This just in – the 2011 Buick Regal will be offered with a 6-speed manual transmission. During an event this morning in Michigan, the press was allowed to take the new 2011 Buick Regal for a spin. On hand was a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged Regal with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Jim Federico, the man behind the Opel Insignia and Buick Regal said that the 2.0L turbo version of the new GM sedan will be offered with a 6-speed manual shortly after it debuts in the second quarter of 2010.

When it arrives at local dealerships, the 2011 Buick Regal will be offered in two variants including a 182-hp 2.4L 4-cylinder and a 220-hp 2.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged.

Now if we can just get a 6-speed manual on a 335-hp 2.8L turbocharged V6 Buick Regal GS – we may stop complaining about the Pontiac G8 GXP being gone (okay no – we’re just kidding – we still miss the G8).

Click here for more news on the Buick Regal.

2011 Buick Regal:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Straightline

We’ve heard about Rolls-Royce working on an electric version of the Phantom many times before. According to AutoCar, Rolls-Royce could have an electric Phantom on the roads within 12 months. That would be just in time for the car to make its debut at the 2012 London Olympics, which are being sponsored by parent company BMW.

Boss Tom Purvis has previously said that he wishes to produce an electric version of the Rolls-Royce Phantom to cushion the company from a possible future ban on big-engined sedans in urban areas and avoid tough CO2 regulations.

Insiders have said that the excess weight of a lithium-ion battery is the least of Rolls-Royce’s concerns since the Phantom already weighs close to three tons with its V12 engine.

Rolls-Royce is also reported to be working on an hybrid version of the new Ghost sedan, which should improve fuel-economy by 15 percent.

2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

Today, Hyundai Motors introduced their first direct-injection gasoline powered engine. According to Hyundai, the 2.4-liter engine, dubbed the Theta II, delivers more power while improving fuel-efficiency by 10%, reports Automotive News.

The new engine, set to debut in the redesigned Hyndai Sonata early next year, took four years and $147.4 million to develop. The Korean automaker plans to eventually introduce direct-injection technology across its entire line gas powered engines.

Hyundai reports that when compared to conventional engines of equal size, the Theta II delivers 7% more torque at low revolutions and 12% more at higher revolutions. Gas mileage is also increased by about 10% over conventional engines.

The engine will debut in the redesigned 2010 Hyundai Sonata sedan, due in U.S. dealerships early next year.

2010 Hyundai Sonata (Korea Model):

- By: Stephen Calogera

The Aston Martin Rapide is the UK brand’s first four-seater since the 1961 Lagonda Rapide. It will also be the first model built outside its UK plant in the firm’s 95-year history. Aston has chosen Magna Steyr, a specialist car plant in Graz that produces models for BMW and Mercedes. Aston is preparing 240 workers at Magna’s Austrian plant to build up to 2,000 Rapide sedan units a year starting next year.

“Aston have spent the past 16 months replicating their British production operation at their own dedicated factory in Graz, with a small team of Aston specialists training Magna staff, some of whom have traveled to Gaydon for first-hand experience,” reports The Sun.

What’s reason for picking Magna instead of the firm’s Gaydon, Warwickshire plant? Apparently, the Rapide was planned three years ago when there was no prediction of a recession and Gaydon was pumping out cars at full capacity.

Click here for more news on the Aston Martin Rapide.

Refresher: Power comes from a 6.0L V12 engine making 470-hp and a peak torque of 443 lb-ft. Mated to a Touchtronic 2 6-speed gearbox with electronic shift-by-wire control system, the Aston Martin Rapide can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds with a top speed of 188 mph.

Make the jump for the high-res image gallery.

Aston Martin Rapide:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: The Sun

GM announced today that it will show the U.S. production version of the Chevrolet Cruze sedan at the 2009 LA Auto Show on Dec. 2. The Cruze will be joined by the Chevrolet Volt, Camaro, Equinox and other hot-selling Chevys.

The Chevrolet Cruze has already been launched in Europe and Asia and will hit U.S. roads in the third-quarter of 2010 with a lineup of fuel-efficient engines including a 1.4 turbocharged 4-cyinder unit. The base 1.4L 4-cylinder will deliver up to 40 mpg on the highway.

