Buick Lucerne 2006–2011
| Buick Lucerne | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Buick (General Motors) |
| Model years | 2006–2011 |
| Assembly | Hamtramck, Michigan, United States |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size car |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | G platform |
| Related | Cadillac DTS |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.8 L 3800 Series III V6 3.9 L High Value V6 4.6 L Northstar V8 |
| Transmission | 4-speed 4T65-E automatic (V6) 4-speed 4T80-E automatic (V8) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 115.6 in (2,936 mm) |
| Length | 203.2 in (5,161 mm) |
| Width | 73.8 in (1,875 mm) |
| Height | 58.0 in (1,473 mm) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor |
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| Successor | Buick LaCrosse |
The Buick Lucerne is a full-size upscale sedan sold by Buick from 2006 to 2011.
It was introduced at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show to replace both the LeSabre, then America's best-selling full-sized sedan, and the division's flagship, the Park Avenue. Based on a revised G platform, it debuted with a 3.8 liter GM L26 V6 as standard, with GM's 4.6 litre Northstar LD8 available as an option. In 2008 the higher-performance 4.6 litre Northstar L37 became available on the Super model, and in 2009 the 3.9 litre GM High Value V6 became standard equipment.
Named for elegant financial and cultural center Lucerne, Switzerland, it served as Buick's top of the line model until replaced by the second generation Buick LaCrosse.
History
The Lucerne replaced both the upscale LeSabre and top of the line Park Avenue in the Buick line-up, with a base price below The Lucerne's that could equal the Park Avenue's with the V8 option. It was based on a revised G platform, though GM continued to refer to it as the H.
It was introduced with the standard 3.8 liter Buick V6 (also known as the GM 3800 engine), with a 4.6 litre Cadillac Northstar LD8 V8 and the Chevrolet Corvette's Magnetic Ride Control active suspension available as options. All General Motors 3.8 L V6 powered cars become the first SULEV-compliant vehicles.
In keeping with Buick tradition, the Lucerne featured a row of "Ventiports" on the front fenders corresponding to the number of cylinders in the engine — three on each side for the V6 or four for the V8. The CXL trim package added numerous premium features.
The Lucerne was built at GM's Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly Plant alongside the Cadillac DTS. The plant won Initial Quality Awards from J.D. Power and Associates from 2004 through 2006. GM leads all other automakers in Strategic Vision's Total Quality Index (TQI)
Sales remained brisk throughout much of 2007. Two new trim levels, CXL Special Edition (with more standard features than regular CXL) and Super, were added for 2008.
The Super was Introduced at the 2007 New York Auto Show, featuring the sophisticated 4.6 litre Northstar L37 V8 and upscale trim. In addition to 17 hp (13 kW) extra horsepower over the CXS V8, updated front end styling and a rear spoiler created a bolder, sportier look.
All Lucernes got modest mid-life updates in 2008, including a lane departure warning system and revised exterior colors
The 2009 Lucerne received some small upgrades, including a new base engine, the 3.9 L GM High Value LZ9 V6, Bluetooth phone connectivity, and XM NavTraffic. Flex-fuel technology was made available at no additional cost.
For 2010, the Super's rocker panels, grille, and fog lights were added to the entire Lucerne lineup.
The 2011 Lucerne was unchanged. The last was built on June 15, 2011. The second generation LaCrosse replaced it as Buick's flagship for 2012.
Engines
| Years | Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006–2008 | 3.8 L 3800 L26 V6 | 231 cu in (3791 cc) | 197 hp (147 kW) @ 5200 rpm | 233 lb·ft (316 N·m) @ 3800 rpm |
| 2009–2011 | 3.9 L GM 3900 V6 | 237 cu in (3880 cc) | 227 hp (169 kW) @ 5700 rpm | 237 lb·ft (321 N·m) @ 3200 rpm |
| 2006–2008 | 4.6 L Northstar LD8 V8 | 279 cu in (4565 cc) | 275 hp (205 kW) @ 6000 rpm | 295 lb·ft (400 N·m) @ 4400 rpm |
| 2008–2011 | 4.6 L Northstar L37 V8 | 279 cu in (4565 cc) | 292 hp (218 kW) @ 6300 rpm | 288 lb·ft (390 N·m) @ 4500 rpm |
Safety
The Buick Lucerne earns a "Good" overall score in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) front impact test, and an "Acceptable" score in the side impact test. The IIHS also found that 2006-08 model year Lucerne had the highest fatality rate in the large 4-door car class.
Yearly American sales
| Calendar Year | Total American sales |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 8,821 |
| 2006 | 96,515 |
| 2007 | 82,923 |
| 2008 | 54,930 |
| 2009 | 31,292 |
| 2010 | 26,459 |
| 2011 | 20,358 |
| 2012 | 971 |