2011 BUICK LUCERNE DELIVERS DRIVING COMFORT AND QUIETNESS
08/07/2010
Buick
When it comes to nearly effortless driving, with the comfort, convenience and quietness expected of a premium full-size sedan, the Buick Lucerne delivers on all fronts. It also uses advanced technology to enhance safety, with available features including Side Blind Zone Alert and Lane Departure Warning.
Updates for 2011 include the addition of a USB port to the center console on five-passenger models, as well as standard StabiliTrak with full-function traction control on all models and two new radio systems on five-passenger models.
The new radios include an AM/FM stereo with a USB port, auxiliary input jack, CD player and MP3 playback; and a radio system with similar features integrated with the available navigation system. That radio is controlled via the system's six-inch touchscreen.
Lucerne's lineup
The 2011 Buick Lucerne is offered in CX, CXL, EXL and Super models. All include a comprehensive list of standard equipment, with CX models offering six-way power passenger seat; heated power outside rearview mirrors; an extended-range key fob and 17-inch aluminum wheels. CX models are available with cloth seating in five-passenger configurations. Six-passenger seating is available.
More standard luxury features are also found on CXL and EXL, including eight-way heated driver and front-passenger seats; power lumbar adjustments; memory settings; heated leather steering wheel and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Leather-appointed, five-passenger seating is standard on CXL models; six-passenger seating is available. EXL adds the Driver Confidence Package (available on CXL), which includes ultrasonic rear parking assist, remote vehicle starting and theft deterrent system. Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Departure Warning, outside rearview mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators and 17-inch chrome plated aluminum wheels are also included.
The Lucerne Super is distinguished with features unavailable on other models, including:
Premium steering components for more precise steering and a higher level of responsiveness
Magnetic Ride Control technology - recalibrated for even more driver control and performance, while further reducing body roll in cornering and lane changes
Eighteen-inch chrome-plated aluminum wheels with P245/50R18 all-season radial tires.
Exterior Lucerne Super enhancements include a unique grille, front and rear fascias and rocker panels. Also setting Lucerne Super apart are integrated exhaust tips and a "Super" badge on the decklid. 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 Lucerne Super premium amenities include a 280-watt, nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system that includes a six-disc CD changer and MP3 player. Eighteen-inch chrome-plated aluminum wheels are standard on the Super. Lucerne Super is available exclusively in Cocoa/Shale or Ebony interior trim. Lucerne EXL and Super customers may also opt for touch-screen navigation or sunroof.
Powertrains
Powering Lucerne CX, CXL and EXL models is a responsive, FlexFuel-capable 3.9L V-6 engine. It delivers an SAE-certified 227 horsepower (169 kW) and 237 lb.-ft. of torque (321 Nm). Lucerne Super is powered by a 4.6L Northstar V-8 engine that is rated at 292 horsepower (218 kW)* and 288 lb.-ft. of torque (390 Nm)*.
The 4.6L V-8 is paired with GM's electronically controlled Hydra-Matic 4T80 four-speed automatic transaxle, while the 3.9L V-6 is mated to the 4T65 four-speed automatic transaxle. All Lucerne engines feature electronic throttle control to seamlessly match driver input with engine response while maximizing overall fuel efficiency.
Option packages
For simplicity, only two option packages are offered: the Comfort & Convenience package and the Driver Confidence Package. The Comfort & Convenience package adds dual-zone, automatic climate control, universal home remote, Bluetooth phone (available with OnStar) and a cargo net. This package is standard on Lucerne CXL, EXL and Super models and is available on Lucerne CX.
The Driver Confidence package adds rear parking assist, remote start and theft-deterrent system. It is standard on Lucerne CXL, EXL and Super models and available on CX models.
QuietTuning
Every Lucerne model, from the well-equipped base CX to the Super, receives Buick's unique, all-encompassing engineering initiative called QuietTuning. It is designed to significantly reduce, block and absorb unwanted road, wind and powertrain noise with the goal of providing leading levels of interior cabin quietness.
It starts with a stiff body structure, extremely tight body gap tolerances and an extensive wind-sealing system. Buick then adds notable QuietTuning features, including laminated side glass in all four moving passenger door windows; noise-reducing outside rearview mirrors; lower profile "structureless" windshield wipers with a flexible airfoil surface; a "double-isolated" powertrain mounting system; laminated steel and composite nylon baffles in the roof pillars, rocker panels and cross-car structures; composite wheel housing liners, and more.
Engines receive QuietTuning attention, too. For example, the 4.6L V-8 features an acoustically tuned engine cover, special cam chain tensioner, camshaft cover isolator mounts and pistons coated with a Grafal polymer. All contribute to quiet operation.
Safety
Lucerne's body structure is engineered to provide maximum occupant protection under a wide range of impact conditions. Active safety and handling features offered on Lucerne include a four-channel anti-lock braking system and traction control; an auto-leveling rear suspension that automatically adjusts the vehicle height for heavy loads; and four-channel StabiliTrak electronic stability control with brake assist, which senses emergency braking situations and boosts the power as needed.
All Lucerne models have six standard air bags: a dual-stage driver front air bag, side-impact thorax air bags, roof-rail curtain air bags and the segment's only dual depth front passenger air bag. The dual depth air bag can deploy in two different shapes and pressures - depending upon crash impact, seat belt usage and seat position. Working with other front passenger safety features, such as a weight-based occupant detection system, the dual depth air bag deploys in one of two different sizes from behind the instrument panel within milliseconds to provide optimal restraint for the front passenger.
OnStar is standard and includes a six-month Directions and Connections plan, which includes Automatic Crash Response, Emergency Services, Crisis Assist, Stolen Vehicles Assistance featuring Stolen Vehicle Slowdown, as well as Turn-by-Turn Navigation with Destination Download and OnStar eNav (where available).
Side Blind Zone Alert and Lane Departure Warning
Side Blind Zone Alert system and Lane Departure Warning systems are leading technologies that add to Lucerne's safety story and enhance the feeling of confidence behind the wheel.
The Side Blind Zone Alert system uses radar sensors on both sides of the vehicle (mounted behind the rear fascia) to scan a 150-degree field of view within a 3.5-meter range - alternating radar beams sweep the adjacent traffic lanes to "look" for other cars. Vehicles entering one of seven zones identified by the system will illuminate an LED symbol in the outside rearview mirror. The system ignores stationary objects, such as fire hydrants or parked cars.
The Lane Departure Warning system is a camera-based lane detection system that warns driver of inadvertent lane changes. The camera, mounted near the inside rearview mirror, identifies traffic lane markings and provides audible alerts.