2012 Buick Regal eAssist

Buick is certainly keeping up by providing the latest in technology to improve fuel economy without giving up performance. The Buick Regal eAssist will be available in the fall of 2011. The eAssist will lend Buick the opportunity to appeal to a market that is looking to keep more money in their pockets when pulling up to the pumps, but still longing for a luxury sport sedan. Customers wanting Style and Fuel Economy will be able to get them in the Buick Regal eAssist. The eAssist system is a $2000.00 option on the Regal base model, mated to a 2.4L Ecotec engine.

     The Regal with eAssist uses advanced technologies and other enhancements to deliver an EPA rated 25 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. The highway mpg is unsurpassed by the higher priced Lexus Hybrid, Acura TSX and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. This fuel saving technology improves fuel economy by 25 percent over the 2011 four-cylinder/six speed powertrain. With fuel prices closing in on $4.00 per gallon, the eAssist option should pay for itself in a little over 3 years.

     The 2.4L four-cylinder Ecotec engine paired with a state of the art lithium-ion battery system and electric motor generator that enables regenerative braking capability is the technology that makes it all happen. To understand watch the video, which explains how this system works. The eAssist system uses power stored in the battery to provide needed electrical boost in various driving scenarios, optimizing engine and transmission operation. 

Standard features include:

Driver selectable, fuel economy-optimizing mode for the a/c system, enabling more frequent and longer duration engine stop periods.

ECO gauge on the instrument panel that continuously responds to driving behavior, enabling the driver to drive with greater efficiency.

Powerflow readout in the color infotainment or driver information center that shows the flow of energy through the electric assist system, such as battery charging and electric power directed to the engine. 

      The eAssist will have a next generation six speed automatic powertrain combination (Hydra-Matic 6T40). Changes were made to improve performance. The added electric power by the eAssist allows for higher gearing to improve steady efficiency without impacting acceleration performance or durability. 

An auxiliary, electric driven transmission oil pump is added to the 6T40, to keep the transmission primed and fluid flowing when the engine shuts down at a stop. This keeps the transmission ready to perform when the driver accelerates.

Specification overview:

Four door, five passenger, FWD, midsize vehicle. Engine is 2.4L DOHC I-4 145 cu inches/2384 cc, cast aluminum, 4 valves per cylinder, 182 horsepower. Independent MacPherson strut type in front and four-link independent rear; hollow stabilizer bar, four wheel disc w/ABS (w/ESC). Wheel base-107.8 inches, overall length-190.2 inches, overall width-73.1 inches. Headroom-38.8 inches (front), Legroom-42.1 inches (front), Shoulder room-56.7 inches (front), Hip room-55.4 inches (front) and fuel tank capacity-18.5 gallons

This new eAssist option will also be available on the 2012 LaCrosse.

      Come see and test drive the newest addition to the Buick lineup at Biggs Cadillac Buick GMC. Visit us at www.biggscadillac.com or download our new Mobile App on the Android market, also available for your iPhone and iPad.  

http://www.flickr.com//photos/egmcartech/sets/72157625876965259/show/

Cadillac ELR ( Converj Plug-In Concept Car ) is Confirmed for Production.

The Cadillac Converj Coupe was just a concept car when it was first shown at the 2009 Detroit motor show. Now it is officially going into production. The Cadillac ELR will be Cadillac's first electric car. The technology will be borrowed from the power plant that is currently in the Chevrolet Volt.
     The difference will be a "1.5" version of the Voltec platform, a more powerful version of the Volt system with a 181kg, T-shaped lithium-ion battery, an electric motor driving the front wheels and a four cylinder gas engine driving a generator. The battery will be the primary source to drive without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions , with a range (at this time) of approximately 40 miles. When the battery runs low it will switch to an extended range mode, using the generator to power the electric drive-train (which is powered by the fuel in the tank).This will give the Cadillac ELR a more powerful electric motor and increase performance. The ELR is planned to go into production in 2013 so it can hit the showroom floors by 2014.

