Friday, February 7, 2014
2012 Buick Lacrosse eAssist First Drive
Ive been on a bit of a Buick binge lately. Buick is one of the fastest growing brands in America right now and as I learned during this last press event that currently 50% of Buick sales are conquest sales. This being where someone who currently owns say an Acura decides to trade in that Acura and get a Buick. The bit of tech that General Motors calls eAssist™ is set to expand the consumer appeal of the Buick brand with a bit of tech cred as well as a few brownie points for Eco-consciousness. I had a chance to take a 35 minute spin in the 2012 Buick Lacrosse eAssist during my stint with the Buick Regal GS. This was a welcome surprise because as you can see my blog is all about low fuel consumption and a 2+ ton sedan getting 36 mpg on the highway is certainly something to write about!
From outward appearances there is nothing to really denote that this is different than your typical Lacrosse than the badges. This isnt necessarily a bad thing especially if youre someone who want a bit of electrification without jumping into like the Prius which has a certain look to it that some people dont like. The interior is very similar to the previous generation yet this new model will have the new Intelilink™ system that was very impressive in the 2012 Buick Regal GS. One thing that consumers will notice is that this eAssist model has more data available to the drive about where power is coming from, and where that power is being distributed to. This is a great feature for drivers looking to be as frugal as possible. Data about fuel economy, the status of the battery, knowing when the electric motor is engaging are all good things to know that better teach you to use the least amount of fuel.
Instead of using a complex mounting system that bolts an electric motor to the drive train in the eAssist the 15kW motor/generator is actually in the place of the alternator on the traditional architecture of the 2.4L GDI engine in the current Lacrosse. The electric engine adds the equivalent of 15 hp to the engine at any point in time. In terms of traditional automotive term this is more like an electric supercharger. One of the advantages of this is the fact that there is no lag what-so-ever. This electric motor is cooled through a secondary coolant loop that helps maintain peak efficiency under all driving conditions.
Specific to the Lacrosse eAssist is an aggressive fuel cut-off system that when combined with the electric motor allows for a start/stop system that is smooth seamless and even works during hot weather with the ecoAC setting. This start/stop systems works excellent and certainly fits into the Buick ideal of "Refined Performance" It is very relaxing to come to a complete stop and be sitting in traffic encased in wonderful silence. Releasing the brake instantly re-fires the gasoline engine and youre off once again. Even though the EPA doesnt take into account start/stop I really do think drivers will see a noticeable difference in their city fuel economy. Complimenting the electric motors and powertrain are active shutters that close at high speeds to decrease aerodynamic drag when less cooling is needed for the engine. This function also has an ice mode that will actually help bring the Lacrosse up to temp quicker for those of us who live in a winter environment.
Driving the Lacrosse is excellent it is silky smooth and the added electric motor means it doesnt feel like the 4-cylinder is struggling to keep up with the mass of the vehicle. It is certainly not an overly athletic car but handling is superb for such a large vehicle and it gives decent road feel through the leather wrapped steering wheel. Understeer is the name of the game though when it comes to pushing the Lacrosse hard but this certainly isnt the point of the Lacrosse. The suspension is very supple but it is well damped so there is no bounciness just an extremely relaxing drive. Im a big fan of the HUD though I would like a more detailed read out with better graphics, etc. The HUD keeps your eyes on the road while giving you all your pertinent information. I was happy to see the Lacrosse also had blind spot awareness.In such a large car with a rising belt line a feature like this certainly lessens the anxiety of heavy traffic lane change maneuvers.
Overall the Buick Lacrosse eAssist is a great compromise between a full hybrid and a conventional ICE powertrain. How this vehicle is geared and what the electric motor is meant to do the Lacrosse is an ideal highway cruiser. This added to an outrageously comfortable interior the Buick Lacrosse eAssist is an excellent choice for those who love to drive and love to drive far. With the fuel economy that the eAssist system coupled with the ease that it conquers highway driving the Buick Lacrosse eAssist at first glance is a full size sedan you can drive everyday and enjoy a weekend excursion whenever the urge hits you.
No comments:
Post a Comment