2012 Regal to Offer New eAssistTM Fuel-Saving Technology



* eAssist "light electrification" system improves fuel economy 25 percent

* Estimated 26 mpg city / 37 mpg highway (pending EPA certification)

* On sale this fall



CHICAGO - Buick announced the 2012 Regal with eAssistTM fuel-saving technology, which improves overall fuel economy by 25 percent over the 2011 four-cylinder/six-speed powertrain. Estimated fuel economy is 26 mpg city and 37 mpg on the highway (pending EPA certification).



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."



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.

eAssist details

Mated to 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."



Regal with eAssist technology also features improved underbody aerodynamics and tires optimized for performance and fuel economy. It also features a hill-assist system that captures brake pressure to help the driver more comfortably accelerate from a stop on a moderate or steep grade. It does this by greatly reducing the tendency of the vehicle to roll backward with the engine in shut-down mode.



The eAssist system's 115V air-cooled lithium-ion battery bolsters the 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder engine with approximately 11 kW (15 hp) of electric power assist during heavy acceleration and 15 kW of regenerative braking power. The system also enables the Ecotec engine to shut down fuel delivery in certain deceleration conditions, which saves additional fuel. While in fuel shut-off mode, the induction motor-generator unit continues spinning along with the engine to provide immediate and smooth take-off power when the driver presses on the accelerator. Then, as the vehicle comes to a stop, the induction motor-generator unit spins the engine, bringing it to a smooth stop - properly positioned for a smooth restart.



"The battery system is designed to provide power assistance to the internal combustion engine, rather than store energy for all-electric propulsion," said Poulos. "It's really an extension of the conventional internal combustion engine, not a replacement for it."



The eAssist power pack contains the lithium-ion battery pack, the integrated power inverter and 12V power supply. It is located in a compartment between the rear seat and trunk; and it is surprisingly compact and lightweight, weighing only about 65 pounds (29 kg). Trunk space is slightly reduced when compared with 2011 models with the four-cylinder/six-speed powertrain, but still offers 11.1 cubic feet (314 liters) of storage. A quiet electric fan cools the power pack, drawing air from a vent located in the package tray, behind the rear seat.



The eAssist system's electric induction motor-generator is mounted to the engine in place of the alternator to provide both motor assist and electric-generating functions through a unique engine belt-drive system. The induction motor-generator is a high-performance, compact induction motor that is liquid-cooled for increased performance and efficiency.



Next-generation six-speed

The eAssist system works with Regal's direct injected 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder and next-generation six-speed automatic powertrain combination. In the Regal with eAssist, the engine is rated at 182 horsepower (136 kW) and the next-generation Hydra-Matic 6T40 takes transmission technology to the next level with features designed to enhance powertrain efficiency.



Significant internal transmission changes to clutch controls and hardware provide reduced spin losses while improving shift response and time. The added electric power provided by the eAssist system allows for higher gearing to improve steady state efficiency without impacting acceleration performance or driveability. The system's ability to provide some electric assistance at cruising speeds allows the driver to accelerate lightly or ascend mild grades without the transmission downshifting.



An auxiliary, electric-driven transmission oil pump is added to the 6T40, which keeps the transmission primed and the fluid flowing when the engine shuts down at a stop. That keeps the transmission ready to perform when the driver accelerates, for a seamless, uncompromised driving experience.

2012 Buick LaCrosse Hybrid

2012 LaCrosse Comes Standard With New EassistTM Fuel-Saving Technology, For 37 Mpg Highway Fuel Economy In A Full-Size Sedan with a full-size luxury sedan featuring 37 mpg highway and 25 mpg city for about $30,000 (exact pricing has not yet been set)

Boost in fuel economy comes with no compromises in the driving experience



Buick unveils the 2012 LaCrosse with eAssist,TM a new fuel-saving technology that increases fuel economy by 25 percent compared to the four-cylinder/six-speed powertrain in the 2011 LaCrosse. The eAssist technology provides class-leading highway fuel economy of 37 mpg, while maintaining the luxury, performance and value expected from Buick's flagship sedan.



The eAssist system becomes the standard powertrain on LaCrosse starting next summer. The system uses a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery system and electric motor-generator to enable regenerative braking capability to improve LaCrosse fuel economy by an estimated 25 percent.

GM dealers reportedly fretting over too tight crossover and truck inventories

You may be surprised to hear, though, that a dwindling supply of available inventory is one of the major problems some dealerships are currently reporting. We're not shocked to hear there's only a six-day supply of Chevrolet Camaro models on hand, but dealers are also seeking remedies for shortages of Buick Enclaves, GMC Yukon SUVs and extended-cab Sierra pickups, as well as limited supplies of Chevrolet Silverado trucks.


