Global Concepts (Part 2) Buick LaCrosse The Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan can be quickly converted to a carrier of oversized cargo when panels open to create a pickup-type bed. The five-passenger vehicle can be transformed by voice command with the back window and trunk lid sliding forward to reveal the cargo area. The car can then transport bulky cargo in its 1020 x 1020 mm (40 x 40 in) open bed. Load-bed length can be more than doubled by moving the sunroof forward and under the other panel as the rear seatback folds down. The versatility is aided by structural reinforcements in the roof arches and door sills and substantial cross-car beams in the forward portion of the roof and the load floor between the rear wheels. The car's power-operated hood opens from the side to reveal a Buick-branded 198-kW (265-hp) 4.2-L version of GM's premium V8. Four-wheel independent suspension, Brembo four-wheel antilock brakes, and 21-in Michelin run-flat tires are part of the package. The interior is unusually clean, with no gauges or instruments immediately visible except for an analog clock in the center of the front panel. Voice commands and a centrally located mouse/joystick are used to operate various systems including the transmission, headlamps and taillamps, turn signals, wipers, cellular telephone, OnStar navigation, climate control, and audio/video entertainment. The data or menu selected by the driver is presented in a color head-up display. Eight airbags are fitted-two in front of the front-seat occupants, one on each side of both the front and rear seats and one in each roof rail.

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