine with eAssist . Changes to clutch controls and hardware provide reduced spin losses while improving shift response and time. An auxiliary, electric-driven oil pump keeps the transmission primed and fluid flowing when the engine shuts down at a stop. An efficient, 3.6L direct-injected V-6 is available on 1SB and 1SL, and standard on 1SP, 1SR and 1ST. Introduced to LaCrosse in the 2012 model year, it delivers an SAE-certified 303 horsepower (226 kW) at 6,800 rpm. LaCrosse ride and handling All LaCrosse models are equipped with technologies that help provide exceptional ride and handling and vehicle control. An available all-wheel-drive system (available on 1SL and 1SP) provides full-time function. The system automatically decides how to distribute torque based on vehicle speed, throttle position and individual wheel slip, and it is integrated with the electronic traction control system to provide outstanding capability in inclement weather. Four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel ABS and intelligent brake assist include large front discs and solid rear discs with lightweight, aluminum-body calipers at each corner. Under heavy braking; the system senses the severity of a braking situation and applies additional pressure when needed. HiPer Strut on 1SR and 1ST equipment packages is a unique front suspension design that improves ride and handling by reducing torque steer; improving vehicle sensitivity to tire irregularities and wheel balance; more linear and communicative steering through improved camber control; and improved impact isolation on bumps and rough surfaces. For 2013, electric power steering replaces the hydraulic power steering system on front-wheel-drive LaCrosse models equipped with the 3.6L V-6 engine. The LaCrosse Touring Package also includes real-time damping and Sport Mode Selectivity, which uses four electronically controlled dampers to constantly “read” the road and make adjustments within milliseconds. LaCrosse is offered with a family of 17-inch, 18-inch and 19-inch wheels. LaCrosse with eAssist: Standard 17-inch machined alloy wheels and low rolling-resistance tires. LaCrosse with 3.6L V-6 (1SB, 1SL 1SP): Standard 18-inch machined-face painted alloy LaCrosse 3.6L V-6 (1SR): Standard chrome-plated wheel (available on 1SL, 1SP with V-6) LaCrosse 3.6L V-6 (1ST): Standard 19-inch nine-spoke painted, machined alloy. LaCrosse safety and crash-avoidance features LaCrosse offers standard and available safety features designed to protect occupants before, during and after a crash. When testing the 2011 LaCrosse, the federal government gave the LaCrosse a top safety score of five stars. Safety-enhancing features include: Six standard air bags including dual-stage frontal and side-impact air bags Available rear-seat thorax air bags Three-point safety belts in all seating positions and a ir bag passenger sensing system to detect the presence of a small adult or child in the front passenger seat. StabiliTrak electronic stability control to help mitigate rollover crashes, and traction control Four-wheel anti-lock brakes with Intelligent Brake Assist Available ultrasonic rear parking assist Available Side Blind Zone Alert technology that notifies the driver if a vehicle in the adjacent lane is traveling in the driver’s blind spot. The available rearview camera features a display in the navigation system screen Standard tire pressure monitoring system. OnStar details Six months of OnStar Directions and Connections service is standard on LaCrosse. OnStar is the global leading provider of connected safety, security and mobility solutions and advanced information technology. OnStar’s RemoteLink Mobile App allows smartphone users to control vehicle functions, access vehicle information and send directions directly to the vehicle. A new, opt-in service called FamilyLink allows subscribers to stay connected to loved ones by checking the location of their vehicle online or by signing up for vehicle location alerts. LaCrosse features new OnStar button icons. Drivers will notice an updated look for the Hands-Free Calling button, blue OnStar button and red Emergency button. Source: [Buick Media]