In these dark days of bankruptcy proceedings, ever-dwindling sales figures and decades of receding market share, General Motors' base of dealerships certainly has plenty of things to keep it up at night.



For a company that has historically had an unhealthy attachment to high inventories across their brands, this is an unusual development indeed.


GM is aware of the shortages and Mark LaNeve, vice president of vehicle sales, service and marketing, tells Automotive News that the shortage is a normal part of the adjustment process from the old days of carrying a 120-day supply of vehicles to today's goal of a leaner 75-day supply.


The General's messenger further suggests that dealers trade inventory with each other to bolster inventory until the automaker is ready to rekindle its assembly lines beginning on Monday, July 13 after the company's extended summer shutdown.
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Cadillac XTS Luxury Sedan to Arrive in 2011?

A new luxury sedan called the Cadillac XTS is apparently being planned for production by the new General Motors. The car is said to be going after the best from Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz, which means the A8, 7 Series, LS and S-Class respectively. Suppliers were told about this high-class stretch sedan at a briefing where it was also revealed that manufacturing will happen at the company's plant in Oshawa, Ontario. Cadillac will be replacing the slow-selling DTS with the XTS.
Read full story from worldcarfans

All New Opel Astra Revealed

While these aren't the first photos of the all-new Astra, they are certainly the best we've seen up until now, revealing Opel's (Vauxhall in the UK) new subcompact hatch in all its glory ahead of its scheduled world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Clearly influenced by the Insignia, the sixth generation Astra hatch is based on GM's new Delta platform that also underpins the Chevy Volt and Cruze models and it comes with a new set of engines including 1.4-liter and 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol units.


2010 Opel Astra - CarscoopEuropean buyers of the Astra will be able to select from a broad selection of gasoline and diesel engines. Aside from an entry-level 1.4-naturally aspirated engine and the Insignia-derived 1.6-liter Turbo with 180HP, the Astra's petrol range will also include GM's new 1.4-liter turbocharged unit. It will be offered with outputs ranging from 120 hp to 140 hp and torque values of 175 to 200 Nm. General Motors says that the 1.4 Turbo engine will deliver fuel savings of up to 8 percent compared to the naturally aspirated 1.6 and 1.8-liter engines that it will replace.


A selection of engines will be available beginning with a 1.4-litre naturally aspirated petrol. A turbo 1.4-litre is also on the cards and will deliver power outputs ranging from 120hp (88kW) to 140hp (103kW). Torque is said to range from 175Nm to 200Nm. There is also the 1.6-litre turbo from the Insignia with 180hp (132kW).


The diesel range comprises of 1.3-liter, 1.7-liter and 2.0-liter turbocharged units ranging from 95 to 160HP while Opel also plans to introduce an ecoFLEX version with low CO2 emissions and improved fuel economy sometime in 2010.


No Astra engine range is complete without the turbo diesel. On that front 1.3-litre, 1.7-litre and 2.0-litre turbo diesels are to be sold.


2010 Opel Astra - CarscoopUnlike VW's rivaling Golf VI with its stale design language that keeps evolving from previous generation models, the new Astra features a new design and from what we reckon by looking at the photos, it will be a head turner. It's up to date and clean looks combine a sleek and sporty shape with the latest Opel styling cues such as the characteristic scalloped side blades and the Insignia-inspired headlights.


The new Astra goes on sale in Europe in the autumn of 2010 in the five-door shape. Later on in the year and in early 2011 the GTC coupe and wagon versions will follow. Previous reports suggest that the US market may get the Astra as a Buick sometime in 2011. Before then it will be exhibited at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Source:carscoop



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Opel may come to America

GM's decision to drop its Saturn brand after 2011 puts the automaker's U.S. divisions in line to get a version of the cutting-edge Opel Insignia, the European-designed model that was to replace the current Saturn Aura.

Automotive News reports a person familiar with GM's product plans says the Insignia will hit Buick dealerships as a replacement for the discontinued Regal sedan.
more detail. ...




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2008 Buick LaCrosse Super Views

2008 Buick LaCrosse Super Views

2008 Buick LaCrosse Super

2008 Buick LaCrosse Super interior

2008 Buick LaCrosse Super Specs

Base price	$32,605
Vehicle layout	Front-engine, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door, sedan
Engine	5.3L/300-hp*/323-lb-ft* OHV 16-valve V-8
Transmission	4-speed automatic
Curb weight	3800 lb (mfr)
Wheelbase	110.5 in
Length x width x height	198.1 x 73.0 x 57.4 in
0-60 mph	6.0 sec (MT est)
EPA city/hwy fuel econ	16/24 mpg
CO2 emissions	1.03 lb/mile (est)

Buick unveiled the 2010 LaCrosse

Buick has officially unveiled the 2010 LaCrosse ahead of the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Unlike Buicks of the past the redesigned model is aimed at entry level luxury buyers instead of the senior citizen crowd normally associated with the brand.


