Today’s vehicle spotlight is on the
2012 Buick LaCrosse. Through this post, I will cover the eAssist engine and how
it works, the interior technology, safety features, and the driving experience.
Personally, when I am driving and
am exceptionally bored, I watch my fuel economy gauge and see how high I can
get it. In my 4-cylinder, 2,800lb Pontiac G5, I receive around 20-24MPG city
(lead foot) and around 30-35MPG highway. The smart people over at GM and Buick
managed to make an engine that gives a 3,800lb Buick LaCrosse 25MPG city, and
38MPG highway. But how can that be? eAssist is called by many a “mild hybrid”
technology, but GM and Buick insist that the eAssist engine is no hybrid. Why
use fuel when you don’t need it? This simple concept was masterminded by the
people at GM and Buick and transformed into a stunning engine, providing
excellent mileage and not costing an arm and a leg. The e-assist provides an
electric “kick” to the power-train system during heavy acceleration and helps
the engine’s transmission operate more efficiently. Most people who observe
their fuel economy cringe when they see a red light; the acceleration will kill
their fuel economy when it turns green. The eAssist drivers may have a
different mindset though. As you begin braking for the red light, the eAssist
shuts off the gas engine’s fuel consumption. Then, when you’re at a complete
stop, the eAssist’s start-stop technology shuts off the engine to conserve
fuel. Don’t worry though, as soon as that light turns green, the engine will be
prepared for a smooth takeoff giving you a little extra power, the smart people
at Buick say so! So basically, the innovative eAssist engine saves you fuel at
the best times possible. I am extremely impressed with this engine enhancement
and what Buick was able to do with it.
Alright, I’m done boring you about
the engine, time to move on to the rest of the vehicle. Starting at $30,170 the
Buick LaCrosse is a luxury sedan on the rise. Alex Nishimoto of MotorTrend
Magazine said of the 2012 LaCrosse, “Buick has clearly come a long way, and the
LaCrosse with eAssist is yet another vehicle that’s helping to reinvent the
brand’s image. I can’t wait to see how Buick will surprise me next.” I couldn’t
agree more, Alex. It’s not just the engine where Buick is impressing; the LaCrosse
is equipped with some impressive technology on the interior too. Buick IntelliLink
is a completely voice activated system which allows the driver to access their
phone’s phonebook and access various web applications like Pandora. The
IntelliLink system runs through a beautiful 7” touch-screen high definition
display, so when you’re at a stoplight, you can admire it visually too.
The LaCrosse is also equipped with
numerous safety provisions, helping it receive 5 out of 5 stars during
government crash test ratings. Some of the safety features include: anti-lock
disc brakes with brake assist, stability and traction control, front seat
side-impact airbags, full length side-curtain airbags, and of course the OnStar
safety system. With available safety features like a rear parking camera and
blind side alert, the LaCrosse is a safe machine.
Driving the LaCrosse can also be a
good time. Precise steering and admirable handling are nice additions to the
plush ride that the LaCrosse presents. If you’re looking for some more power
though, you can take a step up from the standard 4 cylinder eAssist engine
which provides 182HP, to the new 3.6 Liter, 306HP V-6 engine.
Overall, the Buick Lacrosse is an
impressive vehicle which car enthusiasts are very excited about. Please feel
free to comment below or contact us here at Betten Baker Chevrolet-Buick for
any information!
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