NEW YORK – Buick revealed the new 2014 Regal today, designed to be a sportier and smarter evolution of the brand’s dynamic midsize sedan. New purposeful technologies enhance safety and the driving experience with a more refined turbo engine – along with the introduction of all-wheel drive.

The new Regal also introduces new radar- and camera-based safety features – including Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert and Collision Mitigation Braking – for surround protection. In-vehicle connectivity is enhanced with next-generation IntelliLink, featuring simpler, more intuitive controls and natural speech recognition.

Adaptive Cruise Control is also offered. It senses traffic in front of the Regal to adjust vehicle speed, including stopping the vehicle in heavy traffic and accelerating again.

“The new 2014 Regal is more expressive, more connected and more technologically advanced,” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing. “ Nearly half of new Regal buyers are conquests who are new to Buick and they represent the youngest median age among the brand’s lineup.

“The new Regal gives those discerning buyers more of the technologically advanced features they want in a modern luxury sedan, all with the style and refinement they expect from Buick.”

New front and rear styling, with bold, signature wing-shape LED daytime running lamps and LED taillamps were designed to give Regal a more contemporary and premium presence. The interior features a redesigned central instrument panel and console along with a new fashion interior trim combination.

The new 2.0L turbo engine delivers 18 percent more horsepower in the Regal Turbo, for a greater feeling of on-demand power The available Haldex all-wheel-drive system helps make the most of traction in all driving conditions and also enhances the cornering capability of the Regal GS when driven in the GS mode of the Interactive Drive Control System.

A 2.4L engine with eAssist light electrification technology is also available on the 2014 Regal. Six-speed automatic transmissions are matched with both engines and a six-speed manual is available in the Regal GS. Electric power steering is now featured on all models.

The new Regal makes its public debut at the New York International Auto Show, where it will be on display March 29-April 7. It goes on sale this fall.

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2014 Buick Regal GS Luxury Sport Sedan

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New automatic transmission for Regal GS and eAssist to be standard on 2013 Regal

DETROIT – Coming off strong sales year in which it outsold the Audi A4, Lexus IS250, and Acura TSX, Buick’s midsize luxury sport sedan continues to evolve. The performance-oriented Regal GS has a new automatic transmission available in dealerships now. Additionally, with the introduction of the 2013 model later this year, eAssist fuel efficiency technology becomes standard.

U.S. News and World Report has named the Regal the “Best Upscale Midsize Car for Families.” Last month, it was named “Best Car for the Money” in the same category. The “Upscale Midsize Car” category includes 19 different vehicles.

Self-shifting Regal GS

The 270 horses of the Regal GS’ turbocharged 2.0L Ecotec – one of WardsAuto World’s 2012 “10 Best Engines” for North America – can now be controlled through a second transmission. A six-speed automatic with Driver Shift Control is now offered as a no-cost option instead of the existing six-speed manual.

“With the Regal GS, we made a conscious decision to go against the current trend and give enthusiasts the manual transmission they desire as standard equipment” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing. “Adding an automatic simply makes the performance of the GS even more accessible.”

The new Aisin AF40 automatic is calibrated specifically for Buick’s most athletic sedan. With the car’s Interactive Drive Control System set to “GS” mode, the transmission delivers firmer shifts, aiding performance. Acceleration matches the manual with an estimated 0-60 mph time of 6.7 seconds.

EPA-estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg city and 27 on the highway, standard performance components like Buick’s innovative HiPer Strut front suspension and Brembo front brake calipers, and optional features are identical regardless of the transmission.

Hagerty insurance recently named the Buick Regal GS to its “2012 Hot List” of vehicles its valuation experts expect to be future collectibles.

Standard 36 Highway MPG with Regal eAssist

Starting with the arrival of 2013 models, eAssist will be standard on the Regal with the discontinuation of the 2.4L base model. Both the Regal Turbo and Regal GS models will remain available.

The eAssist uses a compact lithium-ion battery pack and a small electric motor to aid the performance of a fuel-efficient 2.4-liter gas engine. The system provides an electrical boost to aid the engine at low speeds and on inclines where fuel efficiency can suffer most. The Regal with eAssist achieves an EPA-estimated 36 highway mpg, equal to a Mini Cooper and higher than some full hybrids like the Infiniti M35h, which is rated at 32 mpg.

“Buick is committed to increasing innovation across the lineup,” said DiSalle “By making the advanced eAssist powertrain standard on a second vehicle, we are putting the spotlight on smart technology.”

