U.S. can expect more from Buick Regal lineup, station wagon and diesel considered

2011 Buick Regal

Currently, you can only purchase the 2011 Buick Regal as a sedan with the option of two powertrain choices including a 2.4L 4-cylinder making 182-hp and a 2.4 turbocharged 4-cylinder making 220-hp. It will probably make you jealous to learn that the Regal’s European sibling, the Opel Insignia is offered in no less than three body styles, with nine engines that include a 1.8L 4-cylinder diesel and a 2.8L V6. According to Buick Regal’s boss, Jim Federico, Americans can still look forward to more from the new sedan.

In terms of body styles, the U.S. is expected to get the 5-door hatch or the station wagon variant (if not both). There have been recent sightings of the Opel Insignia Tourer around Detroit and Federico willingly admits their presence.

“I”ve got a bunch of “˜em,” he said. “We designed flexibility into the [Russelsheim] plant specifically for that,” he said.

As for diesel coming to the U.S.? Federico says that one of the Insignia”s diesel fours would definitely be offered but not until the engine is reengineered to meet Euro 6 emissions regulations in 2012 or 2013.

For now, GM has already confirmed the Buick Regal GS model, although it did not confirm any launch dates.

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:

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– By: Omar Rana

Source: CARandDRIVER