Not A Joke: 2011 Buick Regal To Come With Manual Transmission

Wow, that is something. So will the chassis tuning and engine performance live up to the expectations set by the inclusion of a row-yourself transmission? I'll be interested to hear - it's always a good day when an all-new model is offered with an MT. The sad thing is I'm sure they'll sell precious few of them.

I think we've just witnessed the result of a small tear in the fabric of space and time.

Now you can get a manual in a Regal and it's CVT only for Nissan's 4DSC the Maxima. Strange world we live in.

GOOD NEWS: This is probably the best move Buick could do in terms of attracting a younger audience.

BAD NEWS: It's doubtful if any Buick salespeople know how to drive a stick shift. And the one who do, are probably so old, that their left leg won't have the strength to push the clutch peddle.

MORE BAD NEWS: Buick will probably sell 1 manual Regal next year—in the entire country.

rsholland,

That third pedal is going to freak Maw-Maw and Paw-Paw out.

lol @roadburner

Wait... actually, that's probably the effect they're hoping for.

A-Row-Buick Workout for the Senior Set?

"So should I expect Lexus to make the ES available with a manual?"

Lexus actually did offer a manual on the 1992-1994 ES300.

Nothing against Buick, but I don't see how offering a manual transmission to a Buick product will attract a younger demographic when the car itself isn't actually "youthful".

I had to check--no, it's not April 1.

In all seriousness, I was about ready to dismiss the Regal because of the apparent four-cylinder-only plans. But this might make me reevaluate the car. As long as it drives like an Opel, rather than a traditional Buick, I might actually consider this one when the old Accord needs a replacement.

Cadillac has done an excellent job of shedding its geezer image, but that was partly accomplished by sending the AARP crowd over to Buick. The result is that Buick dealers are now known as God's Waiting Room(s). Will the availability of a manual lure a younger(under 80) crowd to test drive a new Regal? Possibly- but I sure wouldn't bet the farm.

Based on Edmunds' test drive of the Insignia (http://www.insideline.com/opel/insignia/2009-opel-insignia-first-drive.html), the automatic might actually be the ticket for everyone--including enthusiasts. They also really liked the turbo four.

As I learn more about the Insignia, I'm starting to be pretty curious about the US version.

Dude... I'll take a pole dancing nun, if she's hot. Sane Courtney Love too. Even the stick Buick. But ham & cheese flavored ice cream?

After I heard this, I actually went to the Buick website for the first time...

"MORE BAD NEWS: Buick will probably sell 1 manual Regal next year—in the entire country."

That was one more than my estimate :-).

This is literally the most surprising car news I have ever heard. Never (ever, ever) saw that coming.

What's next? Return of the Hurst Buick.

"Wow, that is something. So will the chassis tuning and engine performance live up to the expectations set by the inclusion of a row-yourself transmission?"

The car is a an Opel- which means it's European. it's not a Buick by design. Its designed to compete with cars like the Passat and Mondeo. I'm sure it's ride and handling balance is superior to what you will get from the average Lexus or Acura.

"Nothing against Buick, but I don't see how offering a manual transmission to a Buick product will attract a younger demographic when the car itself isn't actually "youthful"."

This car seems old to you? Compared to what? I suppose a cow catcher grille and lame wheels a la TSX would add to its appeal. I think it's one of the better looking FWD sedans in the segment. Certainly more attractive than Passat or TSX or TL.

"In all seriousness, I was about ready to dismiss the Regal because of the apparent four-cylinder-only plans. But this might make me reevaluate the car. As long as it drives like an Opel, rather than a traditional Buick, I might actually consider this one when the old Accord needs a replacement."

Cars such as the Passat and A4 (as well as Camry, Accord, etc.) barely sell with V6 engines. I fail to see why anyone would think this car is worthy of dismissal because it doesn't have a V6. For the record, a V6 is supposed to be added later.

since the car is an Opel and will be assembled in Germany I'm pretty sure it will "drive like an Opel". Not sure what a traditional Buick is at this stage because the Lacrosse actually handles pretty well for a large car.

"Cadillac has done an excellent job of shedding its geezer image, but that was partly accomplished by sending the AARP crowd over to Buick. The result is that Buick dealers are now known as God's Waiting Room(s). Will the availability of a manual lure a younger(under 80) crowd to test drive a new Regal? Possibly- but I sure wouldn't bet the farm. "

I read recently that average Buick buyer is 57 or 58 which is like a year older than average Lexus buyer. All luxury brands have older than average buyers. I doubt the averge Mercedes owner is under 55.BMW and Acura probably have the youngest owners.

I dont use profanity much....but this SH*T is AWE'F*CKING'SOME.
I would LOVE to test-drive one of those. Thats....bizarre almost.
Why would GM do it to this thing and yet NOT certain other models
that would have been awesome with a stick.

truly.....WTF (in a very awesome way)

"The car is a an Opel- which means it's European. it's not a Buick by design. Its designed to compete with cars like the Passat and Mondeo. I'm sure it's ride and handling balance is superior to what you will get from the average Lexus or Acura."

Just so you know, the TSX is offered in Europe as the Accord...which also competes with the Passat, Mondeo, and Insignia. I don't see any reason why the Insignia would be clearly "superior" to the TSX. Both are competent, if slightly unremarkable.

True, the TSX is certainly a European market car but reviews have suggested its not as sporty or European as the first gen car. Maybe it was changed for US tastes or maybe the Euro Accord isn't all that sporty. I don't find that the current TSX has that substantial European feel on the inside. I don't know if the Regal will feel better inside, but it certainly looks more upscale while the TSX basically looks like an Accord inside.

I do not understand this. What is the point? Are they going to give a Buick "sport-tuned suspension" and an optional set of Brembo brakes? WTF?

"I'm sure it's ride and handling balance is superior to what you will get from the average Lexus or Acura."

No. I'm sure its not superior in those ways to a Lexus or Acura. Maybe a Passat.

My wife liked this car at the Seattle Auto Show, so I know that's an improvement in the design. She's usually dead-set against American cars. Also, the 2 litre turbo is a natural, and brings better numbers than the VW group turbo. I hope it has the same flexibility and fun factor.

I love classic cars, so the idea of a return of Buick to the glory days of glamour and performance is exciting. In particular, I love the 1963 Buick Regal. Smaller, faster and lighter than the competition, with high feature content and stellar design. This is the direction I am happy to see Buick headed!

Perhaps you're thinking of the '63 Riviera. There was no '63 Regal.

^^That's right - Riviera! Thanks for catching that.

"This car seems old to you? Compared to what? I suppose a cow catcher grille and lame wheels a la TSX would add to its appeal. I think it's one of the better looking FWD sedans in the segment. Certainly more attractive than Passat or TSX or TL."

1487, the design doesn't look old as it's quite attractive but I don't think the Regal (manual or not) will appeal to young professionals. Cadillac shed its old man car reputation fairly easily but I think Buick will have a much harder time doing so. With that said, it's not the car it's the stereotype that goes with the name Buick.

I'm normally a BMW fan and not a Buick fan, but I hope Buick sells more MT Regals than BMW sells hybrid X6s. Good job, Buick!

If this turns out to be true, they have at least one interested buyer: me.