For the 2012 model year, eAssist became standard for the larger LaCrosse luxury sedan. Offered at the same price as the V6, eAssist is already outselling its hybrid competitors and is projected to grow in popularity this year.

According to Hybridcars.com, the Buick LaCrosse with eAssist outsold the Lincoln MKZ by a 3-to-1 margin and the Lexus HS250h by a 5-to-1 margin in January 2012.

Pricing and an on-sale date for the 2013 Regal with eAssist will be announced later this year.

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Design director discusses style and substance of Buick’s sportiest sedan

DETROIT – The all-new 2012 Buick Regal GS, now arriving in dealerships, is the sportiest expression of Buick’s hot-selling midsize luxury sport sedan to date. Its high-output Ecotec 2.0L turbo engine cranks 270 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, giving it the highest specific output of any production engine GM has offered.

GS performance persona is further supported by Brembo four-piston front-caliper brakes, a HiPer Strut front suspension system, six-speed manual transmission, driver-adjustable suspension and steering settings and 19-inch standard and 20-inch optional wheels.

Dave Lyon, executive director for Design, recently explained the substance behind Regal GS styling.

Q:  How did the Regal GS’ styling evolve?

A:  Naturally, we started with the Regal, which is already the most-athletic design we’ve ever had for Buick. The car has a great stance. The wheels are at the corners of the vehicle, sitting outside the body, which gives it a well-planted look on the road. The Regal also has beautifully sculpted sheet metal and a very sleek centerline. For GS, we weren’t looking for a personality change so much as an enhancement. Most of all, we wanted a pure expression of Buick performance.

Q:  What are the design details that give Regal GS its unique look?

A:  Regal GS’ styling is as purposeful as it is beautiful. The GS requires a lot more cooling for its brakes and powertrain than other Regal models. So, we have opened up the fascia for more air intake. Aesthetically speaking, the two vertical air intakes at the corners give the car a very dramatic signature front end, almost catlike. The Regal already had a feline grace, but we’ve enhanced it for GS, making it even more assertive. We also lowered the front and rear fascias and added rocker extensions along the sides, which gives the car a well-planted look. This also reduces the amount of air that can go underneath the car, which enhances aerodynamics.

Q:  What are some other differences between Regal GS and other Regal models?

A:  Going around the vehicle you’ll see that Regal’s bright chrome decorations are somewhat toned down for the GS, taking on a satin finish. The standard 19-inch wheels and optional 20-inch wheels, which look fantastic, also have a satin finish, look very three dimensional and sculptural. They don’t look like anything else on the road. Also, the satin-finished dual exhausts are integrated into the lowered rear fascia in a very dramatic way, and help give the car an attractive luxurious look from every angle.

Q:  Were there any specific design inspirations for GS?

A:  We looked at a lot of shapes from the natural world, including lightweight, agile predators that convey speed, power and beauty.

Q:  How important was aerodynamic refinement to GS styling?

A:  The GS team spent a lot of time on the Autobahn and Nurburgring tuning the high-speed signature of the vehicle. Aerodynamic styling enhancements like the lowered fascia and rocker extensions help stabilize the car at high speeds and the twin air intakes help keep the Brembo performance brakes cool.

Q:  How does the GS’ styling strike a balance between Buick heritage and Buick reinvention?

A:  Instead of following a specific formula for Buick design, we want each car to have its own individual personality. The Regal has a more avant-garde style than the rest of the Buick lineup, which is reaching a younger buyer and customers who might not have previously considered buying a Buick. The use of more diverse powertrains influences how we express Buick design characteristics like the waterfall grille, portholes, headlight shapes, air intakes, and other styling cues. As we transition from being a V-8 and V-6 powertrain division to one that uses very smart power like Regal GS’ high-output 2.0L turbo engine, not to mention Regal and LaCrosse’s use of eAssist, the familiar Buick cues will evolve as well. In the future, we expect to develop new ways to express even more high-tech and efficient powertrains.

Q:  How close to a four-door coupe does the GS come?

A:  I can see why someone would be tempted to use that term to describe the GS, but we prefer to think of it as a very expressive four-door sedan, and there’s no shame in that. Unlike a coupe, the GS has a very useable back seat with excellent ingress and egress, and it’s as pretty as most midsize coupes on the market. When you’re sitting the GS’ driver seat and engage with its aluminum pedals, short-throw shifter and flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel you forget that you’re driving a sedan. As soon as you grab that flat-bottomed wheel you know you’re in a different kind of Buick. Who needs a coupe when you have a GS?