GM said that it will also announce plans for initial retail markets where the Volt will be sold at the LA Auto Show.

We’ll be in LA providing live coverage so make sure you join us on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3.

Click through for the press release.

2010 Chevrolet Cruze:

Press Release:

Chevrolet at the Los Angeles International Auto Show

- U.S. premiere of the all-new Cruze, delivering up to 40 mpg highway
- Volt electric vehicle to be available in select markets in 2010
- Camaro, Equinox and other hot-selling Chevrolet vehicles also on display

DETROIT – Chevrolet affirms its commitment to fuel solutions and building refined, eco-friendly vehicles with the debut of the U.S. production version of the Cruze sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show, on Dec. 2. The Cruze, along with the much-anticipated Volt electric vehicle, will give visitors to the L.A. show a close-up view of Chevrolet’s expanding lineup of gas-friendly to gas-free products.

“With expected highway fuel economy up to 40 miles per gallon, Cruze will be extremely gas friendly while the Volt electric vehicle can be operated gas-free,” said Brent Dewar, vice president, Chevrolet. “Chevrolet’s focus is on forward-looking technologies to the benefit of our customers, such as the highly efficient, small-displacement turbocharged engine in the Cruze or the Volt electric vehicle with extended range.”

The Cruze has already launched to high acclaim in Europe and Asia and has undergone refinement for America. It goes on sale in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2010 but has already logged more than 4 million miles in quality and durability testing worldwide, making it one of the most globally tested Chevrolet products prior to a U.S. launch.

Cruze is designed to achieve class-leading highway fuel economy using a new family of efficient engines that include a 1.4L turbo. It will lead the way for Chevrolet in small-displacement, turbocharged engines that are designed for excellent fuel efficiency and durability – while also being fun to drive.

Defying preconceptions of what a compact car can be, Cruze will offer a more spacious interior and cargo capacity than the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, and upscale infotainment amenities such as a navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and XM Satellite Radio. Ten standard air bags that provide a safety cocoon for occupants – along with OnStar– also make it one of the safest vehicles in the segment.

The Chevrolet Volt is an electric vehicle with extended-range capability. It is expected to drive up to 40 miles on electricity without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions. When the Volt’s lithium-ion battery is depleted of energy, an engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the total driving range to more than 300 miles before refueling.

Chevrolet will announce plans for initial retail markets where the Volt will be sold. Chevrolet will also announce the winner of a nationwide consumer competition to name a Volt unique paint color. Consumers determine the winner by voting now for their favorite of three finalist names at www.chevroletvoltage.com, until 8 a.m. Eastern time on Dec. 1.

From Nov. 27-29, the Volt will be on display next to Bloomingdale’s at the Westfield Century City mall in West Los Angeles. During regular mall hours, visitors to the Chevrolet Volt display may get two free tickets each to the L.A. Auto Show, while supplies last. The L.A. Auto Show opens to the public Dec. 4.

Production for the Volt is expected to begin in late 2010. Pricing has not been announced.

The Chevrolet show exhibit also will feature the all-new, 2010 Chevrolet Camaro sports coupe and Chevrolet Equinox compact crossover SUV. The popularity of these vehicles helped Chevrolet boost sales by 9 percent in October, including a significant 31-percent increase in retail sales.

The Camaro continues to distance itself from its closest competitor as a fuel-efficient interpretation of a 21st century sports car, achieving 29 miles per gallon on the highway when equipped with the popular 304-horsepower direct injected V-6. Camaro has been a leader in the regular sports car segment for the last five months.

Demand for the Camaro continues to be strong, as Chevrolet now has more than 36,000 sold orders for the car.

The all-new 2010 Equinox is a compact crossover that combines distinctive design, extensive functionality and outstanding efficiency. At 32 mpg highway, the Equinox gets better fuel economy than the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV-4. It even beats the Ford Escape Hybrid while costing $7,000 less.

In just a few short months, Equinox has captured 10 percent of the critical compact crossover segment, its best share since August of 2007 and up 4.6 percent from a year ago. More than half of 2010 Equinox customers traded in a non-GM vehicle (based on internal PIN data). Demand is so strong for the Equinox that the plant where it is built recently added a third shift.

