Buick LaCrosse Gets New Ecotec 2.4l Engine

The new year comes for GM's Buick Lacrosse with a new direct injected Ecotec 2.4l four-cylinder engine, to be fitted into the car starting the first quarter of 2010. The unit is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and, says GM, provides an estimated fuel consumption rating of 30 mpg highway and 20 mpg city. The new unit will come at a cost of $26,995 (including $750 destination charge).

"We’re pleased to announce a competitive price for this new engine,” Craig Bierley, Buick’s product marketing director said. “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 new engine's injection system sends fuel directly into the combustion chamber, enabling higher compression ratio to increase both efficiency and horsepower. According to GM, cold-start emissions are reduced by up to 25 percent with direct injection.

After registering sales increases of 38 percent compared with the previous generation LaCrosse, the car has been named one of the finalists of the 17th North American Car of the Year award.

"We are working hard for each sale,” Bierley added. "And we expect the new 4-cylinder LaCrosse to help us continue to build Buick’s momentum.”

Buick LaCrosse will be offered, starting next year, in three different engine versions: 3.0l direct injection V6, 3.6l V6 and the 2010 entry, the 2.4l unit.