eAssist – Automobiles Review

Chevy Gears 500 Silverado Models With eAssist Function

2016 Chevrolet Silverado Chevy announced that a number of 2016 Silverado models will be geared with eAssist technology. The already-famous mild-hybrid electric system enhances and improves many of Chevy’s standard equipment features and also adds new ones: battery cells and some fine-tuned controls for the Volt model.

As we have told you, this compact and lightweight system boosts the overall performance stats with additional 13 hp and 44 lb-ft of torque. For now, there are about 500 Silverado models that will benefit from the new system.

The paired to a compact lithium-ion battery pack eAssist also provides electric power boost function with addition horsepower and torque, additional 4-cylinder function, Stop/Start capability for additional fuel efficiency and economy, regenerative braking by using the electric motor as a generator that can ensure up to 13% improved fuel economy, based on EPA estimates.

As you might already know, the eAssist system is supplied by a 24-cell air-cooled 0.45 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, placed under the central console that shares the same battery cells as Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. Also, the software that is used to control the whole system is based on the Chevrolet Volt software, but a bit tweaked.

This generation of advanced eAssist can be easily used on the front-wheel or rear-wheel drive system and it is also capable of using fewer cells, based on the individual needs of every vehicle and driver character.

Source: Chevrolet

February 25, 2016

2013 Buick Verano Turbo Debut

The 2013 Buick Verano Turbo is going on sale later this year as a representative of the company’s efforts to downsize it’s engine fleet without sacrificing power output. The Verano will get 250 hp from a 2.0-liter engine.

“The 2.0L turbo engine was designed for refinement, higher output capabilities and reduced noise,” said Amy Joss, Ecotec 2.0L assistant chief engineer. “The way it sounds, the power delivery and the refined character are all fitting of a luxury sedan with a fun side.”

The power plant inside is no stranger to fame and acclaim. It’s a Buick 2.0 liter turbocharged Ecotec engine which last year, was named one of WardsAuto World’s 2012 10 Best Engines for North America. It’s sort of clever because of the eAssist tech used along side it, which helps boost performance and fuel-economy through the use of an electric motor and a battery. The Buick Regal luxury sport sedan will also get the same engine bits as standard.

The popularity of 4-cylinder engine in the US is not widespread to say the least, but with car makers struggling to deal with emission restrictions etc. change might be on the way. According to his Automotive, their use in North America will grow by 74 percent from 6.9 million to 12.2 million over the next 10 years.

The transmission choice is between a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. The fuel figures however have not been disclosed yet nor the price.

Source: Buick

June 12, 2012

Green Tech With The Chevy Malibu Eco

Recent gas prices causing you headache? The trip between the petrol stations seems too short? Well, if you insist to sticking to a mid-sized saloon, the Chevrolet Malibu Eco might be the car for you. They say it can do 965 km of highway on a single tank of fuel. This is just another example of how a combination of simple yet clever technologies can help bring noticeable relief to your wallet.

Let’s not beat around the bush – The Malibu Eco achieves an EPA-estimated 25 miles per gallon city and 37 mpg highway fuel economy. Numbers would not have been so high if it wasn’t for the all-electric power steering. It’s cleaner, more efficient and smarter than any other hydraulic setup in the world. Thanks to it, Malibu owners can save up to 12 gallons annually, or about 120 gallons in a 10-year life. At $4 per gallon, that saves about $50 per year or $500 in 10 years say Chevrolet.

The Malibu’s power steering is not constantly operational. Instead, it kicks in only when you need it to do so. If you are going down the highway, the only thing it does is to slightly compensate outside factors that may cause directional shifts (think of uneven roads or crosswinds). Wherever you are, the feedback comes with reduced vibrations and, in some of the cars, responsiveness can be adjusted trough two settings – “comfort” and “sport”.

But an electric power steering is not something groundbreaking and it’s going to take more than that for the Eco, to stand up to its name. This is where GM’s fuel-saving eAssist technology comes into place. It shuts of fuel supply to the engine when the car is decelerating. While in fuel shut-off mode, the motor-generator unit continues spinning along with the engine should the accelerator pedal be pressed again. Thus, a smooth and immediate response is ensured. The system also manages to salvage up to 15kW of power that would normally be lost upon breaking, and recharges the Li-ion battery of the Malibu.

At the moment, the Eco version of it is priced at $25,595 but, with a little more patience, we will see the arrival of an all-new, greener 2.5L Ecotec engine to all Malibu models. Not before summer this. Then, sometime later, a new turbo model will be available.

Source: Chevrolet

April 10, 2012

Buick Regal Lineup with Drivetrain Changes

On the new Buick Regal GS will be new automatic transmission and eAssist as a standard, thus making the evolution of Buicks’ Sport Sedan happening. More importantly, the vehicle with the new automatic transmission is already in dealerships. The famous eAssist fuel efficiency technology is also included and as you already understood, it also comes as a standard. The Regal was recently named by the U.S. News and World Report as the “Best Upscale Midsize Car for Families” and as the “Best Car for the Money”.

But what about the other changes included in the 2013 Regal GS Model. The 270 hp (198 kW) of the car come from the powerful turbocharged 2.0L Ecotec engine, which was by the way one of WardsAuto World’s 2012 “10 Best Engines” for North America. More importantly, it now can be controlled through a second transmission, which is a six-speed automatic with Driver Shift Control. It also comes as a standard choice.

In addition the new Aisin AF40 automatic is calibrated specifically for the model. It includes the car’s Interactive Drive Control System set to “GS” mode. Hence, the transmission delivers firmer shifts and aids performance. The acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is in only 6.7 seconds. Furthermore the EPA-estimated fuel economy is 19 mpg city and 27 mpg on the highway. This is due to the standard performance components like Buick’s innovative HiPer Strut front suspension and Brembo front brake calipers.

What is more, the eAssist will be a standard on all 2013 Regal vehicles. More importantly the eAssist uses a compact lithium-ion battery pack and a small electric motor to aid the performance of a fuel-efficient 2.4-liter gas engine. The system provides an electrical boost to aid the engine at low speeds and on inclines where fuel efficiency can suffer most. Therefore it is possible for the Regal with eAssist to achieve the EPA-estimated 36 highway mpg, which is equal to the performance of some hybrid vehicles. In addition, the eAssist became standard for the larger LaCrosse luxury sedan and at the same price as the V6, thus gathering even more popularity.

Pricing and an on-sale date for the 2013 Regal with eAssist will be announced later this year.

Source: Buick

February 8, 2012

2012 Buick Regal with eAssist

From this fall Buick is expanding its staggering Regal range with the addition of a new, ultra efficient member, the 2012 Buick Regal with eAssist fuel-saving technology. (more…)

February 8, 2011

Tag: eAssist

Chevy Gears 500 Silverado Models With eAssist Function

2013 Buick Verano Turbo Debut

Green Tech With The Chevy Malibu Eco

Buick Regal Lineup with Drivetrain Changes

2012 Buick Regal with eAssist