- By: Omar Rana

Our favorite segment during the premier of Top Gear season 14 was watching James May being driven by The Stig in the 2009 BMW 760Li as he raced the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG. You can check out the clip after the jump.

Refresher:

2009 BMW 760Li: 6.0L turbocharged V12 making 535-hp and 550 lb-ft of torque. Mated to an 8-speed automatic, 0-60 mph comes in just 4.5seconds with a top speed of 160 mph.
2009 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG: 6.2L V8 producing 518-hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic and assists with a 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds with a top speed of 150 mph.

Click through for the video.

- By: Omar Rana

According to Chattanoogan.com, Volkswagen has received 65,000 applications for about 2,000 positions for its new plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Volkswagen of America accepted applications for about three weeks.

Volkswagen plans to kick off production of a new mid-size sedan at Chattanooga in 2011. The automaker has yet to decided on the official name of the sedan, which will replace the Passat in the United States. CEO Stefan Jacoby said that the company has plans to sell 100,000 units annually and also has plans to export the U.S. built sedan.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Free Press

When the 2011 Buick Regal goes on sale in the second-quarter of 2010, it will be offered with a 2.4L inline 4-cylinder engine making 182-hp and a maximum torque of 172 lb-ft. A turbocharged variant making 220-hp will join the lineup later next year.

However, for those of you looking for more power from the new Regal (basically an Opel Insignia OPC version of the Regal) you’re in for a treat. According to Bob Lutz, under consideration is the revival of the Regal GS with the same 335-hp 2.8L turbocharged V6 and all-wheel-drive as the Regal’s European sibling, the Opel Insignia OPC.

Also under consideration is the Regal Sport Wagon, a Buick version of the Insignia Sports Tourer that will compete with the upcoming Acura TSX wagon. Lutz said that GM may definitely consider the model if the new Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon does well in the U.S. market.

Now only if we can get the Regal Sport Wagon in a GS trim – we’ll be satisfied.

Click here for more news on the Buick Regal.

2011 Buick Regal:

- By: Omar Rana

Source CARandDRIVER

Don’t get your hopes up for a civilian version of the Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle. According to Bob Lutz, General Motors has no plans on dropping the Impala, which will be upgraded sometime later next year.

He said that the next Chevrolet Impala will be a front-wheel-drive sedan and will be slightly larger with more equipment. He said that the model will maintain good fuel-efficiency in order to compete with sedans like the 2010 Ford Taurus.

Lutz also said that the next Impala will be compatible with GM’s new hybrid drivetrain, so we can expect a hybrid version some point after the gasoline versions are launched.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Straightline

Here is some more Buick Regal news for you guys. According to Wards Auto, General Motors is planning a mild-hybrid version of the Regal sedan for launch in the later part of 2010. The model will be the first GM vehicle to make use of the company’s second-generation hybrid drivetrain. The hybrid Buick Regal sedan will improve fuel-economy by at least 20 percent over the base gasoline version.

The new hybrid system will feature a 120 V lithium-ion battery back by Hitachi, which takes up 24 percent less space, has 40 percent less mass, and has 33 percent more power than the current system found in the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid sedan.

The base 2011 Buick Regal will be powered by a 2.4L inline 4-cylinder engine producing 182-hp and a peak torque of 172 lb-ft. It will be mated to Hydra-Matic 6T45 6-speed automatic helping it deliver an estimated fuel-economy of 20/30 mpg (city/highway).

Click here for more news on the Buick Regal.

2011 Buick Regal:

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Wards Auto (via GM-Volt)

The Buick Regal, once known for great performance, is going to be reintroduced next year with the intent of re-establishing Buick as a volatile performance car manufacturer.

The 2011 Regal, which is essentially a rebadged five-passenger Opel Insignia sedan, gets Buick’s distinct grille and a few minor interior and exterior differences is all the really distinguishes one from the other.

