Buick officially unveiled the new Lucerne Super at the New York Auto Show last year, but it isnt actually being released until this month. In additon to the new "Super" model, Buick is also releasing a Lucerne CXL Special Edition.
The Lucerne Super is powered by a 4.6L Northstar V8 that puts out 292 horsepower and 288 lb-ft. of torque. It also features higher-rate front and rear coil springs, new steering components for more responsiveness, a larger front stabilizer bar, Magnetic Ride Control technology and 18" aluminum wheels. Inside there is suede trim on the doors. heated and cooled front seats, heated steering wheel and a 280 watt nine-speaker audio system. The Lucerne Super starts at $39,395.
The Lucerne CXL Special Edition is powered by either a 3.8L V6 with 197 horsepower or a 4.6L V8 with 275 horsepower. The special edition model features a chrome grille, unique 17" chrome alluminum wheels, new rear fascia and special edition badging. Inside the CXL Special Edition features perforated leather seats. The V6 powered model starts at $32,150 and the V8 starts at $33,850.
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PRESS RELEASE:
Buick Expands 2008 Lucerne Lineup With Super And Special Edition Models
DETROIT – Buick will increase its 2008 Lucerne lineup with two new models available at dealerships beginning in April. The Lucerne Super and Lucerne CXL Special Edition reflect Buick's commitment to bringing a greater variety of premium products into its portfolio.
"Lucerne Super and Lucerne CXL Special Edition epitomize Buick's new level of refinement and our effort to deliver the vehicles that today's customers demand," said Jim Bunnell, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager.
Lucerne Super
Lucerne Super continues Buick's tradition of delivering luxury, refined power and performance. It's powered by the 4.6L Northstar V-8 engine that delivers 292 horsepower (218 kW) @ 6300 rpm and 288 lb.-ft. of torque (390 Nm) @ 4500 rpm. Further augmenting its driving character, Lucerne Super also features:
New premium steering components for more precise steering and a higher level of responsiveness
Higher-rate front and rear coil springs for improved stability and control
Larger front stabilizer bar for improved roll control
Magnetic Ride Control technology – recalibrated for even more driver control and performance, while further reducing body roll in cornering and lane changes
Eighteen-inch aluminum wheels shod with P245/50R18 all-season radials
Exterior Lucerne Super enhancements include new grille and front fascia, new rocker panels, new rear fascia, new exhaust tips and "Super" badge on the decklid. Lucerne Super is available exclusively in the following exterior colors: Dark Mocha Metallic, Gold Mist Metallic, White Diamond Tricoat and Black Onyx.
Inside, Lucerne Super features a leather-wrapped instrument panel upper with French seam stitching; suede trim on the doors and on the standard heated and cooled front seats; heated real walnut wood-accented steering wheel; walnut wood shifter; a Nova Silver finish for the center stack; model-specific sill plates and premium floor mats. Additional premium amenities include a 280-watt, nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system that includes a six-disc CD changer and MP3 player.
Lucerne Super customers may also opt for touch screen navigation; sunroof; Side Blind Zone and Lane Departure Warning safety-enhancing technologies; and 18-inch chrome wheels. Lucerne Super is available exclusively in Cocoa/Shale or Ebony interior trim and features a $39,395 MSRP (including a $765 destination freight charge).
Lucerne CXL Special Edition
Buick's Lucerne CXL Special Edition offers either a V-6 or V-8 engine – making it the only Lucerne model to offer this choice. The 3.8L V-6 equipped Lucerne CXL Special Edition delivers 197 horsepower (147 kW) @ 5200 rpm and 227 lb.-ft. of torque (308 Nm) @ 3800 rpm.
For a higher level of performance, Buick offers an uplevel Northstar 4.6L V-8. It delivers 275 horsepower (205 kW) @ 6000 rpm and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400 Nm) @ 4400 rpm. This premium, aluminum 32-valve dual overhead cam V-8 – specifically tuned for Lucerne – is recognized for its technological refinement, precision and quick launch capability.
Outside, Lucerne CXL Special Edition models are equipped with a chrome grille, unique 17-inch chrome-clad wheels, new rear fascia and model-specific badge on the decklid. Inside, CXL Special Edition has perforated leather seat inserts, and contrasting stitching on the seats, console armrest and door trim. Lucerne CXL Special Edition models will be available in three distinct exterior colors: Dark Mocha Metallic, White Diamond Tricoat and Crystal Red Tintcoat. The two interior color combinations are Dark/Light Titanium and Cocoa/Shale.
