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General Motors has released an update on the 2011 Buick Regal's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that enables it to run on any blend of gasoline or E85 Ethanol. The Detroit automaker claims the Regal's flex-fuel capability is a first for a direct-injected turbocharged production car.

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J.D. Power & Associates' latest vehicle dependability study says most cars are getting better. In fact, J.D. Power tests showed that 25 of 36 brands (69%) improved their long-term durability. Reported problems decreased from an industry average of 167 per 100 vehicles last year to the current 155 (+7% in reliability).

The study, which measures problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old (2007 model year) vehicles, said that Porsche was the highest-ranking brand with 110 problems per 100 vehicles followed by Lincoln (114 problems) and Buick (115 problems).

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We still don't know the name of Buick's all-new small sedan that will take its place right under the 2011 Regal in the carmaker's line up, but these latest spy shots from Germany give us our best look to date of the upcoming compact-sized model's exterior and interior design.

And if the styling looks familiar that's because Buick's baby sedan is in essence the North American version of the upcoming Opel Astra sedan.

From what we gather by looking at these revealing spy shots, the only differences worth mentioning aside from the badges concern Buick's signature waterfall grille and possibly, the styling of the tail lights.

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Using an official sketch that was revealed at Buick's Los Angeles Auto Show conference last December as a canvas, GMI (GM Inside News) forum member "Mr. Burns" created a fairly realistic rendering of the firm's forthcoming small sedan that's expected to be heavily based on the Opel Astra.

The new four-door saloon that will make use of the same Delta II platform as the Chevrolet Cruze, will take the place of the Opel Insignia-based 2011 Regal sedan as Buick's entry-level offering in North America while it is also expected to replace the current Excelle in China.

The VW Jetta sedan should be considered one of the most closest rivals to the as of yet unnamed "baby" Buick model.

Though details still remain scarce, it is believed that the engine range will include the same 140HP 1.4-liter turbo four found in the Cruze while it's also possible that GM may add the Opel Astra's more potent 1.6-liter turbo with 180HP in the mix.

Chances are that we'll get to see the new Buick model arriving in the States sometime next year.

Renderings: GMInsidenews

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General Motors has just released pricing for the new 2011 Buick Regal sedan, or if you prefer, the North American market version of the Opel Insignia. Initially, the Regal will be offered in a premium CXL trim with two engine options, a 182HP 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder with direct-injection and a 2.0-liter Ecotec turbocharged and direct injected four-pot rated at an estimated 220HP.

Prices have been set at $26,995 (that's about €19,100 for our Euro friends) for the CXL 2.4L and $29,495 (€20,870) for the CXL 2.0L Turbo and include a $750 destination charge in both cases.

This means that the current-entry level Regal CXL 2.4L carries the same price tag as the larger 2010 LaCrosse CX 2.4L but is $3,400 cheaper than the equivalent CXL model.

Buick said that it will extend the Regal's range with the addition of a less expensive CX model in the 2012 model year.

Standard equipment on both the 2011 Regal CXL 2.4L and 2.0L Turbo models include a 6-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control (DSC); four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system, brake assist and electronic parking brake; StabiliTrak stability control system and traction control; dual-stage frontal and side-curtain air bags, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Other standard features include a 12-way power, leather and heated driver seat; leather and heated passenger front seat; Bluetooth for phone capability; i-Pod auxiliary jack and USB port; XM Satellite Radio and OnStar.

Sales of the 2.4-liter Regal will start this Spring with the Turbo model following later in the summer.

Initially, the 2011 Regal will be made alongside the Insignia at Opel's factory in Russelheim, Germany/ North American production will begin at GM's Oshawa Car Assembly plant in the first quarter of 2011.

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General Motors is bringing back an old Buick name in a new package with the 2011 Regal sedan that was revealed to potential customers in Los Angeles on Thursday. The Regal is actually an Opel Insignia with a Buick waterfall-style grille and matching badges. In fact, it will be built alongside the Insignia at the GM Opel plant in Russelsheim, Germany. Power will come from GM's direct-injected 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 182 hp, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder with 220 hp. U.S. sales will start next spring. Follow the jump to watch the first official videos of the Regal that include detailed shots of the interior and exterior as well as driving footage.

