Report: GM to Launch Key Fuel Efficient Cars and Trucks in the Next 18 Months

USA’s biggest car manufacturer, General Motors, is scheduling a series of new vehicle launches for its four brands in the next 18 months. And the dominant theme here, both in passenger cars and trucks, will be improved economy figures as GM prepares its vehicle lineup to meet the more stringent fuel-efficiency standards.

For example, the Detroit automaker plans to introduce 8-speed auto transmissions and downsized turbocharged engines in its new pickups, and also intends to fit more models with the eAssist light-hybrid technology.

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Motoring Magazine and Motor Life, 1913, and available online to read at your leisure

 

 I enjoy reflecting on the cars of 100 years ago, it's amazing that they were all simple enough for a gearhead like me to work on, repair, or improve on.

 What do you make of the above tire covers? A primitive retread? And that company name, Leather Tire Goods... what leather tire goods did they make?

I think I've pointed out several times that roads were so bad that tires were lucky to last a couple thousand miles, just last week I found a photo of a the "3000 mile club" tires that were amazing enough to get that kind of recognition.

the above is a Winton

look through the 6 issues on http://www.archive.org/search.php?query=subject%3A%22Automobiles%20--%20Periodicals%22

Mystery Scoop: Is this the 2014 Cadillac ATS, a Future Buick or Something Else?

Maybe you can help us out here. A Carscoop reader, who prefers to remain anonymous, nabbed these photos of an identical pair of camouflaged prototype sedans at a tollbooth in Ohio.

The photos were shot from a distance with a cell phone camera, so it’s difficult to tell the brand and make of the vehicles. Our unnamed reader told us that the front end looked like a Cadillac but the rest of the car reminded him of a Buick, and we’ll agree with him.

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Buick Details 2012 LaCrosse’s New 3.6-Liter V6 with 303HP

General Motors has released new information on its top-of-the-line 2012 Buick LaCrosse equipped with a new and more potent version of its direct-injected 3.6L V6 engine that joins the freshly released standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with eAssist, which we’ve already told you about in a previous article.

For the 2012 model year, the direct-injection 3.6-liter six-cylinder unit has been upgraded with several new features including a different cylinder head design, larger-diameter intake valves in the heads and new, longer-duration intake camshafts.

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1913 Buick Indy Lite race car looks like it's been kept in terrific condition, and still raced

The rockers are notched to keep them in order when the valve train is reassembled

The Warner Auto Meter (speedometer) drive gears

100 year old gauges, nearly.




Very interesting spring design... before shock absorbers, here's what they best engineers could come up with

Regal GS spec confirmed

Buick has confirmed some technical specifications for its forthcoming 2012 Regal GS - and the big news is that it’s going to have slightly more power than originally thought.



When first announced in November last year, it was estimated that the 2.0 litre Ecotec turbocharged, four-cylinder, direct injection engine would produce 255 bhp (190 kW / 258 PS).



However, the GS has now been SAE certified at 270 bhp (201 kW / 273 PS). Peak torque, which is achieved at 2,400 rpm, remains at the previous figure of 400 Nm (295 lb/ft).

That’s plenty for a front-wheel drive car, and it adds up to a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) acceleration time of just 6.7 seconds. Anticipated Highway fuel economy is a fairly respectable 28 mpg US (33.6 mpg imperial / 8.4 l/100km), vindicating the decision to use a small capacity turbo engine rather than a normally aspirated six-cylinder unit.



Anticipating that torque steer could be an issue, Buick has fitted the GS with its High Performance Strut front suspension system. This is also engineered to maintain a negative camber during cornering, thereby helping the tyres grip better.



Other chassis elements include the Interactive Drive Control System, which allows the driver to choose from three modes that control suspension settings and steering response. ‘Standard’ is for everyday use, ‘GS’ is for press-on hard driving, and ‘Sport’ is somewhere in the middle of those two. Computer Damping Control meanwhile constantly adjusts the damping in response to changing road conditions.



Sales of the Buick Regal GS are due to begin this autumn.



Related post:

2012 Buick Regal GS

Buick Regal eAssist hybrid

Buick has announced a ‘light’ hybrid version of its Vauxhall / Opel Insignia-based Regal.



Dubbed eAssist, the system combines a 2.4 litre four cylinder Ecotec engine, six-speed automatic transmission, lithium-ion battery pack, electric motor and regenerative braking.

