Buick LaCrosse 2012 Starts at $29,960

FYI: Buick Buyer's Guide

DETROIT--June 8, 2011: The 2012 Buick LaCrosse with eAssist, which is expected to deliver 25 percent better highway fuel economy than the current model, will be priced starting at $29,960 before an $860 destination charge.

"LaCrosse with eAssist is the smart choice for those who want great fuel economy without sacrificing the driving dynamics and passenger comfort that have made Buick the fastest-growing major automotive brand in the United States," said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing.

LaCrosse with eAssist uses a variety of advanced technologies and body enhancements to deliver up to 37 mpg highway fuel economy, better than the Lexus HS Hybrid and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, as well as non-hybrids like the Acura TL, Lexus ES350 and Lincoln MKS. eAssist will be the standard powertrain for LaCrosse, which will be built at the Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Kan.

The fuel economy boost that LaCrosse with eAssist offers comes from state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery system and electric motor-generator that enables regenerative braking capability. This "light electrification" system also will be available on the 2012 Buick Regal later this year.

Although eAssist is the standard powertrain, a new, more powerful and more efficient version of the direct-injected, E85-capable 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing, Is available at no additional cost on select trim levels.  The front-wheel-drive 3.6L model is rated at an SAE-certified 303 horsepower (226 kW) an improvement of 23 hp - and 264 lb.-ft. of torque (358 Nm). An all-wheel drive version, which is yet to be rated, also is available.

The 3.6L engine's new, integrated cylinder head/exhaust manifold design and a composite intake manifold help reduce its weight by more than 20 pounds (9 kg), which increases horsepower without any loss in fuel efficiency. The direct-injected engine also warms up faster, which can cut emissions of unburned hydrocarbons by up to 25 percent.

Additional new standard features for 2012 include dual-zone climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, full-color driver information center, and Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

Later in the year, LaCrosse with eAssist will come with standard Buick IntelliLink, which uses Bluetooth or USB to connect the driver's smartphone to a new 8-inch, high-resolution, full-color touch screen display radio. IntelliLink expands on Buick's current Bluetooth and USB capabilities to allow smartphone control via voice activation and steering wheel-mounted controls. It also enables streaming stereo audio from the phone through services like PANDORAŽ Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadioŽ.

Most importantly, Buick IntelliLink enables seamless integration of stowed portable devices with each vehicle's infotainment system, allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

"LaCrosse with eAssist is the most advanced LaCrosse to date," DiSalle said. "The winning combination of advanced technology, no-compromise driving performance and luxurious style and passenger comfort stand to make LaCrosse with eAssist a must-have sedan."