Buick Teases 2017 LaCrosse with Avenir-inspired Front End: Comments

[William Maley]

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The LA Auto Show will be the home for the debut of the 2017 Buick LaCrosse next month. To mark the announcement, Buick has released a teaser of the next LaCrosse.

 

The picture reveals a front end similar to the Avenir concept shown at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year with a new three-color tri-shield insignia set on a wing-shaped element.

 

“The Avenir concept shattered expectations of what a Buick could be and the 2017 LaCrosse promises to do the same. Its expressive design represents a break from convention and highlights the progressiveness in all new Buick models,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick.

 

Buick goes on to say that the 2017 LaCrosse will ride on a new chassis that is lighter and stronger than the chassis that underpins the current model. There will also be a new multilink setup for the rear.

 

Press Release is on Page 2

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DETROIT – Buick today confirmed the all-new 2017 LaCrosse, with a preview of its Avenir concept-inspired design cues.
A striking evolution from current Buick models, LaCrosse features a grille design that puts a new face on the brand, including a new, three-color tri-shield insignia set on a wing-shaped element. Contrasting with darkened waterfall grille bars and spanning the width of the opening, it connects the grille and headlamps, and emphasizes LaCrosse’s new sculptural surfacing.
The design was introduced on the Avenir concept and was inspired by the 1954 Wildcat II concept. It’s a face all Buick models will adopt by 2018.
“The Avenir concept shattered expectations of what a Buick could be and the 2017 LaCrosse promises to do the same,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick. “Its expressive design represents a break from convention and highlights the progressiveness in all new Buick models.”
The next-generation LaCrosse’s design is framed on an all-new chassis that is stronger yet lighter than the current model and serves as the foundation for a more dynamic driving experience. New technologies such as a five-link rear suspension contribute to a more responsive ride, while taking Buick’s signature quietness to a new threshold – and it’s a premium feature not found on many other full-size luxury models, including the Lexus ES.
The 2017 LaCrosse debuts in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

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[G. David Felt]

I have to say I have mixed emotions about the new grill. Not really a fan of it. Still like the waterfall grill best.

[smk4565]

I kind of like the winged look on the new grille.  It is a bit busy to have the waterfall and a horizontal line, but I like this more than the current LeCrosse grille.

[cp-the-nerd]

I'm ok with the new grille as long as this gets Buick away from the current trend of oversizing the waterfall grille on the refreshed 2014+ Lacrosse and Enclave. The grille was also a weak spot on the Verano.

 

I'm most curious to hear what this Lacrosse has in store mechanically. We already know the Malibu lost 300 lbs and has an 8-speed automatic mated to GM's 2.0T in higher trim levels. Will this powertrain show up in the base Lacrosse? Will the Lacrosse gain the new LGX V6 in some capacity? The least likely (and most disappointing) scenario would be carrying over the LFX V6 and 6-speed. Fuel economy improvements are important as well, it's no longer acceptable to have sub-30 mpg volume engines.

 

Will the new Lacrosse gain magnetic ride control or a performance oriented 3.6T/AWD model (a la XTS V-Sport)?

Edited September 22, 2015 by cp-the-nerd

[regfootball]

a horizontal bar is an Opel feature and this begins to bring the waterfall grille and Opel grille in convergence.

[oldshurst442]

It seems like Buick went back to just a small  waterfall...like this 2010-2013

OK...the Avenir does not seem to have any kind of Falls goin' on...

 

 

Unlike  the Niagara style waterfall grills of yore...or even the Victoria Falls of the 1950s...

 

I welcome  this softer look...its just as elegant...

 

Because sometimes...the Niagara Style is too aggressive and dont look good...like this 2015...

 

Because that Lacrosse...does not look elegant...the original grill looks much better...IMO.

 

So...by the looks of the new Lacrosse...with Avenir style looks...might regain that nice Buick elegance again...

 

Say what you will about that Park Avenue...its looks elegant...and that soft waterfall grill is what makes it elegant.

[cp-the-nerd]

It's also a 1950s Buick design feature.

 

[oldshurst442]

Yes. Yes it is!!!

[hyperv6]

I like smaller.

 

I think it is a good start but I still need to see it in context to the rest of the car to give a fair assessment.

[ocnblu]

Exciting preview for me.  A Buick with high-flying swagger is what they need to go back to.  Now I just need that Avenir in production, on a RWD chassis...

[balthazar]

How is the '55 above showing a waterfall grille? Buick did use that cue from '42-54 tho….

[oldshurst442]

How is the '55 above showing a waterfall grille? Buick did use that cue from '42-54 tho….

CP meant the "winged" part...I believe.

Edited September 23, 2015 by oldshurst442

[balthazar]

Ahhh, OK.

 

I always thought the Park Avenue above had a grille too small proportionally. 

Balthy likes wide, toothy grins.

[cp-the-nerd]

 

How is the '55 above showing a waterfall grille? Buick did use that cue from '42-54 tho….

CP meant the "winged" part...I believe.

 

 

Correct, I was trying to respond to Balthazaar, but it took me too long to dig up that picture at work and you snuck in that post about the waterfall grille before I finished. Not sure why someone downvoted you, so I fixed that.

[oldshurst442]

 

 

How is the '55 above showing a waterfall grille? Buick did use that cue from '42-54 tho….

CP meant the "winged" part...I believe.

