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's LaCrosse gets a Daewoo Badge, Heads to Korea

GM just announced that it will be bringing the Chevrolet brand to Korea, and now it looks like the General will be bringing Buick over as well in the form of a re-badged LaCrosse.

The Daewoo Alpheon, a LaCrosse in everything but name, recently debuted at at the Busan Motor Show. Powered by GM's 3.0 liter V6 and hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission, the Alpheon is meant to be "a stand-alone luxury product brand in GM Daewoo's product portfolio".

GM Daewoo President and CEO Mike Arcamone said, "With the introduction of the all-new Alpheon luxury sedan, we have added another attractive model to our product portfolio and our first entry in the fast-growing upper-midsize segment in Korea. I am confident that the Alpheon will surpass the demands of the most sophisticated luxury sedan buyers in Korea."

The Daewoo Alpheon is expected to launch in the second half of 2010.

By Phil Alex

Entry-Level 2010 Buick LaCrosse with 182HP Four-Cylinder Engine Priced from $26,995

Following an earlier announcement on the introduction of a new direct injected Ecotec 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 182HP and 172 lb-ft. of torque (233 Nm) on the 2010 Buick LaCrosse sedan, General Motors confirmed prices today for the new entry-level model that will start from $26,995.

This means that the four-banger LaCrosse CX will cost only $840 less than the equivalent 255HP 3.0-liter V6 version. Nevertheless, Buick said that it expects about 25 percent of customers will opt for 2.4L-equipped models.

Linked to a standard six-speed automatic transmission, the new powertrain combination is expected to deliver an estimated fuel economy of 30 mpg highway and 20 mpg city.

Sales of the 2010 LaCrosse CX with the four-cylinder Ecotec engine will start sometime during the first quarter of 2010.

*Photos: 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS

Video: 2010 Buick LaCrosse in the Flesh

Redesigned from the ground up, the 2010 LaCrosse is Buick's latest proposal in the near-luxury segment with rivals such as the Lexus ES350 and the Chrysler 300. The all-new LaCrosse that will make its premiere at the 2009 Detroit auto show will go on sale in the States this summer offered with the choice of two direct injection V6 engines and the option of all-wheel drive. Click here for more details and photos or follow the jump to check out the video.

2010 Buick LaCrosse: Production Version of Invicta Concept Looks Promising

At the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 12, Buick will perform the world debut its all-new LaCrosse sedan. Buick's new mid-size luxury saloon is essentially the production version of the warmly received Invicta Concept, revealed at last year's Beijing Auto Show in China. Fresh styling aside, the LaCrosse offers the option of all-wheel drive, a choice of two direct-injection V6 engines and a suite of modern personal technologies and safety features.

The 2010 LaCrosse's exterior design is the result of the combined work of GM's designers in the United States and China. While not groundbreaking or sleek in an Italian sort of way, we reckon that the LaCrosse looks stylish and different enough to grab the attention of buyers in the near-luxury segment. The cars that the LaCrosse will most likely compete with are the Lexus ES350 and the Chrysler 300.

"It 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," said Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design.

Open the door and you're welcomed by a modern, yet somewhat unimaginative cabin characterized by a flowing design theme that wraps around the instrument and door panels. What sets the LaCrosse apart from its predecessors is the availability of an array of personal technologies. These include features such as in-dash navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, an auxiliary audio input and a USB port. For rear-seat passengers, a power rear-window sunshade and a DVD entertainment system, with two display screens integrated into the seatbacks, is also available.

Based on GM's Epsilon II front-wheel-drive platform that underpins the new Opel Insignia, the LaCrosse is roughly the same size as the car it replaces. Buyers can choose from two direct-injection V6 engines, a 3.0-liter unit generating an estimated 255 horsepower and 211 lb.-ft. of torque (286 Nm), and a 3.6L engine producing an estimated 280 horsepower and 261 lb.-ft. of torque (354 Nm). Both V6 engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

When the 2010 LaCrosse goes on sale this summer, it will be offered in three models CX, CXL and CXS. The CX will be equipped with the 3.0L V6 engine and come with premium cloth seats and 17-inch wheels. The CXL adds leather-appointed heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lamps, outside rearview mirror with LED turn indicators and puddle lamps, 18-inch wheels as well as the option of all-wheel drive. Finally, the CXS features the more powerful 3.6L V6 unit and adds real-time active-dampening suspension; perforated, leather-appointed, heated and cooled seats, and chrome-plated 18-inch wheels (19-inch optional).

2010 Buick LaCrosse Sedan Scooped in Michigan

A heavily camouflaged prototype of the 2010 Buick LaCrosse was spotted by Autoblog.com reader Mike rolling around in Troy, Michigan. The second generation LaCrosse that will be sold in the United States and China is built on GM’s new global front-wheel-drive Epsilon II platform which was first introduced on the new Opel Insignia. The LaCrosse that will be offered with GM’s new 3.6-liter V6 powerplant is expected to hit Buick’s showrooms in during the first half of 2009 as a 2010 model. -More pics after the jump

Via: Autoblog.com