2011 Buick Regal Preview

Critical Knowledge:

• All-new, entry-level, 4-door midsize sedan
• Slots below redesigned 2010 Buick LaCrosse
• Initially offered in premium CXL trim only, with other trim levels to come in 2012
• Currently available in China, new Regal is based on European-market Opel Insignia
• Offered exclusively with one of two 4-cylinder engines—standard, normally aspirated 2.4-liter or optional, turbocharged 2.0-liter (available in summer 2010)
• 6-speed automatic transmission with driver shift control
• Estimated 30 mpg on the highway with the 2.4-liter engine and 29 mpg highway with the 2.0-liter turbo engine
• All-new Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) available with the 2.0-liter turbo, offering driver-selectable suspension settings and automatic driver suspension setting adaptability (available in summer 2010)
• Standard leather seats
• Standard heated front seats
• Standard 12-way power driver’s seat
• Standard XM satellite radio, Bluetooth and OnStar
• MacPherson strut front suspension and 4-link independent rear suspension
• Standard 18-inch wheels (19-inch wheels standard with IDCS)
• Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, brake assist and electronic parking brake
• Standard stability control and traction control
• Available navigation system, Harmon Kardon sound system, internal flash drive (1GB), hard drive with 10GB for music and USB port
• Standard dual-stage frontal air bags, side-curtain air bags and pedal-release system
• Available rear-seat side air bags
• On sale in the second quarter of 2010

Introduction
Even a casual observer would have to acknowledge that there’s something going on at Buick. In the last two years, the GM brand has launched three all-new models, all with revolutionary (for Buick) new designs, beginning with the Enclave midsize crossover SUV for the 2008 model year. The new Enclave was so well-received, in fact, that consumers rated it the “most appealing midsize multi-activity vehicle,” in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.^SM For 2010, a groundbreaking new LaCrosse sedan hit the market, borrowing design cues from the Enclave but at the same time debuting a clean, contemporary, and, dare we say it—sporty look. Now, Buick is looking to complete the new product trifecta with the introduction of an all-new, midsize sports sedan—the 2011 Buick Regal.

The new Regal is based on the Opel Insignia, Europe’s “Car of the Year” in 2009, which bodes well for its dynamic performance. In addition to its general vehicle architecture, the Regal also shares many of the Insignia’s Euro-flavored design cues, in addition to incorporating Buick’s current design themes.

Already on sale in China and set to arrive in U.S. showrooms in the second quarter of 2010, the new Regal will initially be available in the U.S. exclusively in premium CXL trim (additional trim levels will join the lineup for 2012), offering standard leather seats, heated front seats, 12-way power driver’s seat, 18-inch alloy wheels, XM satellite radio, OnStar communications, Bluetooth capability and more. Available exclusively with a 4-cylinder engine (normally aspirated or with an optional turbocharger beginning in the summer of 2010) and with a 6-speed automatic transmission, Buick hopes to get the attention of import intenders with the Regal’s new design and European-influenced features.

For More Information:

• See 2011 Buick Regal Pictures
• Browse Other Buick Models
• Read More Previews