 

 

Correct, I was trying to respond to Balthazaar, but it took me too long to dig up that picture at work and you snuck in that post about the waterfall grille before I finished. Not sure why someone downvoted you, so I fixed that.

 

tHANX...ITS bURNT ls7 DudE...He has gone on a downvoting spree    with me...

 

He dont like me too much...

 

 

So yeah...Buick's design language is elegant.

 

It can be aggressive with huge waterfall grills and still look good, or toned down and have an air of debonair...

 

I still prefer Oldsmobiles...

Edited September 23, 2015 by oldshurst442

[NINETY EIGHT REGENCY]

 

 

 

How is the '55 above showing a waterfall grille? Buick did use that cue from '42-54 tho….

CP meant the "winged" part...I believe.

 

 

Correct, I was trying to respond to Balthazaar, but it took me too long to dig up that picture at work and you snuck in that post about the waterfall grille before I finished. Not sure why someone downvoted you, so I fixed that.

 

tHANX...ITS bURNT ls7 DudE...He has gone on a downvoting spree    with me...

 

He dont like me too much...

 

 

So yeah...Buick's design language is elegant.

 

It can be aggressive with huge waterfall grills and still look good, or toned down and have an air of debonair...

 

I still prefer Oldsmobiles...

 

 

 

I prefer Oldsmobiles too.  You are not alone.

[oldshurst442]

 

 

 

 

How is the '55 above showing a waterfall grille? Buick did use that cue from '42-54 tho….

CP meant the "winged" part...I believe.

 

 

Correct, I was trying to respond to Balthazaar, but it took me too long to dig up that picture at work and you snuck in that post about the waterfall grille before I finished. Not sure why someone downvoted you, so I fixed that.

 

tHANX...ITS bURNT ls7 DudE...He has gone on a downvoting spree    with me...

 

He dont like me too much...

 

 

So yeah...Buick's design language is elegant.

 

It can be aggressive with huge waterfall grills and still look good, or toned down and have an air of debonair...

 

I still prefer Oldsmobiles...

 

 

 

I prefer Oldsmobiles too.  You are not alone.

 

I just saw this post...

 

In these forums...I noticed that there are many Oldsmobile faithful around...

I feel right at home...

 

[ponchoman49]

Well anything is an improvement over the current LaCrosse but if they make it 4 cylinder only that will cheapen the new car and turn off luxury oriented buyers.

[Drew Dowdell]

I'm ok with the new grille as long as this gets Buick away from the current trend of oversizing the waterfall grille on the refreshed 2014+ Lacrosse and Enclave. The grille was also a weak spot on the Verano.

 

I'm most curious to hear what this Lacrosse has in store mechanically. We already know the Malibu lost 300 lbs and has an 8-speed automatic mated to GM's 2.0T in higher trim levels. Will this powertrain show up in the base Lacrosse? Will the Lacrosse gain the new LGX V6 in some capacity? The least likely (and most disappointing) scenario would be carrying over the LFX V6 and 6-speed. Fuel economy improvements are important as well, it's no longer acceptable to have sub-30 mpg volume engines.

 

Will the new Lacrosse gain magnetic ride control or a performance oriented 3.6T/AWD model (a la XTS V-Sport)?

 

9-speed automatic, probably a base Turbo 4-cylinder, almost certainly the new LGX (adds Start-Stop and Cylinder Deactivation) though with slightly lower output than the CT6. 

 

I'd doubt the 3.6TT, but a 3.0TT + AWD?  Well.... maybe more likely.. but still conjecture.

[cp-the-nerd]

 

I'm ok with the new grille as long as this gets Buick away from the current trend of oversizing the waterfall grille on the refreshed 2014+ Lacrosse and Enclave. The grille was also a weak spot on the Verano.

 

I'm most curious to hear what this Lacrosse has in store mechanically. We already know the Malibu lost 300 lbs and has an 8-speed automatic mated to GM's 2.0T in higher trim levels. Will this powertrain show up in the base Lacrosse? Will the Lacrosse gain the new LGX V6 in some capacity? The least likely (and most disappointing) scenario would be carrying over the LFX V6 and 6-speed. Fuel economy improvements are important as well, it's no longer acceptable to have sub-30 mpg volume engines.

 

Will the new Lacrosse gain magnetic ride control or a performance oriented 3.6T/AWD model (a la XTS V-Sport)?

 

9-speed automatic, probably a base Turbo 4-cylinder, almost certainly the new LGX (adds Start-Stop and Cylinder Deactivation) though with slightly lower output than the CT6. 

 

I'd doubt the 3.6TT, but a 3.0TT + AWD?  Well.... maybe more likely.. but still conjecture.

 

 

Can you change that downvote to an upvote? I'm not in the comfort of my usual computer desk and hit the minus instead of the plus.

[G. David Felt]

+1 On Drew's comment. At least it gets back to 0

[oldshurst442]

well...the intentions of CP was to have Drew be in the green side of things...I did just that. Drew's post is where its should have been...on  the positive.

Edited October 2, 2015 by oldshurst442

[Drew Dowdell]

I can't change votes

[cp-the-nerd]

There, I've cancelled out my unfortunate slip of the clicker finger.

[ocnblu]

No 455 Stage 1 = NO SALE.

[SuperDuper]

I'm not sure based on just that teaser. I could be quite sharp when we see the whole picture. It seems distinctive at least.