The all-new Buick LaCrosse hasn’t even been on the market for a year, but we’re already seeing slight changes to the sedan’s lineup. First and foremost, the 3.0-liter V6 (originally offered on CX and CXL models) has been discontinued, meaning customers who want six-pot power will have to make due with the well-received 3.6-liter direct-injected mill. However, all-wheel drive, which was initially only offered with the 3.0, can now be had on 3.6 CXL models.

The big update for 2011, though, is the addition of General Motors’ 2.4-liter direct-injected inline-four to the LaCrosse. Available only on the base CX, the 2.4-liter mill is good for 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque, and achieves up to 30 miles per gallon on the highway. While that might sound relatively impressive, keep in mind that GM managed to squeeze 30 mpg out of the larger V6 in the Camaro, 31  mpg of 5.0l in Mustang and that the Equinox CUV also trumpets a 30 mpg rating out of its four-banger, too.

Press release and photos after the jump.

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