Car and Driver Loves Buick LaCrosse with eAssist!

2012 Buick LaCrosse with eAssist (GM Media)

Car and Driver magazine recently had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a development version of the 2012 Buick LaCrosse with eAssist, which is designed to offer increased fuel economy of up to 25 percent without sacrificing the ride quality and quiet interior Columbia drivers have come to love in the new Buick LaCrosse.  Indeed, Buick's own benchmark for ride quality on the Buick LaCrosse with eAssist was a standard 2011 Buick LaCrosse that has been immensely popular among South Carolina's Buick drivers.

Buick estimates that the mild hybrid LaCrosse will achieve EPA fuel economy ratings of 25 city MPG and 37 MPG highway, fuel economy estimates that would have been impressive for compact cars of just a few years ago in a much roomier package.  The four-cylinder Ecotec engine makes 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque, aided by a new electric motor that makes an additional 15 horsepower and 79 pound-feet of torque.  As electric motors make maximum torque right as they begin acceleration, this will provide a significant boost in acceleration from a stop.  Indeed, C&D was told to expect an improvement in 0-60 times of about 0.2 seconds compared to a four-cylinder LaCrosse of today.

There are additional tricks underneath the Buick LaCrosse with eAssist that improve fuel economy further, including active air shutters that close for improved aerodynamics when the additional cooling capacity is not required by the engine, additional underbody panels that smooth airflow underneath the car, and special low-rolling-resistance tires that maintain the current LaCrosse's lateral grip all combine to maximize the energy drawn into the regenerative braking system.

The 2012 Buick LaCrosse with eAssist goes on sale this summer. Exact pricing has not been announced, but Buick has indicated that pricing will start around $30,000, and that pricing will match the popular V6 option featuring the same standard equipment.  When looking for a Buick LaCrosse in Columbia SC, we encourage you to visit Jim Hudson Buick, the #1 Buick dealership in the state of South Carolina.  Jim Hudson Buick is located at 7201 Garners Ferry Road in Columbia, and can be reached at (803) 783-0110.