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General Motors has released an update on the 2011 Buick Regal's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that enables it to run on any blend of gasoline or E85 Ethanol. The Detroit automaker claims the Regal's flex-fuel capability is a first for a direct-injected turbocharged production car.

There are no performance differences between the standard 2.0-liter turbo engine and its flex-fuel variant, as output remains at 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

However, engineers made some changes to allow the engine to run on E85. Given that ethanol needs a richer air-fuel mixture than gasoline to function properly, the flex-fuel engine is equipped with higher flow-rate injectors. In addition, a sensor in the fuel system measures the combination of gasoline and ethanol in the tank (a maximum of 85 percent is allowed of the latter), allowing the engine management system to automatically adjust the mixture to provide the required performance, emissions and fuel consumption.

GM's 2.0-liter Ecotec turbo engine also sports a new sand cast aluminium cylinder block, which translates into better durability, less noise and vibration than before.

The Regal's engine update is a step towards GM's goal of having more than 50 percent of its production in flex-fuel models by the end of 2012, with the company having already put on the streets more than 5 million flex-fuel cars in the last 15 years.

By Dan Mihalascu

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We're pretty proud of the fact that over the years, many of our readers here on Carscoop have seized the moment to become the ones who create the news with their spy shots, like Nick K. who snagged the first ever photos of the Toyota Prius minivan last September.

The latest reader to join our list of car-scoopers is Jay Davis who photographed a heavily camouflaged four-door sedan prototype in California. "I saw this test mule in Agoura Hills, CA today. It had Michigan manufacturers plates. Not sure what it is," Jay told us.

A lot of names including Nissan, Buick and Lincoln were thrown around during our chat with Jay, but ultimately, we're still in the dark about the brand and model hiding beneath the camo. Can anyone help us solve the mystery? Leave your thoughts in the comment section after the break.

Many thanks to Jay for the scoop pics!

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Buick today announced that the second model in its lineup to feature the eAssist “light electrification” system is the 2012 Regal, and it will be officially unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show this week. According to the automaker, estimated fuel economy is 26 mpg city/37 mpg highway, while the overall improvement over the standard 2011 Regal fitted with a four-cylinder gasoline engine and six-speed transmission is 25%.

This is enough to beat competing models such as the Acura TSX, which returns 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

“Buick’s eAssist technology means customers don’t have to trade a premium driving experience for efficiency”, said Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick marketing. “We believe Regal and LaCrosse with eAssist provide more logical and affordable choices, compared to other hybrid midsize and full-size luxury sedans”.

The eAssist system comprises a 115V lithium-ion battery and 15-kilowatt induction motor-generator, which is mounted to 2.4-liter direct injection four-cylinder powerplant in place of the alternator. Providing both motor assist and electric-generating functions, eAssist also reduces fuel consumption through regenerative braking, automatic engine shut-off when the vehicle is stationary and fuel cut-off during deceleration.

The powertrain includes a next-generation Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic transmission as well, with reduced spin losses and higher gearing that further improves fuel economy. The system’s combined output is rated at 182HP (136 kW).

Finally, engineers optimized the car’s underbody aerodynamics and opted for 17-inch lightweight alloys and low rolling resistance tires.

The 2012 Buick Regal eAssist will go on sale in the USA this fall.

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Buick Verano Simple Preview

Produced to see what dealerships would order, the Verano is likely to arrive in four trim-levels. Entry-level ‘1SB’ will be available from ($20,900 - $21,500.) Lower mid-spec 1SD ($22,100 to $22,700),Upper mid-spec 1SG ($23,300 to $23,900),and Flagship 1SL ($25,600 to $26,200.)

spec for Buick Verano Entry-level ‘1SB’
base model will feature electric front windows, electrically adjustable door mirrors, air-conditioning, urethane steering wheel, steel wheels, x6 airbags and remote central locking.

Buick Verano Lower mid-spec 1SD
contain x4 electric windows, climate control, leather steering wheel, premium sound system w/Bluetooth connectivity and steering wheel mounted audio control w/cruise control.

Buick Verano Upper mid-spec 1SG
electric driver's seat, heated door mirrors, rear parking sensors w/reversing camera.

Buick Verano Flagship 1SL
has keyless entry/start, heated leather seats, BOSE sound system, and 18” alloy wheels.