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

May 28, 2010October 29, 2011 Omar Rana 2011, Buick Regal, Buick Regal GS, Buick Regal Sport Wagon, Hatchbacks, Sedans, Station Wagons

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.