For immediate release
DETROIT – Buick is re-establishing itself with high- quality, QuietTuned, premium products that offer timeless style, luxury features and relevant technologies. For 2007, Buick adds another breakthrough technology standard across its entire product lineup with the addition of OnStar Turn-by-Turn voice-activated navigation.
OnStar Turn-By-Turn navigation provides a simple, one-step process to access voice-guided directions . Customers push the OnStar button to request directions from an OnStar advisor, who in turn downloads complete turn-by-turn directions to the vehicle through the OnStar system. Audio directions are played through the vehicle’s stereo as they are needed , triggered by the OnStar system’s GPS capabilities. If a turn is missed, the system will redirect the driver to the correct route. Buick is the first GM division to add this newest technology from OnStar to its full line of 2007 products
The navigation support provided by OnStar complements an array of relevant technologies developed to enhance the overall driving experience. QuietTuning, for example, is Buick’s comprehensive engineering initiative to reduce, block and absorb unwanted road, wind and powertrain noise from entering the vehicle’s cabin. Buick interiors are library-quiet with the addition of several sound-deadening components and enhanced component isolation, and refinements to the vehicles’ aerodynamics.
“We are building a portfolio that features superior quality products that are quiet, comfortable, technically sophisticated and gracefully designed,” said Buick General Manager Steve Shannon. “With sedans such as the LaCrosse and Lucerne , and the upcoming (2008 model year) Enclave crossover SUV, Buick is poised to regain its notoriety as America ’s premium brand.”
A longstanding hallmark of Buick is quality, and all Buicks are covered by a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty as well as a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Buick consistently has ranked among the leaders in several recent J.D. Power and Associates’ metrics. This year, Buick ranked in the top five among all manufacturers in J.D. Power and Associates’ quality, dependability and customer satisfaction studies. Buick’s manufacturing facilities also received accolades befitting of a premium brand. In 2006, the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center , where Lucerne is built, captured the Bronze award by placing third in quality among all plants in North and South America . The plant also earned consecutive quality awards from J.D. Power & Associates in 2004 and 2005. GM’s Oshawa , Ontario facility, where LaCrosse is built, was ranked the top plant in North and South America by J.D. Power and Associates.
Buick models for 2007
LaCrosse – LaCrosse is offered with a choice of two V-6 powertrains: a standard, segment-leading 200-horsepower (149 kW) V-6 in CX and CXL models and a 240-horsepower (179 kW) high-feature V-6 in the CXS.
The 3.8L V-6 features electronic throttle control to improve engine response and optimize fuel efficiency, along with upgrades for quiet operation. The performance-oriented LaCrosse CXS has a standard 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing.
Inside, LaCrosse front seat occupants will ride in luxury on heated seats available with cloth upholstery. The vehicle also features new, sportier cluster graphics with red pointer gauges, Harvest Burl wood trim, steering wheel with tri-shield emblem and two new choices of cloth seat fabric – gray and neutral. Four new exterior colors are also available: Midnight Blue Metallic, Stone Grey Metallic, Midnight Amethyst and Red Jewel Metallic.
Lucerne – The 2007 Lucerne is Buick’s most premium and luxurious model to date. Available in three models – the CX, CXL and CXS – with two engine choices, four option packages in each model, and a host of luxury features typically found on high-end luxury vehicles.
For ’07, the front-wheel drive Lucerne has added several new technology and comfort features to supplement an already long list of offerings, including GPS/DVD navigation system and an available heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. The touchscreen DVD navigation system uses signals from global-positioning satellites to compute the vehicle’s position and display its location on a virtual map set into the instrument panel.
Lucerne also adds two new exterior colors to its palette: Light Quartz Metallic and Gold Mist Metallic; and two new two-tone interior choices: Cocoa and Cashmere ; and Cocoa and Shale.
Rainier – The Rainier midsize sport utility vehicle, which adds two n ew exterior colors – Midnight Blue Metallic and Graphite Metallic – features a standard tire pressure monitoring system in 2007.
Rainier is offered with a choice of two powerful engines. The award-winning Vortec 4.2L inline six-cylinder engine is standard. GM’s Vortec 5.3L V-8 is available, and delivers 300 horsepower (224 kW) and 330 lb.-ft. (447 Nm) of torque for added towing and highway power. It also features GM’s fuel-saving Active Fuel Management technology.
Rendezvous –The Rendezvous has an attractive combination of style, functionality, seven-passenger seating and excellent fuel economy at the most competitive price in the crossover field. Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard on all 2007 Rendezvous models. The CX trim level has more options for ’07, including second-row removable captain’s chairs, rear audio system controls, XM Satellite Radio, trailer hitch and 3,500-lb towing capacity.
All Rendezvous models for 2007 are equipped with GM’s 196-horsepower (150 kW) 3.5L V-6 engine. The engine is mated to a Hydra-Matic 4T65 electronically-controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and torque converter clutch.
Terraza – Terraza, Buick’s premium crossover sport van, now features GM’s 3.9L V-6, which includes variable valve timing and variable intake technology. It’s standard on all trim levels for 2007. The engine, coupled with the Hydra-Matic 4T65 electronically controlled automatic overdrive transaxle, generates 240 horsepower (179 kW) and 240 lb.-ft. (325 Nm) of torque. A FlexFuel version of the Terraza capable of running on gasoline, E85 ethanol or a combination of the two, will be available later in the model year. E85 is an alternative fuel made in the United States from corn and other grain products.
Additional changes for 2007 models include ride-and-handling suspensions in place of four-wheel independent suspensions, redesigned 17-inch eight-spoke aluminum wheels, and three new exterior colors – Light Quartz Metallic, Polar Blue Metallic and Gold Mist Metallic. Chrome and wood trim accents lend a premium appearance throughout Terraza’s interior, complementing the precision fit and flowing design of the instrument panel, center console and door panels.
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Contact:
David Darovitz
Buick Communications
Phone: 313-665-3188
E-mail: david.darovitz@gm.com