<http://schema.org/articleBody>
"The 2012 Buick LaCrosse introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show has eAssist, GM&amp;#039;s enhanced-power version of hybrid-lite systems previously offered with Saturn Vue and Chevrolet Malibu. A standard part of LaCrosse 4-cylinder/6-speed-automatic powertrains, the eAssist hybrid system has a separate lithium battery and replaces a conventional alternator with an upsized motor-generator. The latter device is belt-driven by the crankshaft in generator mode, conversely belt-driving as a motor. Its motor function supports the car&amp;#039;s start/stop feature as well as providing enhanced performance in various driving scenarios. As a generator, it returns energy to the battery in regenerative braking.   Some relevant definitions: A full hybrid (think Toyota Prius,Chevrolet Volt) offers purely electric propulsion, albeit perhaps only for short distances. A mild hybrid (the first-generation Honda Insight, for instance) uses its electric motor to significantly enhance propulsion of its primary internal combustion; it has no sole EV mode. Last, the electric motor of a micro hybrid (e.g.,BMW 7 Series Hybrid&amp;#039;s,Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid&amp;#039;s) supports its start/stop function and may help in automatic shift modulation; it offer only modest, if any, direct propulsion benefit. Also, all three types typically offer some degree of regenerative braking.   In general, the technical good/better/best benefits of micro, mild and full hybrids, respectively, are accompanied by tradeoffs of weight, complexity and cost. Though differences are subtle, I think of the earlier Saturn Vue/Chevrolet Malibu system as a micro hybrid. By contrast, as described by Buick, eAssist is edging into mild territory. In time, a drive of one will help assess the amount of its electric enhancement.   The LaCrosse&amp;#039;s 2.4-liter Ecotec direct-injected inline-4 gasoline engine produces 182 bhp with a torque peak of 172 lb.-ft. Its eAssist&amp;#039;s liquid-cooled motor-generator provides a maximum 11 kW (15 hp) of electric assistance in acceleration (compared with the Vue/Malibu&amp;#039;s 2 kW). The eAssist returns as much as 15 kW in brake-regenerative mode (cf., 5 kW with the earlier GM micro hybrid).   The air-cooled 115-volt lithium-ion battery, an integrated power converter and a 12-volt power supply reside between the LaCrosse&amp;#039;s rear seat and trunk. Together they add only about 65 lb.; 10.9 cu. ft. of trunk space is retained.   The added electric power permits taller gearing with no degradation of driveability or acceleration. According to Buick, the new LaCrosse delivers a 25-percent improvement in fuel economy, compared with that of a previous 4-cylinder counterpart. Estimated EPA City/Highway numbers for this midsize are 25 and 37 mpg, respectively. Exact pricing for this 2012 Buick midsize sedan arriving summer 2011 has yet to be set, but about $30K has been suggested. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-shows/los-angeles-auto-show/news/a16667/2012-buick-lacrosse/>