The Regal continues Buick’s recent movement to resuscitate the label and reclaim a younger market; the average Buick buyer today is 70 years old. The Enclave crossover and the LaCrosse sedan launched the movement, and now the Regal comes in to play to target buyers in their 40’s and 50’s, specifically those interested in the Acura TSX, Audi A4, and Volvo S60.

At launch, the 2011 Buick Regal will be available with a 182-hp 2.4L 4-cylinder engine. A 220-hp 2.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged will join the lineup in summer 2010. Buick hasn’t announced anything about offering a V6 variant of the new Regal.

Click here for more news on the Buick Regal.

2011 Buick Regal:

- By: Stephen Calogera

Hoping not to lose market share to GM’s new 2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle, Ford announced today that it will produce an all-new Police Interceptor that will be designed and engineered to replace the Ford Crown Victoria. The Crown Victoria ends production in late 2011.

Ford, which controls around 75 percent of the police pursuit vehicle business in the United States, is investing significantly in designing and building the new police interceptor to meet durability, safety and performance requirements.

Ford did not say whether the new police vehicle will be based on an existing Ford vehicle in its lineup. The Dearborn automaker said that it will reveal the new model and provide full specifications in the first quarter of 2010.

Earlier this year, Ford invited leaders of some of the nation’s largest police fleets to Dearborn to test-drive a 2010 Ford Taurus. Personally, we’d like to see the Ford Interceptor Concept (pictured above) become a cop car.

Follow the jump for the press release.

Press Release:

FORD ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENT OF ALL-NEW POLICE INTERCEPTOR FOR LAW ENFORCMENT USE NATIONWIDE

* Ford confirms development plans of an all-new Ford Police Interceptor and affirms continued commitment to the police and municipal vehicle businesses
* New Police Interceptor’s durability, safety and performance will exceed the existing Crown Victoria’s law enforcement vehicle lineup
* Ford is the market leader in the law enforcement vehicle segment, selling 45,000 of the 60,000 police vehicles sold in each year in the U.S.

Dearborn, Mich., Nov. 13, 2009 – Ford Motor Company announced today it will produce an all-new purpose-built Police Interceptor specially designed and engineered to replace the Ford Crown Victoria law enforcement vehicle lineup in 2011.

The new Ford Police Interceptor is being developed in conjunction with Ford’s Police Advisory Board, which provided input during the past 14 months on key vehicle attributes, such as safety, performance, durability, driver convenience and comfort. The new Police Interceptor will be offered without interruption when production of the Ford Crown Victoria ends in late 2011.

“We have heard the repeated requests from the law enforcement community to continue uninterrupted support of the law enforcement community,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “Ford is answering the call with the new Police Interceptor – engineered and built in America.”

Ford – which currently controls approximately 75 percent of the police pursuit vehicle business in the U.S. – has invested significantly in designing the purpose-built new police and municipal vehicles to meet the needs of these crucial customers.

The new Police Interceptor is designed to provide municipalities with reduced ownership costs through improved fuel efficiency, quality and the kind of durability police departments nationwide have come to expect from Ford.

“Ford’s commitment to the law enforcement community produced the Crown Victoria, the benchmark police vehicle,” said Lt. Brian Moran, fleet manager, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and a member of Ford’s Police Advisory Board. “This commitment has continued, and Ford has been working closely with the Police Advisory Board on developing the new Police Interceptor. I am confident that the next-generation Ford police vehicle will meet the future needs of the law enforcement community and will set the new standard.”

Ford plans to reveal the new model and provide full vehicle specifications in the first quarter of 2010 – in time for law enforcement agencies, police equipment manufacturers and upfitters to develop a transition plan from the Crown Victoria to the new product.

Each year, Ford sells approximately 45,000 police vehicles, making the Blue Oval the nation’s largest provider of police and municipal vehicles.

“Ford long has supported our public servants with vehicles that work as hard as they do,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service. “We intend to build on this legacy with a new generation of municipal and police vehicles that set even higher standards.”

- By: Stephen Calogera

According Automotive News, Daimler AG will decided by January 2010 whether or not to shift some of its Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan production to its U.S. factory in Vance, Alabama. Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said today that the decision would be based on the currency rates and whether or not the dollar will remain weak against the euro.