Lucerne CXL Special Edition V-6 models carry a $32,150 manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), while the Special Edition V-8 model will feature a $33,850 MSRP. Prices include a $765 destination freight charge.
QuietTuning
Lucerne Super and Lucerne CXL Special Edition models benefit from QuietTuning, Buick's all-encompassing approach to reduce, block and absorb interior cabin noise. Notable QuietTuning features include laminated side glass, noise-reducing side-view mirrors, low-profile "structureless" windshield wiper blades and a double-isolated powertrain mounting system. Lucerne Super also features a uniquely tuned exhaust note that is more powerful, but subtly refined. The result is a hushed, premium driving experience overall.
All Buick Lucerne models are built at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck manufacturing facility and come with the industry's best coverage, including a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection.
Comments (52)
Alllrightyyy then.
Posted by zippy | April 8, 2008 6:23 PM
Posted on April 8, 2008 18:23
Well it's a Buick so the exterior is kind of bland, but I must say that I like the bright, clean look of the interior.
Posted by SEALBoy | April 8, 2008 6:47 PM
Posted on April 8, 2008 18:47
292 hp with a 4.6? Not exactly impressive.
Posted by Chris | April 8, 2008 7:24 PM
Posted on April 8, 2008 19:24
Such a beautiful car, very
nice indeed. Performance,
power, sophistication, any <=== buahahah!
old dude would want
this luxury performance
sedan.
Posted by blah you | April 8, 2008 7:28 PM
Posted on April 8, 2008 19:28
Such a beautiful car, very
nice indeed. Performance,
power, sophistication, any <=== buahahah!
old dude would want
this luxury performance
sedan.
Posted by blah you | April 8, 2008 7:28 PM
Posted on April 8, 2008 19:28
"292 hp with a 4.6? Not exactly impressive."
Its a pushrod engine not DOHC. A Rolls Royce has 6.75 DOHC and 453hp and i dont hear anyone complaining...
I think that even the most fanatic america-haters in "thetorquereport" know the difference by now, of course that doesnt stop them from complaining.
Posted by So what??? | April 8, 2008 7:59 PM
Posted on April 8, 2008 19:59
Perhaps this is the wrong forum for this article. The Buick Lacrosse and Lucerne are very nice cars for a cross country trip or for a quiet commute. I have rented the Lucerne before and found it to be extremely quiet and comfortable. It is definitely not any enthusiast wish lish, but still a nice car.
Posted by longdxcommuter | April 8, 2008 8:23 PM
Posted on April 8, 2008 20:23
list-sp
Posted by longdxcommuter | April 8, 2008 8:24 PM
Posted on April 8, 2008 20:24
can somebody explain why this brand is (still) around?
what makes it unique (besides being 'nice)?
Posted by lowest IQ | April 8, 2008 8:29 PM
Posted on April 8, 2008 20:29
can somebody explain why this brand is (still) around?
what makes it unique (besides being 'nice)?
Posted by lowest IQ | April 8, 2008 8:29 PM
Posted on April 8, 2008 20:29
can somebody explain why this brand is (still) around?
what makes it unique (besides being 'nice)?
Posted by lowest IQ | April 8, 2008 8:29 PM
Posted on April 8, 2008 20:29
sorry for triple post
Posted by lowest IQ | April 8, 2008 8:33 PM
Posted on April 8, 2008 20:33
Stunning.....
Stunning that Buick is still in business...
Stunning that my literacy critique appetite for destruction goes unquenched.....
Stunning that they named a car after a brand of milk....
I love whining....
Posted by CKV | April 8, 2008 9:35 PM
Posted on April 8, 2008 21:35
Then there's also this tibit of info:
Lucerne is another name for alfalfa (family: Fabaceae, the pea family), a genus of perennial flowering plant, Medicago.
Way to go Buick
Posted by CKV | April 8, 2008 9:39 PM
Posted on April 8, 2008 21:39
4.6L v8.. FWD??!! or am i seeing this wrong. If you look at the engine cover, the side faces the front. Does that directly mean itsa front wheel drive car?