The claimed result is 25% better fuel economy, with estimated EPA city and highway ratings of 26 mpg US (31.2 mpg UK / 9.0 l/100km) and 37 mpg US (44.4 mpg UK / 6.4 l/100km) respectively.



However, the electric motor isn’t intended to propel the car on its own. Rather, its 15 bhp (11 kW / 15 PS) is there to assist during acceleration, plus the system allows for fuel cut-off during deceleration and automatic engine shutdown when the Regal is stopped.



Located behind the rear seats, the lithium-ion battery pack and its the integrated power inverter do eat into luggage space, but there’s still 314 litres (11.1 cubic feet) left available. The electric induction motor / generator meanwhile is attached to the engine, taking the place of an alternator.

Other fuel saving measures include the fitment of 17” alloy wheels with low rolling resistance tyres, improved under-body aerodynamics and higher gear ratios. Additionally, the air conditioning can be switched to a fuel-optimisation setting that allows the engine to be stopped for longer periods.



To help drivers make the most of the technology, the instruments include an Eco gauge and the 7” infotainment screen can display how power is flowing around the hybrid system.



The Buick Regal eAssist is due to go on sale in North America this autumn, in time for the 2012 model year. Pricing has yet to be confirmed.



Images © GM Corp.



Related post:

2012 Buick Regal GS

2012 Buick Regal eAssist Preliminary Technical Specification
Body
Style	Four-door, five-passenger midsize
Driveline	Front engine transaxle. front-wheel drive
Construction	Steel body frame integral (unibody) with front and rear crumple zones; galvanized steel front fenders, hood, roof, door panels, one-piece bodyside outer panel; thermal plastic olefin (TPO) bumper fascias
Engine
Type	Ecotec 2.4L DOHC I-4
Displacement (cu. in. / cc)	145 / 2,384
Bore and stroke (in. / mm)	3.46 x 3.85 / 88 x 98
Block material	Precision sand cast aluminium
Cylinder head material	SPM cast aluminium
Valve gear	Overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, continuous variable valve timing for intake and exhaust
Ignition system	Individual coil-on-plug
Fuel delivery	Direct injection and electronic throttle control
Compression ratio	11.2:1
Horsepower (bhp / kW / PS)	182 / 136 / 184 @ 6,700 rpm
Torque (lb/ft. / Nm)	172 / 233 @ 4,900 rpm
Recommended fuel	Regular unleaded
Emissions controls	Close-coupled, catalytic converter; variable valve timing; positive crankcase ventilation evaporative system
Estimated fuel economy (city / hwy mpg US)	26 / 37
Transmission
Type	Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic
Gear ratios (:1)	First 4.58, second 2.96, third 1.91, fourth 1.45, fifth 1.00, sixth 0.75; reverse 2.84
Electric Drive System
Type	Belt-driven, liquid-cooled induction motor / generator unit and lithium-ion battery system; air-cooled power electronics and battery pack
Maximum electric generating power	15 kW @ 1,570-3,180 rpm
Maximum electric motor torque (cranking) (lb/ft. / Nm)	110 / 150
Maximum electric motor torque (electric assist) (lb/ft. / Nm)	79 / 107 @ 1,000 rpm
Maximum electric motor power (electric assist) (bhp / kW / PS)	15 / 11.2 / 15 @ 1,000 - 2,200 rpm
Lithium-ion battery	115V, 0.5-kWh, 15 kW peak power
Chassis
Front suspension	Independent, MacPherson strut type with dual path mountings, specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar (hollow); hydraulic ride bushings
Rear suspension	Four-link independent rear; hollow stabilizer bar
Traction control	All-speed using engine torque reduction and brake intervention
Steering	Hydraulic, specifically calibrated rack and pinion power steering
Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock	2.68
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (feet / metres)	37.4 / 11.4
Steering ratio	15.2:1
Brakes	Four wheel disc with ABS and ESC
Front brake disc diameter (in. / mm)	11.7 / 296 vented; single piston, cast iron caliper
Rear brake disc diameter (in. / mm)	11.5 / 292 solid; single piston, aluminium caliper
Wheel size and type	17” aluminium
Tyres	P235/50R17 Michelin Energy Saver All Season
Dimensions
Wheelbase (in. / mm)	107.8 / 2,738
Overall length (in. / mm)	190.2 / 4,831
Overall width (in. / mm)	73.1 / 1,811
Overall height (in. / mm)	58.4 / 1,483
Front track (in. / mm)	62.4 / 1,585
Rear track (in. / mm)	62.5 / 1,587
Headroom (in. / mm)	38.8 / 985 (front); 36.8 / 935 (rear)
Legroom (in. / mm)	42.1 / 1,069 (front); 37.3 / 947 (rear)
Shoulder room (in. / mm)	56.7 / 1,440 (front); 54.4 / 1,382 (rear)
Hip room (in. / mm)	55.4 / 1,407 (front); 52.3 / 1,328 (rear)
EPA passenger volume (cu. ft. / litres)	96.81 / 2,741
EPA interior volume (cu. ft. / litres)	111.1 / 3,146
Cargo volume (cu. ft. / litres)	14.25 / 403
Capacities
Fuel tank (gal. / litres)	18.5 / 70
Engine oil (qt. / litres)	5.0 / 4.7
Curb weight (lbs / kg)	TBD

