LaCrosse gets a few updates for 2018

Despite last year’s thorough redesign, the Buick LaCrosse is getting another set of tweaks — but you won’t be able to see them.

For 2018, a 2.5-litre four-cyilnder engine paired to GM’s eAssist electric motor to make a mild hybrid powertrain, will be standard. The electric motor and 0.45 kWh lithium-ion battery result in a 19-percent bump in fuel economy compared to the V6, but GM hasn’t dished any official output figures just yet.

And speaking of the V6, the engine will now be paired with GM’s new ninespeed automatic transmission. Beyond the LaCrosse, GM says more Buick vehicles will get the new automatic transmission by next year.