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The wait for the all-new 2011 Buick Regal is over as General Motors has released official photos and information on its new mid-size sedan ahead of the car's first public appearance to customers in the L.A. area on Thursday, November 12. As predicted, the U.S. market Regal is virtually a rebadged Opel Insignia with the only visible differences concerning the integration of Buick's waterfall-style grille on the outside and some trim variations such as the specific leather seats on the inside.

General Motors avoids the German competition pitting the new 2011 Regal against the likes of Acura TSX and the soon-to-be-replaced, Volvo S60.

In the States, the initial range will include two gasoline units, a 2.4-liter Ecotec direct injected engine rated at a 182 horsepower with an estimated highway fuel economy of 30mpg and a 2.0-liter turbocharged Ecotec rated at 220 horsepower with an estimated highway fuel economy of 30mpg.

Both engines will be combined with a standard six-speed automatic transmission with driver-shifting control. The automaker said that the 2.4L engine will return an estimated

The new Regal will initially be offered in the States in premium CXL trim only, with additional trim levels to be made available in the 2012 model year. Sales of the 2.4-liter model are scheduled to start in the second quarter of 2010, with the 2.0-liter Turbo model following in the summer of the same year.

No word if GM will also market a five-door liftback and station-wagon versions of the Regal in the future as it does with the European Insignia, nor if it is considering the introduction an sportier model based on the European Insignia OPC that gets a 325HP turbocharged V6 and all-wheel drive.

More details about the 2011 Buick Regal sedan in the press release below.

2011 BUICK REGAL PHOTO GALLERY

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2009 OPEL INSIGNIA SEDAN GALLERY

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PRESS RELEASE

• A new midsize Buick sport sedan with a European-bred driving experience
  
• On sale in the second quarter of 2010
  
• Based on the award-winning Opel Insignia and available now as a Regal in China
  
• Modern, sleek design with great attention to detail and excellent build quality
  
• Efficient, four-cylinder/six-speed powertrain with 30 mpg (est.)
  
• Turbocharged model available in summer 2010
  
• Driver-selectable Interactive Drive Control System available in summer 2010
  
• Available rear-seat thorax air bags
  
• Standard 18-inch wheels, leather and heated front seats, XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth and OnStar.
  

LOS ANGELES – On Thursday Buick will reveal the 2011 Regal sport sedan to customers in the L.A. area. Armed with turbocharged horsepower, a driver-selectable suspension system and a firm, European-tuned chassis, it 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 Susan Docherty, general manager of Buick GMC. "The Regal is the next chapter in Buick's transformation and will expand the portfolio to include a sport sedan."

The new Regal arrives in the second quarter of 2010, with its sights aimed squarely on competitors like 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 wheels and OnStar – that aren't offered standard on either competitor.

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.

The Regal has already been a success on another continent, in China. It went on sale in December 2008 and more than 64,000 Regals have been sold there. Enthusiastic customers cite its sculpted, flowing design and responsive performance as the top reasons for purchase.

Regal at a glance

Regal will initially be 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 2.4L Ecotec direct injected engine rated at an estimated 182 horsepower (136 kW)
  
• Available 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged and direct injected engine rated at an estimated 220 horsepower (164 kW) – available late-summer 2010
  
• Both engines have a six-speed automatic transmission standard with driver-shifting control
  
• Estimated 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 System (IDCS) 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
  
• Standard StabiliTrak stability control system and full-function traction control
  
• Standard dual-stage frontal air bags, side-curtain air bags and pedal-release system; rear-seat thorax air bags available
  
• Available navigation system, Harmon Kardon sound system, internal flash drive (1GB), hard drive with 10GB for music and USB port
  
• Standard 18-inch wheels (19-inch wheels standard with IDCS)
  
• Standard 12-way power, leather and heated driver seat; leather and heated passenger front seat; Bluetooth capability; XM Satellite Radio and OnStar.
  

Design story

The Regal's sleek 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, with the fenders flared to wrap around the tires. It's 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 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."

A breakthrough interior

The Regal's finely crafted, sporty and well-appointed interior builds on the exceptional attention to detail found in the Enclave and LaCrosse, blending signature styling cues with contemporary sport sedan aesthetics.

Regal's firm, highly bolstered seats were benchmarked against the top import competitors for comfort and support, while a standard flow-through center console offers plenty of storage for passengers in the front and back.

