2010 Buick LaCrosse: GM Adds 182HP 2.4-liter Four-Cylinder to the Mix

As predicted, General Motors has confirmed the availability of a more fuel-efficient four-cylinder power plant for its new 2010 Buick LaCrosse semi-luxury sedan. The engine of choice is none other than GM's direct injected 2.4-liter Ecotec unit that churns out 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft. of torque (233 Nm), and is matched to a six speed automatic transmission. GM expects that its entry-level Buick LaCrosse will deliver a fuel economy rating of 30mpg highway (7.8lt/100km) and 20mpg city (11.8lt/100km).

Along with the Ecotec 2.4L, is also offered with a direct injected 3.0L V6 with 255HP and a 3.6L V6 producing an estimated 280HP. With the exception of the 3.0L V6 model that is also available with all-wheel drive, the rest of the range is strictly front-wheel-drive.

GM has not disclosed prices for the 2010 LaCrosse 2.4L model, but the company previously announced that prices for the V6 lineup start from $27,835 for the 3.0L V6 CX model and rise to $30,395 for CXL FWD 3.0L V6, $32,570 for the CXL AWD 3.0L V6 and $33,765 for the 3.6-liter V6 CXS -all prices include a $750 destination charge.

The 2010 LaCrosse that is based on the second-generation Epsilon platform shared with the Opel Insignia, targets the semi-luxury sedan segment rivaling cars such as the Lexus ES 350 and Lincoln MKZ.