Thankfully the upscale design carries over to the interior where occupants are greeted by a flowing two-tone interior that has sweeping dark wood accents which run from door-to-door while other luxury touches include French stitching on the instrument panel, tastefully applied chrome accents, and cool blue ambient lighting.


The quad headlights and questionable styling of the current is no more as the new model features a modern exterior with flowing lines and an elegant appearance. Staying true to the Invicta concept which debuted at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show, the car is "instantly recognizable as a Buick, with its signature ‘sweep spear' body-side styling, portholes inside the character line on the hood, and waterfall grille" according to Ed Welburn, GM's vice president of global design. The car is the result of a truly global effort as designers from the United States and China worked hand in hand to create the LaCrosse's dramatic exterior.


The redesigned 2010 LaCrosse will go into production this summer at GM's Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas City with deliveries expected to begin shortly after that.


The big news under the hood is that the LaCrosse features GM's brand new 3.0-liter engine with direct injection, it produces 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 211 lb.-ft. of torque (286 Nm). GM says the new engine helps to increase fuel economy and lowers cold-start emissions by up to 25 percent. Sporty CXS models will be powered by GM's 3.6L direct injection V-6 that is tuned to produce an estimated 280 horsepower (209 kW) and 261 lb.-ft. of torque (354 Nm). Another first for a Buick sedan is the availability of an intelligent AWD system which will be offered on the mid-level CXL LaCrosse.


In a clear showing that this Buick is aimed squarely at the younger generation, the LaCrosse features the latest in technology including Bluetooth connectivity, an auxiliary audio input with a USB port, and an available in-dash navigation system. Among the long list of options are a power rear-window sunshade, a rear DVD entertainment system which has displays mounted on the front seatbacks, an adaptive lighting package which aims the headlights up to 15 degrees based on steering inputs, a Side Blind Zone to alert the driver of cars hiding in blind spots, and a rear view camera.

via:World Car Fans




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2009 Buick Lucerne E85

Yesterday Beth Lowery, GM Vice President of Environment, Energy and Safety Policy, said that the 2009 model year Buick Lucerne will join GM's FlexFuel line-up. The 2009 Buick Lucerne will be capable of consuming regular gasoline or E85 fuel, or any combination of the two.

General Motors has previously stated that they want half of their US production to be flex-fuel capable by 2012. "We continue to believe that ethanol used in high blends like E85 offers the best near-term solution to offset increased oil demand," Lowery said.

The FlexFuel engine will come as a no-extra-cost option to the consumer and follows the Chevrolet HHR, Hummer H2 and Hummer H2 SUT in the E85 range.

"Using E85 fuel is an easy choice for consumers to make a difference for the environment and to reduce oil dependence," said Buick-Pontiac-GMC General Manager Jim Bunnell.

Source: GM Corp

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Beijing 2008: Buick Invicta Concept Debuts

Buick enjoys the same kind of brand recognition in China that Lexus or BMW have in the US. Therefore, it's no surprise that GM have used Auto China 2008 in Beijing to launch the Invicta Concept.

Intended as Buick's first global design for international markets, the Invicta follows in the footsteps of Mercedes' CLS with a 4-door sedan with a coupe-like roofline. Adopting design cues from the Buick Riviera Concept which debuted at last year's Auto China 2007, the Invicta Concept is slated to be the saving replacement of the the Buick LaCrosse.

Buick has resurrected the Invicta name which was first seen on the North American production car in 1959. The Invicta show car is the first time the nameplate has appeared on a Buick in China.

Invicta is powered by Buick’s first direct injection turbocharged engine, a four-cylinder powerplant that produces 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 220 lb-ft (298 Nm) of torque. The engine is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission for maximum fuel efficiency.

Source: GM via WorldCarFans



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Buick To Unveil Invicta Concept at Beijing Show

As Buick has fallen out of favor with many North American consumers, the brand has seen a tremendous rise in sales in China. Considering this, it’s not surprising that the company will unveil their new Invicta concept at the Beijing Motor Show on April 19th.

Taking cues from the stunning Buick Rivera concept from last year, the new Invicta is the result of cooperation between GM’s North American and Chinese design centers. By working together, the company believes that the new concept will have an international appeal. According to Edward T. Welburn, vice president, General Motors Global Design “The result will set a new design standard for Buick, and it couldn’t have been achieved by one studio working in isolation. The Invicta represents another significant design milestone in Buick’s history.”

The concept will feature Buick’s vertical chrome waterfall grille, side portholes, and have a lavish interior with ambient lighting. When the concept makes its debut, it will mark the return of the Invicta name after a 45-year hiatus.

Source: GM

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