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2012 Buick Regal eAssist Hybrid Revealed

A greener Regal has made its debut in Chicago today, boasting Buick’s eAssist fuel-saving technology, which improves overall fuel economy by 25 percent over the 2011 four-cylinder/six-speed powertrain. This means the new Regal comes with an estimated fuel economy is 26 mpg city and 37 mpg on the highway.

Regal with eAssist is set to go on sale this fall, with prices set to be announced closer to the market launch. The car has become the second Buick to feature the eAssist technology after the 2012 LaCrosse.

The system uses a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery system, electric induction motor-generator and regenerative braking capability to improve fuel economy. This variant also comes with improved underbody aerodynamics and tires optimized for performance and fuel economy, as well as a hill-assist system.

"Buick's eAssist technology means customers don't have to trade a premium driving experience for efficiency," stated Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick marketing. "We believe Regal and LaCrosse with eAssist provide more logical and affordable choices, compared to other hybrid midsize and full-size luxury sedans."

The 2012 Regal line-up also includes the 2.4L and 2.0L Turbo (with manual transmission) models, as well as the upcoming Regal GS.

Highlights of the new model includes the following:

• Lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels and tires with lower rolling resistance
• A driver-selectable, fuel economy-optimizing mode for the air conditioning system, which enables more frequent and longer-duration engine stop periods
• An ECO gauge on the instrument panel that continuously responds to driving behavior, enabling the driver to drive with greater efficiency
• A powerflow readout in the 7-inch infotainment screen, which shows the flow of energy through the electric assist system, such as battery charging from regeneration and electric power directed to the engine.
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