Buick Confirms Opel Insignia-Based Regal For US Market

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

The Freep reports that the Opel Insignia-based Buick Regal has been officially approved for the US market. Says GM’s Susan Docherty, “the transformation of Buick began with our luxury crossover, the Buick Enclave and continued this year with the launch of the 2010 LaCrosse premium sedan. We’re thrilled to announce that the Regal will be the next member of the Buick family.” Expect GM’s 2.4 liter engine to come standard, and be prepared for it to be the only option. GM’s mid-sized sedan offerings are stacked up like hotcakes, and the Regal has two other Epsilon-based competitors in its own brand to contend with. Fanboys are being asked to keep GNX requests to themselves.

Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • Jpcavanaugh Jpcavanaugh on Oct 15, 2009

    To those who want to compare this decision to choices and products offered by Honda and Toyota - this would be a valid comparison if GM consisted of Chevy and Cadillac. But that is not what GM is. GM wants to have the Buick brand. Buick should be a natural Acura competitor. Leave Lexus to Cadillac. Any 4 cylinder Acuras out there? When we had them, they were sports cars. If GM wants Buick to be a player in the near-luxury field, leave the 4s to Chevrolet, and dont tramp on the Malibu's yard. Jeeeezzzzee

  • Commando Commando on Oct 15, 2009

    Hmmmm.... Good point, jpc. Chevies> four bangers Buicks> 6 cylinders Caddies> V/8's... Why didn't I think of that?

  • Redwood Redwood on Oct 15, 2009

    I'm glad they came to their senses and are bringing that car here. At the same time, I don't know how the size compares to the LaCrosse or how it fits into the segment since I've never seen a lot of details on size, equipment, etc. I do however like the idea of a GNX version based on the AWD/turbo Insignia OPC model from Europe. That might even make me take a look at a Buick. I sometimes am still in shock that I bought a G8 GT when my only direct exposure to Pontiac was the Pontiac Phoenix my dad had.

  • Droid800 Droid800 on Oct 15, 2009
    The Lacrosse shares suspension components of the Insignia, but has a longer wheelbase, a completely different interior, different electronics and no common drivetrains. No, that's not correct. The electronics in the Insignia are identical to the LaCrosse. That is the whole point of Ep. II. Whereas Ep. I had too many differences as far as electronics, build processes, etc. (resulting in two Ep. I vehicles like the 9-3 and Vectra being unable to be built in the same plant), Ep. II remedies all of that.
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