2012 Buick Regal eAssist Car Review and Specs | 2012 Buick Regal eAssist Car Wallpaper Pictures Pics

Buick announced the 2012 Regal with eAssist fuel-saving technology, which improves overall fuel economy by 25 percent over the 2011 four-cylinder/six-speed powertrain. Estimated fuel economy is 26 mpg city and 37 mpg on the highway (pending EPA certification).

Regal with eAssist joins the 2012 LaCrosse as the second Buick to feature the efficiency-enhancing technology. The system uses a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery system, electric induction motor-generator and regenerative braking capability to improve fuel economy. Its fuel economy tops competitors such as the Acura TSX, rated at 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. Regal's estimated 37 mpg on the highway is 20 percent greater and the TSX doesn't offer a six-speed automatic transmission, which is standard on the Buick.

"Buick's eAssist technology means customers don't have to trade a premium driving experience for efficiency," said Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick marketing. "We believe Regal and LaCrosse with eAssist provide more logical and affordable choices, compared to other hybrid midsize and full-size luxury sedans."

Regal with eAssist goes on sale this fall. It joins an expanding lineup that also includes 2.4L and 2.0L Turbo (with manual transmission) models, as well as the upcoming Regal GS. Regal with eAssist offers the range of luxury and convenience packages offered in the other models, along with unique features that include:

Lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels and tires with lower rolling resistance
A driver-selectable, fuel economy-optimizing mode for the air conditioning system, which enables more frequent and longer-duration engine stop periods
An ECO gauge on the instrument panel that continuously responds to driving behavior, enabling the driver to drive with greater efficiency
A powerflow readout in the 7-inch infotainment screen, which shows the flow of energy through the electric assist system, such as battery charging from regeneration and electric power directed to the engine.
eAssist details
Mated to Regal's 2.4L Ecotec direct injection four-cylinder engine and next-generation six-speed automatic transmission, the eAssist system uses power stored in the battery to provide needed electrical boost in various driving scenarios, optimizing engine and transmission operation. An advanced 115V lithium-ion battery and latest-generation 15-kW induction motor-generator unit help increase fuel economy through:

Regenerative braking, which provides up to 15 kW of electricity to charge the battery
Providing up to 11 kW (15 hp) of electric power assistance during acceleration
Automatic engine shut-off when the vehicle is stopped
Aggressive fuel cut-off during deceleration down to zero vehicle speed, enabled by the torque smoothing provided by the induction motor-generator unit
Intelligent charge/discharge of the high-voltage battery.
"The capability to deliver electric boost to the powertrain system during heavy acceleration and grade driving enables the engine and transmission to operate more efficiently," said Steve Poulos, global chief engineer of the eAssist system. "Full fuel shutoff at stops and during deceleration complements electric boost and regenerative braking with additional fuel savings."

Regal with eAssist technology also features improved underbody aerodynamics and tires optimized for performance and fuel economy. It also features a hill-assist system that captures brake pressure to help the driver more comfortably accelerate from a stop on a moderate or steep grade. It does this by greatly reducing the tendency of the vehicle to roll backward with the engine in shut-down mode.

The eAssist system's 115V air-cooled lithium-ion battery bolsters the 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder engine with approximately 11 kW (15 hp) of electric power assist during heavy acceleration and 15 kW of regenerative braking power. The system also enables the Ecotec engine to shut down fuel delivery in certain deceleration conditions, which saves additional fuel. While in fuel shut-off mode, the induction motor-generator unit continues spinning along with the engine to provide immediate and smooth take-off power when the driver presses on the accelerator. Then, as the vehicle comes to a stop, the induction motor-generator unit spins the engine, bringing it to a smooth stop - properly positioned for a smooth restart.

"The battery system is designed to provide power assistance to the internal combustion engine, rather than store energy for all-electric propulsion," said Poulos. "It's really an extension of the conventional internal combustion engine, not a replacement for it."

The eAssist power pack contains the lithium-ion battery pack, the integrated power inverter and 12V power supply. It is located in a compartment between the rear seat and trunk; and it is surprisingly compact and lightweight, weighing only about 65 pounds (29 kg). Trunk space is slightly reduced when compared with 2011 models with the four-cylinder/six-speed powertrain, but still offers 11.1 cubic feet (314 liters) of storage. A quiet electric fan cools the power pack, drawing air from a vent located in the package tray, behind the rear seat.

The eAssist system's electric induction motor-generator is mounted to the engine in place of the alternator to provide both motor assist and electric-generating functions through a unique engine belt-drive system. The induction motor-generator is a high-performance, compact induction motor that is liquid-cooled for increased performance and efficiency.

Next-generation six-speed
The eAssist system works with Regal's direct injected 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder and next-generation six-speed automatic powertrain combination. In the Regal with eAssist, the engine is rated at 182 horsepower (136 kW) and the next-generation Hydra-Matic 6T40 takes transmission technology to the next level with features designed to enhance powertrain efficiency.

Significant internal transmission changes to clutch controls and hardware provide reduced spin losses while improving shift response and time. The added electric power provided by the eAssist system allows for higher gearing to improve steady state efficiency without impacting acceleration performance or driveability. The system's ability to provide some electric assistance at cruising speeds allows the driver to accelerate lightly or ascend mild grades without the transmission downshifting.

