new 2012 Buick Regal models
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First the new eAssist Hybrid. Which I was mentioning in my recent Regal Test drive.
Unlike the LaCrosse eAssist, it will not replace the base engine in the Regal.
It will be offered as a $2000 option on the base model. The Turbo is still available.
The eAssist is rated at 25/35 MPG. Quite a jump from the 18 City I observed with the Turbo model.
But I did get around 32 on the Highway. Which isn’t much less than the 36 claimed for the Hybrid.
And I think the larger LaCrosse is rated at 37.
For comparaison, similar power from the regular Sonata 2.4 is rated at 22/35.
I am not sure the eAssist option is worth it in the case of the Regal.
It seems like a really good idea in the larger LaCrosse. 37MPG is impressive for a large car. 
The other Buick news today is the price of the sporty GS model: $35 300. Which gets you a 270hp version of the 2.0 Liter Turbo.
With 220hp, torque steer was not a problem in my weekly test drive.
But 270 might be another story. As the car is still FWD.
Its German Cousin, the Opel Insignia OPC comes with a 321hp Turbo V6. And AWD!
Which seems to be a much better combo for a really fast sport sedan…
As usual, the Americans won't swing for the fences with its intermediates, content to play it like every other milquetoast model in this segment.
For something that will most likely compete w the Acura tsx, Infiniti g, mb c, cadillac ats, this will do well