Reports from German media say that if the move is approved, Daimler would build about 80,000 C-Class cars annually in Alabama.

Moving the production of the C-Class to Alabama would require some additional capital to expand and retool the Vance factory. The factory currently builds the M-Class, GL-Class and R-Class models.

Mercedes-Benz is preparing to launch the next-generation C-Class by 2013.

- By: Omar Rana

FoMoCo announced today that the Ford Fusion sedan has entered into the list of America’s Top 10 selling vehicles and has become the No. 1 selling domestic car. So far in 2009, Ford has sold 151,137 units, passing the previous Fusion full-year sales high of 149,552 in 2007.

“It’s extraordinary that a car could set a sales record in an environment where overall industry sales are down 26 percent from a year ago,” Ford sales analyst George Pipas said.

Ford said that sales of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid account for almost 20 percent of total Fusion sedan sales. It said that 60 percent of Fusion Hybrid sales have been made to customers coming from import brands – mostly Honda and Toyota.

Check out our review of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid here.

Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid:

All Photos Copyright © 2009 Omar Rana – egmCarTech.

Press Release:

FORD FUSION MOVES INTO TOP 10 LIST

* Sales of the Ford Fusion – America’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan – have set a new record with sales figures for 2009 already eclipsing the previous full-year record set in 2007
* Fusion is now among America’s Top 10 selling vehicles and the No. 1 selling domestic car
* Fusion consideration from import shoppers is at an all-time high
* Consumers want new features and smart technology, with half opting to buy high series models – Fusion Hybrid, Sport and SEL

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 12, 2009 – Soaring sales of the Ford Fusion have made 2009 already a record-breaking year for America’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan.

Sales for 2009 already have reached 151,137 units, eclipsing the previous Fusion full-year sales high of 149,552 in 2007. Importantly, Fusion sales are skyrocketing at a time when industry sales are the lowest they have been since the early ’80s.

In the first ten months of 2009, Fusion sales were 15 percent higher than a year ago. Also, Fusion has moved among America’s Top 10 selling vehicles and the No. 1 selling domestic car.

The 2010 Fusion and Fusion Hybrid are the most fuel-efficient sedans in America. The new models offer more power, class-exclusive technologies, such as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) and Ford SYNC®, and more total passenger and luggage capacity than the Toyota Camry.

According to Fusion Marketing Manager Jonathan Richards, the diversity of the 2010 Fusion lineup is drawing a growing number of customers to the brand.

“There is no reason for customers shopping for a midsize sedan to look beyond the Fusion, because the lineup offers something for everyone – a Hybrid model, a Sport version and a new selection of gas-powered engines paired with six-speed transmission,” he said.

Sales data show that consumers are taking notice.

“Fusion Hybrid, Sport and SEL models account for 50 percent of sales,” said Richards. “Data also show that customers are embracing technology offerings such as voice-activated navigation, SYNC and Sony® Audio.”

Sales of the new Fusion Hybrid account for almost 20 percent of total Fusion retail sales. Perhaps even more significant, more than 60 percent of Fusion Hybrid sales have been to customers coming from import brands – mostly Toyota and Honda.

The Fusion Hybrid delivers an EPA estimated 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway. It also offers innovative new technology – SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide – that coaches hybrid drivers to maximize fuel efficiency.

According to early 2010 survey data obtained in the 2009 U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS), the 2010 Fusion Hybrid has the highest customer satisfaction ratings of any Ford vehicle ever. The survey was conducted for Ford Motor Company by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

- By: Kap Shah

General Motors has just released two videos of the 2011 Buick Regal. One video shows the interior details of the new Regal while the other is features driving footage of the new sedan. You can check out both videos after the jump

Click here for more news on the Buick Regal.

Refresher: The 2011 Buick Regal will be available in two options including a 182-hp 2.4L 4-cylinder and a 220-hp 2.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged. Estimated fuel-economy for the non-turbocharged model comes in at 20/30 mpg (city/highway). The 2011 Regal will be built in Russelsheim, Germany, giving it the handling and dynamics of a premium European sport sedan.

