2008 Buick LaCrosse Super Preview

2008 Buick LaCrosse Preview – New York Auto Show: First Vegas, now this. At some point people are going to start thinking that Buicks are cool. Go figure – but it could happen, what with the energy General Motors is putting into the ol’ blue hair brand. With custom models showcased at the annual SEMA automotive fest in Vegas already a hit, they’ve now brought back the Super designation, and have attached it to a V8-powered, sport tuned LaCrosse and, for good measure, gave the front a slightly more distinctive design. Now, if GM can just do something about that backseat legroom, and fix those fit and finish issues...

Why it Matters

There’s an old name that’s new for 2008: the Super. Attached to the 2008 LaCrosse, the Super brings with it a V8 engine – and portholes – to the LaCrosse. That’s GM’s 5.3-liter V8, and according to the folks in Detroit, it’ll get on down the road in 5.7 seconds, to 60 mph, and muster about 300 horsepower. The Super also boasts a sport tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels and Bilstein shocks, dual chrome-tipped exhaust and, according to GM, more supportive seats.

What's Under the Hood

LaCrosse buyers can choose from three powertrains, including two V6s and a first for the front-drive LaCrosse, a small-block V8. The base 3.8-liter six-cylinder is promoted on the basis of efficiency and reliability, all while still offering 200 horsepower. Those desiring a bit more response might opt for the 240-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 with variable-valve timing. But the cream of the crop is surely the 300-horsepower, 5.3-liter eight-banger which features GM’s Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation technology and is dedicated to the LaCrosse Super. All models feature a four-speed automatic transmission. Underpinnings include a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, and rack-and-pinion steering complete with Magnasteer technology on CXS models.

What it Looks Like

Buick designers made enough changes to the 2008 LaCrosse to distinguish it from previous models, but the differences are subtle. Isolated to the front, updates include a new, larger grille, a revised fascia, and a massaged hood. Super models now feature portholes on the front fenders (formerly reserved for the larger Lucerne), and other minor exterior tweaks, including a rear spoiler and the requisite Super badge. The LaCrosse Super is also set apart by unique leather seat upholstery and its own gauges.

What Buick Says

Says Buick’s General Manager, Steve Shannon, “LaCrosse really started the evolution to the new Buick you see today. It introduced a new direction for Buick cars, with great design, performance and fuel economy with a premium and quiet interior. Indeed, LaCrosse set the foundation for the new Buick.” With regard to the Super version, Shannon states, “We’re bringing back the Super badge to represent our most premium models. Our Supers are not just about increased horsepower; they represent an elevation in design, premium content and ride characteristics that are exclusive to the Super badge.”

What We Think

The LaCrosse has never been considered a horrible car, or even a bad car for that matter. But, in a world of decked-out Honda Accords and Toyota Camrys, a mediocre Buick fails to register anywhere on the woo-me scale. Our bet is that the 2008 model will do little to change that, even with a groovy V8 under the hood and, count ‘em – four – portholes on each front fender. The Super is an interesting idea, one that seems a little odd at a time when there’s a renewed interest in -wheel-drive V8-powered sedans, including a group coming from GM itself. Something tells us Buick dealers will continue to secretly bow and pray before Enclave posters every morning.