2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist price starts at $29,960, V6 LaCrosse gets 303-hp

General Motors has just announced the pricing details for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist, a model that is estimated to deliver a 25 percent better highway fuel-economy than the current model. Prices for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist start at $29,960 before a $860 destination charge is tacked on.

“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.

The Buick LaCrosse eAssist delivers up to 37 mpg highway fuel-economy, which is better than the Lexus HS Hybrid and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.

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Buick also announced that its 2012 LaCrosse with a 3.6L V6 now produced 303-hp (an increase of 23-hp) and 264 lb-ft of torque. An all-wheel drive version, which is yet to be rated, also is available.

New standard features for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse include dual-zone climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, full-color driver information center, and Bluetooth and USB connectivity. Later this year, the Buick LaCrosse eAssist  will come standard with Buick IntelliLink.

Refresher: The eAssist system in the 2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist is mated to a 180-hp  2.4L Ecotec direct-injection 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. An advanced 115V lithium-ion battery and latest-generation 15-kW motor-generator unit help increase fuel economy through, regenerative braking, providing up to 15-hp of electric power assistance during acceleration, automatic engine shut-off when the vehicle is stopped, aggressive fuel cut-off during deceleration down to zero vehicle speed and intelligent charge/discharge of the high-voltage battery. Fuel-economy is rated at 25/37 mpg (city/highway).

– By: Omar Rana