GM Reveals 2011 Buick Regal for US; Two Gasoline Direct-Injection I-4s for Sport Sedan
13 November 2009
GM is revealing the 2011 Buick Regal sport sedan to customers in the Los Angeles area today. The new Regal, drawing on work on the award-winning Opel Insignia, will offer two gasoline direct-injection engines and is directly targeted at competitors such as the Acura TSX and Volvo S60.
| The 2011 Buick Regal. Click to enlarge. |
The Regal has already gone on sale in China in December 2008 and more than 64,000 Regals have been sold there.
Regal will initially be offered in premium CXL trim only, with additional trim levels to be offered in the 2012 model year. The Regal CXL includes the following as standard or available equipment:
Standard 2.4L Ecotec direct injected engine rated at an estimated 182 horsepower (136 kW)
- Available 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged and direct injected engine rated at an estimated 220 horsepower (164 kW) – available late-summer 2010
Both engines have a six-speed automatic transmission standard with driver-shifting control
Estimated 30 mpg US (7.8 L/100km) on the highway with the 2.4L and 29 mpg US (8.1 L/100km) highway with the 2.0L turbo engine.
Both the standard 2.4L engine and the available 2.0L turbo use direct injection technology to optimize performance, reduce emissions and maximize fuel efficiency. The 2.4L is the same engine offered in the Buick LaCrosse, but in the smaller, lighter Regal, it delivers more agile performance.
The 2.0L turbo offers on-demand power comparable to a V-6, but the inherent efficiency of a four-cylinder. To ensure responsive power across the rpm range, the 2.0L turbo uses a twin-scroll turbocharger that builds power quickly at lower rpm.
Distinct, uniquely calibrated six-speed automatic transmissions are paired with each engine. Both offer driver shift control that enhances the sporty driving feel of the Regal.
Decent looking car, which is half the battle for GM products. There is a lot of competition in this market segment though and I can't envision many of these cars selling. Rental companies and corporate fleets maybe.
Posted by: ejj | 13 November 2009 at 05:07 AM
This car was supposed to be offered with AWD. It took GM 5 years to recognize that AWD was an important option in another Epsilon-based car (the Saab 9-3). I just hope it doesn't take that long this time. Otherwise, this is a great car.
Posted by: alpha1847 | 13 November 2009 at 05:34 AM
Will the new Regal be imported from China? If so, it could compete with others in the same category.
Hope that the new I-4 ICE will perform better and last much longer than previous I-4 from GM.
Posted by: HarveyD | 13 November 2009 at 07:09 AM
I thought the Ecotec engines have been very reliable? What engine family are you referring to, Harvey?
Posted by: alpha1847 | 13 November 2009 at 02:49 PM
a....1847"
Surveys said that most GM I-4 vehicle owners would not buy another one.
I have yet to meet somebody who has honestly been fully satisfied with the performance and reliability of a GM I-4 vehicle.
They are no match for the Honda, Toyota, Nissan-Renault, Peugeot, BMW, MB, (and many others) good proven I-4.
The I-4 from the other Big-3 are not that much better, if that can help.
Posted by: HarveyD | 13 November 2009 at 06:21 PM
Car And Driver is reporting that more powerful, AWD Regals are being studied ... http://blog.caranddriver.com/blazing-buicks-335-hp-regal-gs-regal-sport-wagon-being-discussed/
Posted by: ejj | 13 November 2009 at 06:59 PM
"Will the new Regal be imported from China?" OMG, how much fossil will THIS take to accomplish?? This would be an environmental nightmare for Buick.
Posted by: sulleny | 14 November 2009 at 01:28 PM