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Buick Embodies Golf To A Tee

When describing a great golfer, many qualities come to mind. For some it is the focus and sound fundamentals one exhibits in every swing, every putt, and every movement. Others respect the power and precision of the sport. While some simply relate to the passion that wraps up the golfer and draws awe from those witnessing every graceful moment.

Now imagine getting behind the wheel of a machine that blends style and grace with elegance, power and precision. If the qualities of exceptional golfers were ever evident in a vehicle, Buick would embody it to a tee.

So it comes as no surprise that Buick has been the official car of the PGA TOUR since 1984, and is currently the title-sponsor of two major PGA TOUR events. In addition to the Buick Invitational, Buick sponsors the Buick Open at the historic Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club in Grand Blanc, Michigan.

Buick was actually the foundation on which General Motors was built. From its first four-cylinder Model D to the industry’s first concept car and other automotive “firsts,” the Buick brand and its products have stood for quality and reliability as well as comfort and style, garnering a loyal following of enthusiasts wherever Buick vehicles are sold.

That legacy looks to continue with a freshened 2009 Buick line-up featuring products that are graceful, elegant and modern on the outside; luxurious and finely crafted on the inside. The Enclave luxury crossover SUV and the Lucerne and LaCrosse sedans embody the spirit of Buick and deliver what consumers have come to expect for 100 years and counting.

But what you think you know about Buick is about to change. The legacy continues, but in an entirely new package as Buick enters a transformation. It started with the reveal of a stunning new crossover last year - the Buick Enclave, a luxury crossover SUV that met with resounding applause. Now, the Buick Transformation continues with the new 2010 Buick LaCrosse, a beautifully sculpted, responsive, luxury sedan that rivals the world’s finest.

The 2010 Buick LaCrosse will be elegantly displayed at the Buick Invitational for fans to experience firsthand. As you explore its innovation and design, it will become clear that Buick is indeed changing. In fact, LaCrosse turns any question about Buick into a powerful statement.

Yes, Buick has had work done as witnessed from the graceful lines formed by the wraparound headlamps, to the flow of the curvaceous body lines, and into the seamless merging of the tail-lamps. Performance and convenience are two qualities that were key in developing the LaCrosse as well. The vehicle is designed to anticipate and cater to driver and passenger needs as evidenced in the real-time adaptive suspension available on the CXS model that adjusts within milliseconds to changes in the road terrain and one’s personal driving style. It automatically enhances handling to provide a confident, enjoyable ride.

The inside of the LaCrosse is designed with Buick’s QuietTuning technology that reduces, blocks and absorbs noise like one would expect from a modern luxury sedan. A laminated windshield, triple door seals and minute body panel tolerances also help keep the outside noise out.

Heated and ventilated leather-appointed front seats, as well as integrated dual rear seatback DVD screens, rearview camera and Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist are also available. The interior appointments are nicely wrapped in dark poplar wood appliqués, chrome and French-seam stitching. And since research has shown that cool blue light calms and nurtures the soul, that’s what is found illuminating the LaCrosse cabin.

Anti-lock brakes, traction control and StabiliTrak - a stability control system - all help provide enhanced control on a wide variety of road conditions. The intelligent all-wheel-drive system available on the LaCrosse CXL model helps optimize traction by distributing power to the wheels with the most grip.

And the available xenon high-intensity articulating headlamps actually turn as you turn for better visibility. Available Side Blind Zone Alert uses radar to warn the driver when another vehicle is in the outside mirror blind spot. Available Head-Up Display allows one to see instrumentation without taking eyes off of the road.

The new Buick LaCrosse is a celebration of automotive excellence.

“This is truly an exciting time for Buick. Enclave has been a resounding success, and is proof of how our current and future products will continue to hold firmly to Buick’s values of refined performance, elegant styling and premium luxury at affordable prices,” said Susan E. Docherty, North America Vice President, Buick-Pontiac-GMC Channel. “Buick is for customers who want to reward their success with a comfortable, beautifully crafted luxury experience.”

