Refreshed 2014 Buick LaCrosse Has Enclave-Like Face – 2013 New York

                                                                                

An understated reveal in New York City seems appropriate for the brand that specializes in understated luxury. The refreshed 2014 Buick LaCrosse will debut this week at a private event in New York the day before taking the stand at the city’s auto show.
Arriving with a fresh face and loads of high-tech features, the 2014 LaCrosse will feature a new interior that includes the latest version of, IntelliLink. The system features an 8-inch touch screen and connects easily to your smartphone. Buick also promises that it will be more intuitive than its previous system, though we have not had a chance to test it. Various stages of luxury will be offered inside the large sedan including a package that includes a synthetic suede headliner and Tamo Ash wood trim. Judging by the photos, the interior looks considerably improved over the outgoing model with highly stylized wood grain running throughout the interior. However, the 2014 LaCrosse retains the same basic form. All told, Buick will offer four different interior colors. Buick will feature two technology packages with this sedan as well. The first, known as Driver Confidence 1 safety package features Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Side Blind Zone Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and head-up display. The second package, dubbed Driver Confidence 2, adds a radar to the mix to include adaptive cruise control, automatic collision preparation, and a more advanced collision alert system.
The front-drive LaCrosse will use the same powertrains as the 2013 version, which includes a mild hybrid system on the base model called eAssist. It uses a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor to power the vehicle, creating 182 horsepower. The upgraded LaCrosse uses a 304-hp 3.6-liter V-6 under the hood. Both will be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Exterior changes include a new front and rear fascia. New headlights and wraparound taillights will be featured on all models, with optional HID headlights. All 2014 LaCrosses will now come with active grille shutters that can improve the car’s aerodynamics. The car will sit on 18-, 19-, or 20-inch wheels. With the LaCrosse Touring Package in the sport mode, the car uses real-time damping with four electronically controlled dampeners and make quick adjustments. Will the 2014 Buick LaCrosse’s updates be enough to boost sales? In our most recent comparison, a 2012 LaCrosse placed second, ahead of the new Lexus ES 350 but behind the Hyundai Azera.