Hot-selling sport sedan spurs Buick’s 23rd straight month of retail sales gains

DETROIT – Phillip Barr of Gilbert, Ariz., describes himself as a “car junkie.” The 26-year-old executive assistant has owned at least 10 cars, including two BMWs, two Mercedes-Benzes and a Porsche. He recently sold his Toyota Prius to buy a 2012 Buick Regal Turbo at Henry Brown Buick GMC outside of Phoenix.

“Regal Turbo had all of the options I wanted with a luxurious interior and smooth ride comparable to a Mercedes,” Barr said. “Honestly, I’d be the last person you’d think would buy an American car, but GM has really stepped up its game with the Regal Turbo to compete with the imports. It’s just as nice to drive as the BMWs and Mercedes I’ve owned for a fraction of the cost with a lot more options.”

Regal sales in August are on track to be the best since car launched in spring 2010. Approximately 45 percent of Regal buyers are coming from non-GM brands. In July alone, Regal outsold other similarly sized sport sedans, including Volkswagen CC, Lexus IS 250/350, Audi A4 and Volvo S60. Regal’s steady month-over-month gains have helped Buick glide through recent turbulence in the luxury vehicle segment.

Regal Turbo has accounted for a third of the sport sedan’s retail sales since its launch this past spring. The turbo’s 2.0-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine delivers better horsepower and torque than the Acura TSX and Volkswagen CC, and with its manual six-speed transmission, it also delivers better fuel economy, with an EPA-rated 32 mpg highway.

Buick will double its Regal lineup this fall with the introduction of the performance-oriented 2012 Regal GSand the fuel-efficient 2012 Regal with eAssist™.

U.S. News & World Report recently named Regal the Best Upscale Midsize Car for Families for 2011, ranking it No. 1 out of 21, based on analysis of 27 published reviews; test drives of Regal, and analysis of reliability and safety data. The magazine said that “Among midsize cars, the Regal shines with performance that balances fuel economy and power, handling and ride comfort.”

Rachel Hayes of Phoenix said she “fell in love” with the Regal when she saw it on the showroom floor at Liberty Buick in Peoria, Ariz.  The 29-year-old social worker said she’s received nothing but compliments for it.

“The new Regal is way more stylish and sexy than the old Regal, and it has a great sound system,” said Hayes who previously owned a 2008 LaCrosse. “Buick is the new Lexus. Everyone I’ve shown my Regal to is completely surprised by it.”

Arrival of fuel-efficient eAssist and performance-oriented GS broaden Regal’s reach

DETROIT – Buick’s Regal offerings will double this fall, with the arrival of the new technologically advanced 2012 Regal with eAssist and the performance-oriented 2012 Regal GS, which are expected to broaden the appeal of the hot-selling midsize luxury sport sedan.

Regal with eAssist will start at $29,530, and Regal GS will start at $35,310; both prices include $860 in destination charges. The eAssist system is a $2,000 option on the Regal base model, mated to a 2.4L Ecotec engine. Buick will continue to offer the base model without eAssist as well as the 2.0L turbo.

“Regal with eAssist and Regal GS offer distinct advantages to midsize luxury sport sedan customers,” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing. “The eAssist’s advanced technology delivers the most fuel-efficient option, while the high-output GS is the sportiest expression of Regal to date.”

Regal with eAssist uses a variety of advanced technologies and body enhancements to deliver an EPA-rated 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, the latter being unsurpassed by the higher-priced Lexus HS Hybrid and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.  With gas prices near $4 a gallon, the option on Regal should pay for itself in about 3 ½ years.

The fuel economy boost that Regal with eAssist offers comes from pairing the direct-injected 2.4L four-cylinder Ecotec engine with a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery system and electric motor-generator that enables regenerative braking capability. This “light electrification” system also is available on the 2012 Buick LaCrosse.

Standard features with the eAssist system include driver-selectable, fuel economy-optimizing mode for the air conditioning system, enabling more frequent and longer-duration engine stop periods; ECO gauge on the instrument panel that continuously responds to driving behavior, enabling the driver to drive with greater efficiency; and powerflow readout in the color infotainment or driver information center that shows the flow of energy through the electric assist system, such as battery charging from regeneration and electric power directed to the engine.