Buick unveils 2012 Verano

Buick has revealed the 2012 Verano, which will debut at this month’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

As with the larger Regal, the Verano is based on a Vauxhall / Opel model, in this case the Astra.



And why not? It makes sense for GM to have a slightly more upmarket alternative to the Chevrolet Cruze in North America, a role that the Astra fulfils in Europe. Such a strategy will also give the company further economies of scale from its Delta II compact car platform, which also underpins the Cruze and Astra as well as other models such as the Chevrolet Volt.

Verano (above) compared to its close relation, the Astra (below)

What differentiates the Verano from its European cousin is the four-door saloon body (the Astra is only available in five-door hatch and estate guises) and the choice of engine. For now, power will come from a 2.4 litre Ecotec four-cylinder motor that produces around 177 bhp (132 kW / 179 PS) and 230 Nm (170 lb/ft) of torque.

Coupled to a six-speed automatic gearbox - no manual is available - Buick reckons it should be good for a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time of about 8 seconds, while an EPA Highway rating of 31 mpg US (37.2 mpg UK / 7.6 l/100km) is expected. A 2.0 litre turbo engine is due to join the range at a later date.



High levels of luxury and refinement were the focus during the Verano’s development and, to help achieve the latter, extra sound insulation, triple-sealed doors and acoustic glass have all been employed. Buick must be confident about the results, because it’s citing the Lexus IS 250 and Audi A3 as target competitors.

The 2012 Buick Verano will go on sale during the fourth quarter of 2011. Pricing has yet to be confirmed.



Images © GM Corp.

