Drew Dowdell

Officially Official: 2012 Buick Regal eAssist February 8th, 2011 Drew Dowdell - Chief Editor - CheersandGears.com This morning Buick announced the the 2012 Regal would join the 2012 Buick Lacrosse in featuring the eAssist mile hybrid system. We reported back in January that it was highly likely that Buick would eventually make the eAssist system availabile on all models and it was seconded by the Wall Street Journal yesterday. Our eAssist Explained article explains how the 2012 Buick Lacrosse will achieve 37 mpg highway and 25mpg city. The 2012 Buick Regal aAssist is slated to match that highway number and increase the city rating by 1 to 26mpg city, a 25% improvement over the 2011 Buick Regal with 2.4 liter 4-cylinder and 6-speed automatic. Other additions to the 2012 Buick Regal eAssist that help it's fuel economy are: Lightweight 17inch alloy wheels with low rolling resistance tires A driver selectable fuel economy mode for the climate control system that allows longer start stop intervals A dash mounted Eco gauge that constantly responds to driving behavior enabling the driver to drive with greater efficiency A power flow read out screen in the Nav/Infotainment system 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. Related: 2012 Buick Regal eAssist Gallery 2011 Buick Regal CXL Review 2011 Buick Regal CXL Gallery Understanding the Buick Lacrosse eAssist system Buick - What we've learned 2012 BUICK REGAL PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS Overview <table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="176">Models: </td> <td valign="top" width="400">2012 Buick Regal with eAssist technology </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="176">Body style / driveline: </td> <td valign="top" width="400">four-door, five-passenger front engine transaxle. front-wheel-drive midsize vehicle </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="176">Construction: </td> <td valign="top" width="400">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 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="176">EPA vehicle class: </td> <td valign="top" width="400">midsize </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="176">Manufacturing location: </td> <td valign="top" width="400">Oshawa, Ontario </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="176">Key competitors: </td> <td valign="top" width="400">Acura TSX and Volkswagen CC </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Engines <table width="576" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204"> </td> <td valign="top" width="372">Ecotec 2.4L DOHC I-4 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204">Displacement (cu in / cc): </td> <td valign="top" width="372">145 / 2384 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204">Bore and stroke (in / mm): </td> <td valign="top" width="372">3.46 x 3.85 / 88 x 98 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204">Block material: </td> <td valign="top" width="372">precision sand cast aluminum </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204">Cylinder head material: </td> <td valign="top" width="372">SPM cast aluminum </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204">Valvetrain: </td> <td valign="top" width="372">overhead camshafts, four-valves per cylinder, continuous variable valve timing for intake and exhaust </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204">Ignition system: </td> <td valign="top" width="372">individual coil-on-plug </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204">Fuel delivery: </td> <td valign="top" width="372">direct injection and electronic throttle control </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204">Compression ratio: </td> <td valign="top" width="372">11.2:1 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204">Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): </td> <td valign="top" width="372">182 / 136 @ 6700 rpm* </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204">Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm) </td> <td valign="top" width="372">172 / 233 @ 4900 rpm* </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204">Recommended fuel: </td> <td valign="top" width="372">regular unleaded </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204">Max engine speed: </td> <td valign="top" width="372">7000 rpm </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204">Emissions controls: </td> <td valign="top" width="372">close-coupled, catalytic converter; variable valve timing; positive crankcase ventilation evaporative system </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204">Fuel economy (city / hwy): </td> <td valign="top" width="372">26 / 37 (estimated) </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Transmissions <table width="576" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204">Type: </td> <td valign="top" width="372">Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204">Gear ratios: (:1): </td> <td valign="top" width="372"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204"> First: </td> <td valign="top" width="372">4.58 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204"> Second: </td> <td valign="top" width="372">2.96 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204"> Third: </td> <td valign="top" width="372">1.91 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204"> Fourth: </td> <td valign="top" width="372">1.45 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204"> Fifth: </td> <td valign="top" width="372">1.00 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204"> Sixth: </td> <td valign="top" width="372">0.75 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204"> Reverse: </td> <td valign="top" width="372">2.84 </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Electric Drive System <table width="576" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204">Type: </td> <td valign="top" width="372">belt-driven, liquid-cooled induction motor/generator unit and lithium-ion battery system; air-cooled power electronics and battery pack </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204">Maximum electric generating power: </td> <td valign="top" width="372">15 kW @ 1570-3180 rpm </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204">Maximum electric motor torque (cranking): </td> <td valign="top" width="372">110 lb.-ft. / 150 Nm </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204">Maximum electric motor torque (electric assist): </td> <td valign="top" width="372">79 lb.-ft. / 107 Nm @ 1000 rpm </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204">Maximum electric motor power (electric assist): </td> <td valign="top" width="372">15 hp / 11.2 kW @ 1000-2200 rpm </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="204">Lithium-ion battery: </td> <td valign="top" width="372">115V, 0.5-kWh, 15 kW peak power </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Chassis/Suspension <table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="180">Front: </td> <td valign="top" width="396">independent, MacPherson strut-type with dual-path mountings, specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar (hollow); hydraulic ride bushings </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="180">Rear: </td> <td valign="top" width="396">four-link independent rear; hollow stabilizer bar </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="180">Traction control: </td> <td valign="top" width="396">all-speed using engine torque reduction and brake intervention </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="180">Steering type: </td> <td valign="top" width="396">hydraulic, specifically calibrated rack-and-pinion power steering </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="180">Steering wheel turns lock-to-lock: </td> <td valign="top" width="396">2.68 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="180">Turning circle, curb-to-curb (feet / meters): </td> <td valign="top" width="396">37.4 / 11.4 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="180">Steering ratio: </td> <td valign="top" width="396">15.2:1 </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Brakes <table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="180">Type: </td> <td valign="top" width="396">four-wheel disc w/ABS (w/ESC) </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="180">Brake rotor diameter – front (in / mm): </td> <td valign="top" width="396">11.7 / 296 vented; single-piston, cast iron caliper </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="180">Brake rotor diameter – rear (in / mm): </td> <td valign="top" width="396">11.5 / 292 solid; single-piston, aluminum caliper </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Wheels / Tires <table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="180">Wheel size and type: </td> <td valign="top" width="396">17-inch aluminum </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="180">Tires: </td> <td valign="top" width="396">P235/50R17 Michelin Energy Saver All Season </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Dimensions Exterior <table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="180">Wheelbase (in / mm) : </td> <td valign="top" width="396">107.8 / 2738 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="180">Overall length (in / mm): </td> <td valign="top" width="396">190.2 / 4831 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="180">Overall width (in / mm): </td> <td valign="top" width="396">73.1 / 1811 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="180">Overall height (in / mm): </td> <td valign="top" width="396">58.4 / 1483 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="180">Front track (in / mm): </td> <td valign="top" width="396">62.4 / 1585 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="180">Rear track (in / mm): </td> <td valign="top" width="396">62.5 / 1587 </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Interior <table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="240">Seating capacity (front / rear): </td> <td valign="top" width="336">2 / 3 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="240">Headroom (in / mm): </td> <td valign="top" width="336">38.8 / 985 (front) 36.8 / 935 (rear) </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="240">Legroom (in / mm): </td> <td valign="top" width="336">42.1 / 1069 (front) 37.3 / 947 (rear) </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="240">Shoulder room (in / mm): </td> <td valign="top" width="336">56.7 / 1440 (front) 54.4 / 1382 (rear) </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="240">Hip room (in / mm): </td> <td valign="top" width="336">55.4 / 1407 (front) 52.3 / 1328 (rear) </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="240">EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L) : </td> <td valign="top" width="336">96.81 / 2741 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="240">EPA interior volume (cu ft / L): </td> <td valign="top" width="336">111.1 / 3146 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="240">Cargo volume (cu ft / L): </td> <td valign="top" width="336">14.25 / 403 </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Capacities <table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="240">Fuel tank (gal / L): </td> <td valign="top" width="336">18.5 / 70 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="240">Engine oil (qt / L): </td> <td valign="top" width="336">2.4L: 5.0 / 4.7 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="240">Curb weight (lbs / kg): </td> <td valign="top" width="336">TBD </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> *SAE certified