2011 Buick Regal:

2011 Buick Regal in Action:

2011 Buick Regal Interior Details:

2011 Buick Regal:

- By: Omar Rana

Yesterday, General Motors unveiled the new 2011 Buick Regal, which is making its public debut today in Los Angeles. In its press release GM said that the Buick Regal’s key competitors include the Acura TSX, Volvo S60, Mazda 6 and Volkswagen Passat.

As GM does the whole “May the best car win” campaign, we figured we’d run a little test of our own out of curiosity. Based on what you know about the 2011 Buick Regal, would you pick it over its key competitors?

Let us know in the poll below – if you have something to say, follow the jump for the comments section.

Refresher: The 2011 Buick Regal will be available in two options including a 182-hp 2.4L 4-cylinder and a 220-hp 2.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged. Estimated fuel-economy for the non-turbocharged model comes in at 20/30 mpg (city/highway). The 2011 Regal will be built in Russelsheim, Germany, giving it the handling and dynamics of a premium European sport sedan.

2011 Buick Regal:

- By: Omar Rana

Over the years, Mazda’s vehicles have put on some weight. Well, the Japanese automaker is now setting a target to reduce its vehicle weights by at least 220 pounds starting 2011. Mazda will use a combination of lighter materials, smaller vehicle footprints and a better engineering process.

According to Robert Davis, Mazda North America’s senior vice president of product development and quality, the typical Mazda has put on at least 80 pounds with each successive redesign. For example, the 2003 Protege weighed in at 2,634 pounds; its successor, the 2010 Mazda, weighs in at 2,868 pounds.

Davis said that cutting weight by 220 pounds will improve fuel-economy by 3 to 5 percent. However, there are obstacles that must be faced including maintaining safety regulations while keeping Mazda’s zoom-zoom feel along with the cost of engineering involved in cutting excess weight.

Check out our review of the 2010 Mazda3.

Review: 2010 Mazda3 Grand Touring:

- By: Kap Shah

All Photos Copyright © 2009 Omar Rana – egmCarTech.

Source: AutoWeek

After all the wait, General Motors has finally released the new 2011 Buick Regal sedan, which will make its public debut in Los Angeles tomorrow.

“The 2011 Buick Regal is like nothing you’ve ever experienced from this brand,” said Susan Docherty, general manager of Buick GMC. “The Regal is the next chapter in Buick’s transformation and will expand the portfolio to include a sport sedan.”

The 2010 Buick Regal, which will compete with the Acura TSX and Volvo S60, has a chassis and structural systems that were developed in Germany, giving it the handling and dynamics of a premium European sport sedan. The 2011 Regal will be offered with two engine choices including a 2.4L inline 4-cylinder engine making 182-hp and a maximum torque of 172 lb-ft. The base 2.4L model engine will be mated to a Hydra-Matic 6T45 6-speed automatic helping it deliver an estimated fuel-economy of 20/30 mpg (city/highway). The range-topping model will be powered by a 2.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged unit rated at 220-hp with a peak torque of 258 lb-ft. Mated to an Aisin AF40 6-speed automatic, it will return an estimated fuel-economy of 18/29 mpg.

Standard features on the 2011 Regal will include the StabiliTrak stability control system, 18-inch wheels and 12-way power, leather and heated driver seat; leather and heated passenger front seat; Bluetooth capability; XM Satellite Radio and OnStar. Buyers can opt for a navigation system, Harmon Kardon sound system, 1GB internal flash drive, hard drive with 10GB for music and USB port.

The 2011 Buick Regal will be built in Russelsheim, Germany, meaning it will bring the Opel Insignia’s award-winning design, technology and European performance capabilities to the American market. Sales will begin in the second quarter of 2010.

Make the jump for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

2011 Buick Regal:

Press Release:

The 2011 Regal: A Buick Bred On The Autobahn

Sport Sedan Blends Sleek Design with European Road Manners for Great Driving

QUICK FACTS

* A new midsize Buick sport sedan with a European-bred driving experience
* On sale in the second quarter of 2010
* Based on the award-winning Opel Insignia and available now as a Regal in China
* Modern, sleek design with great attention to detail and excellent build quality
* Efficient, four-cylinder/six-speed powertrain with 30 mpg (est.)
* Turbocharged model available in summer 2010
* Driver-selectable Interactive Drive Control System available in summer 2010
* Available rear-seat thorax air bags
* Standard 18-inch wheels, leather and heated front seats, XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth and OnStar.