The 2009 Buick Enclave delivers room for as many as eight, plenty of space for cargo, and better fuel economy than competitors’ eight-passenger SUVs. Enclave also offers a starting price that makes its luxury competitors take notice, along with a host of standard equipment and the industry’s best warranty coverage. Simply put, Enclave perfectly integrates Buick’s new global design direction with the brand’s long-standing reputation for quality and craftsmanship.

For 2009, Buick Enclave - available in CX and CXL models, and in front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configurations - delivers more performance from a new, standard 3.6L V-6 direct-injection VVT engine.

This more powerful, more sophisticated, fuel-efficient engine delivers an SAEcertified 288 horsepower and approximately 270 lb.-ft. of torque.

The 3.6L V-6 direct injection VVT engine is mated to the Hydra-Matic 6T75 electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission. It features clutch-to-clutch shift operation, allowing for reduced complexity and compact packaging. The 6T75 also offers automatic grade braking, shift stabilization and precise shift control. In addition, it can provide up to 7-percent improved performance and up to 4-percent improved fuel economy when compared to current front-wheel-drive four-speed automatics.

For Enclaves not equipped with the available navigation system, the Driver Confidence Package is enhanced for 2009 with the addition of the rear backup camera display integrated into the inside rearview mirror. A feature offered by few in the industry, it provides an increased level of safety at a more affordable price. New for 2009 across all models is Bluetooth for phone available with OnStar.

Lucerne, Buick’s most premium sedan, has consistently delivered more of what customers demand from such a vehicle: more technology as well as more comfort, convenience, and safety and security features. Buick has also increased its Lucerne lineup to include the Lucerne Super and Lucerne CXL Special Edition offering a greater variety of premium products in its portfolio.

Enhancements for 2009 include more standard content and a more powerful and efficient 3.9L V-6 engine in CX and CXL models that is FlexFuel capable. Engineered to operate on gasoline, E85 ethanol or a combination of both, this new 3.9L V-6 delivers 227 horsepower and 237 lb.-ft. of torque.

Buick Lucerne delivers an expanded list of standard equipment for 2009. Lucerne CX models now include cornering lamps; six-way power passenger seat; heated power outside rearview mirrors; an extended-range key fob and 17-inch premium chrome plated aluminum wheels.

More standard luxury features are also found on the 2009 CXL model: eight-way heated driver and front-passenger seats; power lumbar adjustments; memory settings; heated leather steering wheel; outside rearview mirrors with integrated turn signal indicator and 17-inch premium painted wheels.

Only two option packages are available on 2009 Lucerne models: the Comfort & Convenience package and the Driver Confidence Package. The Comfort & Convenience package adds dual-zone, automatic climate control, universal home remote and a cargo net. This package is standard on Lucerne CXL and is available on Lucerne CX.

The Driver Confidence package adds StabiliTrak, ultrasonic rear parking assist, remote start, theftdeterrent system and RainSense wipers. It’s available on CX and CXL models.

All Buick vehicles deliver a library-quiet ride, thanks to QuietTuning, an all-encompassing engineering approach aimed at reducing, blocking and absorbing unwanted noise from entering the vehicle’s cabin. Specific QuietTuning examples include acoustical laminate on the windshield and front door glass; steel laminate on the front-of-dash body area; expanded baffles in the roof pillars; extensive use of melt-on sound deadeners throughout the entire lower body structure; and soundabsorbing material throughout the engine, passenger and cargo compartments.

Quality continues to be a longstanding hallmark of Buick. All models are covered by a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-tobumper new vehicle limited warranty. In addition, every Buick is also covered by five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which includes roadside assistance and courtesy transportation.

Buick’s products consistently rank among the leaders in several recent J.D. Power and Associates metrics. Buick’s manufacturing facilities have also received accolades befitting a premium brand, including a bronze award for the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center, where Lucerne is built, and a top ranking of GM’s Oshawa, Ontario, facility, where LaCrosse is produced.

Whether you desire a luxurious sedan or SUV, Buick is driven to bringing premium products to golf enthusiasts and beyond.

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