Buick Intends to Sell 2017 LaCrosse AWD on Performance Perks
2017 Buick LaCrosse
Photo: © General Motors
Buick revealed its new 2017 LaCrosse last month at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show, and according to the man in charge of marketing it to the world when it arrives next year, the plan will be to push its AWD variation as hard as possible.
Doug Osterhoff, LaCrosse Marketing Manager, spoke with Automotive News about the LaCrosse’s twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system, which will be supplied by Britain’s GKN Driveline. He states that the AWD system will have a broader appeal than that of the current AWD system because of a “real performance element” that is said to make it quicker and nimbler in terms of accelerating and cornering.
Accordingly, Osterhoff and Buick expect the AWD LaCrosse to “have more play” in warm-weather states where the LaCrosse tends to sell as a front-wheel-drive model first. The new twin-clutch AWD system is said to use a pair of electronically-controlled clutch packs to disperse toque to the front or back wheels depending on driving conditions. These clutches remove the need for a differential and allows 100% lateral grip across the rear axle, resulting in smooth handling and performance.
The same AWD system will also appear in the upcoming 2017 Cadillac XT5 crossover, adding the ability to disconnect from AWD mode entirely while in Tour mode or at speeds above 40 mph in other modes.
News Source: Automotive News (subscription required)
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