Software Glitch Causes HVAC Problems on 2011MY Buick LaCrosse and Cadillac SRX Models

In the latest round of safety recalls, General Motors has issued a warning on certain 2011MY Buick LaCrosse sedans and Cadillac SRX crossovers due to a software glitch that may disable the driver’s ability to adjust the settings on the hearing, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

“If this condition affects the defrost system when it is required, it may decrease the driver's visibility, and could result in a crash,” the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on its website.

GM said that a total of 10,179 vehicles are affected by the recall, but it was not aware of any crashes or injuries connected to the problem.

The safety recall is expected to begin on or before March 11, 2011. Owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080, Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339 or GM’s owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.

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Buick Unveils 2012 LaCrosse with eAssist Mild Hybrid System, Returns 37 mpg Highway

Starting from next summer, all versions of the Buick LaCrosse with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder unit will be fitted with GM's eAssist mild hybrid technology as standard, the automaker announced today. The 2012MY LaCrosse will make its world premiere this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The eAssist system shares the same basic belt-alternator-starter configuration of previous BAS designs, but according to GM, it delivers more than three times the power and is much more capable.

More specifically, the 115V air-cooled lithium-ion battery adds approximately 11 kW (15 horsepower) of electric power assist during heavy acceleration and 15 kW of regenerative braking power, helping the base LaCrosse return 37 mpg (6.36 lt/100 km) on the highway. The system's combine output is rated at approximately 180 horsepower (134 kW).

To further improve fuel efficiency, the 2012MY LaCrosse with the 2.4-liter engine comes with a next-generation six-speed automatic transmission with faster shift times and a start-stop system.

The firm's engineers also developed a few aerodynamic aids as well. Additional panels optimize the airflow under the car, shutters in the lower grille close at high speeds pushing more air over the vehicle, thus increasing aerodynamic efficiency, and the wheels are shod in special tires.

But maybe the best thing about the 2012 Buick LaCrosse with eAssist is that the price will remain the same.

"LaCrosse was the first in its segment with a four-cylinder/six-speed powertrain, the first with HiPer Strut and is now is leading the way with the new standard eAssist technology," said Schwegman. "Importantly, LaCrosse with eAssist is the standard powertrain for four-cylinder-equipped models and there isn't a cost premium."

By Csaba Daradics

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Buick Sells 100,000th LaCrosse in China

It's no secret that General Motors's Buick unit has been a rolling success in China. Now, the U.S. automaker's China division has another reason to celebrate as sales of the new Buick LaCrosse sedan in the country have reached 100,000 units less than a year after its introduction in the market.

According to GM, the LaCrosse is "the fastest-growing member of China's premium upper-medium sedan segment (say again?)", with the 3.0-liter SIDI model accounting for nearly 80 percent of the segment, which includes sedans priced over RMB 300,000, or roughly $44,200 USD, in the first six months of 2010.

GM noted that the LaCrosse has received several awards in China, including 2009 China Car of the Year and 2009 Champion Car of the Year (whatever that means).

In the U.S., the new LaCrosse went on sale in summer of 2009 and it is offered with a choice of three direct-injection petrol engines: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder unit pushing out 182HP, a 3.0-liter V6 making 255HP and a range-topping 3.6-liter V6 producing 280-horsepower.

Buick's LaCrosse gets a Daewoo Badge, Heads to Korea

GM just announced that it will be bringing the Chevrolet brand to Korea, and now it looks like the General will be bringing Buick over as well in the form of a re-badged LaCrosse.

The Daewoo Alpheon, a LaCrosse in everything but name, recently debuted at at the Busan Motor Show. Powered by GM's 3.0 liter V6 and hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission, the Alpheon is meant to be "a stand-alone luxury product brand in GM Daewoo's product portfolio".

GM Daewoo President and CEO Mike Arcamone said, "With the introduction of the all-new Alpheon luxury sedan, we have added another attractive model to our product portfolio and our first entry in the fast-growing upper-midsize segment in Korea. I am confident that the Alpheon will surpass the demands of the most sophisticated luxury sedan buyers in Korea."

The Daewoo Alpheon is expected to launch in the second half of 2010.

By Phil Alex

Entry-Level 2010 Buick LaCrosse with 182HP Four-Cylinder Engine Priced from $26,995

Following an earlier announcement on the introduction of a new direct injected Ecotec 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 182HP and 172 lb-ft. of torque (233 Nm) on the 2010 Buick LaCrosse sedan, General Motors confirmed prices today for the new entry-level model that will start from $26,995.

This means that the four-banger LaCrosse CX will cost only $840 less than the equivalent 255HP 3.0-liter V6 version. Nevertheless, Buick said that it expects about 25 percent of customers will opt for 2.4L-equipped models.

Linked to a standard six-speed automatic transmission, the new powertrain combination is expected to deliver an estimated fuel economy of 30 mpg highway and 20 mpg city.

Sales of the 2010 LaCrosse CX with the four-cylinder Ecotec engine will start sometime during the first quarter of 2010.

*Photos: 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS