2011 Buick LaCrosse Drops 3.0L V6, Adds 2.4L 4-Cyl With 30 MPG Highway Rating

For 2011 Buick will replace the entry-level 3.0-liter V6 engine offered in the LaCrosse with a new 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. The 4-cylinder isn’t likely to make for spritely performance, but it does do a more than capable job as the entry-level offering in numerous other GM products including the Chevy Equinox.

Power for the new direct-injection 2.4-liter 4-cylinder Ecotec engine is rated at 182-hp and 172 ft-lbs of torque and when mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, delivers EPA rated fuel economy numbers of 19-mpg city and 30-mpg highway.

As a result of these changes, Buick will now also offer all-wheel drive on the top-trim 3.6-liter V6 models.

Unfortunately, with the base LaCrosse CX trim now coming with a 4-cylinder, the price hasn’t droped as much as you’d expect. A base LaCrosse now starts from $26,995 – just $90 less than last year’s V6.

Official release after the jump:

Buick LaCrosse’s Efficient Ecotec 2.4L Engine Helps Deliver An EPA-Rated 30 MPG On The Highway

o 2011 LaCrosse will be offered with 2.4L four-cylinder and 3.6L V-6 engines
o AWD will be offered with the 3.6L V-6 on the 2011 LaCrosse CXL

DETROIT – A fuel-efficient, direct injected Ecotec 2.4L four-cylinder engine is now the standard engine in the 2010 Buick LaCrosse CX luxury sedan. Backed by a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain combination delivers an EPA-rated 30 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city – making LaCrosse one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its segment.

The LaCrosse CX with the Ecotec 2.4L has an MSRP of $26,995. Buick expects about 25 percent of LaCrosse customers will opt for it.

“As Buick continues its transformation, new products like the 2.4L-powered LaCrosse CX are helping us reach all-new customers,” said Craig Bierley, Buick’s product marketing director. “It gives them a fuel-efficient option that’s simply not available with the competition.”

Direct injection technology helps the Ecotec 2.4L deliver 182 horsepower (136 kW) and 172 lb-ft. of torque (233 Nm). The injection of fuel directly into the combustion chamber enables a higher compression ratio to increase efficiency and horsepower. That means more power is made with less fuel and lower emissions. In fact, cold-start emissions are reduced by up to 25 percent with direct injection. Engineers tuned the engine to deliver greater torque at lower rpm and build it smoothly toward its peak at 4,900 rpm, giving the LaCrosse excellent performance in all driving conditions.

The Ecotec 2.4L diversifies the LaCrosse’s powertrain lineup. For 2011, the current 3.0L V-6 will be discontinued and the Ecotec 2.4L and 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing will be the two engines offered in the vehicle. AWD will be offered with 3.6L-equipped models starting in the 2011 model year.

Like the Ecotec 2.4L, the 3.6L V-6 features direct injection.

“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,” said Tom Stephens, vice chairman, Global Product Development. “GM is using multiple technology pathways to achieve increased efficiency and to diversify energy sources – and we’re applying them where they make the most sense for customers when it comes to efficiency, performance and cost.”

Quiet, low-maintenance performance

The Ecotec 2.4L is designed to deliver exceptional quietness with low maintenance requirements and minimal environmental impact – including 100,000-mile service life ratings for the spark plugs and accessory drive belt. It is also equipped with GM’s Oil Life system, which uses a sophisticated algorithm to determine when it’s time for an oil change. The system calculates the oil life based on a variety of closely monitored variables, such as engine speed, temperature, load and others, allowing fewer oil changes over the life of the vehicle for a significantly reduced amount of used oil that must be recycled.

About Buick

Buick is in the midst of a transformation that started with the Enclave luxury crossover and continues with the completely redesigned LaCrosse luxury sedan and Regal sport sedan. Buick is emerging as a modern, premium brand with vehicles characterized by sculpted designs, personal technologies, luxurious interiors and responsive performance. Future new sedans and crossovers are planned and will continue to expand Buick’s portfolio both in North America and China. More information can be found at www.buick.com.