The Buick LaCrosse is a large luxury sedan and the flagship model of the Buick brand. Redesigned for 2010 onward, the car has a starting price of $27,835. The LaCrosse is sold in the United States and China, and was developed with both markets in mind.

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The entry-level CX model features front-wheel-drive and a 255 horsepower motor. The CXL, which features a leather interior and more luxury features, is slightly more expensive at $30,395. All-wheel-drive is a $2,175 option. The range-topping CXS features AWD standard, plus a more powerful 280 hp V6.

In addition to replacing the previous LaCrosse, the new model will also fill the Lucerne's shoes after its eventual discontinuation. The company is hoping the redesigned Lacrosse will kick-start sales for Buick. Although buyers snatched up 150,744 LeSabres â€' the Lucerne’s predecessor â€' in 1997, sales dropped off considerably thereafter. With the new Lacrosse expected to take over that role of two previous models, GM is targeting higher volume than in recent years.

In terms of exterior design, the Lacrosse builds on the theme established by the Enclave crossover. Buick has relocated its signature portholes from the front fender to the hood â€' a seemingly more functional location. Most of the other details follow Buick's latest design language, including the 'waterfall' grille and smooth sculpted surfaces.

The Invicta show car's cabin was not toned down at all for production, which is great news considering interiors have been a weak point for GM up until recently. Similar to what we saw recently with the redesigned Chevrolet Equinox, the LaCrosse continues GM's new twin-pod gauge design.

The 2010 LaCrosse will be offered in three models - CX, CXL and CXS. The CX will be equipped with a new 3.0-liter direct injection V6, premium cloth seats and 17-inch wheels. The engine generates an estimated 255 horsepower and 211 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic.

The CXL variant is equipped with the same motor, but adds leather-appointed heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lamps, outside rearview mirror with LED turn indicators and puddle lamps, and 18-inch wheels. AWD is available.

Lastly, the CXS comes with a more powerful 3.6-liter direct injection V6, real-time active-dampening suspension, perforated leather heated and cooled seats, and chrome-plated 18-inch wheels (19-inch optional). The motor, mated to a six-speed automatic, generates an estimated 280 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque.

Codenamed GMX353, the new LaCrosse is the first car in the United States to ride on the new global front-wheel drive Epsilon II platform. The new Buick will be assembled at GM's Fairfax facility starting in February. The LaCrosse should hit dealer showrooms in mid-2009 as a 2010 model. LaCrosse annual production is estimated in the 65,000 to 75,000 per year range.