Buick steps up to challenge Lexus: new LaCrosse sedan demonstrates interior refinements and sound reduction measures aimed at matching the best of the Japanese brands

Automotive Industries,  March, 2004  by John McCormick

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As part of a $3 billion effort to become General Motors' lower cost answer to Lexus, Buick is putting new focus on finely crafted interiors and overall refinement.

The first model to showcase these qualities is Buick's 2005 LaCrosse sedan, which takes the place of the Regal and Century this fall. The 2001 appointment of GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz during the development of the LaCrosse led to a delay, while the design was revised and higher goals set for the car.

As a consequence, the design and engineering team improved fit and finish and tightened tolerances outside and inside the LaCrosse, as well as reducing unwanted noise in the cabin and refining drivetrain and suspension characteristics.

Though LaCrosse, built at GM's Oshawa, Canada, plant, carries over GM's front-drive W-body architecture (in parallel with the new Pontiac Grand Prix), it sees major upgrades in terms of hardware, from engines to chassis componentry. The overriding purpose, says Judy Brennan, LaCrosse vehicle line director, is to reassert the once-held notion that seeing a Buick in someone's driveway meant that householder had 'made it.'

"LaCrosse is a very important modal for Buick," adds Mark D. Hines, marketing director for Buick's midsize cars. "Not only does it set the stage for renewal of our entire car line, but it replaces two models--Regal and Century--that account for almost half of Buick car sales. LaCrosse represents four key attributes that Buick will continue to emphasize: smooth power, elegant design, expertly crafted interiors and a comfortable yet responsive ride."

From an engineering perspective that directive has meant an unprecedented concentration on reducing panel gaps. On the exterior the new standard for Buick is 3 mm, while inside the gaps are one mm or less. For example the gap between the handle escutcheon and the surrounding trim panel is 0.25 mm.

Inside, the LaCrosse instrument panel surfaces are low gloss, with attractive graining, chrome and woodgrain accents and soft-touch plastic or paint feel in most areas. "Chrome is making a comeback," says LaCrosse designer, Dennis Burke. "We have bright metal finishes inside and out."

The center stack climate and audio controls are modern looking, cleanly laid out and nearly flush with the panel. LaCrosse has more rear legroom than previous midsize Buicks, thanks to a 1.5-in. increase in wheelbase. Front and rear hip room is also increased.

The interior is configured for either five or six passengers. Five-passenger versions have a wide center armrest with deep storage area and console-mounted gearshift lever. Six-passenger models feature a "flip and fold" seatback cushion that can be converted into a center console/armrest with a large storage bin. The shift lever in six-passenger models is mounted on the steering column.

"For those who need the extra passenger space, LaCrosse's six-passenger configuration is another significant competitive advantage over the import competition," says Hines.

The LaCrosse comes in three versions: the CX has cloth seats, while the CXL and CXS have premium leather seat surfaces sewn in a 'gathered stitch" French seam pattern for durability and elegance. Woven fabrics are used for the headliner and there is a burled wood shifter knob.

Along with interior refinement, the LaCrosse development team promises the car will be extraordinarily quiet, possibly one of the quietest vehicles in GM's stable. Dubbed 'QuietTuning,' the team approach to noise and vibration reduction was all-encompassing and can be seen in new measures throughout the vehicle.

One of the more unusual measures is the use of a Helmholzt resonator, a specially designed chamber aimed at controlling exhaust noise. The resonator was not inexpensive and posed packaging challenges in a tight engine bay, acknowledges Chief Engineer Ed Hufnagle.

As well as the resonator, the extensive series of sound dampening measures include:

* Acoustical laminate on windshield and front side glass.

* Quiet Steel laminate on the front-of-dash body area.

* Expanded baffles in the roof pillars to block noise paths.

* Extensive use of melt-on sound deadener throughout the entire lower body structure.

* A sound-absorbing interior carpet backing and additional headliner pad coverage (using Collins Aikman's 'ACT fiber absorption carpet).

* Specifically designed acoustical engine cow ers and revised exhaust tuning to reduce high-frequency noise.

* A hood insulator pad.

* A sound-absorbing layer under the instrument panel top pad and rear parcel shelf.

According to Hufnagle, these measures combined with minimized body pand gaps, additional foam insetr.s and redesigned seals and gaskets to further reduce wind noise, bring the LaCrosse to sound levels competitive with Lexus.

"We've gone from being on par with a Toyota Camry to level with a Lexus ES300," says Hufnagle. Not surprisingly, applying these measures, especially the laminated glass on front side windows and the sound-absorbing carpet backing was an expensive and challenging undertaking.