Buick LaCrosse with eAssist™ Pricing Announced
Advanced technology helps luxury sedan deliver no-compromise fuel efficiency, performance
The 2012 Buick LaCrosse with eAssist™, which is expected to deliver up to 21-percent improvement in fuel efficiency over the current 4-cylinder model, will have an MSRP starting at $35,415.
“LaCrosse with eAssist is the smart choice for Canadians who want great fuel efficiency without sacrificing the driving dynamics and passenger comfort that have made Buick the fastest-growing major automotive brand in North America,” said Marc Comeau, Canadian vice president, Buick marketing.
LaCrosse with eAssist uses a variety of advanced technologies and body enhancements to deliver an expected 5.4 L/100km highway fuel consumption, better than or equal to Lexus HS Hybrid and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, as well as non-hybrids like the Acura TL, Lexus ES350 and Lincoln MKS. EAssist will be an available powertrain for LaCrosse in Canada when it goes on sale later this summer.
The fuel efficiency boost that LaCrosse with eAssist offers comes from a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery system and electric motor-generator that enables regenerative braking capability. This “light electrification” system will also be available on the 2012 Buick Regal later this year.
Although eAssist is the optional powertrain in Canada, a new, more powerful and more efficient version of the direct-injected, E85-capable 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing, is now standard at no additional cost. The front-wheel-drive 3.6L model is rated at an SAE-certified 303 horsepower (226 kW) – an improvement of 23 hp – and 264 lb.-ft. of torque (358 Nm). An all-wheel drive version, which is yet to be rated, also is available.
The 3.6L engine’s new, integrated cylinder head/exhaust manifold design and a composite intake manifold help reduce its weight by more than 20 pounds (9 kg), which increases horsepower without any loss in fuel efficiency. The direct-injected engine also warms up faster, which can cut emissions of unburned hydrocarbons by up to 25 percent.
Additional new standard features for 2012 include dual-zone climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, full-color driver information center, and USB connectivity.
Later in the year, LaCrosse with eAssist will come with standard Buick IntelliLink, which uses Bluetooth or USB to connect the driver’s smartphone to a new 8-inch, high-resolution, full-color touch screen display radio. IntelliLink expands on Buick’s current Bluetooth and USB capabilities to allow smartphone control via voice activation and steering wheel-mounted controls. It also enables streaming stereo audio from the phone through services like Stitcher SmartRadio®.
Most importantly, Buick IntelliLink enables seamless integration of stowed portable devices with each vehicle’s infotainment system, allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.