2011 Buick Regal
hpmctorque
Member Posts: 4,600
in Buick
Today I viewed pictures of the 2911 Buick Regal , which will be introduced in the second quarter of 2010, on Edmunds and another site. Both the exterior and interior styling look excellent to me. The engine lineup will include or consist of (it's not clear to me which) GM's 2.4 four and a direct injection turbo four.
The Regal will compete directly with an all-new Volvo S60 and the Acura TSX.
If Buick gets the handling and driving dynamics right, this new Regal could be a winner. I sure hope so since, you and now are part owners of GM, albeit indirectly. The biggest obstacle to success may be that so many people are prejudiced against American cars, and won't even consider one. That, and the perception that Buicks are for old people is another challenge.
The Regal will compete directly with an all-new Volvo S60 and the Acura TSX.
If Buick gets the handling and driving dynamics right, this new Regal could be a winner. I sure hope so since, you and now are part owners of GM, albeit indirectly. The biggest obstacle to success may be that so many people are prejudiced against American cars, and won't even consider one. That, and the perception that Buicks are for old people is another challenge.
Tagged:
0
Comments
"In Europe it is known as the Opel Insignia, but for the North American market General Motors decided to revive a name first used in 1973: the Buick Regal. Sales of the new sport sedan will begin in the second quarter of 2010, and its main competitors will be Acura TSX and Volvo S60. The 2011 Regal will be offered only in the CXL trim (additional ones will be added for the 2012 model year). The Regal CXL will be offered standard with a 2.4L Ecotec..."
You can read the rest of the article here: 2011 Buick Regal and more Buick related articles here: Buick
bother with primu fuel. Great looking car, but I'm not buying a turbo 4.
and 40 grand Volts will never make a dent in fuel averages as they'll never sell enough of them to make a difference. I can get an Accord, Camery, and every mid-size car with a v6, and GM's not offering one (and expecting people to fork over 27K!) Another big mistake GM. Check the Opel option list, I'm sure a small
V6 is offered in Germany. The Saturn Aura, the last generation of this car, had a V6 option.
and experience the lack of low end torque (while better in newer turbos) off the line when a simple small V6 will do the same job at equal MPG numbers.
Even if the first few months of production are imported, why not import the V6 models, which are likely not big sellers in Europe anyway. The 2.8L V6 is an option in Europe. The car could also be imported from South America rather then Germany at a better exchange rate.
-----------------------------------------------
The turbo engine is available in the CXL also and it should be below $30K. I don't want to buy premium fuel to get 220HP, so the Buick is off my list........
At any rate, by my math: at 12,000 miles a year, and 25 mpg (being conservative, although the Regal is supposed to get "up to 30" mpg, according to Buick site), that's 480 gallons a year. If gas prices go up some, at $3 a gallon for regular, that would be fuel cost of $1440 per year. Let's say premium is 30 cents more. That would mean fuel costs would be around $1584 per year. So $140 difference over a year's time, a bit more than $11 a month.
I can't see that as making even the slightest dent in my thinking.
Up it to 20,000 miles a year, and a 50 cent difference between premium and regular, then you've got $2400 a year for regular, $2800 a year for premium, or $33 a month more.
Maybe I would take that a tiny bit into consideration, but if the car were otherwise what I wanted, not enough to make me not buy it.
If I were driving 30,000 miles a year or more, then maybe it might begin to add up.
For the average driver who puts on 12 to 15k miles per year, the cost of premium vs. regular just doesn't seem all that important.
No it doesn't. It takes regular fuel.
I agree that the cost difference the not huge. For me it's idea that I have to buy premium fuel to get 220HP. I typically burn about 15 gallons of fuel a week and keep my cars about 4 years. At $0.20/gallon more that's $624 over the entire timeframe. Not a big deal but something I'd rather not do.
P.S. I'm looking for a car the size of the Regal that will deliver 35mpg Hwy mileage on regular fuel, so the Buick it not in consideration.
We can start with the Hyundai Sonata, then there's the Chevy Malibu, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion and many others.
The new Regal is a small mid-size car that happens to weigh 2 tons. It's easy to get 35 MPG Hwy unless you're building Tiger Tanks.
Well smoothed-out old tech motor, mileage ratings were ? 19/29?
Or, did they change the way they predict mileage since then?
My typical mileage is low-mid 20's, and high 20's on the highway.
If you want a mid-sized econobox, you can get better mileage.
I don't want to drive an econobox/penaltybox.
Oh, yes: The 3.8 will go 250-300k miles typical. I don't see a turbo doing that many miles without repair of at least the turbo itself. That runs up the cost of ownership quite a bit.
cheers
The 2011 Regal can't..period.
