Buick LaCrosse Hybrid Electric Vehicle makes global debut in Shanghai; uses Malibu Hybrid powertrain
18 April 2016
The all-new Buick LaCrosse Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) made its global debut at the 2016 Buick Day event in Shanghai, where the award-winning Buick Avista concept was also shown for the first time in China. Both models will be appearing on the Buick stand at Auto China 2016 in Beijing, which begins on 25 April.
A major component of SAIC-GM’s Drive to Green strategy, the LaCrosse HEV adopts the same design language and technological advances as the recently introduced all-new LaCrosse. The advanced hybrid powertrain is basically the same as that used in the 2016 Malibu Hybrid, with the exception of some minor calibration and final drive ratio changes to better suit local and segment preferences. (Earlier post.)
GM’s leadership in electrification technologies, now and in the future, are coming to Buick in China. In fact, over the next five years, we will roll out more than 10 new energy vehicles in China, including several models for Buick. That includes full hybrids, plug-in hybrids and extended-range electric vehicles.
—Larry Nitz, GM executive director of Global Propulsion Systems
The LaCrosse HEV is powered by a 1.8L SIDI engine that is paired with an electric variable transmission and a 1.5-kWh high-performance lithium battery unit. It features numerous advanced technologies such as an electronic climate control compressor, electronic power steering, exhaust thermal energy recycling, and active grille open and close that maximize its efficiency.
The LaCrosse HEV offers comprehensive fuel economy of 4.7 L/100 km. This represents a 35% decrease in fuel consumption from the LaCrosse with eAssist that is powered by a smart hybrid powertrain. The LaCrosse HEV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds.
SAIC-GM also released the all-new “Buick Blue” logo for the brand’s green product lineup at Buick Brand Day. The introduction of the LaCrosse HEV and “Buick Blue” logo represents Buick’s focus on upgrading its conventional powertrains and promoting green technologies.
Thanks to Toyota, many more 50+ mpg HEVs will hit the market place in the next 5 years. That is an excellent way to meet CAFE regulations and more.
This new Buick seem to do as well as the new Malibu (46 to 47 mpg) i.e. much the same as the larger Avalon does versus the Camry Hybrid?
With a bit more fine tuning and less weight, the world will soon have 6-passenger, 50+ mpg HEVs?
Posted by: HarveyD | 18 April 2016 at 02:55 PM