Smart applications of technology are also hallmarks of the Regal, including details such as a multi-function controller on the center console for operation of the audio system, navigation system and the Bluetooth phone. The faceplate for the "infotainment" screen is set at a 30-degree angle to contribute to the car's flowing interior design.

A new era in Buick design is also seen in the satin metallic, piano black and new, Kibo-patterned interior trim materials. Kibo is a rich, dark, progressively grained wood that lends an international flair to the Regal.

Under the hood

Unique with its all-four-cylinder powertrain, the Regal relies on the excellent horsepower-per-liter ratio of the Ecotec engine family to deliver smart, on-demand performance that is also very efficient.

Both the standard 2.4L engine and the available 2.0L turbo use direct injection technology to optimize performance, reduce emissions and maximize fuel efficiency. The 2.4L is the same engine offered in the Buick LaCrosse, but in the smaller, lighter Regal, it delivers more agile performance. The 2.0L turbo cements the sport sedan credibility of the Regal, with on-demand power comparable to a V-6, but the inherent efficiency of a four-cylinder. To ensure responsive power across the rpm range, the 2.0L turbo uses a twin-scroll turbocharger that builds power quickly at lower rpm.

Distinct, uniquely calibrated six-speed automatic transmissions are paired with each engine. Both offer driver shift control that enhances the sporty driving feel of the Regal.

Driving experience

The chassis and structural systems were developed in Germany and give the Regal the handling and dynamics of a premium European sport sedan, as well as the quiet, refined ride and road manners expected of a Buick. The body structure is one of the most rigid in the segment, which is approximately 25-percent stiffer than the previous Regal. This solid structure supports more precise suspension tuning and a quieter ride.

A relatively long wheelbase of 107.8 inches (2738 mm) gives the Regal refined, well-balanced vehicle dynamics and supports comfortable ride tuning. Additionally, an independent MacPherson strut-type front suspension with single-path mountings and hydraulic ride bushings; a four-link independent rear suspension; hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering; and optimized four-wheel disc brakes are optimized to the capability of the individual powertrains and tailored to the expected use by drivers. Models equipped with the 2.0L turbo engine, for example, feature larger brakes.

Latest-generation electronic stability control (ESC or StabiliTrak), anti-lock brake system (ABS), and traction control system (TCS) are standard with Buick's innovative, Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) real-time damping system offered on models equipped with the 2.0L turbo powertrain.

Interactive Drive Control System

Regal's Interactive Drive Control System chassis technology (available on models with the available 2.0L turbo engine) offers enhanced vehicle stability and greater driving safety. It is designed to change the personality of the car based on the personality of the driver. A sophisticated driving mode control module continually monitors driving style utilizing yaw rate, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, steering wheel, throttle and vehicle speed. It defines the dynamic vehicle state, including acceleration, braking and cornering, to optimize chassis reactions. It also executes all of the IDCS driver selections.

All four dampers are electronically controlled and continuously adapt within milliseconds to the prevailing road conditions, vehicle movements and individual driving style. Chassis settings are adjustable by the driver, with Normal, Tour and Sport settings.

IDCS allows the driver to choose between three different operating modes that change the suspension settings, throttle response, shift pattern and steering sensitivity through the variable effort steering system. The three modes deliver three types of experiences:

• Normal – balanced and optimized for all driving situations
  
• Tour – optimized for comfort and relaxed driving on long journeys
  
• Sport – optimized for road holding; enthusiast driving .
  

Selecting "Sport" mode optimizes the car for dynamic driving, tightening the suspension and steering response and speeding up the reaction of the automatic transmission. The "Tour" mode is optimal for long-distance cruising or rough road conditions, providing an increase in comfort. "Normal" or Default Mode is the perfect all-around setting for daily commuting and city traffic. The other major benefit of Interactive Drive Control is that it automatically adapts Regal's performance settings to individual driving styles. When a driver begins to drive more aggressively it will tighten the suspension and increase steering effort and change to a more aggressive throttle response. When the vehicle senses that the driver is doing relaxed cruising, it adjusts settings for rolling smoothness and comfort.

Apart from a more rewarding driving experience, IDCS also offers safety benefits in emergency situations. For example, if an obstacle must be avoided when the car is in Tour mode, various chassis sensors convey this to the DMC and the dampers are stiffened within milliseconds, delivering greater body control.

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