A second announcement today from GM that informs of a new engine option : a 2.4-litre Ecotec unit fitted as standard on the 2010 Buick LaCrosse CX model.
Thanks to this new direct-injected 4-cylinder Ecotec engine that is paired to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse CX 2.4L will be able to return an estimated 30 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city.
As for performance the 2010 Buick LaCrosse CX 2.4L packs 182 HP (136 kW) and 233 Nm (172 lb-ft) of torque, which means more power with less fuel wasted.
The North American automaker also announced that for 2011 it will discontinue the 3.0L V-6, with the Ecotec 2.4L and
3.6L V-6 the only engine options available.
The 2010 Buick LaCrosse CX 2.4L price is 26,995 USD.
GM press release :
DETROIT – A fuel-efficient, direct injected Ecotec
2.4L four-cylinder engine is now the standard engine in the 2010 Buick
LaCrosse CX luxury sedan. Backed by a fuel-saving six-speed automatic
transmission, this powertrain combination delivers an EPA-rated 30 mpg
on the highway and 19 mpg in the city – making LaCrosse one of the most
fuel-efficient cars in its segment.
The LaCrosse CX with the Ecotec 2.4L has an MSRP of $26,995. Buick
expects about 25 percent of LaCrosse customers will opt for it.
“As Buick continues its transformation, new products like the
2.4L-powered LaCrosse CX are helping us reach all-new customers,” said
Craig Bierley, Buick’s product marketing director. “It gives them a
fuel-efficient option that’s simply not available with the competition.”
Direct injection technology helps the Ecotec 2.4L deliver 182
horsepower (136 kW) and 172 lb-ft. of torque (233 Nm). The injection of
fuel directly into the combustion chamber enables a higher compression
ratio to increase efficiency and horsepower. That means more power is
made with less fuel and lower emissions. In fact, cold-start emissions
are reduced by up to 25 percent with direct injection. Engineers tuned
the engine to deliver greater torque at lower rpm and build it smoothly
toward its peak at 4,900 rpm, giving the LaCrosse excellent performance
in all driving conditions.
The Ecotec 2.4L diversifies the LaCrosse’s powertrain lineup. For
2011, the current 3.0L V-6 will be discontinued and the Ecotec 2.4L and
3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing will be the two engines offered in
the vehicle. AWD will be offered with 3.6L-equipped models starting in
the 2011 model year.
Like the Ecotec 2.4L, the 3.6L V-6 features direct injection.
“Direct injection is a key component of GM’s ongoing strategy to use
advanced propulsion technology to help us deliver more fuel-efficient
cars today and in the future,” said Tom Stephens, vice chairman, Global
Product Development. “GM is using multiple technology pathways to
achieve increased efficiency and to diversify energy sources – and
we’re applying them where they make the most sense for customers when
it comes to efficiency, performance and cost.”
Quiet, low-maintenance performance
The Ecotec 2.4L is designed to deliver exceptional quietness with
low maintenance requirements and minimal environmental impact –
including 100,000-mile service life ratings for the spark plugs and
accessory drive belt. It is also equipped with GM’s Oil Life system,
which uses a sophisticated algorithm to determine when it’s time for an
oil change. The system calculates the oil life based on a variety of
closely monitored variables, such as engine speed, temperature, load
and others, allowing fewer oil changes over the life of the vehicle for
a significantly reduced amount of used oil that must be recycled.

Source: GM