The launch of the 2012 GM Korea Alpheon, the Korean equivalent of the Buick Lacrosse, is imminent. For this updated version of Korea's most prestigious sedan that made it the "Luxury for Professional", the 2012 Alpheon gets new features such as Lane Departure Warning System and Smart Audio Color System. For the 2.4L variant, the fuel economy is improved from 10.6km/L (estimate 25MPG) to now, 11.3km/L (27MPG estimate).
Slated for Korean sale this late summer following the entry-level grade this October, GM Daewoo's newest luxury sedan, the Alpheon, is truly the main target of the new Kia K7 and the upcoming Hyundai Grandeur HG, despite the pricing Koreans want to know more about this medium-sized premium sedan.
Do not be hasty just because the Alpheon is the OEM of the second-generation Buick LaCrosse, this would be different from what you used to the new LaCrosse. Pretend you will learn more about this car for the first time, readers. The Alpheon delivers a gorgeous exterior that makes its rivals mow down before the might of the Alpheon's prestige design which is simply a Korean-American flair. It is equipped with adaptive headlamps so whenever you turn the steering wheel from the left to the right, the Alpheon's headlamps will also turn left or right, for a safer night driving in any direction.
The Alpheon's interior shows its true beauty with its swooping lines scattered around the premium interior. At night, the Alpheon shows its Ice Blue lighting that shows its aura of elegance with an exquisite contrast, leaving the Kia K7's interior mowed down before its might. With an 8-inch navigation system equipped on the Alpheon, this premium Korean-American sedan shows the right way and the enjoyment on the go thanks to the Digital Media Broadcasting (DMB) feature so you will never miss a thing when it comes to sports, music, news, and entertainment.
The Alpheon comes with the 3.0L V6 SIDI engine that has a power output of 265 PS/ 6900 RPM and a torque output of 29.6 kg-m/ 5600 RPM. On the downside, this engine spec was not good enough to outsmart the Kia K7's 3.5L V6 engine, but with the entry-level 2.4L engine (coming this fall) with the 185 PS of power output, the Alpheon declares checkmate against the K7's 180 PS 2.4L engine because it has 5 PS more.
My thoughts about the Alpheon:
Since GM Daewoo planned to bring the Chevrolet brand to Korea next year, would the GM Daewoo branded cars be branded as Chevrolet in the Korean market? The answer will be revealed in the near future. As for that, we have to make do with the latest offering that slots between the Holden Statesman-based GM Daewoo Veritas premium sedan, and the Buick LaCrosse-based GM Daewoo Alpheon are made for the Korean alpha males suitable for their luxury lifestyles. The Kia K7 seems to be catchy enough to topple against the Alpheon but if all else attacks, the Alpheon will strike back, just as the LaCrosse dubbed as the "Lexus Fighter" by the press when General Motors has resurfaced despite the never-ending Lehman Shock. That Lehman Shock claimed many of everyone's favorite car genres, will the Alpheon pay it back from them?
Since 2004, Buick's new premium mid-size sedan, known as the LaCrosse, replaced the traditional Buick Century and Regal as part of re-visioning the Buick brand. Not only the LaCrosse provides exceptional comfort as a sedan, but also this premium sedan's packaging and performance truly offered for executives everywhere. This year, when GM pulled out of bankruptcy under a new name, new set of rules, and a new lease of life for the company, Buick blows the cover for the new look and new features of the Buick LaCrosse. With this new premium look of this American executive sedan, this is truly an one-stop premium sedan offered for its packaging, styling, and performance you can trust.
The reason why automobile enthusiasts called the new LaCrosse a real "prize fighter" against Toyota's Lexus division is simply the way this luxury car was born to do this that the LaCrosse is the direct competitor to the Lexus ES (formerly known as Toyota Windom that is now sold in most countries, including the Philippines). How to consider the new face of the LaCrosse is simply beautiful enough to balance and contrast the aspects of both luxury and sportiness of the vehicle thanks to its new headlamps, new grille, new rear lamps, and the side view cannot describe where the lines start. Honestly, the exterior of the new LaCrosse resembles Buick's design language as seen on the Enclave crossover.
The second-generation LaCrosse carries two different types of engines to choose from; the 3.0-litre GM High Feature V6 engine capable of having 255-259PS of power and the high-performance 3.6-litre, HFV6 engine that delivers almost 300PS of power. All LaCrosse variants are powered with the electronically powered, 6-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control. Aside from the engine and transmission details, the new LaCrosse has it all; MacPherson struts, two rear suspension choices (4-link or H-arm), power brakes, StabiliTrak, engine block heater, dual exhaust systems, and a host of packages available to suit the drivers' need
With the sportiness of the sports car, the premium luxury comes standard in the new LaCrosse; ice-blue lighting, premium audio system, panoramic sunroof, navigation system, rear-seat entertainment system, climate control, and longer legroom to experience the word "premium" to a completely new level. Much ado to advance the word "premium" , the LaCrosse exceeds the luxury amenities to bring executives a touch of class.
GAME ON!
With the LaCrosse out to the public a few moments ago, General Motors' Buick division finally gets a face-lift thanks to the new look of the Buick LaCrosse. Because of such premium features to bring this premium medium-sized sedan a bar to rise, will this new look keep rising up the bar to General Motors? Step inside the LaCrosse and prepare yourselves to blown by the raw power of its V6 engine and make you comfortable on the inside.
