Buick: What's coming in 2010 - - and beyond

CONFIRMED FOR 2010:

ENCLAVE: Premium stereos now include a USB port for media players. New options include 20" wheels and a backup camera with a screen in the rear view mirror. The optional navigation system now features real-time traffic reports via XM NavTraffic.

LACROSSE/ALLURE: (photo) Buick's mid-size sedan is all new, with bold styling intended to bring some much-needed attention to this oft-overlooked sedan. CX and CXL models will initially be powered by an all-new 255 horsepower 3.0 liter V6 with direct fuel injection coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission; later in the model year, the CX will get a 182 hp 2.4 liter four-cylinder direct-injected engine as standard. CX models utilize front-wheel-drive, while the CXL offers optional all-wheel-drive. The top-of-the-line CXS gets a 280 hp 3.6 liter direct-injected V6, 6-speed automatic and front-wheel-drive. Available features include adaptive headlights, a blind spot warning system, and a DVD entertainment system. Because the word "LaCrosse" has unsavory connotations in Quebec French, the car will once again be known as the Allure in Canada.

2010 Buick LaCrosse test drive
2010 Buick LaCrosse photo gallery
LUCERNE: The big Buick rolls into 2010 with minor changes. The fog lights and rocker panels from last year's Super are now standard across the board, there are some new paint choices (and a few old colors stricken from the lineup), and the Super gets new optional 18" chrome wheels. Inside, the base model (Lucerne CX) now offers optional Bluetooth, the mid-line CXL gets new interior colors, and all models get a backlit instrument cluster.

BEYOND 2010:

LUCERNE: The Lucerne will be discontinued some time in the next two years, leaving the LaCrosse as the flagship car.

NEW COMPACT SEDAN: Buick will launch a compact sedan based on the same platform as the Chevrolet Cruze.

NEW CROSSOVERS: Buick has cancelled its plan to add a compact crossover SUV based on the same platform as the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox, but they are still working on a smaller subcompact SUV.

REGAL: (photo) The 2011 Buick Regal is a rebadged version of GM's European-market Opel Insignia. Buick's new mid-size sedan will offer a choice of direct-injected four-cylinder engines, a 182 hp 2.4 liter unit and a 220 hp turbocharged 2.0-liter unit. Both will get 6-speed automatic transmissions, and the turbo will be available with a 6-speed manual