LOS ANGELES – On Thursday Buick will reveal the 2011 Regal sport sedan to customers in the L.A. area. Armed with turbocharged horsepower, a driver-selectable suspension system and a firm, European-tuned chassis, it delivers a driving experience that rivals the best import sport sedans in the segment.

The new Regal arrives in the second quarter of 2010, with its sights aimed squarely on competitors like the Acura TSX and Volvo S60. It has a longer wheelbase and greater trunk volume than those vehicles, along with standard features – including a six-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch wheels and OnStar – that aren’t offered standard on either competitor.

The Regal’s development is rooted in Germany, where the globally led engineering team created the award-winning Opel Insignia – the 2009 European Car of the Year. The Insignia has garnered more than 31 prestigious awards and is the best-selling midsize sedan in Europe. Regal will bring all of Insignia’s award-winning design, technology and European-inspired performance capabilities to the American market.

The Regal has already been a success on another continent, in China. It went on sale in December 2008 and more than 64,000 Regals have been sold there. Enthusiastic customers cite its sculpted, flowing design and responsive performance as the top reasons for purchase.

Regal at a glance

Regal will initially be offered in premium CXL trim only, with additional trim levels to be offered in the 2012 model year. The well-equipped 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 on the highway with the 2.4L and 29 mpg highway with the 2.0L turbo engine
* MacPherson strut front suspension and four-link independent rear suspension
* All-new Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) available with the 2.0L turbo, offering driver-selectable suspension settings and automatic driver suspension setting adaptability
* Four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel anti-lock braking system, brake assist and electronic parking brake
* Standard StabiliTrak stability control system and full-function traction control
* Standard dual-stage frontal air bags, side-curtain air bags and pedal-release system; rear-seat thorax air bags available
* Available navigation system, Harmon Kardon sound system, internal flash drive (1GB), hard drive with 10GB for music and USB port
* Standard 18-inch wheels (19-inch wheels standard with IDCS)
* Standard 12-way power, leather and heated driver seat; leather and heated passenger front seat; Bluetooth capability; XM Satellite Radio and OnStar.

Design story

The Regal’s sleek design blends the sweeping silhouette and proportions of a coupe in a progressive package that suggests motion from all angles. Great attention to detail complements that aggressive styling, with tailored applications of Buick’s signature design cues, such as the waterfall grille, select use of chrome trim and superior fit and finish of the exterior panels.

“Regal is all about great proportions,” said John Cafaro, design director, passenger car. “For example, with the fenders flared to wrap around the tires. It’s an aggressive stance that people aren’t used to seeing in recent Buicks.”

The car’s performance-oriented spirit is also conveyed in sleek, sculpted body-side detail and aggressive headlamps that further suggest motion. At the rear, an abbreviated deck and tucked-in body panels are the hallmarks of a contemporary sport sedan, with bold taillamps and their intricate lighting elements reinforcing Regal’s attention to detail. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard.

The sweeping design motif carries over to the interior, where the side panels flow uninterrupted into the instrument panel. The instruments have the look of expensive sport timepieces and are lit with ice-blue LED lights. The center stack, housing the climate and “infotainment” controls, was designed to allow for a lower, driver-centric instrument panel profile. Features such as a thick-rimmed, leather-wrapped steering wheel and firm, highly bolstered and leather-covered seats also support the sport-oriented driving experience.

“There is great design harmony between the exterior and interior,” said Cafaro. “The feeling of flow and motion carries through in an engaging manner that makes you want to take the Regal out to your favorite twisting road to see what it can do.”

A breakthrough interior

The Regal’s finely crafted, sporty and well-appointed interior builds on the exceptional attention to detail found in the Enclave and LaCrosse, blending signature styling cues with contemporary sport sedan aesthetics.

Regal’s firm, highly bolstered seats were benchmarked against the top import competitors for comfort and support, while a standard flow-through center console offers plenty of storage for passengers in the front and back.

