(December 17, 2009) Buick will offer its LaCrosse CX model with a new fuel-efficient, direct injected Ecotec 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine priced at $26,995 (including $750 destination charge).  The 4-cylinder is the third engine choice in the all new 2010 Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan. Backed by a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission, the new powertrain combination is expected to deliver fuel economy of 30 mpg highway and 20 mpg city making LaCrosse one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its segment.

“We’re pleased to announce a competitive price for this new engine,” says Craig Bierley, Buick’s product marketing director.  “New customers have been attracted to the LaCrosse by its sculpted design and luxurious interior, and now the new 4-cylinder engine gives fuel-conscious customers a new choice not even offered by our competitors.”

The Ecotec 2.4-liter four-cylinder joins the lineup in the first quarter of 2010 as the standard engine in the LaCrosse CX. Direct injection technology helps it deliver 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Buick expects about 25 percent of customers will opt for 2.4-liter-equipped models.

The 2.4-liter's 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 Ecotec engine to deliver greater torque at lower rpm and build it smoothly toward its peak at 4,900 rpm, giving the Buick LaCrosse excellent performance in all driving conditions.

Every engine in the LaCrosse lineup is direct injected and matched with a fuel-saving six speed automatic transmission. Along with the Ecotec 2.4L, a new, direct injected 3.0L V-6 is offered and a larger-displacement, more powerful 3.6L V-6 is standard on the LaCrosse CXS model. 

LaCrosse sales are up 238 percent compared with a year ago when sales of the previous model were winding down.  Buick sales in November rose 14.8 percent with retail sales — those sold to individual customers — up 33 percent compared with the same month a year ago.