By having an electric motor working alongside a new
2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, Buick has managed to boost city fuel economy by
19 percent in the 2018 LaCrosse, which is set to go on sale this fall. This new
and more sophisticated eAssist light hybrid system is packed full of features
such as torque-assisted launch, energy-saving regenerative braking and a
stop/start function.
What makes this eAssist system more sophisticated
than previous iterations is efficiency, on multiple levels. For starters, the
system boasts a 9% increase in torque, whereas the overall footprint has been
reduced, helping the LaCrosse maintain its fold-down rear seat and generous
trunk space. Buick also installed upper and lower active aero shutters in the
front fascia, which close under certain driving conditions, helping to maximize
aerodynamics and improve fuel economy.
The 3.6-liter V6 unit launched on the 2017 LaCrosse
last September will continue to be available as an option on select trims,
however the new 2.5-liter four-cylinder powertrain with eAssist is to become
the new standard - helping Buick drop the model's starting price to US$ 30,490.
Other updates for the 2018 Buick LaCrosse include
the expanded availability of AWD and an all-new nine-speed automatic gearbox
for V6 models. Also, due to customer demand, the AWD system is now available on
Essence trim models as well.
Future customers will also be able to choose between
three new exterior color options: Satin Steel Metallic, Dark Slate Metallic and
Red Quartz Tintcoat - as seen in the image below.
