Chicago 2011: Buick Regal EAssist Adds Mild-Hybrid Option to Regal Lineup With 26/37-MPG
The fastest growing brand in America last year, Buick is looking to expand its offerings with a new eAssist mild-hybrid version of its new Regal model. Introduced just prior to the Chicago Auto Show the car will sit at the opposite end of the spectrum from the 255-hp Regal GS when it comes to fuel consumption. It will not, however, sit completely opposite in the lineup from the priciest model.
While Buick is making eAssist standard in the new LaCrosse, the Buick team made the decision to continue to offer a base 4-cylinder version of the Regal. That being said, the Regal will now be offered as a 4-cylinder, eAssist 4-cylinder, Turbo and high-performance GS model.
Shying away from the built-in assumptions of calling it a hybrid, the eAssist system is being marketed as simply describing what it does, with an electric assist to help improve fuel economy. The results are impressive with a 26/37-mpg rating for the car, thanks to the compact electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack. Compared to the old mild-hybrid system GM used in vehicles like the Malibu, this unit is 40 percent lighter, 30 percent smaller and 25 percent more powerful.
Inside the car gets a new 7-inch touch-screen display to help the driver monitor their driving habits. That screen will also now be standard equipment on all Regal models starting in 2012.
GALLERY: 2012 Buick Regal eAssist
See the official release afte the jump:
2012 REGAL TO OFFER NEW eASSIST™ FUEL-SAVING TECHNOLOGY
- eAssist “light electrification” system improves fuel economy 25 percent
- Estimated 26 mpg city / 37 mpg highway (pending EPA certification)
- On sale this fall
CHICAGO – 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.
About Buick
Buick is a modern luxury brand offering vehicles with sculpted designs, luxurious interiors with thoughtful personal technologies, along with responsive-yet-efficient performance. Buick is attracting new customers with its portfolio of award-winning models, including the Enclave crossover, LaCrosse sedan, Regal sport sedan and forthcoming all-new 2012 Verano luxury compact sedan. Buick is the fastest growing automotive brand in the U.S. and remains a best-selling brand in China, with continuing record growth. Learn more about Buick cars and crossovers at www.buick.com, on Twitter @buick or at www.facebook.com/buick.
# # #
CONTACT(S):
Phil Colley
Buick Communications
Phone: 586-298-0446
E-mail: phil.colley@gm.com
Kevin M. Kelly
Electric Vehicle and eAssist Technology Communications
Phone: 313-316-9742
E-mail: kevin.m.kelly@gm.com
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 |
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
More by Colum Wood
Comments
Join the conversation