An auxiliary, electric-driven transmission oil pump is added to the 6T40, which keeps the transmission primed and the fluid flowing when the engine shuts down at a stop. That keeps the transmission ready to perform when the driver accelerates, for a seamless, uncompromised driving experience.

2012 BUICK REGAL PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
Overview

Models:
2012 Buick Regal with eAssist technology

Body style / driveline:
four-door, five-passenger front engine transaxle. front-wheel-drive midsize vehicle

Construction:
steel body frame integral (unibody) with front and rear crumple zones; galvanized steel front fenders, hood, roof, door panels, one-piece bodyside outer panel, thermal plastic olefin (TPO) bumper fascias

EPA vehicle class:
midsize

Manufacturing location:
Oshawa, Ontario

Key competitors:
Acura TSX and Volkswagen CC

Engines

Ecotec 2.4L DOHC I-4

Displacement (cu in / cc):
145 / 2384

Bore and stroke (in / mm):
3.46 x 3.85 / 88 x 98

Block material:
precision sand cast aluminum

Cylinder head material:
SPM cast aluminum

Valvetrain:
overhead camshafts, four-valves per cylinder, continuous variable valve timing for intake and exhaust

Ignition system:
individual coil-on-plug

Fuel delivery:
direct injection and electronic throttle control

Compression ratio:
11.2:1

Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):
182 / 136 @ 6700 rpm*

Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm)
172 / 233 @ 4900 rpm*

Recommended fuel:
regular unleaded

Max engine speed:
7000 rpm

Emissions controls:
close-coupled, catalytic converter; variable valve timing; positive crankcase ventilation evaporative system

Fuel economy (city / hwy):
26 / 37 (estimated)

Transmissions

Type:
Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic

Gear ratios: (:1):

First:
4.58

Second:
2.96

Third:
1.91

Fourth:
1.45

Fifth:
1.00

Sixth:
0.75

Reverse:
2.84

Electric Drive System

Type:
belt-driven, liquid-cooled induction motor/generator unit and lithium-ion battery system; air-cooled power electronics and battery pack

Maximum electric generating power:
15 kW @ 1570-3180 rpm

Maximum electric motor torque (cranking):
110 lb.-ft. / 150 Nm

Maximum electric motor torque (electric assist):
79 lb.-ft. / 107 Nm @ 1000 rpm

Maximum electric motor power (electric assist):
15 hp / 11.2 kW @ 1000-2200 rpm

Lithium-ion battery:
115V, 0.5-kWh, 15 kW peak power

Chassis/Suspension

Front:
independent, MacPherson strut-type with dual-path mountings, specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar (hollow); hydraulic ride bushings

Rear:
four-link independent rear; hollow stabilizer bar

Traction control:
all-speed using engine torque reduction and brake intervention

Steering type:
hydraulic, specifically calibrated rack-and-pinion power steering

Steering wheel turns lock-to-lock:
2.68

Turning circle, curb-to-curb (feet / meters):
37.4 / 11.4

Steering ratio:
15.2:1

Brakes

Type:
four-wheel disc w/ABS (w/ESC)

Brake rotor diameter - front (in / mm):
11.7 / 296 vented; single-piston, cast iron caliper

Brake rotor diameter - rear (in / mm):
11.5 / 292 solid; single-piston, aluminum caliper

Wheels / Tires

Wheel size and type:
17-inch aluminum

Tires:
P235/50R17 Michelin Energy Saver All Season

Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm) :
107.8 / 2738

Overall length (in / mm):
190.2 / 4831

Overall width (in / mm):
73.1 / 1811

Overall height (in / mm):
58.4 / 1483

Front track (in / mm):
62.4 / 1585

Rear track (in / mm):
62.5 / 1587

Interior

Seating capacity (front / rear):
2 / 3

Headroom (in / mm):
38.8 / 985 (front)
36.8 / 935 (rear)

Legroom (in / mm):
42.1 / 1069 (front)
37.3 / 947 (rear)

Shoulder room (in / mm):
56.7 / 1440 (front)
54.4 / 1382 (rear)

Hip room (in / mm):
55.4 / 1407 (front)
52.3 / 1328 (rear)

EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L) :
96.81 / 2741

EPA interior volume (cu ft / L):
111.1 / 3146

Cargo volume (cu ft / L):
14.25 / 403

Capacities

Fuel tank (gal / L):
18.5 / 70

Engine oil (qt / L):
2.4L: 5.0 / 4.7

Curb weight (lbs / kg):
TBD

*SAE certified

Contact

Hybrid Cars

Car Magazines

Latest Car News!

Login

Register

Home

Latest Car News

New Car Review Areas

General Car Topics

2012 Buick Regal eAssist Review

View this 2012 Buick Regal eAssist Wallpaper Picture

View this 2012 Buick Regal eAssist Wallpaper Picture Gallery

View this 2012 Buick Regal eAssist Wallpaper Picture Gallery

Latest BUICK Headlines

Latest Car News