Regal GS has been SAE-certified to deliver 270 horsepower (201kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400Nm). Its exclusive Ecotec 2.0L direct-injected turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers more torque than Acura TSX V-6, Audi A4 Sport, Lexus IS 250 and Volvo S60 T5. Torque is the twisting force that gets a vehicle moving and what the driver feels when accelerating.

The GS’s engine is mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission, and gets an estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg on the highway. A six-speed automatic transmission will be available later in the model year. The GS powertrain is covered by a five-year, 100,000-mile warranty.

Regal GS also features push-button start; a leather-wrapped, flat-bottom sport steering wheel with audio controls; metal sport pedals; and leather-appointed, heated and 12-way adjustable sport seating. A Harman Kardon premium 336-watt, 5.1 Matrix Surround Sound system with nine speakers is also standard.

Regal GS is also equipped with an Interactive Drive Control System, which adapts damping and other driving functions that allows the driver to choose a standard adaptive setting, a Sport mode, and a GS mode, which is tuned for those who enjoy a higher level of ride and handling performance.

Other standard features on Regal GS include front and rear ultrasonic parking assist, a 120-volt accessory power outlet, Bi-Xenon HID headlamps, and 19-inch alloy wheels; 20-inch polished alloys with summer-only performance tires are available.

Later in the year, Regal GS and Regal with eAssist both will come with standard Buick IntelliLink, which uses Bluetooth or USB to connect the driver’s smartphone to a new 7-inch, high-resolution, full-color touch screen display radio. IntelliLink expands on Buick’s current Bluetooth and USB capabilities to allow smartphone control via voice activation and steering wheel-mounted controls. It also enables streaming stereo audio from the phone through services like PANDORA^® Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio^®.

Most important, Buick IntelliLink enables seamless integration of stowed portable devices with each vehicle’s infotainment system, allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

“As is the case on all Regal models, the GS and eAssist offer the winning combination of advanced technology, no-compromise driving performance, luxurious style and passenger comfort that make Buick one of the fastest growing automotive brands in North America,” DiSalle said.

The high performance version of the Opel Insignia, Car of the Year 2009, will be unveiled on May 7, when the Opel Insignia OPC premieres at the 2009 Barcelona Motor Show, ten years after the launch of the first OPC model (Opel Performance Center).

The heart of the Opel Insignia OPC is its 2.8 V6 Turbo engine. Derived from the powerful gasoline engine already available on the top-of-the-line Insignia, this version reaches an output of 239 kW/325 hp. The increase in power was obtained by a special engine development and by reworking the exhaust, significantly reducing the counter pressure. And because sound is so important in the appreciation of an engine, the acoustic specialists worked on the exhaust of the V6 by adopting specific center and rear mufflers.

The Opel Insignia OPC is available with a six-speed manual gearbox. The strong torque of 400 Nm ensures abundant pulling power even at lower engine speeds. With this engine performance, the Opel Insignia OPC reaches a top speed of 250 km/h (restricted) and sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in six seconds.
The already very well performing Insignia chassis was further fine tuned for the OPC variant which ride height has been reduced by 10 mm compared to the Insignia (AWD Sport version). The newly developed mechatronic chassis also receives a new front axle. The front suspension architecture of the Opel Insignia OPC retains a so called McPherson strut, however the engineers at the Opel Performance Center came up with an evolution called HiPerStrut (for high performance strut). Benefits are an improved steering feel, reduced steering disturbances due to the high torque and an enhanced feeling in the handling for the driver.

The Opel Insignia OPC also comes with the adaptive FlexRide suspension which not only adapts to driving situation and driving style but also to the driver’s preferences. While on the Insignia the system offers the choice between a standard adaptive setting, a more comfortable mode and a sport mode, the OPC is definitely addressing those enjoying a sportier ride. OPC drivers can choose between three different sport modes: the standard mode as the high comfort setting, a special Sport mode and the OPC mode, for optimal performance.

For the first time also in the OPC portfolio, the Adaptive 4×4 system and its electronic rear limited slip differential (eLSD) are standard. The four-wheel drive management unit has been recalibrated to adapt torque distribution to the sporty philosophy of the OPC. Taking the higher performances of the OPC into consideration, significant development efforts were put into further improving the brake system. Connoisseurs will immediately spot the Brembo calipers and the perforated 355 mm disc on the front axle.

“I was personally involved in the development of the Opel Insignia OPC and I very much enjoyed extensive testing on the most demanding race track of the world, the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Our target was to rival the “best of the best”,” said Hans Demant, Managing Director Adam Opel GmbH.

