NEW FOR 2008:

Click image to enlarge Images courtesy: Buick

- New Lucerne Super model with 292-hp 4.6-litre V8 engine
- Optional V8 discontinued on CXL model
- Available side blind zone alert and lane departure warning system
- XM Satellite Radio standard on CXL
- Revised equipment packages
- StabiliTrak with brake assist available on CX and CXL
- Black chrome grille standard on CXS
- Exterior colours: White Diamond, Crystal Red, Dark Mocha Metallic and Dark Crimson Metallic

For 2008, the Buick Lucerne receives several upgrades, and a new V8 model that will debut in the spring of 2008; as with the Allure, the Super - a name last used in 1958 - will be the top-line model.

The larger of Buick's two sedan models, the Lucerne is available with a choice of three engines: a 3.8-litre V6 in the CX and CXL, a 275-hp 4.6-litre V8 in the CXS, and the new 292-hp 4.6-litre V8 in the Super. All use a four-speed automatic transmission that's heavy-duty in the V8 models.

Features on the CX include 16-inch aluminum wheels, air conditioning, cloth seats with six-way power driver's adjustment, power mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, rear-seat pass-through, cruise control, floor mats, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, leather-wrapped tilt wheel with audio controls, illuminated vanity mirrors, power windows, CD stereo, power locks with keyless entry, automatic headlamps and OnStar.

The CXS adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seats, six-way power passenger seat, front cornering lights, heated mirrors with auto-dimming driver's side, cargo net, garage door opener, CD/MP3 stereo, and XM Satellite Radio.

The CXL adds 18-inch aluminum wheels, eight-way power heated leather seats with memory, fog lamps, heated mirrors with auto-dimming driver's side and integrated turn signals, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass, heated power tilt and telescopic wheel, premium speaker system, Magnasteer magnetic speed-sensitive variable-assist steering, sport-tuned suspension with magnetic ride control, theft deterrent system, rear parking assist and StabiliTrak stability control.

While it offers a traditional Buick ride and features, the Lucerne can also be optioned as a performance model, with a choice of two V8 engines, sport-tuned suspension and ride control that brings Buick back to its roots as a powerful contender in the full-size market. It's surprising that StabiliTrak stability control is not offered as standard equipment on all trim lines, but it can be optioned on everything. For those who need to consistently haul a crowd, the front bucket seats on the CX and CXL models can be optioned to a 40/20/40 front bench seat (with leather upholstery and heated seats on the CXL) that turn them into six-passenger models.