Overview

What Changed for 2009:

• Flex-fuel capable, 227-hp V-6 engine standard on CX and CXL models
• Additional standard equipment on CX models
• Luxury features added as standard on CXL models
• New 17-inch wheels on CX and CXL
• Chrome grille replaces black grille on CXL models
• Bluetooth hands-free phone interface new and standard on all models
• XM NavTraffic and OnStar Destination Download available
• Only two option packages available
• Three new exterior colors

Overview
The Buick Lucerne made its debut in 2006, when it replaced both the LeSabre and Park Avenue to become Buick's largest and most luxurious car. The 4-door Lucerne features some of GM's more innovative technologies, including Magnetic Ride Control-a feature heretofore found only on the Chevrolet Corvette-as well as side blind-zone alert and lane-departure warning systems. The sedately-styled Lucerne features Buick's legendary portholes on the front fenders: Three portholes per side indicate V-6 power, while four portholes per side denote a V-8 engine. For 2009, a flex-fuel-capable, 227-hp V-6 engine is standard on CX and CXL models. Developed by GM's Performance Division, the Lucerne Super features a 292-hp V-8 engine, stiffer suspension, and unique styling cues.

Model Lineup
The 2009 Buick Lucerne is available in three models: CX, CXL and top-of-the-line Super, introduced mid-year 2008. The Lucerne CX now features an expanded list of standard equipment, including cornering lamps; 6-way power passenger seat; heated power outside rearview mirrors; extended-range key fob; and 17-inch premium painted wheels. CX models have cloth seating in 5-passenger configurations, with 6-passenger seating available. Only two option packages are available on 2009 Lucerne: Comfort & Convenience (with dual-zone, automatic climate control, universal home remote and cargo net), standard on CXL and Super and available on CX, and Driver Confidence (electronic stability control, rear parking assist, remote start, theft-deterrent system, RainSense wipers and heated washer fluid), standard on Super, available on CX and CXL. Three new exterior colors-Mystic Sapphire Tricoat, Quicksilver Metallic and Cyber Gray Metallic (CX, CXL and Super)-are available, while Super adds Black Onyx and Crystal Red Tintcoat.

The Lucerne CXL for 2009 has more standard luxury features as well, including 8-way heated driver and front-passenger seats; power lumbar adjustments; memory settings; heated leather steering wheel; outside rearview mirrors with integrated turn signal indicator; and 17-inch premium painted wheels. Lucerne CXL has standard 5-passenger leather seating, with 6-passenger seating available. A chrome grille replaces the black painted grille. Lucerne Super features a more powerful V-8 engine; premium steering components; Magnetic Ride Control; 18-inch aluminum wheels and P245/50R18 all-season radial tires; unique grille, front and rear fascias and rocker panels; integrated exhaust tips and "Super" decklid badge; leather-wrapped instrument panel with French seam stitching; suede trim on doors and standard heated and cooled front seats; heated walnut wood-accented steering wheel and walnut wood shifter.

Powertrain
For 2009, Buick Lucerne CX and CXL models are powered by a more powerful 3.9-liter V-6 engine that delivers an SAE-certified 227 hp at 5700 rpm and 237 lb.-ft. of torque at 3200 rpm. This is 30 more hp than last year's 3.8-liter V-6 engine. For the first time in Lucerne, the engine is flex-fuel capable, able to run on all-gasoline, up to 85 percent ethanol, or any combination of the two. Lucerne Super is powered by a 4.6-liter Northstar V-8 engine tuned for 292 hp at 6300 rpm and 288 lb.-ft. of torque at 4500 rpm. All 2009 Buick Lucerne models have a 4-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive, and all feature electronic throttle control. EPA fuel economy estimates are 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway for the V-6 engine; and 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway for the Lucerne Super V-8 engine. Premium fuel is recommended, but not required, for the V-8 engines, while V-6 models run on regular unleaded fuel.

Safety
All 2009 Buick Lucerne models feature six standard air bags, including a dual-stage driver front front air bag; side-impact thorax air bags; roof-rail curtain air bags; and a dual-depth front passenger air bag, which can deploy in two different shapes and pressures. Other safety features include 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and traction control; electronic stability control with brake assist; and OnStar with GM's Advanced Crash Response System.

In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests, the 2009 Buick Lucerne received a perfect 5 stars in the frontal collision test, 4 of 5 stars for both front and rear passenger protection in the side collision test, and 5 stars in the rollover-resistance test.

Technology
Bluetooth for Phone, now standard on all 2009 Buick Lucerne models, allows for hands-free calling. The system uses OnStar's voice recognition to interpret voice commands to dial phone numbers and name tags, while conversations play through the vehicle's audio system. XM Satellite Radio features an enhanced display, and XM NavTraffic delivers real-time traffic information via a touch-screen navigation system. OnStar Destination Download enables subscribers with screen-based navigation systems to input destinations with a button press.

Side blind-zone alert uses side-facing radar sensors at the vehicle's corners to scan for moving objects within a 150-degree arc and an approximately 11-foot range from the vehicle's rear corners. If the system detects an object in the driver's blind spot, it triggers a warning light in the Lucerne's rearview mirror. Lane-departure warning uses a camera mounted near the Lucerne's rearview mirror to detect lane markings and sounds an alert if the car drifts from its lane. Both systems are available together as an optional upgrade to the Driver Confidence package.