     The ELR's arrival will return the Detroit-Hamtramck factory to its roots: GM opened the plant in 1985 specifically for Cadillacs, but the factory stopped building luxury cars in May, when GM discontinued the Cadillac DTS.

The plant, which currently runs on one shift, will add two shifts, worth 2,500 jobs, over the next couple of years to build the new vehicles.

     Adding an electric vehicle brings Cadillac closer to its goal of having a full lineup like those at Mercedes-Benz and BMW. The brand kicks off a planned stretch of new product launches next year by adding the XTS large sedan and a compact sedan code-named ATS. Developers are also working on a big, rear-wheel drive flagship to compete with the BMW 7 Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

GM confirmed today that the Converj concept car will go into production using the Volt's powertrain and will be dubbed the ELR. Here's the full press release:

DETROIT – The innovative Cadillac Converj Concept, a dramatic luxury coupe with extended-range electric vehicle technology, is moving forward as a production car that will be called the Cadillac ELR.   

Development of the ELR is just underway, so details on performance, price and timing will be announced later. 

The Cadillac ELR will feature an electric propulsion system made up of a T-shaped lithium ion battery, an electric drive unit, and a four-cylinder engine-generator. It uses electricity as its primary source to drive the car without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions. When the battery’s energy is low, the ELR seamlessly switches to extended-range mode to enable driving for hundreds of additional miles. 

 “The concept generated instant enthusiasm,” said Don Butler, vice president-Cadillac Marketing. “Like other milestone Cadillac models of the past, the ELR will offer something not otherwise present – the combination of electric propulsion with striking design and the fun of luxury coupe driving.” 

Cadillac selected the name ELR to indicate the car’s electric propulsion technology, in keeping with the brand’s 3-letter international model naming convention.

The Converj Concept sparked the idea of combining the desirability of a grand touring coupe with electrification, said Ed Welburn, GM vice president, Global Design.

“There’s no mistaking it for anything but a Cadillac, an aggressive, forward-leaning profile and proportion showcases a uniquely shaped, modern vision of a personal luxury 2+2,” Welburn said. 

Cadillac will reveal another new concept car on Thursday, Aug. 18, at a special event prior to the annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Cadillac also recently announced it will add two new vehicles to its product lineup in 2012, the XTS large luxury sedan and an all-new luxury compact sedan codenamed ATS.

    We will be following the development of Cadillac's ELR. 2014 is the date for Biggs Cadillac Buick GMC to start showing a new concept in electric.

Keep it between the lines
Happy Motoring

2012 Cadillac SRX - Coming in August to Biggs Cadillac Buick GMC

Cadillac has been a leading LUXURY auto brand since 1902

          The SRX is Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 2011 Top Safety Pick with industry-leading active and passive safety and crash avoidance systems.

                Cadillac's 2012 SRX is on its way-to Biggs Cadillac Buick GMC here in Elizabeth City, NC, according to Cadillac they are being delivered this month.

                      It has been upgraded significantly for the new year. They have given it a new 308- horsepower 3.6L direct-injected V6 engine (DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder),which replaces the 3.0L V6, delivering 16 percent more horsepower. That makes it the most powerful standard engine in its class,  and includes a driver-selectable ECO Mode for optimal fuel economy.       

            While the new LFX engine has more horsepower it still has comparable fuel economy to its prior engine because of its mass-efficient design and the ECO Mode setting, which sets revised shift points in the 6 speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission to maximize economy.       

                

                Other upgrades and changes to the SRX for 2012 include Bluetooth on all models, an optional heated steering wheel, a Blue Metallic exterior paint is a option and an all-ebony interior with contrasting French seam stitching on seats and doors, is also an option.

            If the feature on the interior looks like wood- it is, if it looks like metal- it is.

              The SRX is a 5-door,5-passenger front engine transaxle; front wheel drive/all wheel drive midsize luxury crossover and has plenty to offer- 4 Styles to choose from- Base, Luxury Collection, Performance and Premium, each offering the best in its class.

Key competitors are the Lexus RX; Acura MDX; BMW X3 and X5.