Posted by Rozz | April 8, 2008 9:50 PM
Posted on April 8, 2008 21:50
Oooh buddy.. Welcome to the early 90's and the "new" Buick design.
Posted by Z | April 8, 2008 10:02 PM
Posted on April 8, 2008 22:02
Yawn, should sell well in Sun City with a canvas top.
Posted by Peter | April 8, 2008 10:48 PM
Posted on April 8, 2008 22:48
Makin me feelin all horny inside...
Posted by red nek | April 8, 2008 11:04 PM
Posted on April 8, 2008 23:04
Not impressive at all, in fact rather sad.
@So what???:
The Northstar V8's are in fact DOHC and have always been that way. The haven't evolved much since the mid 90's when it's number were more impressive. Even the LT-5 ZR1 corvette engine it's old performance crazed relative isn't terribly impressive anymore.
Posted by RX-7 Guy | April 8, 2008 11:08 PM
Posted on April 8, 2008 23:08
The styling sucks as usual, especially the front end. The horsepower from the V6/V8 is pathetic. Better get good gas mileage for its piss poor performance. Nothing in this car makes it worth close to $40k.
Definitely only for the elderly. But even then, no one with a brain would buy this POS. [may my Aunt forgive me]
Another GM brand that needs to die.
Posted by Cargasm | April 8, 2008 11:09 PM
Posted on April 8, 2008 23:09
All Northstar engines are DOHC, not OHV. They really aren't the best engines in the world since they haven't really been over hauled since 1998 in the case of the LD8 (CLX engine). The L37 (Super engine) was last changed 2000 which was only minor changes and is basically the same engine since 1993.
The Ultra 8 which was set to replace Northstar in 2009 was axed thanks to CAFE, so it's back to the drawing board. GM needs something soon though, because Northstar is really showing it's age. It is looking like a combination of turbos and DI.
Posted by Avatar | April 8, 2008 11:13 PM
Posted on April 8, 2008 23:13
and the 3.8 is a late 50's design (no joke, no joke!!!)
Posted by lowest iq | April 8, 2008 11:31 PM
Posted on April 8, 2008 23:31
WTH !!! no wonder american cars is not selling.
Posted by R3TNIAP | April 8, 2008 11:33 PM
Posted on April 8, 2008 23:33
'perforated leather seats': that will sit well with incontinent drivers...
Posted by staedler und Waldorff | April 8, 2008 11:37 PM
Posted on April 8, 2008 23:37
Buick? What the hell? I thought they'd retired this brand years ago.
A 4.6L V8 putting out 292hp? He he he...I'm laughing so hard I'm crying!
Posted by Tommy Boy | April 9, 2008 2:28 AM
Posted on April 9, 2008 02:28
I'm sure she has a 'nice' personality... :)
Posted by Alex Greene | April 9, 2008 5:42 AM
Posted on April 9, 2008 05:42
It needs more side grills!! then it would look a lot faster!! when will this fad die out???????
Posted by CtK | April 9, 2008 7:53 AM
Posted on April 9, 2008 07:53
soon to be blocking a fast lane near you...
it's a couch with wheels.
not my choice of vehicle.
Posted by Dan | April 9, 2008 8:06 AM
Posted on April 9, 2008 08:06
Whatever happened to cars the evoked emotion and passion. I'm sure it is well engineered and assembled - since GM has started to solve a lot of its lingering issues but it sure doesn't evoke anything from me.
At least it might be cheap?
Posted by Rael | April 9, 2008 8:24 AM
Posted on April 9, 2008 08:24
To everyone lauging at a 4.6L v8 only putting out ~300hp:
What's the Mustang GT putting out?
In any case, the Northstar engines are not designed or trying to be performance engines; they're luxury engines.
Posted by Sabby | April 9, 2008 8:50 AM
Posted on April 9, 2008 08:50
haw-haw-haw
Take an older 3.5L VQ tat can put out ~280HP
or the new 3.7L that can do 330HP!!!
GM needs to design a new engine!!!
Posted by hah | April 9, 2008 9:11 AM
Posted on April 9, 2008 09:11
How about that 6.2L that makes 430 hp and gets almost the same gas mileage (16/26) as a 3.7L with 330 hp (17/26)?
