Catering to luxury customers who rarely push the speedometer above 25 mph, Buick has announced the 2010 LaCrosse will come equipped with GM’s new direct-inject Ecotec 2.4L 4-cylinder. “Buick LaCrosse customers will have the fuel-efficient option of the Ecotec 2.4L direct injection engine, a four-cylinder that is not available by key competitors, such as the Lincoln MKZ and Acura TL,” said Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president. “Features such as a rear-seat entertainment system and remote starting are other technologies that are segment exclusives, contributing to LaCrosse’s balanced package of design, performance and intelligent technology.”

Mated to what Buick has ambiguously dubbed a “new, fuel-efficient” 6-speed automatic gearbox, the new Ecotec is expected to allow the 2010 LaCrosse to achieve segment-leading fuel economy with an average of 30 mpg highway, 20 mpg city. Since green is the new redline, the 2.4L Ecotec’s performance numbers are predictably lackluster, boasting a mere 182 horsepower (136 kW) and 172 lb-ft. of torque (233 Nm). For Buick customers who want to be at the Bingo Hall yesterday, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse also comes with an optional 255-horsepower 3.0L V6 is offered as well as a faster, beefier 280-hp 3.6L V6.

In other news, yes, they’re apparently still making Buicks.