          A few core elements of the chassis and suspension include: Independent MacPherson strut suspension system
Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering( standard on Base and Luxury Collection)
Power-assisted variable-effort and speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering system(standard on Performance and Premium Collection) 
A rear axle ratio of 3.39.
          Other features are:
New sound absorbing materials for a quieter ride
OnStar Turn-by-Turn directions
Improved voice recognition for phone activation, Navigation and Radio station changes

Cruise Control Buttons on the steering wheel

Memory Seat set-
Backlighting for map lights in the overhead console.

            Popular features returning to the 2012 model include movable cargo fence and large under-floor storage space in the rear,and the UltraView sunroof that cover 70 percent of the vehicle roof.

            As soon as The SRX hits our Showroom Floor we will let you know, So get ready to come See and Test Drive the 2012 Cadillac SRX at Biggs Cadillac Buick GMC

Keep it between the lines,

Happy Motoring

New 2012 Buick Verano

An all new Buick is coming this Fall to Biggs Cadillac Buick GMC. Have you heard about this one? This is Buick's new compact luxury sedan. Verano goes on sale this fall, featuring the latest in luxury, style, performance and the newest technology. Just a few of the technological features include 10 standard air bags, an available heated steering wheel and a next generation radio system with On Star- powered connectivity that allows communication between the Verano and your smart phone. Down loadable Apps for the Verano will allow you to check you fuel gauge, monitor tire pressures, mark your parking spot, lock and unlock your car as well as start your car remotely.

         The Verano will compete with and is comparable to the Lexus IS 250 and the Audi A3.

Verano's wheelbase is 105.7 inches, curb weight-3300lbs, and an overall length of 183.9 inches and width of 71.4 inches. An Ecotec 2.4L DOHC engine along with a Hydra-Matic 6T45 6 speed transmission delivers an estimated 177 horsepower, 0-60 mph performance of 8.0 seconds and an estimated 31 mpg on the highway,with estimated 22 mpg in the city. A 2.0L turbo will be available in the future.

        Another feature that defines the Verano is the quietness. Many elements went into the creation of the quietness, from acoustical laminated glass, triple door seals, extra layers of sound damping materials were used throughout the body structure. A great deal of technology and science went into every component of design and construction to give this car it's unparalleled quietness.

         This is truly a Buick of the Future. Mark your Calendar for this Fall and be sure to come by and Test Drive the Verano at Biggs Cadillac Buick GMC.

Keep it between the lines,

Happy Motoring 

To see Photos,Videos and more go to:  http://www.buick.com/vehicles/future-vehicles/verano.html

Auto Industy and The Future

               Driving a car is something as a young adult you can not wait to do. To have the freedom and the ability to go places. Along with it comes a huge responsibility. You have to learn how to drive and need to do it with some sense of ability to get a driver's license. Then you have to re-take a test every couple of years to make sure you are still capable of driving and following the rules and laws.

               It was to me a right of passage, and a bit scary. I certainly did not want to hurt anyone or wreck any cars. I was taught how to drive defensively, to pay close attention to the road , everyone and everything around me.  Anticipating what someone else might do, with experience it became easy to do. Is that lady, talking to the passenger in the car, noticing that she is coming into my lane? Where am I going to go? Is the lane next to me open so I can move over in case she comes this way? My attention had to be 100% on the driving. Yeah, at times I was changing the radio station or drinking a soda, but I stayed focused. My eyes were still on the road, out of fear of the inevitable.

               Things have changed over the last few decades. A LOT. It seems as if drivers are doing more than driving. You know the story. Talking on the phone, texting, dealing with Cd's,DVDS, PDAs, eating and drinking, kids,and schedules ( are you late?). Those are some of  the distractions. We won't even mention how they are driving.  No wonder the auto industry and scientist have and are still developing newer and better Intelligent Vehicles(IV). We have vehicles that can talk to you and, at times, simply drive for you. From ABS brake systems,air bags, suspension system adjustments, notifying you of lane drifting, parallel parking your car for you, rear view cameras, to electric cars, On Star and the list goes on.....  It is wonderful! There have been innumerable lives saved, because of the technology that has been introduced into the auto industry. 