Smart applications of technology are also hallmarks of the Regal, including details such as a multi-function controller on the center console for operation of the audio system, navigation system and the Bluetooth phone. The faceplate for the “infotainment” screen is set at a 30-degree angle to contribute to the car’s flowing interior design.

A new era in Buick design is also seen in the satin metallic, piano black and new, Kibo-patterned interior trim materials. Kibo is a rich, dark, progressively grained wood that lends an international flair to the Regal.

Under the hood

Unique with its all-four-cylinder powertrain, the Regal relies on the excellent horsepower-per-liter ratio of the Ecotec engine family to deliver smart, on-demand performance that is also very efficient.

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 cements the sport sedan credibility of the Regal, with 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.

Driving experience

The chassis and structural systems were developed in Germany and give the Regal the handling and dynamics of a premium European sport sedan, as well as the quiet, refined ride and road manners expected of a Buick. The body structure is one of the most rigid in the segment, which is approximately 25-percent stiffer than the previous Regal. This solid structure supports more precise suspension tuning and a quieter ride.

A relatively long wheelbase of 107.8 inches (2738 mm) gives the Regal refined, well-balanced vehicle dynamics and supports comfortable ride tuning. Additionally, an independent MacPherson strut-type front suspension with single-path mountings and hydraulic ride bushings; a four-link independent rear suspension; hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering; and optimized four-wheel disc brakes are optimized to the capability of the individual powertrains and tailored to the expected use by drivers. Models equipped with the 2.0L turbo engine, for example, feature larger brakes.

Latest-generation electronic stability control (ESC or StabiliTrak), anti-lock brake system (ABS), and traction control system (TCS) are standard with Buick’s innovative, Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) real-time damping system offered on models equipped with the 2.0L turbo powertrain.

Interactive Drive Control System

Regal’s Interactive Drive Control System chassis technology (available on models with the available 2.0L turbo engine) offers enhanced vehicle stability and greater driving safety. It is designed to change the personality of the car based on the personality of the driver. A sophisticated driving mode control module continually monitors driving style utilizing yaw rate, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, steering wheel, throttle and vehicle speed. It defines the dynamic vehicle state, including acceleration, braking and cornering, to optimize chassis reactions. It also executes all of the IDCS driver selections.

All four dampers are electronically controlled and continuously adapt within milliseconds to the prevailing road conditions, vehicle movements and individual driving style. Chassis settings are adjustable by the driver, with Normal, Tour and Sport settings.

IDCS allows the driver to choose between three different operating modes that change the suspension settings, throttle response, shift pattern and steering sensitivity through the variable effort steering system. The three modes deliver three types of experiences:

* Normal – balanced and optimized for all driving situations
* Tour – optimized for comfort and relaxed driving on long journeys
* Sport – optimized for road holding; enthusiast driving .

Selecting “Sport” mode optimizes the car for dynamic driving, tightening the suspension and steering response and speeding up the reaction of the automatic transmission. The “Tour” mode is optimal for long-distance cruising or rough road conditions, providing an increase in comfort. “Normal” or Default Mode is the perfect all-around setting for daily commuting and city traffic. The other major benefit of Interactive Drive Control is that it automatically adapts Regal’s performance settings to individual driving styles. When a driver begins to drive more aggressively it will tighten the suspension and increase steering effort and change to a more aggressive throttle response. When the vehicle senses that the driver is doing relaxed cruising, it adjusts settings for rolling smoothness and comfort.

Apart from a more rewarding driving experience, IDCS also offers safety benefits in emergency situations. For example, if an obstacle must be avoided when the car is in Tour mode, various chassis sensors convey this to the DMC and the dampers are stiffened within milliseconds, delivering greater body control.

2011 BUICK REGAL VS. ACURA TSX AND VOLVO S60*

*2009 models of the TSX and S60 cited.

Bold denotes category advantage.

2011 BUICK REGAL PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Engines

Transmissions

Chassis/Suspension

Brakes

Wheels / Tires

DIMENSIONS

Exterior

Interior

Capacities

Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.

- By: Omar Rana