2012 Buick Verano Technical Specification
Body
Style	Four-door, five-passenger compact car
Driveline	Front engine transaxle, front-wheel drive
Construction	Integral steel body-frame with front and rear crumple zones; galvanized steel front fenders, hood, roof, door panels, one-piece bodyside outer panel; thermal plastic olefin (TPO) bumper fascias
Engine
Type	Ecotec 2.4L DOHC I-4 (LEA)
Displacement (cu. in. / cc)	145 / 2,384
Bore and stroke (in. / mm)	3.46 x 3.85 / 88 x 98
Block material	Precision sand cast aluminium
Cylinder head material	SPM cast aluminium
Valve gear	Overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, continuous variable valve timing for intake and exhaust
Ignition system	Individual coil-on-plug
Fuel delivery	Direct injection and electronic throttle control
Compression ratio	11.2:1
Horsepower (bhp / kW / PS @ rpm)	177 / 132 / 179 @ 6,200 rpm (SAE certification pending)
Torque (lb/ft. / Nm @ rpm)	170 / 230 @ 4,800 rpm (SAE certification pending)
Recommended fuel	Regular unleaded or E85
Emissions controls	Close-coupled catalytic converter, variable valve timing, positive crankcase ventilation evaporative system
Estimated fuel economy (city / hwy mpg US)	22 / 31
Transmission
Type	Hydra-Matic 6T45 six-speed automatic, transverse, electronically controlled, automatic overdrive
Gear ratios (:1)	First 4.58, second 2.96, third 1.91, fourth 1.45, fifth 1.00, sixth 0.75; reverse 2.84; final drive 3.23
Chassis
Front suspension	Independent, MacPherson strut-type with side-loaded strut modules, specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar (hollow); hydraulic ride bushings
Rear suspension	Specifically adapted compound crank (torsion beam) with double-walled, U-shaped profile at the rear, Z-link (tuneable control arm)
Traction control	All-speed using engine torque reduction and brake intervention
Steering	Rack-mounted electric power steering
Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock	2.8
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (feet / metres)	36 / 11
Steering ratio	15.5:1
Brakes	Power-assisted four-wheel disc, electronic brake force distribution and ABS
Front brake disc diameter (mm / in.)	300 / 11.8 vented; single-piston with steel caliper
Rear brake disc diameter (mm / in.)	292 / 11.5 vented; single-piston with steel caliper
Total swept area (cu cc; pad area)	TBD
Wheel size and type	Standard 17” forged alloy; optional 18” alloy (two designs available)
Tyres	225/50R17 ALS / 235/45R18 ALS
Dimensions
Wheelbase (in. / mm)	105.7 / 2,685
Overall length (in. / mm)	183.9 / 4,671
Overall width (in. / mm)	71.4 / 1,815
Overall height (in. / mm)	58.4 / 1,484
Track width front (in. / mm)	60.7 / 1,544
Track width rear (in. / mm)	61.3 / 1,558
Curb weight (lb / kg)	3,300 / 1,497
Headroom front (in. / mm)	38.3 / 973 (without sunroof); 37.2 / 945 (with sunroof)
Headroom rear (in. / mm)	37.8 / 960 (without sunroof); 37.8 / 960 (with sunroof)
Legroom (in. / mm)	42 / 1,068 (front); 33.9 / 861 (rear)
Shoulder room (in. / mm)	55.1 / 1,399 (front); 53.8 / 1,343 (rear)
Hip room (in. / mm)	53.7 / 1,364 (front); 51.9 / 1,320 (rear)
Passenger volume (cu. ft. / litres)	95 / 2,690
Cargo volume (cu. ft. / litres)	15.2 / 430 (max. with tyre inflator kit and without Bose Premium Audio); 14.3 / 405 (with spare tyre / jack kit and without Bose Premium Audio); 14 / 396 (with spare tyre/jack kit and Bose Premium Audio)
Capacities
Trailer towing maximum (lb. / kg)	1,000 / 454
Fuel tank (gal. / litres)	15 / 57
Cooling system (qt. / litres)	TBD

2012 Buick Regal GS

Buick has unveiled the halo version of its Regal, the model that’s based on the Vauxhall / Opel Insignia.

Called the GS, it will come with a turbocharged two-litre Ecotec four-cylinder engine connected to a six-speed manual transmission (a six-speed automatic will also be available later). An output of 255 bhp (190 kW / 258 PS) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque promises brisk performance, with Buick estimating that the 0-60 mph (96 km/h) sprint should be achieved in under seven seconds.

But the Regal GS is front-wheel drive, which raises a rather obvious question: Why didn’t Buick simply badge-engineer the Vauxhall Insignia VXR (also known as the Opel Insignia OPC)?



Not only do the European cars get a 2.8 litre V6 turbocharged Ecotec motor with 320 bhp (239 kW / 325 PS) and 435 Nm (321 lb-ft) of torque, but they also feature permanent four-wheel drive. As a result, the VXR / OPC gets from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h).



However, one benefit of sticking to just four cylinders is better fuel consumption. The manual and automatic versions of the Regal GS achieve Highway economy figures of  29.0 mpg US (34.8 mpg UK / 8.1 l/100km) and 28.0 mpg US (33.6 mpg UK / 8.4 l/100km) respectively, which is virtually identical to what the 220 bhp (164 kW / 223 PS) Regal CXL Turbo manages.



255 bhp is still a lot of horsepower to go through the front wheels, though. To help combat the inevitable torque steer, Buick has fitted High Performance Strut (HiPerStrut) front suspension which maintains negative camber during cornering.



Other chassis gizmos include active Computer Damping Control (CDC), which continuously modifies damper characteristics according to the road surface, and an Interactive Driver Control System that changes suspension settings and steering response depending on whether ‘Standard’, ‘Sport’ or ‘GS’ mode has been selected. Whether all of that technology is a substitute for all-wheel drive remains to be seen.



The Regal GS is scheduled to go on sale in the second half of 2011, so Buick is certainly making anyone who’s interested in the car wait for it.



Pricing has not yet been confirmed, but the GS will enjoy a decent standard specification which includes 19” alloy wheels (20” optional), Bluetooth telephone connectivity, passive keyless entry with push-button start, Harmon/Kardon 320 watt sound system with nine speakers, XM Satellite Radio, sports seats with leather upholstery, heated driver and front passenger seats, front and rear park distance control and bi-xenon headlights.