I really don't get putting the 2.4 in the base model other than they likely shave about 300#. My 09 BU with 2.4 is only 3436# with 169HP. That is sufficient except when loaded, downshifts frequently in Appalachians, and a bit weak at highway acceleration.
Pushing the extra power out of the Regal version will likely shorten life some. And as to mileage, the BU is great at speeds around 45 to 60 MPH. I'm guessing that they rated highway mileage at 65MPH as that seems a close match, but forget 70MPH. At that speed it is about 4MPG shy of rated. If rolling just under 80MPH, it drops to about 26 MPG, a loss of 7MPG from rated highway. Very close to what I was getting with Aurora V8 except it had lots of acceleration at that speed, was a much heavier vehicle, and far better ride. However I don't miss the extra 32 cents per gallon for premium.
My real world everyday which is not really city, more like combined, is just over 25MPG.
I'd bet this Regal costs more to run with the base because of weight and hopefully slightly larger interior. Someone posted expected costs for fuel. I suspect he is off quite a bit. On the BU, using numbers that are close to my real world, I'd use 453 gal., actually less than EPA assumption of 45% highway, rest city. A few years back the average driving was upped to 15000 per year. Price of flying and hassle probably contributed. The average may be down at this point, even with lower fuel prices simply because of the number of people out of work and people being frugal just because of uncertainty.
I might decide to travel a bit more and could easily go through that figure, but will also figure with 15000 a year and with the change my gas consumption would jump to 560 gal.
Then assuming a Regal with the 2.4L and what I'd expect mileage wise since it is a heavier car and would push a bit more air, my consumption might be 622 gallon per year.
At todays gas prices, $2.50 = $1555 annual.
Gas is not going to stay and it is just a matter of time before it gets back close to $5.00, likely before you pay the vehicle off.
At $5.00 = $3110 per year. A little over $250 a month. To some that might be pocket change, however I considerate significant and would think of it as a windfall if I could pocket that.
Just part of owning an auto though, however to tack on another $0.35 premium, what it was a peak, $18/month, no thank you. And turbos had been getting lower MPG than the non-turbo counterpart.
Bottomline, I'd like to test drive a Regal, but likely will not because of the way equipment is grouped here at Edmunds. If that is real world options, it would force me to take a sunroof for anything other than base model.
I don't need no stinkin sunroof. In only one high end application did I ever see one that did not add noise to the cabin and that was because it actually had the glass as an outer layer and a panel that closed and sealed as if the glass was not there. Regardless, such things get leaks whether air or water, no thanks again. And the glass is far heavier than the sheet metal further hurting MPG.
Thanks.
2011 Regal CXL that began production last month will not have the H.I.D. Bi-Xenon headlights. However, the CXL Turbo that is scheduled to come out in the fall 2010 will have HID headlamps as an option. Thank you,
Mariah GM Customer Service
I am impressed that GM Customer Service monitors these boards!
2011 Buick Regal
* Photos (13)
* Videos
Visit Our Buyer's Guide »
Buick Regal
* › Overview
* › Specifications
* › Price with Options
* › Photos & 360° View
* › Get a Free Quote
News & Reviews
* 2012 Buick Regal GS - Feature
* 2011 Buick Regal - Second Drive
* Buick Regal GS Concept - Video
* Buick Regal GS Concept - Auto Shows
* 2011 Buick Regal - Video
* 2011 Buick Regal - Official Photos and Info
* Buick Confirms Regal as Next Mid-Size Sedan - Car News
* 2011 Buick Regal - Spied
* Buick Regal Cielo - Specialty File
Top Competitors
* Acura TSX
* Audi A4 sedan
* Lincoln MKZ
* Saab 9-3 sedan
Specifications
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
ESTIMATED BASE PRICE: $27,500–$30,500
ENGINE TYPES: DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection; turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 145 cu in, 2384cc/122 cu in, 1998cc
Power (SAE net): 182 bhp @ 6700 rpm (2.4)/220 bhp @ 5300 rpm (2.0)
Torque (SAE net): 172 bhp @ 4900 rpm (2.4)/258 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm (2.0)
TRANSMISSIONS: 6-speed automatic with manumatic shifting, 6-speed manual
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 107.8 in Length: 190.2 in
Width: 73.1 in Height: 58.4 in
Curb weight (mfr’s est): 3600 lb
FUEL ECONOMY (MFR’S EST):
EPA city/highway driving: 18–20/29–30 mpg
Shell
If General Motors hadn’t imploded, the Buick Regal wouldn’t have been a Buick; it would have been a Saturn. The Regal is essentially a European-market Opel Insignia—a mid-size sedan that competes with the Ford Mondeo, Honda Accord, and Volkswagen Passat over there—rebadged and rebranded for the U.S. and China. It went on sale in the latter country last December.
