This is the new 2011 Buick Regal. Although it's scheduled to make its first public appearance at the 2009 L.A. Auto Show, GM decided to release pictures and information today.
According to the release, this is a Buick that was "bred on the Autobahn." Sound odd? Yes, it does, but don't forget that this Regal is actually a reskinned version of the Opel Insignia so it makes perfect sense.
Don't call the 2011 Buick Regal a "'Bahn burner" though as this sedan will arrive next year with four-cylinder power only. Base models get a 2.4-liter Ecotec rated at 182-horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque while the optional upgrade is a turbocharged, 2.0-liter Ecotec rated at 220-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Both engines will send power to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission, a combination that Buick expects to return up to 30mpg on the highway with the 2.4-liter engine and as much as 29mpg with the turbocharged motor.
That "German-bred" suspension consists of MacPherson struts up front suspension and a multilink setup in back. Turbo models will also offer an adjustable damper setup that Buick is calling Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS). Standard models will ride on 18-inch wheels and tires. Get the fancy suspension and it automatically adds 19-inch Goodyear RSA rubber sized 245/40 at each corner.
Sales of the 2011 Buick Regal are expected to begin in the second quarter of next year.
First Drive: 2009 Opel Insignia
First Drive: 2010 Vauxhall Insignia VXR
estreka says:
04:12 PM, 11/11/09
Just thinking of a Buick on the 'Ring makes me carsick.
dg0472 says:
05:04 PM, 11/11/09
Gee, 30MPG on the highway from a 2.4L I4 with a 6AT doesn't sound all that great. Wonder how much this thing is going to weigh?
fst1 says:
05:12 PM, 11/11/09
Curb weight is 3,600 pounds with the 2.4-liter engine.
Ed Hellwig
cwc1 says:
05:14 PM, 11/11/09
Only four cylinder motors in this car? Because of the Regal name, I had anticipated this would be above the LaCrosse, but with just fours, it suggests otherwise. A four cylinder Regal just doesn't quite fit.
kingkhalas says:
05:34 PM, 11/11/09
ugly
inlinesix says:
07:08 PM, 11/11/09
I like the look of this car. With 220hp and more torque, I think this would be powerful enough for around town, taking kids to sports etc...only problem IMO, front-wheel-drive.
hondacura4 says:
08:52 PM, 11/11/09
I don't know why people are so crazy about power as 220hp/258tq should be more than adequate for this car. Buick obviously wasn't trying to make a 335i fighter.
This car will be positioned to go against cars like the Acura TSX and the Volvo S60 and I think the drivetrains for the most part are up to the task.
altimadude00 says:
09:27 PM, 11/11/09
I have 175hp in my Altima, and it's more than adequate. That turbo four is more powerful than the 3.8L that was in Regals, LeSabres, and Park Avenues 10 years ago. Nothing wrong with the power plant in this new Regal.
Plus, what hondacura said: this is not a 335i fighter. It'll compete with 4-cyl Camrys, Accords, Altimas, Sonatas, and Fusions.
zoomzoomn says:
04:56 AM, 11/12/09
So I guess now that Saturn is hitting the bricks (R.I.P.), Buick is going to be the go to guy for any U.S. bound Opel models. It didn't work out so well for Saturn. I guess we'll see where Buick is concerned. Maybe they'll do a Skylark version of the Astra! ;)
jederino says:
09:56 AM, 11/12/09
^Hondacura, I agree the power is adequate with the 2.0 litre turbo. It pulls better numbers and fuel economy than the A4 2.0T, and that is a pretty entertaining motor.
xprojected says:
10:22 AM, 11/12/09
20/30 and 18/29 seem below-average for 4-cylinder non-SUV fuel economy.. is it the weight dragging them down? Even the V6 Camaro is rated at 18/29! Maybe real world figures will be better.
hondacura4 says:
10:32 AM, 11/12/09
"Plus, what hondacura said: this is not a 335i fighter. It'll compete with 4-cyl Camrys, Accords, Altimas, Sonatas, and Fusions."
@Altimadude, although it somewhat competes with those high spec'd 4cyl offerings, it's not a direct competitor to those cars as the pricing structure for the Regal starts between the mid to upper $20s and will probably top out about $32-33K. Based on pricing structure and available features I see it as more of a Acura TSX, Volvo S60 competitor.
1487 says:
11:48 AM, 11/14/09
"20/30 and 18/29 seem below-average for 4-cylinder non-SUV fuel economy.. is it the weight dragging them down? Even the V6 Camaro is rated at 18/29! Maybe real world figures will be better."
Doesnt the TSX get 21/30 with a 2.4L engine? What's the difference?