Imagine an elephant on pogo sticks. Then imagine those pogo sticks are on rollerskates.... that's the Sienna suspension.

We invited Allpar. They declined.

Special it is then! That's a good price for the miles.

Mileage and condition being equal... yes..... but are they equal?

there's also a white Bonneville right behind it...

The Doritos commercial you're referencing was actually fake. The two that were actually shown were creepy. the Mercedes ad was great until P-diddy showed up and ruined it. I've been to the museum shown very briefly in one of the clips. The Volt ad had decent heritage, but showed so little of the car it was almost pointless. The Silverado HD ad was entertaining. The Audi ad was good, but Mercedes got some burn in on twitter. "Mercedes cars look great. They look even better when they are in Audi commercials"

Really? they must have a lot of left over stock. I thought the Borego was already dead too, but I'm seeing LOTS of new ones on the lots.

There will likely be a Sedona replacement... what is likely to die is the Entourage.

In loaded form, the 200 doesn't seem to be a bad ride.

On Twitter, the Chrysler ad is considered the homerun hit with the Beetle coming up second. The Camaro ad failed hard.

That was the 2002-2005 version. It wasn't really built with our market in mind, so it didn't have the crash standards. Kia just kept throwing steel at it till it passed. 4,802 and it was smaller than any of the competition.

I found the upgraded auto to be a lot better and actually have some power behind it.

Ford only has two brands.....

meeee tooooo

Heh, when I read that, I thought he was referring to this:

$100 plus shipping on Rock Auto.

I wonder how the new Jetta is playing out in Der Vaterland. I'm sure the Germans appreciate the greater room for the cost, but outside size is more of a concern for them than it is here. Parking over there is best achieved in a SMART.

I would totally rock one of those final year Eldorados

We know the new Malibu is coming down in size to match up with Regal. An Impala replacement will likely be close to the current car's size (think Lacrosse but with an actual trunk) and if the Caprice PPV gets sold privately, it will be Lucerne size.

Don't bother with the second gen Catera, they fixed up the reliability but still try to find someone to work on the damn thing.... and I believe it still used timing belts. 2004 or 2005 CTS what where I was going with my budget question. 2004 is the first year of the 3.6, 2005 is the first year of the 3.6 + manual transmission.

If the vehicles are going to be spread out globally, the number of each body style sold in a single market become less important. The Euros LOVE their wagons, so GM has to design one for them. Why not sell an extra 10,000 of them here? Flexible manufacturing should allow any body of any given platform to be built in any factory that builds that platform.