General Motors Unveils Buick Regal for First Time in Six Years - VIDEO STORY

DETROIT - August 7, 2010: As part of a total brand transformation, Buick will roll out the Regal nameplate for the first time in six years. Branding itself as a premium sport sedan, Buick hopes to target a younger generation of consumers.

The new version is sleeker and more aerodynamic than previous models with an eco-friendly four-cylinder engine replacing the traditional V6. In addition, it's equipped with luxurious interiors and state-of-the-art technologies like interactive driver control systems that adjust to the driver's style. Drivers can test drive the Regal at local dealerships now and will be able to post video reviews, good and bad, to a social media website later this month.

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THE 2011 REGAL: A NEW BUICK BRED ON THE AUTOBAHN

Armed with turbocharged horsepower, a driver-selectable suspension system and a firm, European-tuned chassis, the all-new Buick Regal delivers a driving experience that rivals the best import sport sedans in the segment.

"The 2011 Buick Regal is like nothing you've ever experienced from this brand,” said Roger McCormack, director of product marketing for Buick. “The Regal is the next chapter in Buick’s transformation and will expand the portfolio to include a modern sport sedan."

The new Regal takes on competitors such as 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 alloy wheels and OnStar – that aren’t offered standard on either competitor. And with an estimated 30 mpg on the highway, it delivers excellent fuel economy, too.

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.

Click PLAY to watch the special Buick Los Angeles unveiling

Regal at a glance
For 2011, Regal is 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 Ecotec 2.4L direct injected engine rated at an estimated 182 horsepower (136 kW) Available Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged and direct injected engine rated at an estimated 220 horsepower (164 kW) – available in the fourth quarter of 2010 Both engines have a six-speed automatic transmission standard with driver-shifting control A six-speed manual transmission will be available following the introduction of the turbocharged model EPA-rated 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 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 StabiliTrak stability control system and full-function traction control are standard Standard dual-stage frontal air bags, side-curtain air bags and pedal-release system; rear-seat thorax air bags available Available navigation system, Harman Kardon sound system, internal flash drive (1GB), hard drive with 10GB for music and USB port Standard 18-inch alloy wheels (19-inch alloy wheels standard with Interactive Drive Control) Standard 12-way power, leather and heated driver seat; leather and heated passenger front seat; Bluetooth for phone; XM Satellite Radio and OnStar.

Design story
The Regal’s sleek body 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, the fenders are flared to wrap around the tires, 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 alloy 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.”