(continued from above)
Regal with eAssist joins the 2012 LaCrosse as the second Buick to feature the
efficiency-enhancing technology. The system uses a state-of-the-art lithium-ion
battery system, electric induction motor-generator and regenerative braking
capability to improve fuel economy. Its fuel economy tops competitors such as
the Acura TSX, rated at 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. Regal's estimated 37 mpg
on the highway is 20 percent greater and the TSX doesn't offer a six-speed
automatic transmission, which is standard on the Buick.
"Buick's eAssist
technology means customers don't have to trade a premium driving experience for
efficiency," said Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick marketing. "We believe
Regal and LaCrosse with eAssist provide more logical and affordable choices,
compared to other hybrid midsize and full-size luxury sedans."
2012 Buick
Regal with eAssist goes on sale this fall. It joins an expanding lineup that
also includes 2.4L and 2.0L Turbo (with manual transmission) models, as well as
the upcoming Regal GS. Regal with eAssist offers the range of luxury and
convenience packages offered in the other models, along with unique features
that include:
- Lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels and tires with lower rolling resistance
- A driver-selectable, fuel economy-optimizing mode for the air
conditioning system, which enables more frequent and longer-duration engine
stop periods
- An ECO gauge on the instrument panel that continuously responds to
driving behavior, enabling the driver to drive with greater efficiency
- A powerflow readout in the 7-inch infotainment screen, which shows the
flow of energy through the electric assist system, such as battery charging
from regeneration and electric power directed to the engine.
2012 Regal's eAssist Details
Mated to 2012 Buick Regal's 2.4L Ecotec direct
injection four-cylinder engine and next-generation six-speed automatic
transmission, the eAssist system uses power stored in the battery to provide
needed electrical boost in various driving scenarios, optimizing engine and
transmission operation. An advanced 115V lithium-ion battery and
latest-generation 15-kW induction motor-generator unit help increase fuel
economy through:
- Regenerative braking, which provides up to 15 kW of electricity to
charge the battery
- Providing up to 11 kW (15 hp) of electric power assistance during
acceleration
- Automatic engine shut-off when the vehicle is stopped
- Aggressive fuel cut-off during deceleration down to zero vehicle speed,
enabled by the torque smoothing provided by the induction motor-generator
unit
- Intelligent charge/discharge of the high-voltage battery.
"The capability to deliver electric boost to the powertrain system during
heavy acceleration and grade driving enables the engine and transmission to
operate more efficiently," said Steve Poulos, global chief engineer of the
eAssist system. "Full fuel shutoff at stops and during deceleration complements
electric boost and regenerative braking with additional fuel savings."
Buick Regal eAssist: Review (2/2)