Distinctive looks are a clear statement on dynamic ambitions

The top-of-the-line body style dressed in an elegant sports outfit is inspired by the GTC concept car which starred in 2007, but still remains true to the Insignia’s design philosophy of sculptural artistry meets German precision.

Compared to less powerful versions of the Insignia, the OPC shows a spectacular new front end with two large vertical intakes and a specific rear bumper with dual integrated exhausts. The 19-inch wheels (tires: 245/40) are standard and give the car the stance it deserves. New 20-inch lightweight forged wheels (with 255/35 tires) are available as an option.

The dynamic sportiness of the exterior is also mirrored in the cockpit. When opening the door, the OPC is immediately impressive, from unique Recaro seats to a flat-bottomed sporty steering wheel and specific gear knob. The OPC also presents distinctive instrument graphics.

“The Opel Insignia OPC marks the beginning of a new era for our OPC portfolio; still bold, but also more mature and refined, and more ambitious than ever. The OPC epitomizes the Insignia experience: dynamic and refined”, says Alain Visser, GM Europe Vice President Opel.

Vauxhall Insignia VXR:Packing 325 horsepower, a sophisticated four-wheel-drive chassis and a sub-six second 0-60 time, Vauxhall Insignia VXR is set to take the mid-size performance saloon market by storm when it goes on sale early this summer, with a level of dynamic prowess which aims to raise the bar in its class.
Based on the successful 2009 European Car of the Year, and available in hatch, saloon and Sports Tourer body styles, the high-performance Insignia will be Vauxhall’s first VXR model to adopt 4X4 technology, using a bespoke chassis developed through an extensive test programme at the gruelling Nurburgring circuit in Germany.

Highlights are a ‘HiPerStrut’ (High Performance Strut) front suspension system, Adaptive 4X4 with electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD) and a 10 millimetre reduction in ride height over the Insignia SRi.

The HiPerStrut system is unique to the VXR and serves two primary functions: firstly, to reduce torque-steer, but also to maintain negative camber during cornering, thereby improving ultimate grip levels in wet or dry conditions.

Complementing these features are standard 19-inch alloy wheels (20-inch lightweight forged alloys are a cost option) with bespoke tyres, revised bushing and damper settings on both axles, and Brembo brakes with colour-keyed callipers and vented/cross-drilled discs.

‘The Vauxhall Insignia VXR is not just about absolute power, but a combination of usable performance and chassis sophistication which is the match of premium rivals, such as the new Audi S4,’ said Andy Gilson, Vauxhall’s Marketing Director. ‘ In essence, it’s an ultra-fast performance saloon that will appeal to buyers who appreciate subtle yet distinctive styling, but who need to know that there’s real substance below the car’s metal.’

And substance the VXR has a-plenty. At the heart of the Vauxhall Insignia VXR is a advanced 2.8-litre V6 Turbo ECOTEC engine, with its micro-alloy forged steel crank, classic 60-degree cylinder angle and die-cast alloy oil sump – all features found in many a race engine. Producing 325PS (65PS up on the Elite V6), the engine uses a single, twin-scroll turbocharger and variable valve control for quick throttle response, and accelerates from 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds, achieving an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

With a design inspired by the Vauxhall/Opel GTC, many of the Insignia VXR’s styling cues will be familiar to those who saw this groundbreaking concept at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. A deeper bumper, incorporating bold, twin mesh grilles either side of the main grille, dominates the front of the car, and at the rear, hatch and saloon models gain a rear spoiler, while all VXRs have a bespoke bumper moulding incorporating dual matt chrome exhausts.

This sporting theme continues in the Vauxhall Insignia VXR’s cabin. Recaro front seats, a new VXR steering wheel, VXR gearknob and unique mouldings are standard on all cars, along with different instrument graphics, VXR sill plates and a black headlining.

All VXRs are available with a colour palette comprising Arden Blue, Power Red, Carbon Flash Black, Silver Lake, Olympic White and Technical Grey.
Sitting at the top of the Insignia range, the new model will be an important addition to Vauxhall’s performance-bred VXR family, which already includes the Corsa VXR, Astra VXR and 431 horsepower VXR8.

Since its launch in 2004, the VXR brand has been underpinned by the immensely successful VX Racing team, which currently holds all three British Touring Car Championship titles – Drivers’, Manufacturers’ and Team – for the 2008 season.

