Buick LaCrosse with "eAssist" EPA rating: 25/37 mpg (US)
Compare to LaCrosse without "eAssist": 19/30 mpg (US)
Compare to Camry hybrid EPA rating: 31/35 mpg (US)
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Looks like GM is taking a new marketing direction for its mild hybrid "BAS" (belt-alternator-starter) system, which was generally ignored by buyers in the Malibu & Saturn Aura "hybrids", and dismissed by hybrid enthusiasts as weaksauce.
Significantly, it looks like they aren't going to use the "hybrid" label in their marketing. Now they're calling it an
"eAssist" light electrification system. And buyers won't be able to ignore it because it's
standard equipment on the LaCrosse.
Technical / efficiency details:
- fuel economy up by an estimated 25 percent
- 2.4L Ecotec direct injection four-cylinder, 180 horsepower
- compact, liquid-cooled 15 kW induction motor
- 15 kW of assist/regen from the motor-generator is 3x more powerful than previous GM BAS system (was 2 kW of power assist and 5 kW of regen)
- 115V air-cooled (electric fan) lithium-ion battery, integrated power inverter and 12V power supply weighs 65 pounds (29 kg)
- six-speed automatic transmission with higher gearing & electric-driven transmission oil pump
Looks like the car also gets new LRR tires and some aero upgrades over the previous year:
- active grille block
- underbody smoothing (panels, probably - doesn't say)
- rear deck spoiler
Source:
Buick News - United States - News
