Michigan Buick Dealers Hear Rave Reviews: 2012 Buick LaCrosse Speaks to the Future

May 17, 2011 - PRLog -- DETROIT, M.I. – Michigan Buick dealers will be thrilled to carry the Buick LaCrosse once it’s released with its new upgrades with sleek and stylish remodeling. The 2012 Buick LaCrosse has been turning heads and sparking interest with shoppers, critics and Michigan Buick dealers along with all Buick dealers across the U.S.
MI Auto Times wants to share with is readers just what makes the 2012 Buick LaCrosse standout from other sedans with its own complete review of the Buick LaCrosse with eAssist from bumper to bumper.
What’s in a Nam—Er, Technology?
General Motors may not have a traditional two-mode gas-electric hybrid sedan, but with its eAssist technology that comes standard in the Buick LaCrosse, there is no need for one.
The eAssist system offers an increase in fuel efficiency with the same 2.4-liter engine that was stocked in the 2011 model. With 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque, the Buick LaCrosse is backed by a 115 volt, 0.5 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery. The battery is incorporated into the vehicle along with a power inverter and a 12-volt battery plug, which is available in the rear seat and the trunk. Also, LaCrosse engineers have created regenerative braking that recycles the energy of braking into power. Regenerative braking delivers 15 kilowatts of electricity to recharge the battery.
Miles per Gallon or Did You Say Gallons?
The Buick LaCrosse may not be a hybrid, but its fuel efficiency has increased 25 percent from that of its previous model. The LaCrosse is able to rival and outperform competitors with its miles per gallon.
For comparison:
Buick LaCrosse   37mpg
Honda Fit   33mpg
Toyota Camry   32mpg
Shh. Do You Hear That?
One thing noticeably absent from the 2012 LaCrosse is the sound other hybrid vehicles make when their hybrid technology or batteries take over, and this is a good thing.. There are no significant changes in performance, vibration or sounds as the Buick LaCrosse stops at a stoplight and eAssist technology restarts as the driver accelerates again.
Aside from the smooth integration of the eAssist system as it works efficiently in the background, the engineers also improved the aerodynamics of the Buick LaCrosse by adding various panels under the body. Cutting wind resistance down means cutting down the noise too. Less resistance also means the battery can hold its charge longer as it works less to fight the wind barrier.
Final Specifications, Please.
The following are the complete of the specifications of the 2012 Buick LaCrosse that may be found at local Michigan Buick dealers or at any U.S. Buick dealer.
Type: Five-passenger, front-wheel drive premium sedan.
Price: Around $30,000
Engine: 2.4-liter DOHC I-4
Horsepower: 182
Torque: 172 pound-feet
Estimated mileage: 25 mpg city / 37 mpg highway
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
eAssist electric motor : 15 kW
Max electric motor torque (cranking): 110 pound-feet
Max electric motor torque (electric assist): 79 pound-feet
Max electric motor power: 15 horsepower
Lithium-ion battery: 115V
Suspension:
Front: MacPherson strut coil-over-spring; twin-tube dampers with gas-charged valving; hollow direct-acting stabilizer bar
Rear: Four-link
Steering: Electric variable ratio, rack-and-pinion
Turning Radius: 38.8 feet
Wheels: 17-inch
Exterior Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 111.7 inches
Length: 197 inches
Width: 73.1 inches
Height: 59.2 inches
Curb weight: 3,835 pounds
Fuel tank: 15.7 gallons
Trunk space: 2610.9 cubic feet
Michigan Buick dealers will be excited to carry the 2012 Buick LaCrosse as it seeming to be paving the way to more efficient sedans that don’t need to carry the label hybrid to save owners money at the pump.
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