Blend of contemporary styling and high quality attracting import owners

DETROIT – Jaclyn Yuppa of Atlanta considers herself an early adopter. The 31-year-old Duke MBA and Fortune 50 marketing professional favors handbags by new, lesser-known designers, likes to try the latest niche cuisine before it goes mainstream, and prefers driving a car that isn’t commonplace. That’s why she recently traded her Mercedes for a new 2011 Buick Regal luxury sport sedan.

“The Regal turns heads,” Yuppa said of her experiences driving around Atlanta’s uptown Buckhead district. “Complete strangers have told me what a great-looking car it is. They’re usually pleasantly surprised to find out that it’s a Buick.”

Yuppa is like many new-to-Buick owners in that she cross-shopped luxury imports, but was won over by the Regal’s luxury amenities, contemporary styling, fuel efficiency, overall high quality and value. In many cases, Regal, which launched from Germany one year ago this month and is now produced in Canada, is the first domestic vehicle these buyers have considered, much less owned. By early 2011, one in three Regal buyers was trading in an import vehicle, according to Power Information Network (PIN) data.

“The addition of nicely styled, more efficient, fun-to-drive products like the Regal opens Buick up to consideration by a completely different set of buyers,” said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific, a marketing research and consultancy firm. “They will tend to be younger, and young-at-heart, more adventuresome and more enthusiastic about the cars they drive. The fact that the Regal is attracting these people to the brand shows Buick is on the right track.”

Consumer interest in Buick, the fastest-growing mainstream automotive brand in the United States, is on the rise. At Main Street in Motion, a touring test-drive event that pits Buick against other brands, exit polls revealed that public opinion of Buick improved by 125 percent and purchase consideration improved by 65 percent.

Another recent convert to Buick is Joshua Hutchison, a 23-year-old Kentucky Wesleyan College graduate and software engineer who chose Regal over cars made by VW, Toyota and Nissan.

“When I was looking at cars with my friends they tried to steer me toward foreign automakers, but the Regal is the absolute perfect car for me. I love it,” said Hutchison, who drives 70 miles a day commuting between Kentucky and Indiana. “I spend a lot of time in my car, so comfort is key. The Regal rides as smooth at low speeds as it does at high speeds, and handles like a sports car without having a sports car’s rough-riding suspension.”

Regal’s chassis and structural systems deliver a dynamic driving experience on par with the best import sport sedans in the segment. This solid structure and Regal’s relatively long wheelbase support more precise suspension tuning without losing the quiet, refined ride and road manners expected of a Buick. In addition, Regal’s firm, highly bolstered seats were benchmarked against the top import competitors for comfort and support.

On the Regal Turbo, the available Interactive Drive Control System changes the driving dynamics by altering suspension, shift pattern and steering sensitivity through the variable effort steering system. Tour mode offers a comfortable, relaxed driving experience for long journeys. Sport mode enhances road-holding capability. And the standard, or default, mode is optimized for all driving situations.

When equipped with a six-speed manual, Regal Turbo gets an EPA-rated 32 mpg on the highway, which is better than the Acura TSX and Volkswagen CC Sport. On the open road, Regal Turbo’s 2.0-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine delivers 220 hp and 258 lbs-ft of torque – also better than its rivals.

With its sweeping silhouette, coupe-like profile and sculpted body lines, Regal exemplifies Buick’s contemporary design aesthetic also embodied in the 2011 Enclave crossover, LaCrosse full-size sedanand the upcoming 2012 Buick Verano compact luxury sedan. Regal’s fenders, for example, are flared to wrap around the tires.

“Regal has a very athletic stance, which is the opposite of what people expect from Buick,” said David Lyon, executive director, global design. “The mix of aerodynamic sheet metal and contemporary sculptural elements make Regal look dynamic even when it’s parked. The look gives Regal a signature like nothing else on the road – an individuality that car buyers are attracted to. People can expect to see more of that from Buick going forward.”

Hands-free, voice-controlled interface helps drivers safely use mobile electronics

NEW YORK – Buick, the fastest-growing major automotive brand in the United States in 2010, will bring a higher level of in-vehicle wireless connectivity and customizable infotainment options to its 2012 Verano,Regal and LaCrosse models. The upgraded capability will enhance the luxury vehicle experience that Buick buyers have come to know and love.

Buick IntelliLink uses Bluetooth or USB to connect the driver’s smartphone to a new 7- or 8-inch, high-resolution, full-color touch screen display radio. IntelliLink expands on Buick’s current Bluetooth and USB capabilities to allow smartphone control via voice activation and steering wheel-mounted controls. It also enables streaming stereo audio from the phone through services like PANDORA^® Internet radio andStitcher SmartRadio^®.

