2008 Buick LaCrosse, LaCrosse Super Debut

If you’re wondering what Buick is going to do to compete in a growing field of entry-level luxury cars, look no further than the front of the updated 2008 LaCrosse sedan. You’ll notice a much larger center grille, plus added chrome that will either win over fans or turn them away.

What Buick is hoping is for the new LaCrosse Super and its 300-hp V-8 to really bring in new fans. The all-new trim level adds a 5.3-liter V-8 engine with active fuel management to keep mileage reasonable, yet still reach 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.

The rest of the lineup retains the same engines as the outgoing 2007 models, in CX, CXL and CXS trims. We’re a bit surprised GM didn’t significantly alter the LaCrosse’s interior. With so much attention paid to the new grille and Super trim level, the interior didn’t get the new upgraded materials seen in most other new models, including the Buick Lucerne.

The 2008 LaCrosse goes on sale this summer. Pricing has yet to be announced.

More images below.

Comments

Looks like Buick is doing somthing good with this car.

Can see the seniors flocking to the dealership right now to pickup their joyride. those things are beyond ugly. why do Detroit automakers insist on living in the past, ford bringing back taurus, chevy bringing back the nomad, are they hoping to bring back some of the glory days. Bad News: times have change and the automotive industry now is on global spectrum and doesn't revolve around detroit like in the past. Tell them to get wit it!!

300 horsepower and those flatter-than-a-pancake leather seats ought to make for a "Super" ride. This car is a total paradox. Personally, I would rather see GM put all this Buick effort and money into Saab. At least Saab has some quirky appeal and more youthful aspirations. Buick is unrelentingly tied to the past.

Ahh yes to people that totaly don't get Buick. Fine it's not a car for you.

Buick sales did a lot to float GM durring the lean years though. Still it's dissapointing that The General decided to "punt" on the interior. I guess since it "sells to seniors" anyway they're gonna wait untill the next one to REALLY upgrade the interior.

Might be the first Buick with foglamps I can think of though.

Infosaur, the last generation of Regals had the foglights before this Lacrosse Super. I don't think they should call this a "Super" Lacrosse. It just looks like a normal one with a better grill & a body kit. More like a "Sport Package" if Buick & Sport Package were ever used in the sense.

Just an evolution of styling from the "oval years" (LaCrosse front grille) that began with the stunning 1995 Buick Riviera.(...still my favorite design of the 1990s along with the deceased Oldsmobile Aurora-1st generation...) I really like the muscular body line on the rear quarter of the LaCrosse. Buick seems to be carrying that theme forward to the 2008 Enclave (another nicely executed styling exercise).

Let's hope that quality issue gets addressed! Check out the 2007 Consumer Reports Auto issue (average test score on "Automaker Report Cards": 57 out of 100 possible points for the General...not good). Maybe GM should concentrate on a different approach: fewer models with stunning build/reliability quality. Keep in mind that Toyota didn't get to where it is at overnight...

I can see sales of Buick skyrocket here :) (NOT!)

1 thg that Buick should have learned from Toyota: just 'coz you put a super duper engine (not a good engine in GM's case, but just an engine with more hp) doesn't help sales AT ALL! In Toyota's case, they were trying to boost the sales of the Toyota Avalon, and that's by placing the LS400 engine (or LS4X0...V8 252 hp+ I think- it was HUGE hp a few years ago, but not today). By doing so, Toyota thought that Avalon has huge hp, and will attract younger buyer to buy that model. They even made it a convertible too! Guess what? The Avalon has never been a success, and sales figures still suffers today. Worst of all, the age group for the Avalon owners haven't decreased a bit (dunno if it has increased though - but still for people of 45+ yr. old).

This is the worst way to (think that u can) increase sales figures. GM has done it in the past, and had hardly succeed any time at all. And worst of all, I would hate to see people of 55+ to be driving a vehicle of this much hp! That really is a safety concern for OTHER drivers :) I also hope that GM has considered whether these vehicles can handle the increased hp (stronger brakes, better transmissions (to handle the high hp), better body control and steering (more body roll now with hp increased = people drives more crazy).

I bought a 2005 Buick Lacrosse CX. Its the first Buick I ever bought, and its the best car I've ever had. The ride, the quiet, the technology, the heating / AC, and the brakes are supurb. The anti American cars bigotry diplayed by several posts makes it obvious they have never bought a Lacrosse or know anything about its high quality. It looks like the Super Lacrosse wil be a stunning car.

I have had a 2004 Nissan Maxima SE, a Toyota Camry 2002,Yukon XL, My wife has a 2006 BMW 330i. And let me tell you I just bought this Buick LAcrosse CXS the top of line model for the Lacrosse its sport tunned suspension,240 horse power, looks mean and yet clasy enough to take my clients out to lunch. Buick Really made a Great car at an affordable price. I mean any other Mid size seddan with all those amenities would be in the high 30's or 40's.
Oh the stereo system rocks with a monsoon 6 speaker system with a 240 watt amp and a 6 cd changer on the dash. It also has seat heaters. So many things wow I love it. It probably won't be my last buick. My wife with a new beammer loved the Enclave we will most likely end up getting it.

Bring back the Roadmaster. Why make a "SS" with that kind of power with only front wheel drive? Seems like they wanna bring back the muscle car minus the muscle. I'll but my 260 hp RWD LT1 Roadmaster against any of em anyday.

I took delivery on my 08 LaCrosse Super on 9/24 and here it is 12/2 and I have yet to see another one on the road! Are they selling? I really enjoy every minute behind the wheel of this fantastic vehicle.