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2012 LaCrosse Comes Standard With New eAssist™ Fuel-Saving Technology, For 37 Mpg Highway Fuel Economy In A Full-Size Sedan

  • The eAssist “light electrification” system produces 25-percent increase in fuel economy
  • eAssist technology is standard on all 2012 models with the 2.4L four-cylinder engine
  • Provides customers with a full-size luxury sedan featuring 37 mpg highway and 25 mpg city for about $30,000 (exact pricing has not yet been set)
  • Boost in fuel economy comes with no compromises in the driving experience

LOS ANGELES – Buick unveils the 2012 LaCrosse with eAssist,™ a new fuel-saving technology that increases fuel economy by 25 percent compared to the four-cylinder/six-speed powertrain in the 2011 LaCrosse. The eAssist technology provides class-leading highway fuel economy of 37 mpg, while maintaining the luxury, performance and value expected from Buick’s flagship sedan.

The eAssist system becomes the standard powertrain on LaCrosse starting next summer. The system uses a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery system and electric motor-generator to enable regenerative braking capability to improve LaCrosse fuel economy by an estimated 25 percent.

“The LaCrosse with eAssist technology is the latest example of how this successful car – with sales up more than 200 percent for the year – is shaking up the segment and helping to reinvent Buick,” said John Schwegman, vice president of Buick marketing. “It is the smart choice for those who want great fuel economy and performance in a luxury vehicle, with excellent value – the LaCrosse with eAssist will cost thousands less than competitors with similar technologies.” Continue reading 2012 LaCrosse Comes Standard With New eAssist™ Fuel-Saving Technology, For 37 Mpg Highway Fuel Economy In A Full-Size Sedan

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2012 Buick Regal GS Production Model Takes Sports Sedan Performance To A New Level For Buick

  • High-performance midsize sport sedan with 0-60 mph performance of under seven seconds
  • Features exclusive, GS-only high-output version of the Ecotec 2.0L turbo engine with 255 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque
  • Buick’s Interactive Drive Control System allows drivers to change the suspension settings and steering sensitivity
  • Exclusive, racing-inspired exterior and interior appointments
  • Goes on sale in the second half of 2011

LOS ANGELES – The 2012 Buick Regal GS will make its auto show debut on Nov. 17 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It is an even sportier expression of the Regal sport sedan that went on sale earlier this year and has attracted new buyers to the Buick family. Powered by a high-output, exclusive Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission, the GS delivers an estimated 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque for a 0-60 mph performance of less than seven seconds (estimated). Buick’s Interactive Drive Control System is standard on the GS, allowing drivers to customize the driving experience by changing the suspension settings and steering sensitivity between three modes: standard, sport and GS.

“Built on the performance foundation of the Regal, the Regal GS was designed as an even sportier expression of responsive performance and style,” said John Schwegman, vice president of Buick marketing. “The driving experience is powerful and spirited; and the GS represents the next entry in Buick’s product renaissance.”

The Regal GS goes on sale in the second half of 2011.  Pricing has not yet been announced. Continue reading 2012 Buick Regal GS Production Model Takes Sports Sedan Performance To A New Level For Buick

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Buick Regal Named NADA Guides’ 2011 Car of the Year

Recognized for Performance, Styling, Fuel Efficiency, Price Point and Cost of Ownership

LOS ANGELES – The 2011 Buick Regal won the Car of the Year Award from NADAguides, a leading provider of vehicle pricing and information, at the Los Angeles International Auto Show on Wednesday.

The Buick Regal beat 10 other contenders based upon a combination of factors, including performance, styling, design, fuel economy, safety features, cost of ownership and price point.

“The Buick Regal has had a revolutionizing effect on Buick,” said Troy Snyder, director of product development for NADAguides. “The brand is definitely on the right road and it’s clear that the Regal is just the beginning of Buick great vehicles to come.”

In September, when NADAguides honored Regal with its Car of the Month Award, the publication praised the sedan’s fuel-efficient 182 HP direct-injection 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine and Four-Link Independent Rear Suspension for providing a smooth ride “fit for a king.”

NADAguides also noted Regal’s use of Bluetooth® connectivity, OnStar, USB port for MP3 devices, and voice-activated navigation as clear indications that “Buick knows all about modern advanced technology.”

“The NADAguides Car of the Year award confirms the growing momentum building around Buick,” said John Schwegman, U.S. vice president of Buick & GMC Marketing. “The Regal delivers a dynamic driving experience that competes with the best import sport sedans in the mid-size sport car segment.  Moreover, this smart, sleek, top-safety-rated car is helping to attract new customers to the Buick brand.”

Based in part on customer demand for the new Regal, Buick’s retail sales have grown 50 percent in 2010 as of October, with 39 percent of Regal customers coming out of a non-General Motors’ make.

Regal also is a semifinalist for the 2011 North American Car of the Year awards, as voted by a jury of 50 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada. The sporty sedan has award-winning DNA, being based on the Opel Insignia – recipient of 31 prestigious awards, including the 2009 European Car of the Year.