Most importantly, Buick IntelliLink enables seamless integration of stowed portable devices with each vehicle’s infotainment system, allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

“Today’s tech-savvy consumers expect more from their cars’ infotainment systems,” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing. “They want a system that allows them to customize their in-vehicle experience with smartphones and other portable media devices. The availability of IntelliLink on every Buick sedan in 2012 and every Buick model in 2013 takes connectivity and media personalization to a new level.”

Consumer interest in onboard connectivity is rising with smartphone sales. Apple sold 16.2 million iPhonesin the fourth quarter of 2010, and Android sales jumped 886 percent from 2009 to 2010. By the end of 2013, there will be 1.1 billion smartphones with annual sales of 300 million units, according to the research firm Parks Associates Industries.

“About 70 percent of all new car buyers want some form of connectivity,” said Micky Bly, executive director leading GM’s infotainment engineering efforts, citing GM research. “Whether it’s because they want to listen to their favorite music or explore local restaurants on a Friday night, today’s car buyer expects so much more out of their time in a car.”

One doesn’t need a smartphone to benefit from IntelliLink. The system works with a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone, USB flash drive or digital audio player. Even without a mobile device, Buick owners will benefit from IntelliLink’s enhanced voice recognition technology and OnStar’s on-screen turn-by-turn directions.

IntelliLink’s voice activation capability benefits from Buick’s library-quiet interiors. Quiet Tuning systems, processes and components are built into every facet of the vehicle’s architecture to block or absorb sound and dampen or eliminate vibrations. Quiet Tuning also calls attention to the audio fidelity of Buick’s Bose^®and harmon/kardon^® sound systems.

Additional benefits provided by IntelliLink include:

Enhanced hands-free voice control system powered by Nuance^®, which allows simple voice commands to initiate phone calls and select radio stations or media from portable MP3 players and smartphones. A tap of a button on the steering wheel enables intuitive verbal control of many radio features like “play (artist name)” or “call (name of contact)”. When a smart phone is connected you can say “tune (Internet radio, station name).”

PANDORA Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio allow users to create personalized radio stations based on favorite artists or genres and enables access to thousands of audio programming choices, allowing customers to build a personalized listening experience. IntelliLink integrates control of both of these apps for a driver-directed listening experience.

Gracenote^® identifies the music collection on the driver’s USB device, MP3 player or smartphone and presents information such as artist name, genres and album cover art on the IntelliLink screen and enables users to select similar music to the tunes they love. Gracenote also improves the accuracy of IntelliLink’s voice activation system by allowing users to access music using artist nicknames, such as “The Boss,” “The Stones,” or “Snoop” using IntelliLink’s voice control interfaces activated through the touch-screen or steering wheel buttons.

Upgraded USB connectivity adds the ability to play music files directly from flash memory devices and gives the customer the ability to update IntelliLink with future feature enhancements.

Buick IntelliLink’s designers drew inspiration from the intuitive, easy-to-use interfaces found on many popular consumer electronics. The influence can be seen on the home page with application icons that animate when activated. The touch screen’s fluid, contemporary graphics and elegant color palette evoke Buick’s “inviting luxury” aesthetic and advance the sophisticated design language established in the current LaCrosse’s navigation system.

The debut of Buick IntelliLink extends the OnStar experience from safety and security to information and entertainment by seamlessly integrating the capability of a smartphone into the vehicle so that hand-held phones may be safely stowed while driving.

When OnStar debuted in 1996, it pioneered in-vehicle connectivity with the auto industry’s first embedded telematics system. It has grown from primarily offering automatic crash notification and security features to include remote vehicle diagnostics, turn-by-turn navigation and the ability to slow down stolen vehicles. In November 2010, OnStar released a smartphone application for all 2011 Buick vehicles that incorporated remote start, lock/unlock, and vehicle status checks.

Regal, Enclave propel 18th straight month of retail sales gains in March

DETROIT – Buick, the fastest growing major automotive brand in the United States in 2010, finished the first quarter of calendar year 2011 with retail sales up 49 percent and total sales up 39 percent. March also marked Buick’s 18^th straight month of growth with retail sales up 24 percent and total sales up 21 percent.