Northstar GM's oldest, least efficient engine. Something like 88% of the STS's sold have the 3.6L DI engine in it, and the CTS it isn't even offered. Now as Sabby pointed out, they are luxury engines, quite and gobs of torque, no racing engines. Even the specs on the supercharged 4.4L aren't all that great, though better then the 4.6s.
Posted by Avatar | April 9, 2008 10:03 AM
Posted on April 9, 2008 10:03
Why is everyone under the impression that HP/Liter matters?
Compare HP to the weight and height and (FUEL) efficiency of an engine. Those are what really matter.
The northstar won tons of praise back in the 90's by being so smooth(not super fast), they just haven't built a new one. GM's 3.6 v6 is 306hp, not like that matters, but it shows GM has something in the ridiculous hp/liter category that all you Europeans are obsessed with. The ecotech is a 2.0 turbo with 260hp and inexpensive, and you all still hate it. VW's comprable engine costs 3x as much(I'm guessing)...
Remember the s2000 wins the hp/liter contest (110) and gets terrible gas mileage (21mpg combined) while not really being all that fast.
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | April 9, 2008 12:01 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 12:01
Buicks (in the USA) are all FWD, super quiet, luxurious, and bland(on purpose).
It's what old people want, and there are plenty of old people to buy them.
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | April 9, 2008 12:05 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 12:05
It's supremely smooth, reliable and cushy. I can see it appealing to some of the aging baby boomer market that wants to keep a sedan for 10-20 years.
Not my cup of tea, of course. For $40K I would take a loaded IS350 and it would last just as long, if not more. More fun, too. What is it doing here? Am I at the wrong website? lol.
Posted by Kell | April 9, 2008 12:57 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 12:57
These cars amaze me!!! There for once, these are excellent cars that Buick conceived. Let us hope that that will be successful.
Posted by paul | April 9, 2008 1:02 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 13:02
Something for Buick to chew over - the Buick-Hyundai dealership near me sells the Hyundai Azera over the Lucerne 9 times out of 10 if the prospective buyer drives both. It's not just the several thousand dollar price differential that does it either. Both are excellent cruisers, and both the Lucerne and Azera have a 3.8L V6, but Hyundai gets 260+ HP out of their V6 vs. less than 200 from the GM/Buick. I expect they'll be selling even fewer Lucernes once the Genesis shows up on their lot. Not good for Buick.
Posted by BigWill | April 9, 2008 1:59 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 13:59
The crazy thing is, I believe Lexus is going in the way of Buick. Not sporting at all, and is each time bought by more old people. This car is like a Lexus LS 300, only without the dealership and reliability of a Lexus.
I've drove one, the V8, for 2 months, company car. Didn't have a choice, really.
I almost lost the rear, in a fast 30 degrees descending highway turn @ 85 mph, San Francisco's maze, exiting the Caldecot Tunnel (without changing lanes, which makes any highway a bit more exiting). It is a front wheel drive car, pushes the front at every spirited turn (like highway exits), but it loses the rear at the limits...as I discovered. Scary, the car had 4 adults in it, not fun at all.
The 292hp engine feels coarse, specially the dated 4 speed Auto. The transmission is terrible, it is not even mentioned in the press release, they must be ashamed of it. They should put the 6 speed the Caddy gets.
Having said that, when I parked the car at a local golf course, more than one senior (one of them Lexus GS owner) came to check it out the car (it was new at that time). He liked the style more (go figure), but prefer the Lexus dependability/resale value (which is miles better). Fair enough.
As exciting as a Lexus. That says it all.
Posted by Sphere | April 9, 2008 2:46 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 14:46
Buick quality/reliability is every bit as good as a Lexus. That's not me saying this, it's sort of been stated in just about every survey published. Still, what the hell kind of "special edition" is this? This is the most un-special car. Do I really have to get a gray market Buick to get a decent car?
Posted by NE1BUTU | April 9, 2008 5:16 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 17:16
Buick quality/reliability is every bit as good as a Lexus. That's not me saying this, it's sort of been stated in just about every survey published. Still, what the hell kind of "special edition" is this? This is the most un-special car. Do I really have to get a gray market Buick to get a decent car?
