Buick's eAssist Named the Go-To Drivetrain for 2013 Regal

OXFORD, MAINE (02/22/2012)(readMedia)-- The Buick Regal midsize luxury sedan has proven quite popular recently, selling more units in 2011 than the Audi A4, Lexus IS 250 and Acura TSX. That hasn't stopped the domestic luxury automaker from finessing the car's offerings, however. Buick will be making its fuel-efficient eAssist light-hybrid system the standard powertrain of the 2013 Regal when it reaches Buick dealerships later this year.

Buick's eAssist drivetrain has been an option for the 2012 Buick Regal, alongside the standard 2.4-liter Ecotec engine. The eAssist system will replace that outgoing Ecotec in the base-model Regal for 2013 though, meaning the most affordable model will also be the most fuel efficient. The EPA rates the eAssist-equipped Regal at 36 mpg on the highway, placing it near the top of its class without the bulkiness of a full-size hybrid-drive system.

"Buick didn't just follow the crowd with its light-hybrid system; it rethought what a hybrid could be," said Rick Smith, general manager of Oxford, Maine Buick dealership Goodwin Buick. "Their eAssist isn't convoluted like other systems and doesn't eat up as much trunk space with a huge battery pack. That way, you still get the benefits of lower fuel consumption and seamless operation."

The Buick Regal with eAssist relies on a compact lithium-ion battery pack mounted in the trunk and a small electric motor to augment the vehicle's 2.4-liter engine. The electric motor adds power through a drive belt instead of through an alternator, kicking in to save gas when there is an extra load on the engine, whether during acceleration or hill climbs.

Recent drivetrain changes for the Regal lineup haven't been restricted to improving fuel economy, though. Previously, the 270-horsepower Regal GS sport sedan was available only with a six-speed manual transmission, meaning drivers had to row their own gears. That has now changed, as Buick has added a six-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control as a no-cost option to the 2012 Buick Regal GS, allowing any driver to get behind the wheel.

Of course, the point of buying a luxury car is enjoying its creature comforts, and the Regal isn't lacking in that category. Inside, there is standard leather seating, including four-way power lumbar adjustment for the driver to find the perfect position for the morning commute. Meanwhile, the available Harman Kardon 5.1 Matrix surround sound system and IntelliLink infotainment system will keep audiophiles and tech junkies pleased. A standard leather-wrapped steering wheel adds a final upscale touch to the Buick Regal's helm.

"In many ways, the Regal sits at the crossroads of Buick's past and future," Smith noted. "It features all the latest gadgets and innovations that modern drivers expect, along with the intrinsic qualities of the Buick brand: a serene ride, high-quality materials and sophisticated styling."

About Goodwin Buick:

Goodwin Buick is part of the Goodwin Motor Group, which has been serving Maine motorists for nearly 80 years with a customer-first attitude that has earned them a loyal following. From the spacious Buick Enclave SUV to the Buick Regal luxury sedan, Goodwin Buick offers a wide selection of new and used Buicks, as well as unmatched Buick service. Their Oxford, Maine Buick dealership can be visited at 1606 Main Street, found online at www.goodwinbuickme.com or contacted by phone at 207-743-8944. Goodwin Buick can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoodwinChevroletBuick.