I am in love. It isn't a rebadge of the OPC Insignia. It has the 2.4L Turbo tuned to 260HP, (Instead of the OPC's 325HP Turbo V6) and it does retain the OPC's AWD system.
(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/regalgs---01_opt.jpg)
(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/regalgs---06_opt.jpg)
(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/regalgs---05_opt.jpg)
(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/regalgs---20_opt.jpg)
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/07/buick-regal-gs-brings-performance-back-to-trishield-brand/
Wow, amazing job Buick! Who'd a thunk that Buick would make a move like this?
Hot!
Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on January 07, 2010, 02:50:44 PM
Wow, amazing job Buick Opel! Who'd a thunk that Buick Opel would make a move like this?
Quote from: CALL_911 on January 07, 2010, 03:06:19 PM
Perhaps the first Opel is warranted, but the second one was all Buick.
Where's it going to be built?
Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on January 07, 2010, 03:07:06 PM
Perhaps the first Opel is warranted, but the second one was all Buick.
True enough.
Looks great!
Quote from: The Pirate on January 07, 2010, 03:18:18 PM
Looks great!
Let's hope it drives as well.
I still haven't driven the new cars yet, but reports indicated that they are very quiet. I'm wondering just how sporty this is going to be.
The interiors on these things are great, at least.
Aside from the stupid air inlets on the front...it looks very, very good. Unlike the bloated LaCrosse, the Regal is sleek and rich looking.
Stick....shift. Fuck yeah.
Quote from: Raza on January 07, 2010, 04:12:58 PM
Stick....shift. Fuck yeah.
I'll be shocked if that makes production. I can't remember the last Buick that offered a stick.
Quote from: MX793 on January 07, 2010, 04:33:05 PM
I'll be shocked if that makes production. I can't remember the last Buick that offered a stick.
(http://www.driveclassicsedan.com/includes/images/Buick_Skylark/1991_Buick_Skylark.jpg)
And why would you be shocked? It's supposed to battle the TSX, S40 and other near-lux entry level cars.
Quote from: 2o6 on January 07, 2010, 04:37:00 PM
(http://www.driveclassicsedan.com/includes/images/Buick_Skylark/1991_Buick_Skylark.jpg)
And why would you be shocked? It's supposed to battle the TSX, S40 and other near-lux entry level cars.
They barely sell stick models, and they're supposed to be sporty brands. What makes you think Buick is going to have better luck, or luck at all?
looks nice enough... will see what it looks like when in production and how it drives
Quote from: Submariner on January 07, 2010, 04:45:39 PM
They barely sell stick models, and they're supposed to be sporty brands. What makes you think Buick is going to have better luck, or luck at all?
As memory serves, Volvo dropped the manual option for the S40 T5.
Quote from: MX793 on January 07, 2010, 05:06:01 PM
As memory serves, Volvo dropped the manual option for the S40 T5.
You can get a 6MT on the T5 AWD.
Quote from: 2o6 on January 07, 2010, 05:09:47 PM
You can get a 6MT on the T5 AWD.
I guess they brought it back. I was considering one as a possible new car a year ago and when I priced one on their website to see what it would cost to get the stuff I wanted, the manual was only available on the 4-banger.
Quote from: MX793 on January 07, 2010, 05:13:11 PM
I guess they brought it back. I was considering one as a possible new car a year ago and when I priced one on their website to see what it would cost to get the stuff I wanted, the manual was only available on the 4-banger.
I thought they dropped it too, maybe just for the AWD version?
Quote from: Colonel Cadillac on January 07, 2010, 05:14:25 PM
I thought they dropped it too, maybe just for the AWD version?
I just checked and low and behold, they brought it back but only for the T5 AWD. The FWD T5 is still auto-only.
Quote from: MX793 on January 07, 2010, 05:15:24 PM
I just checked and low and behold, they brought it back but only for the T5 AWD. The FWD T5 is still auto-only.
Ahh, I had it backwards.
I wonder if GM will offer a Stage 1 or 2 option like they did on the Skystace to boost this thing to 300hp for about $1000.
I hope it's entire totally loaded for the mid 30 to high 30K predicted price, or comes significantly under that price. Otherwise it's headed straight for some super tough competition. A G37X and 328i Xdrive both start in the mid 30s.
Seriously for an AWD 260hp mainstream sedan like this, something like the WRX (25k) has the correct pricing starting point.
Quote from: 565 on January 08, 2010, 11:21:27 AM
I hope it's entire totally loaded for the mid 30 to high 30K predicted price, or comes significantly under that price. Otherwise it's headed straight for some super tough competition. A G37X and 328i Xdrive both start in the mid 30s.
Seriously for an AWD 260hp mainstream sedan like this, something like the WRX (25k) has the correct pricing starting point.
It's a more upscale and larger than the WRX. I think $28k is a suitable starting price.
Quote from: 565 on January 08, 2010, 11:21:27 AM
I hope it's entire totally loaded for the mid 30 to high 30K predicted price, or comes significantly under that price. Otherwise it's headed straight for some super tough competition. A G37X and 328i Xdrive both start in the mid 30s.
Seriously for an AWD 260hp mainstream sedan like this, something like the WRX (25k) has the correct pricing starting point.
That's a good point. Driving a badass Buick isn't appealing enough for me to buy one over a comparable BMW.
Quote from: Raza link=topic=20966.msg1238826#msg1238826 date=1262975525
That's a good point. Driving a badass Buick isn't appealing enough for me to buy one over a comparable BMW.
wat
Quote from: Raza link=topic=20966.msg1238832#msg1238832 date=1262976016
If the BMW is better, that is.
That's what I thought you meant.
Quote from: 2o6 on January 07, 2010, 04:37:00 PM
(http://www.driveclassicsedan.com/includes/images/Buick_Skylark/1991_Buick_Skylark.jpg)
And why would you be shocked? It's supposed to battle the TSX, S40 and other near-lux entry level cars.
Fugly. Mine had a blue landau top :wub:
Quote from: TBR on January 08, 2010, 11:31:41 AM
It's a more upscale and larger than the WRX. I think $28k is a suitable starting price.
True 28k is reasonable. 35k and up for this Buick is a pipe dream.
GM couldn't move the 361hp Pontiac G8 GT at 31.7k, or the 415hp GXP at 37k and that also got plently of praise from the European press as the VXR8.
The general consensus in European reviews of the Insignia VXR is that it's not as good as the VXR8. We aren't even getting the 328hp European VXR, but rather a 255hp version.
So basically GM wants to sell a neutered version of a car deemed no where near as good as its big brother, at the same price of its big brother, in a market where the big brother failed.
Ironic that they're doing it as a 4cyl in the US where gas is cheap but a 6cyl here where we get bent over and raped every time we fill our tanks.
Quote from: 565 on January 08, 2010, 11:21:27 AM
I hope it's entire totally loaded for the mid 30 to high 30K predicted price, or comes significantly under that price. Otherwise it's headed straight for some super tough competition. A G37X and 328i Xdrive both start in the mid 30s.
Seriously for an AWD 260hp mainstream sedan like this, something like the WRX (25k) has the correct pricing starting point.
Unless they're drastically altering the way they are marketing it compared to how they position the VXR here, then this thing will be a 'cut price alternative' to BMW at best.
Our Insignia VXR (with the 2.8 turbo) is priced about 15-20% lower than the S4. They're trying to compete with Audi but at a lower price point.
BUT this Buick version has a much less powerful engine so there's no way they can compete with the S4s and 335is in America.
Don't forget also that the Insignia in its 'cooking' incarnations is pure mainstreamer. It goes up against the Mondeo, Passat etc. Not the 3er.
BTW I've said this before but what is GM's obsession with these shiny wheels? They look bloody awful.
PS the car looks nice in black
(http://l.yimg.com/eur.yimg.com/ng/sh/carenthu/20090709/08/1931667729-vauxhall-insignia-vxr.jpg)
They selling the station wagon over there too?
(http://images.nitrobahn.com/cgi-bin/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/2010-Vauxhall-Insignia-VXR-1.jpg)
Quote from: nickdrinkwater on January 08, 2010, 12:49:21 PM
BTW I've said this before but what is GM's obsession with these shiny wheels? They look bloody awful.
They don't look that shiny. At least not chrome.
Looks kinda like the satin finish that Infiniti uses
(http://66.160.188.111/.eea513c/cmd.233/enclosure..eea513d)
Spray the exhaust tips black and It's a winner.
Quote from: 565 on January 08, 2010, 12:02:12 PM
True 28k is reasonable. 35k and up for this Buick is a pipe dream.
GM couldn't move the 361hp Pontiac G8 GT at 31.7k, or the 415hp GXP at 37k and that also got plently of praise from the European press as the VXR8.
The general consensus in European reviews of the Insignia VXR is that it's not as good as the VXR8. We aren't even getting the 328hp European VXR, but rather a 255hp version.
So basically GM wants to sell a neutered version of a car deemed no where near as good as its big brother, at the same price of its big brother, in a market where the big brother failed.
Maybe they're hoping that "post-makeover" Buick will be a stronger brand than pre-bankruptcy Pontiac? In which case, they should've just sold us the Commodore/VXR8 badged as a Buick (Electra).
Regarding the Regal, in the end, it's going to be cross-shopped against the Camcord, so it should be priced accordingly, but keep the A4 and TSX references in the marketing materials. I'd like for us to get the real VXR's turbo V6 in a GSX version, but that should be priced well below the G37x.
Awesome car!
Nicely done.
Any hope for a GNX version of one of these? Room for a 6 under that hood? :lol:
With GM i like to take a wait and see,
Meaning i'll wait, and see how bad they screw it up when it actually hits the streets.
knowing GM it probably will be close to the concept, just add 5" of wheel gap all around, downsize the wheels by 2, cheapen the lights/front bumper cover and of course the interior, and look for this wonderful package to slip in just a hair under the 4200lb mark.
Quote from: FlatBlackCaddy on January 08, 2010, 04:59:51 PM
With GM i like to take a wait and see,
Meaning i'll wait, and see how bad they screw it up when it actually hits the streets.
knowing GM it probably will be close to the concept, just add 5" of wheel gap all around, downsize the wheels by 2, cheapen the lights/front bumper cover and of course the interior, and look for this wonderful package to slip in just a hair under the 4200lb mark.
You're being stupid. It's an Insignia OPC with Buick badges and a different engine.
Quote from: 2o6 on January 08, 2010, 05:03:17 PM
You're being stupid. It's an Insignia OPC with Buick badges and a different engine.
And the G8 was a holden with a pontaic front end. Except GM still managed to decontent and modify it for the US. Most notably they wouldn't offer a manual in anything other than a 40K model.
Where there's a will there's a way.
Plus don't think that they won't "redesign/retune it for america" which would translate into different suspension and possible wheel setups. IE higher softer ride, shitty north american wheels, etc.
Well, IMO, Buick's perception of the retirement-mobile has to be changed ASAP. At least with this Regal. If they make this car the way its set up now, it has potential to bring in some moderately younger buyers. A car looking like this, with this kind of engine setup and hopefully an entertaining suspension will land it praise and hopefully popularity.
I can see FBC's point when he brings up the G8.
Quote from: omicron on January 10, 2010, 07:42:34 AM
Ooh!
I should also mention the faux-walnut wood trim, and blue velvet-esque upholstry covering the bench seats!
Quote from: NACar on January 10, 2010, 08:08:30 AM
I should also mention the faux-walnut wood trim, and blue velvet-esque upholstry covering the bench seats!
Towels! I need towels!
Quote from: NACar on January 10, 2010, 08:08:30 AM
and blue velvet-esque upholstry covering the bench seats!
That would be "Velour".
I really like this car... a lot. I'm not sure if I like the idea of telling people I drive a "Buick Regal." Brings back too many images of geriatrics who need to sit of telephone books to be able to see over the dash.
They couldn't come up with some better names? Why not some alpha-numeric nomenclature to position better against Acura, Infiniti and other entry-lux brands?
Just say Buick GS then. The general public wouldn't have a clue.
Wow, a Buick that I actually want?!
Quote from: TurboDan on January 10, 2010, 01:46:30 PM
I really like this car... a lot. I'm not sure if I like the idea of telling people I drive a "Buick Regal." Brings back too many images of geriatrics who need to sit of telephone books to be able to see over the dash.
They couldn't come up with some better names? Why not some alpha-numeric nomenclature to position better against Acura, Infiniti and other entry-lux brands?
Random gobbledygook makes for crap names. I'm glad they're sticking with an old name. A big "Fuck you" to their competitors.
I don't think there would have been anything wrong with Buick Insignia :huh:
Quote from: 93JC on January 10, 2010, 03:41:53 PM
Random gobbledygook makes for crap names. I'm glad they're sticking with an old name. A big "Fuck you" to their competitors.
I would have gone with the Buick Thunderfuck.
Quote from: MX793 on January 10, 2010, 01:29:14 PM
That would be "Velour".
That is still a bit too fancy. Perhaps "velour-esque" would be more accurate.
Quote from: Vinsanity on January 10, 2010, 03:44:34 PM
I don't think there would have been anything wrong with Buick Insignia :huh:
Regal is a familiar name.
Quote from: Raza on January 10, 2010, 03:46:09 PM
I would have gone with the Buick Thunderfuck.
Buick Thunderfuck
Ultra.
Buick Signia.
(http://www.diseno-art.com/images_3/Buick_Signia_front.jpg)
They could use that name just fine.
Century
Quote from: 2o6 on January 10, 2010, 03:49:25 PM
Regal is a familiar name.
I guess that makes sense after introducing a bunch of new names like Lacrosse and Enclave. But familiar doesn't necessarily mean positive. Chevy apparently thought it would be better to introduce new names like Cruze and Cobalt instead of resurrecting an old name like Nova.
Quote from: 93JC on January 10, 2010, 03:49:58 PM
Buick Thunderfuck Ultra.
Hmm....that sounds pretty good.
But how about Buick Ironfist Cuntpunch?
Quote from: Raza link=topic=20966.msg1240428#msg1240428 date=1263164194
Hmm....that sounds pretty good.
But how about Buick Ironfist Cuntpunch?
Sounds more like a Pontaic
Buick Cuntflaps Dicksmack.
Car looks good. Hopefully the pricing is right. Noooot really sure if going after the TSX/S40 market is a wise move though. They should have loaded it with the V6 and put it up against the 3-series etc.
Quote from: Vinsanity on January 10, 2010, 03:55:41 PM
I guess that makes sense after introducing a bunch of new names like Lacrosse and Enclave. But familiar doesn't necessarily mean positive. Chevy apparently thought it would be better to introduce new names like Cruze and Cobalt instead of resurrecting an old name like Nova.
It's sold as the Regal in china. It's probably dirt cheap to simply bring the same car over here, no changes.
Quote from: sportyaccordy on January 10, 2010, 05:16:46 PM
Car looks good. Hopefully the pricing is right. Noooot really sure if going after the TSX/S40 market is a wise move though. They should have loaded it with the V6 and put it up against the 3-series etc.
I dunno, the Insignia is a mainstreamer in Europe. You can't really hide that when you rebadge it.
Quote from: 2o6 on January 10, 2010, 03:49:25 PM
Regal is a familiar name.
The familiarity that goes long with the name "Buick Regal" is actually a serious reason why I would hesitate to buy this car.
Quote from: 2o6 on January 10, 2010, 05:18:33 PM
I dunno, the Insignia is a mainstreamer in Europe. You can't really hide that when you rebadge it.
The TSX is just a Honda Accord in Europe. ;)
Quote from: TurboDan on January 11, 2010, 08:24:50 AM
The familiarity that goes long with the name "Buick Regal" is actually a serious reason why I would hesitate to buy this car.
The Regals in the 80s were terrible. The one we inherited from my grandfather was execrable. The Regal name is just baggage to me.
Quote from: Laconian on January 13, 2010, 09:47:26 PM
The Regals in the 80s were terrible. The one we inherited from my grandfather was execrable. The Regal name is just baggage to me.
But, But, But, Turbo!
looks great, even in "rental car" white! does the ford SHO come with a stick? i doubt the two vehicles will go head-to-head, but who knows??? the "gm vs. ford" battle may be back on, but this time, buick, not chevy representing general motors.
Quote from: Atomic on January 14, 2010, 09:51:02 AM
look great, even in "rental car" white! does the ford SHO can with a stick? i doubt the two vehicles will go head-to-head, but who knows??? the "gm vs. ford" battle may be back on, but this time, buick, not chevy representing general motors.
