Buick Unveils 2012 LaCrosse with eAssist Mild Hybrid System, Returns 37 mpg Highway

Starting from next summer, all versions of the Buick LaCrosse with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder unit will be fitted with GM's eAssist mild hybrid technology as standard, the automaker announced today. The 2012MY LaCrosse will make its world premiere this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The eAssist system shares the same basic belt-alternator-starter configuration of previous BAS designs, but according to GM, it delivers more than three times the power and is much more capable.

More specifically, the 115V air-cooled lithium-ion battery adds approximately 11 kW (15 horsepower) of electric power assist during heavy acceleration and 15 kW of regenerative braking power, helping the base LaCrosse return 37 mpg (6.36 lt/100 km) on the highway. The system's combine output is rated at approximately 180 horsepower (134 kW).

To further improve fuel efficiency, the 2012MY LaCrosse with the 2.4-liter engine comes with a next-generation six-speed automatic transmission with faster shift times and a start-stop system.

The firm's engineers also developed a few aerodynamic aids as well. Additional panels optimize the airflow under the car, shutters in the lower grille close at high speeds pushing more air over the vehicle, thus increasing aerodynamic efficiency, and the wheels are shod in special tires.

But maybe the best thing about the 2012 Buick LaCrosse with eAssist is that the price will remain the same.

"LaCrosse was the first in its segment with a four-cylinder/six-speed powertrain, the first with HiPer Strut and is now is leading the way with the new standard eAssist technology," said Schwegman. "Importantly, LaCrosse with eAssist is the standard powertrain for four-cylinder-equipped models and there isn't a cost premium."

By Csaba Daradics

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GM Recalls 2010-2011 Cadillac DTS and Buick Lucerne Over Possible Fire Risk

If you happen to be one of the 13,780 owners of a 2010-2011 Cadillac DTS or Buick Lucerne sedan with a V8 engine, you'll soon receive a recall letter from General Motors. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA], the aforementioned sedan models have alternator cables that can wear through a power steering line causing a fluid leak. The power steering leak could result in a loss of power steering as well as fall onto hot engine parts and cause an engine compartment fire.

Up until now, there have been two reports of fires in late August related to this problem.

To fix this issue, GM said dealers will secure and if necessary, reroute the lines to prevent contact. As expected, the service will be performed free of charge. The Detroit automaker will begin mailing letters to owners of the affected models on November 19.

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Buick Teases New GL8 Luxury Minivan for China Market

General Motors has release the first teaser photos of the all-new 2011 Buick GL8, a full size luxury minivan developed exclusively for the China market. The new-generation of the GL8, which will replace the Buick Terraza / Chevy Uplander-based model in China, was previewed last year at the Shanghai Auto Show with the Buick Business hybrid concept model.

As you can see from the pictures we have after the break, the 2011 GL8's exterior styling appears to have remained quite true to the concept model. GM Shanghai did not release specifications, but the production version will most likely be similar in size to the 2009 study that measured 5,278mm (207-in.) in length riding on a 3.198mm (129-in.) wheelbase.

However, whereas the Business concept featured a next-generation Hybrid System, at launch, the new GL8 will be available in China with a choice of a 2.4-liter Ecotec engine or 3.0-liter V6 SIDI unit, as well as a six-speed automatic-manual transmission.

According to GM Shanghai, the GL8 will officially be launched on November 28.

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GM to launch Chevrolet in Korea

Daewoo may be General Motors’ only established brand in the Korean auto market, but it will soon add another: Chevrolet. GM revealed today at the Busan motor show that it will begin selling bowtie-badged vehicles in South Korea in 2011.

The Alpheon is being positioned in the Korea market as a luxury model at the top of the Daewoo range. It is fitted with a 3.0-liter V6 and a six-speed automatic transmission. GM Daewoo said the car will go on sale in the second half of the year.

GM Daewoo says the "Alpheon becomes a stand-alone luxury product brand in GM Daewoo's product portfolio." Much like its Korean couterpart, Hyundai, have made inroads into the luxury sedan segment with the Genesis model.






Press Release

GM Daewoo's All-New Luxury Sedan Debuts at 2010 Busan International Motor Show

Alpheon is GM Daewoo's entry into the upper-midsize segment

Busan, Korea - GM Daewoo Auto & Technology (GM Daewoo) unveiled its much-anticipated luxury sedan, the Alpheon, at the 2010 Busan International Motor Show today.

"With the introduction of the all-new Alpheon luxury sedan, we have added another attractive model to our product portfolio and our first entry in the fast-growing upper-midsize segment in Korea," said GM Daewoo President and CEO Mike Arcamone. "I am confident that the Alpheon will surpass the demands of the most sophisticated luxury sedan buyers in Korea."

Another highlight of the GM Daewoo stand is a seven-seat compact multi-purpose vehicle, the Orlando show car, which is making its first appearance at an international motor show in Asia.

In addition, GM Daewoo has on display the Lacetti Premiere and GentraX race cars, and a Matiz mini-car artistically wrapped in pink.

With "Advancing Style" as its theme for this year's Busan International Motor Show, GM Daewoo has 18 vehicles on display that showcase its automotive industry design expertise.

Alpheon - Stylish Luxury Sedan

The Alpheon is based on the same GM global architecture as the Buick LaCrosse, one of the three finalists for 2010 North American Car of the Year.

GM designers and engineers from Asia, Europe and North America targeted the luxury sedan as a global product that would meet the highest quality and performance standards in the most sophisticated markets.

At first glance, the Alpheon's sculpting design flows in all directions, giving the vehicle a tightly wrapped appearance and a fast, coupe-like profile. Its dynamic and elegant body styling is highlighted by sharp side lines, short overhangs and fenders wrapped precisely around large wheel housings, giving it the presence of an upscale large sedan (2,837-mm wheelbase and 4,995mm body length).

With a unique emblem on its front "waterfall" grille, the Alpheon becomes a stand-alone luxury product brand in GM Daewoo's product portfolio.

The innovative design philosophy continues in the Alpheon's interior. The flowing shape of its instrument panel design offers a distinct, confident and upscale impression. The refined look is an integrated center stack design that incorporates ice-blue light-emitting diode (LED) ambient lighting along with premium infotainment features. Adding to the use of soft-touch materials and low-gloss trim panels rather than traditional wood applications is indicative of exceptional and luxurious craftsmanship.

Powered by a 3.0-liter V-6 engine combined with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Alpheon will ensure responsive performance when it is launched in the second half of this year in Korea.