February 2006 Your Auto Show Event Guide WHEELS 2 5 BRAND REVIVAL The Evolution of Change Buick lineup incorporates modern styling, high-tech amenities By S tacey M orrison Buick's latest vehicles are more than stand-alone expressions of the automaker's advances in refine ment and sophistication. The quality exemplifies Buick's sleeker designs and cutting-edge technology. Buick's advancement is best illustrated with the new Lucerne -- Buick's first sedan in more than a decade to offer V8 power. The Lucerne boasts a number of Buick firsts. It offers heated and cooled front seats and a dual-depth air bag sys tem. Top-line CXS models also have the most advanced suspension in the automak- j f j | er's history. jjk J The CSX comes equipped with stan- jm m dard Magnetic Ride Control and also fea- U l tures StabiliTrak, a brake assist feature 9 H that detects emergency braking and opti- i f l mizes braking at each wheel. Together ^ ^ 1 this technology helps you make an unprece dented connection with the road, while enjoying Buick's hallmark smooth ride. The Lucerne's sleek design is heightened with styling cues that recall Buick's esteemed heritage, such as the chrome portholes on the car's front flank. Three portholes denote V6 power and four portholes denote V8 power. 197 hp, 3.8-litre V6 on the entry- and mid-level Chrome trim, elegant waterfall grille and avail CX and CXL or an all-aluminum, 4.6-litre, 275 able 18 inch chrome plated aluminum wheels cap hp V8, which is available on CXL models and ture the Lucerne's modem personality, while inside standard on the CXS. Both engines feature elec is available five or six passenger seating as well tronic throttle control and enhanced refinement, as leather and wood finishing. QuietTuning ideally suited to the Lucerne's premium persona. technology employs 26 different sound-absorbing acoustical features to make the Lucerne one of the quietest rides in its class. Lucerne's standard features include seatBuick is turning mounted side impact air bags, ABS, OnStar, Driver Information Centre, power adjustable driver's seat heads with and steering wheel-mounted controls. CXL mod els add items like rainsensing windshield wipers, advanced refinements automatic dual-zone climate control and leather appointed seats. The top-level CXS includes a 9-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and XM Satellite Radio, plus exterior features like Also not to be overlooked is the Allure, anothchrome dual exhausts, integrated turn signals in er testament to Buick's advancements. The midside mirror glass, heated mirrors and fog lights. size sedan is built at GM's award-winning Oshawa, Under the hood, two engines are available: a Ontario, assembly plant, and like the Lucerne features an eye-catching design, plus top-notch craftsmanship and performance. The Allure offers a choice of two sophisticated V6 engines: a 3.8-litre unit producing 200 hp in base and mid-level r\ models and a standard , 1 3.6-litre DOHC V6 with variable valve timing (VVT) delivering 240 hp in the topline CXS. Both engines are noted for their smooth B U IC K A LLU R E v. and quiet power delivery. Performance is refined ' and surefooted, thanks to the Allure's 4-wheel independent suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control on CXS. StabiliTrak, which helps prevent lateral skids, is available, as is the Magnasteer power steering system, standard on CXS which uses computer-controlled electromagnets to adjust steering effort depending on vehicle speed. Inside, the elegant interior is equipped with a lengthy list of staridard features, including a 6-speaker sound system, programmable power door locks, side head curtain air bags and OnStar. Up-level models add items like a remote starter, automatic dual-zone climate control and aluminum wheels. An ultrasonic rear parking assist system is optional, as is exterior chrome detail ing and a sunroof. The rest of the Buick lineup is as equally appeal ing. The Terraza luxury minivan is refined and versatile, offering the latest safety and technolo gy features in addition to flexible seating and sumptuous interior appointments. Or consider the Rendezvous offering the best qualities of a sedan, minivan and SUV in one complete package. The all-wheel-drive Rainier SUV is as capable as it is luxurious. Buick is turning heads with its latest offerings, which will be on display at the 2006 Canadian International AutoShow. Melding traditional crafts manship with modem sensibilities, Buick is setting new standards for quality safety and comfort. B U IC K T E R R A Z A B U IC K R A IN IE R B U IC K R E N D E ZV O U S