In case people are worried about Buick’s offering what amounts to a gussied-up mid-size family sedan in the luxury field, that’s what Lincoln and Acura have done with the MKZ and TSX, respectively. We have to say the Buick is a classier piece than both of those. It’s handsome to look at and is hardly changed from the Insignia; only the grille, headlamps, taillight bulbs, badging, and side-mirror glass are different. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard, with 19s on the options list.
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/09q4/2011_buick_regal-first_drive_review-
USA Today Autos
The new Regal looks pretty good. I saw one at my local GM dealer and was impressed. I would wait for the turbo engine though. The base engine is barely adequate in what is supposed to be a sport sedan. The GS will be the real performance model though.
I hope GM can find some weight savings in future product offerings. 3600 pounds is a tad heavy for a car this size and hopefully the next generation will come in under 3500. GM is still on life support in my mind and is in no position close to an IPO and gov't payback this year. If a true economic recovery takes hold in the 2nd half of 2010 (a big if), GM should be able to pay back all the taxpayer bailout funds through an IPO within a year.
Then maybe they can put some of the ugliness behind them and move forward profitably. The next few quarters will be critical and the new Regal provides GM with a product to help the cause.
I'm still trying to get a handle on what this car is though. Cross shopping it with the Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata, the Buick is less powerful and heavier yet looks like it will cost more. Does it offer a more luxurious ride or better features?
You have to wonder . .
Invicta - sounds like a curse. Too close to "invective." Wildcat - not for Buick's demographic, and not for this particular car. Sounds like street-racer wanna-be. Centurion - Lots of Buick buyers might not want to be reminded of how close they are to the "century" mark. Although "Buick Century" - that sounds good to me.
Skylark - wasn't that one of the sportier and less expensive Buicks years ago? To me it sounds like a name that would fit better on a convertible. Sounds somewhat feminine. Not a problem for me, but might be an image thing for male buyers.
Le Sabre - fine in many ways, but didn't the previous Le Sabre have quality control problems?
"Regal" to me doesn't have any of the bad connotations of some of the others. I wouldn't be embarrassed to say I bought a Buick Regal. I can't imagine myself saying I bought a Buick Wildcat. Just doesn't sound right.
It is worlds ahead of anything Kia or Hyundai make including the new Sonata. It is more posh, more refined, has a better interior and probably a better ride although I cannot say that for sure because I have not yet driven the car. It also has a very rich feature set.
With the turbocharged engine it should be an excellent performer.
GM's dealer network is also superior to either Kia or Hyundai in both the U.S. and Canada and that is an important feature if you travel much in the wide, open spaces.
Don't try to twist what I said to suit your own opinion. It is my opinion that the Regal indeed is worlds ahead of the Sonata.
Yeah this is what I'm getting at, what is it that commands the higher price? Here's an interesting video with Bob Lutz on the Regal:
http://archive.roadandtrack.com/video/index.html?bcpid=717440069&bclid=741861823- &bctid=68463522001
You'll note he mentions the car is not a good financial deal for them being produced in Germany right now against the high Euro, but they want to price it competitively. He's comparing it to the TSX and A4. That to me sounds like the extra money is in interior quality, ride quality, nameplate.
With this car I keep going back to that 300 ft/lb of torque and AWD with variable suspension settings. I'm guessing it's an A4 fighter. So I've got to compare it to the A4, G37, 328xi, TSX/TL.
At the same time, the mpg on the base engine is nothing to write home about (19/30); the 305 hp Mustang manages to get better mileage. Almost all intermediate sedans do better than that with their base engines. I also think that people will sometimes compare the car to the 2011 Sonata and the 2011 Optima, especially when equipped with their 274 hp turbo engine which still gets 22/34 mpg.
I prefer the Buick styling to the Hyundai, but that is a matter of personal taste. The 2011 Optima is also one tastefully styled sedan, one that looks like more money than it is. Still, exclusivity has its appeal. The higher-priced Buick will likely sell in lower volumes than the new Optima. Can't wait for some in-depth reviews of the Regal against some of its competition.
If you don't agree, so be it. Tough titty, as they say! Buy the inferior alternative and be quiet!
It's all about what you can get for the same or similar money.
Ha! You are funny! :P
The Regal is a darn good car. Still, other cars in the same price range, such as the VW CC, are not usually seen as inferior. To each his or her own. And I would never tell you to be quiet though. Like it would work even if I did.
I was trying to look for a GM car before while shopping for a new car (in 2008). I wanted a small, fun car, with manual transmission. The only choices from GM were cobalt (no thanks) as well as Saturn (conveniently discontinued) and Pontiac G5 (conveniently killed). So there was nothing from GM for me at that point, and by the way nothing as of today. (I ended up with a Mazda3).
That said, Buick Regal might turn out to be a good car for my next upgrade, once there is a version with a clutch.