I think Ford will be phasing out Mercury soon, or at least making it into a niche eco- and woman-friendly brand. I think Ford is trying to do what so far both Hyundai and VW have failed at: make every car, from top to bottom, carry a perceived sophistication with it so that they can sell a $14,000 Fiesta in the same showroom with a $40,000 Taurus.
Ford's brand is trying to make their cars cover both Chevy and Buick. I can see a hot Mondeo XR5/Titanium X Sport/SVT Fusion competing with this thing in a few years.
Quote from: Laconian on January 13, 2010, 09:47:26 PM
The Regals in the 80s were terrible. The one we inherited from my grandfather was execrable. The Regal name is just baggage to me.
Sucked pretty bad throughout the 90s too. I hates them, hates them Baggins!
My friend apparently knows someone who has driven it.
Quote from: R-inge on January 17, 2010, 09:16:31 PM
Sucked pretty bad throughout the 90s too. I hates them, hates them Baggins!
But we musts haves! Our precious.
(http://abowlofstupid.com/wp-content/2007/09/gollum-precious.jpg)
I liked this car as the Insignia, and I like it as a Buick. I think they should have gone with a new name - I don't care how familiar "Regal" is. There's a lot of baggage. The wagon looks even better, especially in black. They need to add a fierce performance version at a much better value/price than the Taurus SHO, just as a halo model.
Every time I see an Enclave, I think, "Could I actually see myself in that when my X5 lease is up??"
hate the name regal. it may have worked in the distant past, but not today! well at least they are avoiding confusing numbers and letters, unlike lincoln and cadillac.
btw, the white car shown here does not have a sunroof. the one in detroit (auto show) did, i think. could there be more than one concepts?
Quote from: Hachee on January 18, 2010, 07:10:18 AM
I liked this car as the Insignia, and I like it as a Buick. I think they should have gone with a new name - I don't care how familiar "Regal" is. There's a lot of baggage. The wagon looks even better, especially in black. They need to add a fierce performance version at a much better value/price than the Taurus SHO, just as a halo model.
Every time I see an Enclave, I think, "Could I actually see myself in that when my X5 lease is up??"
They could have just called it the Insignia....
Buick Insignia sounds good, but it looks like consumers might have been overwhelmed by the wave of new names Buicks have had over the past few years.
They probably should have just called the Lacrosse the new Lucerne (since the current Lucerne is a lame duck anyways), and called the Insignia the Lacrosse.
"Lucerne" and "Lacrosse" never stuck. A new name wouldn't put them a worse position than they are now.
Invicta! :rockon:
Those rims look just like mine.
Quote from: Payman on January 20, 2010, 09:21:14 PM
Invicta! :rockon:
Timothy McVeigh cited the poem "Invictus" as his last words before being executed. For the four people in America who know that, it would be bad PR. :devil:
Quote from: Onslaught on January 21, 2010, 10:45:44 PM
Those rims look just like mine.
I think this buick is secretly rotary powered
Quote from: TurboDan on January 21, 2010, 11:05:47 PM
Timothy McVeigh cited the poem "Invictus" as his last words before being executed. For the four people in America who know that, it would be bad PR. :devil:
The Buick Mein Kampf...Ultra
We have a Regal GS in the family and it's a nice car; deceptively quick, a genuine sleeper. I have no problem with the name and it would definitely put Buick in the picture when looking to get something new/different.
:clap: Buick
Both of these Regals have healthy followings:
(http://freerevs.com/pictures/962263.jpg)
(http://www.streetdreams.org/photo/data/505/medium/1buick_regal_gs_17_inch.jpg)
The latter actually being a good mid size cruiser.
I don't see a problem with calling the new one Regal.
Quote from: ChrisV on February 15, 2010, 10:10:57 AM
Both of these Regals have healthy followings:
(http://www.streetdreams.org/photo/data/505/medium/1buick_regal_gs_17_inch.jpg)
The latter actually being a good mid size cruiser.
I don't see a problem with calling the new one Regal.
That's the one we have. It's a nice car. Comfortable on the highway and hauls ass when you want it to. And no fins, vents or spoilers - bonus.
The supercharged Regal is a nice car for sure. Well, so was the turbo, but overall the newer one is a better car IMO.