“Regal, LaCrosse and Enclave continue to attract new-to-Buick buyers seeking fuel efficiency, luxury and style in the midsize sedan, full-size car and crossover segments,” said Brian Sweeney, U.S. vice president of Buick & GMC Sales and Service. “We fully expect the arrival of the fuel-efficient LaCrosse with eAssist and all-new Verano luxury compact to attract even more new customers to Buick.”

Approximately 38 percent of Buick buyers come from non-GM brands and 17 percent come from imports.

Regal, which launched last April, continued to help Buick grow in March with demand for the sporty sedan accelerating thanks to increased availability of the all-new Regal CXL Turbo, which accounted for 30 percent of Regal’s retail sales in March. The turbo’s 2.0-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine delivers better horsepower and torque than the Acura TSX, and with its manual six-speed transmission, it also delivers better fuel economy, with an EPA-rated 32 mpg highway.

Retail sales for LaCrosse also were up in the first quarter by 4 percent. The 2012 LaCrosse will feature eAssist, which uses an electric motor and lithium-ion battery to capture energy created during braking. Electric power used for starts and stops and light power boost while cruising.

Enclave, which had the strongest sales in its four-year history last year, continued to grow in the first quarter of 2011 with retail sales up 24 percent and total sales up 17 percent. Enclave’s monthly total sales also were up 8 percent year over year. So far in 2011, Enclave has the highest conquest rate of any Buick at 46 percent. The crossover delivers better fuel economy than any eight-passenger crossover, with 24 mpg highway (2WD).

“Fuel efficient vehicles and positive word of mouth continue to draw new customers to Buick showrooms,” Sweeney said. “Consumer interest in the brand also is evident by a 31-percent year-over-year increase in traffic at Buick.com, which is an important sales generator.”

Some of Buick’s hottest markets in the first quarter included Miami, New York and Houston; the latter is hosting the 2011 NCAA Final Four^® basketball tournament, of which Buick is a sponsor.

Buick’s new partnership with the NCAA started during March Madness^® and continues to generate buzz online at www.ncaa.com/buick, the home of the Buick Human Highlight Reel. This collection of videos celebrates the achievements of former student-athletes who are making a difference in their communities. Buick also is the exclusive title sponsor of a 30-minute television show featuring select Human Highlight Reel stories airing prior to the 2011 NCAA Men’s Final Four^® semifinal games on April 2.

New Manual, 6-Speed Delivers 32 MPG – Better than VW CC Sport and Acura TSX

DETROIT – Brad and Cathy French of Chicago have always driven cars with manual transmissions, including imports from Audi and BMW. Now the clothing industry sales and marketing reps drive a six-speed manual 2011 Buick Regal Turbo.

For the Frenchs, driving a “stick” is all about fun, fuel-efficiency and being alert in traffic.

“When you look at the Regal Turbo it just screams manual,” said Brad French, a fitness and fashion devotee for whom personal appearance factors into vehicle purchase decisions. “A few years ago I would’ve never considered Buick, but the Regal Turbo is a very sharp-looking car that is a thrill to drive. I can’t wait to show it off.”

Not only is the six-speed manual Regal Turbo a thrill to drive, it gets an EPA-rated 32 mpg on the highway, which is better than its closest competitors, Acura TSX and Volkswagen CC Sport. On the open road, Regal Turbo’s 2.0-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine delivers 220 hp and 258 lbs-ft of torque – also better than its rivals.

“Not only is the Regal Turbo fun to drive and fuel efficient, it is the first direct-injected turbocharged production car capable of running on any blend of gasoline or E85 ethanol,” said Robert Casparian, Regal product manager.

Like the Regal Turbo with automatic transmission, which starts at $28,745, the manual offers three unique driving modes – standard, tour and sport – each selectable by a push of a button. The available Interactive Drive Control System changes the Regal Turbo’s driving dynamics by altering suspension, shift pattern and steering sensitivity through the variable effort steering system. Tour mode offers a comfortable, relaxed driving experience for long journeys. Sport mode enhances road-holding capability. And the standard, or default, mode is optimized for all driving situations.

“By enabling drivers to tune their vehicle to their driving preference and even their mood, we’re better able to exceed their expectations and provide a more satisfying driving experience,” Casparian said.

As much as driving enjoyment factored in the French’s decision to purchase the granite gray metallic Regal Turbo, so did its sweeping silhouette and streamlined, coupe-like profile that suggest motion from all angles – from its waterfall grille to its spoiler-enhanced tail end.

“All of our friends love our sexy new car,” said Cathy French.  “Of course, I’m telling them that it’s really my car and that I’m only letting Brad drive it.”