Buick Unveils 2012 LaCrosse with eAssist Mild Hybrid System, Returns 37 mpg Highway

Starting from next summer, all versions of the Buick LaCrosse with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder unit will be fitted with GM's eAssist mild hybrid technology as standard, the automaker announced today. The 2012MY LaCrosse will make its world premiere this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The eAssist system shares the same basic belt-alternator-starter configuration of previous BAS designs, but according to GM, it delivers more than three times the power and is much more capable.

More specifically, the 115V air-cooled lithium-ion battery adds approximately 11 kW (15 horsepower) of electric power assist during heavy acceleration and 15 kW of regenerative braking power, helping the base LaCrosse return 37 mpg (6.36 lt/100 km) on the highway. The system's combine output is rated at approximately 180 horsepower (134 kW).

To further improve fuel efficiency, the 2012MY LaCrosse with the 2.4-liter engine comes with a next-generation six-speed automatic transmission with faster shift times and a start-stop system.

The firm's engineers also developed a few aerodynamic aids as well. Additional panels optimize the airflow under the car, shutters in the lower grille close at high speeds pushing more air over the vehicle, thus increasing aerodynamic efficiency, and the wheels are shod in special tires.

But maybe the best thing about the 2012 Buick LaCrosse with eAssist is that the price will remain the same.

"LaCrosse was the first in its segment with a four-cylinder/six-speed powertrain, the first with HiPer Strut and is now is leading the way with the new standard eAssist technology," said Schwegman. "Importantly, LaCrosse with eAssist is the standard powertrain for four-cylinder-equipped models and there isn't a cost premium."

By Csaba Daradics

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Buick Unveils 2012 LaCrosse with eAssist Mild Hybrid System, Returns 37 mpg Highway

Starting from next summer, all versions of the Buick LaCrosse with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder unit will be fitted with GM's eAssist mild hybrid technology as standard, the automaker announced today. The 2012MY LaCrosse will make its world premiere this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The eAssist system shares the same basic belt-alternator-starter configuration of previous BAS designs, but according to GM, it delivers more than three times the power and is much more capable.

More specifically, the 115V air-cooled lithium-ion battery adds approximately 11 kW (15 horsepower) of electric power assist during heavy acceleration and 15 kW of regenerative braking power, helping the base LaCrosse return 37 mpg (6.36 lt/100 km) on the highway. The system's combine output is rated at approximately 180 horsepower (134 kW).

To further improve fuel efficiency, the 2012MY LaCrosse with the 2.4-liter engine comes with a next-generation six-speed automatic transmission with faster shift times and a start-stop system.

The firm's engineers also developed a few aerodynamic aids as well. Additional panels optimize the airflow under the car, shutters in the lower grille close at high speeds pushing more air over the vehicle, thus increasing aerodynamic efficiency, and the wheels are shod in special tires.

But maybe the best thing about the 2012 Buick LaCrosse with eAssist is that the price will remain the same.

"LaCrosse was the first in its segment with a four-cylinder/six-speed powertrain, the first with HiPer Strut and is now is leading the way with the new standard eAssist technology," said Schwegman. "Importantly, LaCrosse with eAssist is the standard powertrain for four-cylinder-equipped models and there isn't a cost premium."

By Csaba Daradics

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GM Recalls 2010-2011 Cadillac DTS and Buick Lucerne Over Possible Fire Risk

If you happen to be one of the 13,780 owners of a 2010-2011 Cadillac DTS or Buick Lucerne sedan with a V8 engine, you'll soon receive a recall letter from General Motors. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA], the aforementioned sedan models have alternator cables that can wear through a power steering line causing a fluid leak. The power steering leak could result in a loss of power steering as well as fall onto hot engine parts and cause an engine compartment fire.

Up until now, there have been two reports of fires in late August related to this problem.

To fix this issue, GM said dealers will secure and if necessary, reroute the lines to prevent contact. As expected, the service will be performed free of charge. The Detroit automaker will begin mailing letters to owners of the affected models on November 19.

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Buick Teases New GL8 Luxury Minivan for China Market

General Motors has release the first teaser photos of the all-new 2011 Buick GL8, a full size luxury minivan developed exclusively for the China market. The new-generation of the GL8, which will replace the Buick Terraza / Chevy Uplander-based model in China, was previewed last year at the Shanghai Auto Show with the Buick Business hybrid concept model.

As you can see from the pictures we have after the break, the 2011 GL8's exterior styling appears to have remained quite true to the concept model. GM Shanghai did not release specifications, but the production version will most likely be similar in size to the 2009 study that measured 5,278mm (207-in.) in length riding on a 3.198mm (129-in.) wheelbase.

However, whereas the Business concept featured a next-generation Hybrid System, at launch, the new GL8 will be available in China with a choice of a 2.4-liter Ecotec engine or 3.0-liter V6 SIDI unit, as well as a six-speed automatic-manual transmission.

According to GM Shanghai, the GL8 will officially be launched on November 28.

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