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A new Buick concept model called the Envision will make its global debut at the Shanghai Auto Show on April 18. Jointly developed by Shanghai GM and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), the Envision is a crossover model designed for the Chinese market, although the company points out the vehicle incorporates Buick's "dynamic, fluid, quiet and comfortable" styling language.
The show car is equipped with a plug-in hybrid system and "loads of new technologies", according to GM's China subsidiary. However, neither the drivetrain, nor the technologies are detailed, as the information will be released on April 18. The teaser photo shows the rear end of the crossover and a section of the interior. From the looks of it, the Envision appears to sport a muscular exterior design, with aggressive shapes and creases.
It is not known yet if the Envision concept will spawn a road-going version or if it will remain simply a design exercise.
Starting this summer, Buick will offer the 4-cylinder LaCrosse sedan with the eAssist micro-hybrid technology as standard. The LaCrosse eAssist uses a variety of systems and body modifications to deliver an estimated fuel economy rating of 37 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in the city (pending EPA certification).
Mated to a 182HP 2.4-liter Ecotec direct injection 4-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, the eAssist system consists of a 115V lithium-ion battery and a 15kW electric motor/generator that enable regenerative braking each time the throttle pedal is released. The electricity produced powers all the electrical systems of the car in order to save fuel.
The eAssist also uses power stored in the battery to provide up to 15HP of electric power assistance in various driving scenarios. “The additional 15 hp provided by electric assist allowed us to lower LaCrosse’s gear ratio without sacrificing reserve acceleration and performance,” said Steve Poulos, global chief engineer of the eAssist system.
“For example, when climbing the grade of an overpass, a normal vehicle will downshift and lose some fuel efficiency, but LaCrosse with eAssist maintains gear for improved performance and increased efficiency,” Poulos added.
Another function of the eAssist system is the engine shut-off mode, which improves fuel economy by cutting fuel delivery in certain deceleration conditions. Other than the mechanical aspects, the LaCrosse with eAssist comes with improved underbody aerodynamics, low-resistance tyres and electronically controlled shutters in the lower grille that close at higher speeds to push more air over the car, thus increasing aerodynamic efficiency.
In order to motivate eco-driving, the car's instrument panel features an Eco gauge that shows the driver how to attain maximum efficiency. The eAssist system will also be available on the Buick Regal in late 2011. Check out the video below to get a better understanding of how the system works.
In the latest round of safety recalls, General Motors has issued a warning on certain 2011MY Buick LaCrosse sedans and Cadillac SRX crossovers due to a software glitch that may disable the driver’s ability to adjust the settings on the hearing, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
“If this condition affects the defrost system when it is required, it may decrease the driver's visibility, and could result in a crash,” the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on its website.
GM said that a total of 10,179 vehicles are affected by the recall, but it was not aware of any crashes or injuries connected to the problem.
The safety recall is expected to begin on or before March 11, 2011. Owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080, Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339 or GM’s owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
General Motors has released an update on the 2011 Buick Regal's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that enables it to run on any blend of gasoline or E85 Ethanol. The Detroit automaker claims the Regal's flex-fuel capability is a first for a direct-injected turbocharged production car.
There are no performance differences between the standard 2.0-liter turbo engine and its flex-fuel variant, as output remains at 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
However, engineers made some changes to allow the engine to run on E85. Given that ethanol needs a richer air-fuel mixture than gasoline to function properly, the flex-fuel engine is equipped with higher flow-rate injectors. In addition, a sensor in the fuel system measures the combination of gasoline and ethanol in the tank (a maximum of 85 percent is allowed of the latter), allowing the engine management system to automatically adjust the mixture to provide the required performance, emissions and fuel consumption.
GM's 2.0-liter Ecotec turbo engine also sports a new sand cast aluminium cylinder block, which translates into better durability, less noise and vibration than before.
The Regal's engine update is a step towards GM's goal of having more than 50 percent of its production in flex-fuel models by the end of 2012, with the company having already put on the streets more than 5 million flex-fuel cars in the last 15 years.
We're pretty proud of the fact that over the years, many of our readers here on Carscoop have seized the moment to become the ones who create the news with their spy shots, like Nick K. who snagged the first ever photos of the Toyota Prius minivan last September.
The latest reader to join our list of car-scoopers is Jay Davis who photographed a heavily camouflaged four-door sedan prototype in California. "I saw this test mule in Agoura Hills, CA today. It had Michigan manufacturers plates. Not sure what it is," Jay told us.
A lot of names including Nissan, Buick and Lincoln were thrown around during our chat with Jay, but ultimately, we're still in the dark about the brand and model hiding beneath the camo. Can anyone help us solve the mystery? Leave your thoughts in the comment section after the break.
Buick today announced that the second model in its lineup to feature the eAssist “light electrification” system is the 2012 Regal, and it will be officially unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show this week. According to the automaker, estimated fuel economy is 26 mpg city/37 mpg highway, while the overall improvement over the standard 2011 Regal fitted with a four-cylinder gasoline engine and six-speed transmission is 25%.
This is enough to beat competing models such as the Acura TSX, which returns 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
“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”.
The eAssist system comprises a 115V lithium-ion battery and 15-kilowatt induction motor-generator, which is mounted to 2.4-liter direct injection four-cylinder powerplant in place of the alternator. Providing both motor assist and electric-generating functions, eAssist also reduces fuel consumption through regenerative braking, automatic engine shut-off when the vehicle is stationary and fuel cut-off during deceleration.
The powertrain includes a next-generation Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic transmission as well, with reduced spin losses and higher gearing that further improves fuel economy. The system’s combined output is rated at 182HP (136 kW).
Finally, engineers optimized the car’s underbody aerodynamics and opted for 17-inch lightweight alloys and low rolling resistance tires.
The 2012 Buick Regal eAssist will go on sale in the USA this fall.
