Officially Official: 2012 Buick Regal eAssist

[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

[Paolino]

I see the Regal will get the Lucerne's leftover wheels.

[SAmadei]

Wow... that battery box in the trunk really cramps its space. If that's going in every Buick, they need to put it somewhere else... it virtually negates the pass-through... and that tiny trunk needs all the help it can get.

[frogger]

That tiny passthru kills it for me, wouldn't be able to make that work.

[Croc]

...and more importantly, the fold-down rear seats.

[ocnblu]

Progress? I don't see it. It is a hobble to an otherwise decent car.

[carman21]

I guess Buick will have two basic models,the Eco-Chic and the Euro-Chic.

[pow]

Should be interesting to see if there's any downgrade in quality going from a German car to a Canadian car. The powertrain specs are class-leading, but I'm not a fan of those Buick wheels or hood "vents."

[smk4565]

I sat in a Regal today at the auto show, it was $35,775 with the 184 hp ecotec engine. The interior is decent, but not worthy of a $35k price tag, it is more comparable to a higher end Fusion, Mazda6, or Sonata. All of which for $28k have a lot more motor. If eAssist drives the price up even more, I can't see how this car sells without $5,000 rebates.

[smk4565]

Should be interesting to see if there's any downgrade in quality going from a German car to a Canadian car. The powertrain specs are class-leading, but I'm not a fan of those Buick wheels or hood "vents."

Powertain is class leading? Run of the mill family sedans have 260 hp now. The Regal has base model Camry power, yet is priced like an Acura. And a Fusion or Sonta Hybrid has equal or more power, costs less and gets far better fuel economy.

The Regal eAssist is 15 mpg worse in city than a Fusion hybrid, 15 mpg less!

[regfootball]

Should be interesting to see if there's any downgrade in quality going from a German car to a Canadian car. The powertrain specs are class-leading, but I'm not a fan of those Buick wheels or hood "vents."

IMO this is the single biggest thing GM should be concerned about right now. the regal feels like a quality piece in german form, but you know how the michigan beancounters like to mess everything up.

[Drew Dowdell]

Powertain is class leading? Run of the mill family sedans have 260 hp now. The Regal has base model Camry power, yet is priced like an Acura. And a Fusion or Sonta Hybrid has equal or more power, costs less and gets far better fuel economy.

The Regal eAssist is 15 mpg worse in city than a Fusion hybrid, 15 mpg less!

The Fusion Hybrid isn't where the Regal is with the interior and no where near the same as the Regal in terms of handling and ride.

[smk4565]

The Fusion Hybrid isn't where the Regal is with the interior and no where near the same as the Regal in terms of handling and ride.

I'd put the Regal interior with the Passat. At the top end of the midsize family sedan segment, but the Regal interior doesn't match up to Lincoln or Acura. The Regal is more like a Nissan Maxima in price and interior, but with less size and less power. I haven't driven the Regal, but the Aura XR had pretty good handling for a front driver so I suspect it handles fine. But I doubt the Regal's handling is so superior to an Acura or Maxima or Passat that it can justify 184 hp for $35,770.

[frogger]

So is this going to be standard? No version without it?

[Drew Dowdell]

So is this going to be standard? No version without it?

It's not going to be the standard engine, no.

[ocnblu]

I think the article said it's going to be above the base, reliable 2.4L version, and below the 2.0L T.

[carman21]

I love eAssist, its exciting to know what kind of technology may be just around the corner to improve mpg.

[Robert Hall]

Saw a black Regal this morning w/ dealer installed tube grille, bling wheels, etc sitting on the lot at the Buick-Cadillac store..haven't really seen very many of them on the road so far.