Oshawa-built Lacrosse gets a boost
by Canadian Manufacturing Daily Staff
GM releases details on the 2012 Buick Lacrosse and its revamped engine
OSHAWA—The 2012 Buick LaCrosse will be available with a new, more powerful and fuel-efficient version of its direct-injected 3.6L V-6 engine, according to its manufacturer, General Motors (GM).
The 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing has a SAE-certified 303 horsepower on the front-wheel-drive LaCrosse, an increase of 23 hp and 264 lb.-ft. of torque with no loss in fuel efficiency (12.1 L/100km in the city and 7.3 L/100km on the highway).
An all-wheel-drive version, rated at 12.7 L/100km in the city and 7.7 L/100km on the highway, will also be available.
GM says the lighter-weight aluminum alloy V-6 is more powerful than its predecessor because its cylinder head design has a revised intake port design, enhancing airflow to the combustion chambers. Larger-diameter intake valves in the heads and new, longer-duration intake camshafts help provide the engine’s boost in horsepower.
The engine retains direct fuel injection, enabling greater combustion efficiency, but uses a new fuel pump and an isolated fuel rail.
Direct injection also delivers reduced emissions, particularly on cold starts, where hydrocarbon emissions are cut by about 25 per cent.
