A new Buick concept model called the Envision will make its global debut at the Shanghai Auto Show on April 18. Jointly developed by Shanghai GM and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), the Envision is a crossover model designed for the Chinese market, although the company points out the vehicle incorporates Buick's "dynamic, fluid, quiet and comfortable" styling language.
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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.
There are no performance differences between the standard 2.0-liter turbo engine and its flex-fuel variant, as output remains at 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
However, engineers made some changes to allow the engine to run on E85. Given that ethanol needs a richer air-fuel mixture than gasoline to function properly, the flex-fuel engine is equipped with higher flow-rate injectors. In addition, a sensor in the fuel system measures the combination of gasoline and ethanol in the tank (a maximum of 85 percent is allowed of the latter), allowing the engine management system to automatically adjust the mixture to provide the required performance, emissions and fuel consumption.
GM's 2.0-liter Ecotec turbo engine also sports a new sand cast aluminium cylinder block, which translates into better durability, less noise and vibration than before.
The Regal's engine update is a step towards GM's goal of having more than 50 percent of its production in flex-fuel models by the end of 2012, with the company having already put on the streets more than 5 million flex-fuel cars in the last 15 years.
The latest reader to join our list of car-scoopers is Jay Davis who photographed a heavily camouflaged four-door sedan prototype in California. "I saw this test mule in Agoura Hills, CA today. It had Michigan manufacturers plates. Not sure what it is," Jay told us.
A lot of names including Nissan, Buick and Lincoln were thrown around during our chat with Jay, but ultimately, we're still in the dark about the brand and model hiding beneath the camo. Can anyone help us solve the mystery? Leave your thoughts in the comment section after the break.
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Buick today announced that the second model in its lineup to feature the eAssist “light electrification” system is the 2012 Regal, and it will be officially unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show this week. According to the automaker, estimated fuel economy is 26 mpg city/37 mpg highway, while the overall improvement over the standard 2011 Regal fitted with a four-cylinder gasoline engine and six-speed transmission is 25%.
This is enough to beat competing models such as the Acura TSX, which returns 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
“Buick’s eAssist technology means customers don’t have to trade a premium driving experience for efficiency”, said Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick marketing. “We believe Regal and LaCrosse with eAssist provide more logical and affordable choices, compared to other hybrid midsize and full-size luxury sedans”.
The eAssist system comprises a 115V lithium-ion battery and 15-kilowatt induction motor-generator, which is mounted to 2.4-liter direct injection four-cylinder powerplant in place of the alternator. Providing both motor assist and electric-generating functions, eAssist also reduces fuel consumption through regenerative braking, automatic engine shut-off when the vehicle is stationary and fuel cut-off during deceleration.
The powertrain includes a next-generation Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic transmission as well, with reduced spin losses and higher gearing that further improves fuel economy. The system’s combined output is rated at 182HP (136 kW).
Finally, engineers optimized the car’s underbody aerodynamics and opted for 17-inch lightweight alloys and low rolling resistance tires.
The 2012 Buick Regal eAssist will go on sale in the USA this fall.
The first time I heard that the new Buick Regal was making a return to the American market I suspected something lumpy and sterile, nothing close to the category of cool. I was totally shocked when I first saw the new 2011 Regal in person. It reminded me once again that GM as reemerged as a ‘better’ and stronger car company and there is a particular GOOD reason for further developing vehicles for the Buick line.
The new 2011 Buick Regal is far from your grandparents Buick (or parents depending how old you are). Buick has had a tradition of being that car from GM that catered more towards the older crowd, but a few things have changed. The 2011 Regal further puts emphasis on a mainstream car make that could even have those in their mid 20’s perusing vehicles at your local Buick dealership.
The new Buick Regal is based off of the European Opel Insignia which has been a big seller for about one year overseas. The Regal and LaCrosse both benefit from the Insignia platform which brings German-bred characteristics to the forefront. Driving in the 2011 Regal is enjoyable, and the power that comes from my test vehicle’s 2.0-liter turbocharged 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque engine adds to that pleasure. The real relaxing part of the drive is the optional Interactive Drive Control, which is essentially GM’s active suspension dampening system with a fancy name.
Having an active dampening system, or what Buick calls the Interactive Drive Control, gives the driver three different suspension shock damping settings. The three settings (sport, normal, and touring), are all very distinctly different in order to optimize the feedback you get from different road surfaces. Sport mode will noticeably stiffen the shocks giving the Regal a subtle bouncy ride along with tightening the steering response for an over-all sporty feeling. Normal mode is activated by default when starting the vehicle offering a balanced feel for any driving situation. Touring mode optimizes the suspension for a relaxed feel and lightens the steering effort. Overall, the 2011 Regal CXL optioned with the Interactive Drive Control system gives you a competent sports sedan that can be toned down for comfy long trips.
On the road, my Buick Regal CXL Turbo has somewhat inconsistent power from its 2-liter Turbo 4 banger. Although it has adequate torque, the over-all power delivery comes on in clumps rather than in a smooth fashion. The steering feel is extremely over-sensitive by nudging the vehicle at the slightest turn of the wheel at slow cruising speeds and at highway speeds. Luckily the handling of the Regal is forgiving by understeer when pushed to the limit into a turn. The traction control and stability control is not overly intrusive to upset balance when going hot into a turn. That could be due in part to the bigger 19-inch wheels wrapped in 235/45 Goodyear Eagle RS-A rubber as part of the optional equipment package on my test car.
The Turbo engine is mated to a smooth 6-speed transmission. 0-60 times are not exactly quick, just over 8 seconds, which may have been hindered due to the 6-speed transmission not shifting as fast as I would have liked. Nevertheless, the Regal Turbo is able to move just over 3700 pounds without too much of a strain. I expected gas mileage to be exceptional but I could only muster out almost 24mpg on average during my 300 mile highway trip. The Regal CXL Turbo is rated for 18mpg city and 28mpg highway.
Outside of the new 2011 Regal you will find an attractive and somewhat sporty look. The large 19 inch wheels really blend well with the 107-inch wheel base and bubbly shaped silhouette. I am not sure if the look of the Regal CXL Turbo would draw the attention to young buyers. That may be something the new Regal GS will accomplish when it makes its debut in America as a 2012 model.
The interior as several soft touch accents and soft buttons that add a very nice quality feel to the Regal. This will do wonders for GM if they keep it up. Inside you will also find a brightly lit instrument cluster that has a subtle retro look to it with a fine point needle indicator for the speedometer and tachometer. The dashboard somewhat fades into the background due to all of the black. Just about everything on the dash is black until nighttime falls and you get to read the brightly illuminated buttons.
Some notable options found on my Regal tester, part of the T06 Optional Equipment package, was an excellent Harmon Kardon premium 9 speaker sound system, Interactive Drive Control (active dampening system), HID headlights and a power sunroof. With these options it brings the Regal CXL Turbo to an as-tested price of $32.440. A base Buick Regal CXL with a 2.4-liter 4-cyl engine starts at $26,245 which comes with a long list of standard features.
Buick is obviously chasing after vehicles such as the Acura TSX, Lincoln MKZ, Volvo S60, VW CC and even the Lexus IS250 without losing its combined German and American heritage. So far I would say the 2011 Regal CXL Turbo is a justifiable contender that could take the crown.
The sleeker shape of Opel's newcomer can easily be seen beneath the harlequin camouflage, while the pictures suggest that the minivan takes styling cues from both the Insignia and new Astra, including the wing-shaped head lamps.
The interior design will also be more or less inspired by the Astra, while the car's flexibility is reported to have been improved by a revamped three-row flexible seating system providing independent seating for all seven passengers.
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