Fuel Cut-Off
Every GM engine employs “fuel cutoff”, to save fuel when coasting, but eAssist allows GM to do more often—particularly when the vehicle is slowing down to a complete stop. Typically, you have to maintain some engine speed at very slow speeds, so the torque converter can smooth out the downshifting. But eAssist can do that smoothing with electrically provided power.
Aerodynamic Factors
The LaCrosse eAssist also features a number of aerodynamic upgrades, including an active shutter system in the engine radiator grille, as first debuted on the Chevrolet Cruze Eco. The shutters automatically open when the engine needs maximum cooling, and automatically close when it doesn’t, like at highways speeds.
Other aerodynamic features include a front air dam, which directs air more efficiently under the engine area, and four underbody panels that cover about 50 percent of the lower portion of the vehicle (from the cabin area back).
When the car is on a hoist, you can also see how the high-voltage wires (in bright orange) have been routed underneath the vehicle in aluminum tubes, for safety’s sake.
The LaCrosse eAssist also features a new 17-inch Michelin low rolling-resistance tire.
Weighty Factors
Buick said eAssist only adds about 6 pounds (2.7 kg) to the LaCrosse’s overall curb weight. The extra weight of the battery pack was whittled away by replacing the spare tire with a tire-inflation kit and using aluminum suspension knuckles instead of steel ones. And because eAssist gets better fuel mileage (5.4 L/100 km city, 8.3 L/100 km highway), it allowed LaCrosse to go with a smaller fuel tank (60 litres).
Every GM engine employs “fuel cutoff”, to save fuel when coasting, but eAssist allows GM to do more often—particularly when the vehicle is slowing down to a complete stop. Typically, you have to maintain some engine speed at very slow speeds, so the torque converter can smooth out the downshifting. But eAssist can do that smoothing with electrically provided power.
Aerodynamic Factors
The LaCrosse eAssist also features a number of aerodynamic upgrades, including an active shutter system in the engine radiator grille, as first debuted on the Chevrolet Cruze Eco. The shutters automatically open when the engine needs maximum cooling, and automatically close when it doesn’t, like at highways speeds.
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| Photo: Buick |
Other aerodynamic features include a front air dam, which directs air more efficiently under the engine area, and four underbody panels that cover about 50 percent of the lower portion of the vehicle (from the cabin area back).
When the car is on a hoist, you can also see how the high-voltage wires (in bright orange) have been routed underneath the vehicle in aluminum tubes, for safety’s sake.
The LaCrosse eAssist also features a new 17-inch Michelin low rolling-resistance tire.
Weighty Factors
Buick said eAssist only adds about 6 pounds (2.7 kg) to the LaCrosse’s overall curb weight. The extra weight of the battery pack was whittled away by replacing the spare tire with a tire-inflation kit and using aluminum suspension knuckles instead of steel ones. And because eAssist gets better fuel mileage (5.4 L/100 km city, 8.3 L/100 km highway), it allowed LaCrosse to go with a smaller fuel tank (60 litres).