Buick has rekindled a name from its storied 20th-century past to mark the beginning of a new level of refinement: Super. The badge is designated exclusively for Buick¡¯s most premium, powerful models and returns to Buick vehicles after 50 years. It will debut on the 2008 model year LaCrosse and Lucerne sedans.

¡°We¡¯re bringing back the Super badge to represent our most premium models,¡± said Steve Shannon, Buick general manager. ¡°Our Supers are not just about increased horsepower; they represent an elevation in design, premium content and ride characteristics that are exclusive to the Super badge.¡±

The Supers are engineered for Buick by the GM Performance Division to inspire performance on demand. The LaCrosse Super is powered by a 300-horsepower (224 kW)* 5.3L small-block V-8 with GM¡¯s Active Fuel Management technology. The LaCrosse Super¡¯s chassis has been sport-tuned to deliver responsive handling characteristics, and the vehicle maintains Buick¡¯s renowned quietness inside.

The Lucerne Super adds a more powerful version of the legendary 4.6L Northstar V-8. It is rated at 292 horsepower (218 kW)*, an increase of more than 6 percent over existing models. The Super has an enhanced chassis with a specially tuned version of Lucerne¡¯s Magnetic Ride Control system, for a refined, premium ride that simultaneously enables crisp, responsive handling.

Buick Super: elevated design, power and performance

Design elements on the LaCrosse Super and Lucerne Super denote the new face of Buick. Design cues echo those seen on the popular Velite convertible concept vehicle ¨C and recently introduced on the Buick Enclave luxury crossover SUV ¨C including a new waterfall grille and portholes. The LaCrosse Super is the first and only LaCrosse model offered with Buick¡¯s iconic portholes; there are four per side to highlight the V-8 engine.

In addition to distinctive design, the LaCrosse Super and Lucerne Super deliver leading-edge performance and refinement. The 5.3L and 4.6L V-8 engines are renowned for balancing performance and fuel economy. They are complemented by specially tuned suspension systems.

Like all Buick models, LaCrosse and Lucerne Supers are built with an exclusive engineering process called QuietTuning to reduce, block and absorb noise from entering the interior. Laminated side window glass, sound-deadening material in the body structure, hydraulic mounts in the engine compartment and more reduce interior noise. Even exhaust nodes have been tuned for overall sound quality. These features contribute to a quiet, refined driving experience.