Posted by NE1BUTU | April 9, 2008 5:16 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 17:16
Buick quality/reliability is every bit as good as a Lexus. That's not me saying this, it's sort of been stated in just about every survey published. Still, what the hell kind of "special edition" is this? This is the most un-special car. Do I really have to get a gray market Buick to get a decent car?
Posted by NE1BUTU | April 9, 2008 5:17 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 17:17
Does anybody know why Northstar engines are bad? My engines teacher said they were bad but I forgot why.
Posted by 09 | April 9, 2008 8:32 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 20:32
Nevermind. I just read the comments above.
Posted by 09 | April 9, 2008 8:36 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 20:36
What an ugly looking car.
Reminds me of early Hyundais
The front is just terrible.
The back is a bit better.
The interior? The dash is just a flat piece of plastic with some gauges and fake timber.
Glad I do not live in the USA so I do not have to see them on the streets.
Posted by Marty | April 9, 2008 11:23 PM
Posted on April 9, 2008 23:23
please bring back buick the grand national all black 3900 twin turbo v6 with 6speed automatic tranny or is corvette scared.
Posted by scott adams | April 10, 2008 3:30 AM
Posted on April 10, 2008 03:30
please bring back buick the grand national all black 3900 twin turbo v6 with 6speed automatic tranny or is corvette scared.
Posted by scott adams | April 10, 2008 3:30 AM
Posted on April 10, 2008 03:30
please bring back buick the grand national all black 3900 twin turbo v6 with 6speed automatic tranny or is corvette scared.
Posted by scott adams | April 10, 2008 3:30 AM
Posted on April 10, 2008 03:30
The rear 3/4 of this car looks really good in person, if not in the pictures. It's the front end that looks really bad.
I hate that grille, in fact, every Buick grille looks ugly to me. The Acadia looks worse for the grille, IMHO. They should hire an Italian to rethink that theme, as it is, makes the car looks fat, old, I don't know.
But I have to say that this car has enough room for 4 tall adults. I remember I loved the heated steering wheel, so it does have some amenities. But why GM puts the same air/radio/nav design in all of its cars? The same radio you've seen on trucks you'll see on this car. The basic radio is the same on all GMs...the same goes for the NAV unit. Pontiac, Chevy Silverado or Buick, makes no difference. That's cost cutting at its worse. Only the Cadillac has it's own pop up nav screen, with 40 gig HD, etc. GM is so cheap it hurts.
But, I'll say that again, the 4 speed transmission sucked.
Posted by Sphere | April 10, 2008 10:20 AM
Posted on April 10, 2008 10:20
dont call it a comeback this is the main focal point for GM to get back to being profitable and if that dosent work they are planning on sending there entire workforce out to go door to door and mug you and rob your wallet, all without you leaving your home...
Posted by dennisil | April 10, 2008 10:42 AM
Posted on April 10, 2008 10:42
This car is a joke at the $40k price point. It should $25k tops. A Lexus ES350 or Toyota Avalon is a much better car for less cash. Hell, even a loaded Accord EX at $28k is a better car.
And don't you just love the commercials with Tiger Woods ROTFL. Like his multi-millionaire ass drives a blue collar rental grade car.
Posted by Noya | April 10, 2008 4:35 PM
Posted on April 10, 2008 16:35
Well I'll give Buick one thing, they're comfortable and reliable. Not my cup of tea, though.
"and the 3.8 is a late 50's design (no joke, no joke!!!)"
Yes, and? It's not a powerhouse in naturally aspirated form, never has been. But they're extremely reliable and forgiving if abused. Now in turbocharged form the 231ci olds engine really shines. Look at some of the cars ZZP has built. A FWD W-body (heavy chassis) with a 3800 running in the 9s? Yep.
"please bring back buick the grand national all black 3900 twin turbo v6 with 6speed automatic tranny or is corvette scared."
I'm not sure the 3900 block can stand up to the same boost as a 3800. Personally I'd rather they put in a low compression derivative of their DI 3.6L, built up for turbo.
Posted by Alexvrb | April 14, 2008 8:31 PM
Posted on April 14, 2008 20:31
This car is very comfortable. Try one sometime. The seats are wonderful and the interior is symphony hall quiet. Change the name and you would think you're in a Cadillac.
Posted by Greg | July 16, 2008 2:48 AM
Posted on July 16, 2008 02:48