             We have so many vehicles on the roads today,and roadways are congested.  Commutes to and from have gotten longer and longer. Finding ourselves away from home for much longer periods of time. I know we feel that we have to do so much while we are in our vehicles.

   It won't be long, until we will all just be co-pilots.

 Until that comes about,

Do we still know how to drive defensively?

                                     Hey, Jetson's! Here we come!

Keep it between the lines.
Happy Motoring.

Want to know about the technology that GM is developing?http://www.gm.com/design-technology

Want to know more about the New 2012 Buick Verano coming to Biggs Cadillac Buick GMC this Fall?

http://www.buick.com/vehicles/future-vehicles/verano.html

Are you prepared for an Emergency?

    A pack of band aids is always good to have in your car, but they only work on you. They will not help your car. Believe me, I've tried. They will not mend a leaky hose or help with a hole in your tire. So the question is; what are you carrying in your vehicle for that...... I need something, emergency?

    Having been stranded on the Pennsylvania Turnpike with my exhaust system dragging on the road and a 1 ton load in the back of my truck my options were limited, and of course, that was the one time I wasn't carrying very many items for an emergency with me. The phone was dead and I had to get off the Turnpike before they ran me over. It was not a pretty site. I was able to McGyver something to get down the road until I found an exit. There I was able to fix it well enough to get home. 

       Sure not everyone is handy around a car, but knowing a few things can sure help you when you are really out there in the boonies. What if you are going to be stranded for awhile before anyone can get to you, or your phone dies and you just don't know what to do next? Extreme conditions are always a possibility. Weather is always a factor when it comes to traveling.

     An Emergency Kit is not a bad idea. Things like-

• Battery Cables,
• Emergency Flares,
• Flashlight-(Check your batteries),  
• Jug of water- good for you, your car or your pet,  
• Pocket knife or leatherman tool, 
• Spare fuses, 
• Roll of duct tape is good, 
• Roll of wire is really good to have,
• Some sort of energy bar or other food that will not spoil easily, 
• Blanket, 
• An Old Jacket 
• An assortment of tools,

and of course 

•  A first aid kit ( aspirin, band aids, antiseptic, gauze and tape, etc.)

    These are just a list of  a few things that I carry. You can find more complete lists on-line or you can purchase road side emergency kits at your local supplier or on-line. Just type in emergency kit for cars. Carry one with you, you may never need to use it, but it will be there if you do.

Keep it between the lines,
Happy Motoring

GMC's Yukon XL places 2nd in the large crossover/SUV segment of J.D. Power Initial Quality Study

      Well,GMC just keeps getting better.Among industry brands in the 2011 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, ranking 10^th overall. GMC moved up 15 rank positions compared to last year’s results. GMC attributes its performance to quality improvements and strong performance by Sierra in the full-size pickup segment.

          GMC Yukon/XL placed second in the large crossover/SUV segment.
“We believe GMC’s initial quality performance and Yukon’s placement in its segment demonstrate GMC’s commitment to deliver high-quality, professional grade vehicles,” said John Schwegman, U.S. vice president of GMC Marketing.  "....We continue to improve quality and exceed the expectations of our GMC customers.”

      What is the great news all about- The new line up of GMC vehicles. Have you driven a GMC lately? Come by BIGGS Cadillac Buick GMC  to see and drive a New 2011 GMC. We have several Yukon Denali XL's here to test drive and a lot more. You will not be disappointed. Check us out on the web. www.biggscadillac.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.  

About GMC
GMC has built trucks since 1902, and is one of the industry's healthiest brands. Today GMC is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. The new GMC Sierra Heavy Duty pickups are the most capable and powerful trucks in the market.  Innovation and engineering excellence are woven into all GMCs, including the Yukon and Yukon XL and full line of Sierra pickups. Today, GMC is the only manufacturer offering three full-size hybrid trucks.