2013 Buick Regal (GETS STANDARD EASSIST,PRICE HIKE)

The Buick Regal name, which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2013, is a powertrain innovation pioneer. In 1975, it was the only mid-size vehicle in the United States to forego a standard V-8 engine for a more efficient V-6, while remaining competitive in performance. Three years later, the Regal employed a turbocharger.

Overview-

The 2013 Buick Regal luxury sport sedan arrives at dealerships this fall with a standard advanced eAssist powertrain and 36 highway mpg. Two powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engines give Regal one of the most technologically advanced engine ranges in the brand’s history.

Presently available as standard on the LaCrosse range, eAssist essentially adds a small electric motor that works to aid the engine during high load situations, though it can’t power the wheels directly like in a full hybrid.

The electric motor also acts as the car’s alternator-generator, topping up the batteries when needed and running primary features like the air-conditioner simultaneously. The eAssist system also comes with a regenerative braking feature that also helps charge the batteries.

Diffrent Engines-

Starting with the base, buyers can expect a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that is now fitted with eAssist. Peak output is 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque, while fuel economy checks in at 25/36 mpg city/highway. That’s a substantial improvement over the 2012 base model’s fuel economy, which came in at just 19/31 mpg city/highway.

The mid-level model features a Ecotech turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 220 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque both with variable valve timing and direct injection. In addition to one of the most power-dense engines ever certified by the Society of Automotive Engineers, the GS offers high-performance Brembo brakes, HiPer strut suspension technology and unique design cues inside and out.

Finally, there’s the Regal GS topping the range. It also gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter four, but with a healthier 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque on tap.

While the base Regal comes exclusively with a six-speed automatic, the mid-level model and range-topping Regal GS have the choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.

The 2013 Buick Regal will be priced from $29,990, including destination.