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General Motors hinted both recently and last year that it planned to revive the Buick "Super" line of yesteryear. Well, Motor Trend got a sneak peak at two of the vehicles, the Buick Lacrosse Super and Lucerne Super.
The biggest change will be each vehicle's engine. The Lacrosse Super will be equipped with an all-aluminum 5.3 liter V-8 straight from its Chevrolet Impala SS and (soon to be replaced) Pontiac Grand Prix GXP cousins. It generates 300 hps and 323 lb-ft of torque. The Lacrosse Super will continue to use a four-speed automatic. The Lucerne Super will receive a tuned up version of GM's Northstar V-8 used in the Cadillac DTS. The V-8 generates 292 hps and 288 lb-ft of torque.
 Other changed include a new grille from the Buick Velite concept, more sportier suspensions and gearing, and features such as lip spoilers. Pricing is not available at this time though Motor Trend writes the Lacrosse Super will cost $2,000 more than the current top CXS trim while the Lucerne Super will cost an additional $1,000 to $1,500 more.
The Buick Supers will debut at the New York Auto Show.
Our take? Both engines exceed their competitors' offerings. (Lincoln MKZ and Toyota Avalon against the Lacrosse; Chrysler 300C and Lexus ES350 versus the Lucerne respectively.) But horsepower is an arms race: Don’t be surprised if Chrysler, Lexus, Lincoln, and—especially—Toyota offer more powerful and/or technological advance engines in the near future. Also, their products offer features: five to six speed automatic transmissions, reclining rear seating, RWD, etc., simply not matched by the Buick Supers.
Additional articles:
Buick Bounce Back Continues With Fewer, But Better Vehicles
2007 Buick Lucerne, LaCrosse Gets Updates In Color, Tech
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