Based on GM's Belt Alternator Starter (BAS) system offered on the 2007-2009 Saturn Aura and Vue, plus the 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, the General’s latest generation eAssist system supplies over three times greater power than the previous iteration. This mild hybrid eAssist technology provides regenerative braking and stop/start functions to deliver a welcome bump in fuel efficiency.
All 2012 Buick LaCrosse luxury sport sedans equipped with four-cylinder engines will come with eAssist as standard equipment. Combined with several other features, there’s a 25 percent increase in fuel economy compared to the 2011 LaCrosse equipped with the same 2.4 liter engine.
The liquid-cooled, 21.5 horsepower motor-generator replaces the alternator on the 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine, providing both motor assist and battery charging via a new belt-drive system. The DOHC direct injection engine is rated at 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft torque and is coupled to a modified Hydra-Matic 6T40 6-speed automatic transaxle.
Electrical energy is stored in a 115 volt, 0.5 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery. This battery, an integrated power inverter, and a conventional 12 volt battery are located between the rear seat and trunk. While the car’s trunk capacity is reduced slightly there is still access to the trunk via a split-folding rear seat. An electric fan cools the power pack, drawing air from a vent located in the rear package tray.
During regenerative braking, up to 15 kilowatts of electricity is available to charge the battery. Some 15 horsepower of electric assist is available for heavy acceleration. This added power allows taller gearing to improve fuel economy without degrading acceleration performance or driveability. By providing some electric assistance at cruising speeds, light acceleration or mild grade climbing can be done without the transmission downshifting.
Other fuel saving technologies in the eAssist equipped LaCrosse include engine shut-off when stopped and fuel cut-off during deceleration. Improved aerodynamics include better underbody airflow, active control of front-end airflow, and electronically controlled shutters in the lower grille that close at higher speeds to push more air over the vehicle, thus increasing aerodynamic efficiency. Tires are optimized for performance and fuel economy. An ECO gauge helps a driver achieve maximum efficiency. The full-size eAssist LaCrosse luxury sedan will offer 37 mpg highway and 25 mpg city economy for about $30,000.
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