The Buick Regal. The newest vehicle in the Tri Shield brand’s stable, at least until the Verano makes it to dealer showrooms later this year. Whether you consider it badge engineering or not, there’s no denying that the Epsilon II-based sedan has some kind of potential, having sold 18,455 through May 2011. Just what kind of potential it has, however, is still up in the air.
The Regal is bigger and heavier than the vehicles Buick thinks it competes with (Acura TSX), not to mention the underpowered nature of the standard 2.4 liter ECOTEC engine. To alleviate that, the Regal Turbo has more power and the high-performance Regal GS is on its way, albeit without all wheel drive and the ultra-powerful 2.8 liter turbo V6. Instead, the fastest vehicle in the Buick lineup will be powered by a 2.0 liter turbo four and be pulled by the front wheels — definitely not what many enthusiasts expected. And how let’s not forget about the Regal eAssist mild hybrid that will be available for the 2012 model year or the fact that the Regal is almost the exact same size as the Lexus ES350? So shouldn’t it compete with the Lexus while allowing the LaCrosse to target another vehicle?
In any event, how would you change, modify, re-position, or otherwise tweak the Regal? Sound off in the comments below!
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Comments
I’d be all for an AWD version, and maybe try to smooth out the big brake ducts on the GS.
The Regal is nice but I can’t live with that scallop (jowl) on the side.
I’d make it a 2011 Pontiac G6.
The Pontiac G6 was a beautiful car, it just needed a few quality improvements, not a complete fugly redesign of a Buick.
AWD with eAssist….would be a nice combination.
I spent 4 days and 375 miles with a Regal and came away pretty impressed. The car I rented was a base car with no options yet it still was very well equipped. The 2.4L was not totally underpowered and we did see 30 mpg highway but it’s not a set-up for the enthusiast. Turbo? GS? On paper it sounds like the power steps are way too small? The turbo should be 255HP and the GS 300+ with the AWD from Insignia OPC. Again on paper, the packaging of the GS is an embarassment/insult to the target audience? Why bother? The name is also a problem? Why not keep Insignia? In todays shallow, superficial society the Regal nameplate dates and ultimately drags down a fine car as many are simply “afraid” to buy this car because of the backlash they might get on their facebook or twitter acct. when it’s found they drive a “Buick Regal” ! I don’t expect the Regal to be around for the long haul here in NA, as it will be squeezed hard by cars like the 2013 Malibu.
Great take on the Regal. Buick Insignia has a great ring to it without portraying an old-school connotation. But I’m surprised that Buick has the Regal and the LaCrosse — both models that are so close to one another.
Why not just make one (and invest all development resources into it) — and have it kick the Lexus ES out of the ball park?
At this point, I look at it as a stop-gap vehicle that most likely wont’ be around in the next generation.
I’ve driven the car and loved it except for the fact that it seemed low on power. Perhaps transplanting the new 4 from the 2013 Malibu might help. Besides, why have two four cylinder engines fulfilling the same function? The Turbo is a nice step up. I can’t wait for the GS to arrive but they really ought to rethink this one. Why do the Europeans get a V6 and we get a turbo four? Even if the twin turbo V6 is not to be offered in the GS, why not drop the new 3.6 from the Camaro into the GS and offer it with the four wheel drive of the Insignia OPC. The GS ought to be a range topping vehicle and for what they intend to charge for it, it ought to have a V6.
hahaha did you really say 2011 Pontiac G6 LOL omg to funny
Car needs to be lighter. . and GM needs to better package the vehicle’s interior.
The base engine needs more power, at least 200 hp. Hyundai and Honda are getting 200 hp out of 4-cylinder engines. Why can’t GM?
There needs to be a small displacement V-6 engine option, maybe an improved version of the 3.0L DI V-6.
GS models needs more power. A turbo version of the 3.0L DI V-6 would be more fitting than the turbo 2.0L I-4. An AWD model would improve handling and traction.
I went to a Cadillac/Buick dealership in Fort Lauderdale and had a close look at the cars offered by my two favourite brands. The first thing that shocked me was that the 3.6L V6 CTS had very similar fuel economy figures as the 2.0 T Regal, ie 18/27 vs 18/28. The Regal has 220hp and the CTS has 304hp. What does this say, folks? This says that the turbo engine isn’t pulling its weight properly. It simply is too damn thirsty for not enough power. If GM doesn’t act swiftly it will continue to fail at explaining why the American market should sit in a Regal, or a LaCrosse for that matter, that has a 4-cylinder…turbo or otherwise.
Nail on the head Richard! I don’t understand GM’s persistent desire to use these four cylinders. They suck… and they’re outdated.
Hyundai, for example, gets 22/33 out of its 2.0 liter turbo that makes 274 hp and 269 lb.-ft. of torque! That’s more horses than the Regal GS (but 26 lb.-ft. of torque less).
As much as I like the styling of the Regal, I sure hope it’s a stop-gap vehicle… what’s the point? What does it do better than the competition? What is the competition? It’s definitely not the TSX and A4 — that’s Caddy ATS territory. Maybe I just don’t “get” this car…
I’m driving a Turbo and I get at least 33mpg on the highway with an automatic. Granted I keep it around 70-72. Why is the stick rated at 32 and the auto at 28?
Whether it is Buick or any other company you need a performace flagship and a luxury flagship. Make a one-off, crazy-fast, hopped-up version of the Regal (a la Grand National) and even if only a couple of people buy the real thing, a ton of people will buy the less expensive model that looks like it. I’ll bet the Caddy CTS-V is helping the sales of the lesser trimmed cars.
Great car that needs just few improvements:
1. Regal eAssist needs new Ecotec 2.5 engine (current 2.4 is underpowered and noisy)
2. Regal is too heavy
3. I’d make dashboard and central console slightly more refined (less number of buttons in the console).
4. Would be nice to have memory seats option
Good points!
1. It’s coming:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2012/01/gm-expected-to-replace-all-2-4l-ecotec-applications-with-new-2-5l-engine/
2. I don’t think it’s too heavy, but rather perfect the way it is. It’s weight gives it a feeling of solidity as a luxury car should have.
3. That will happen when IntelliLink makes its way to the Regal.
4. Absolutely.
Is it confirmed that eAssist will get new 2.5l engine?
Thanks.
1. It’s coming:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2012/01/gm-expected-to-replace-all-2-4l-ecotec-applications-with-new-2-5l-engine/
Confirmed by GM? No, GM never (rarely) comments on future products. But we see no reason as to why they’d keep the 2.4 around just for the BAS hybrid…
Ditch the waterfall.
It needs a better looking interior (not all flat black), GM needs to ditch those ugly spoke rims on all of their models. Get a bigger trunk and rear legroom. A better gauge cluster as well. Otherwise the Regal is a fine car with plenty ammenities.