Design
Based on its three most recent product introductions—Enclave, LaCrosse and, in particular, the new Regal—Buick appears to have turned the page in terms of vehicle design, transforming most of its lineup in the process and, hopefully, forcing consumers to think differently about the brand.
Continuing Buick’s recent trend of bringing contemporary, premium and sporty new models to market, the all-new 2011 Regal’s design “blends the sweeping silhouette and proportions of a coupe in a progressive package,” according to the company. No doubt, the Regal has a sporty profile, almost fastback-like in appearance, similar to other sport sedans—and even some sport coupes—from makers such as Acura , Nissan and Volkswagen . And although the new Regal’s design has an unmistakably European pedigree, it still incorporates several of the Buick brand’s traditional design elements, such as the waterfall grille and tastefully placed chrome trim.
The new Regal’s sweeping exterior design motif carries over to the interior, where the side panels flow into the instrument panel. Instruments are lit with ice-blue LED lights. The center stack, which houses the climate and infotainment controls, was, according to Buick, designed to allow for a lower, driver-centric instrument panel profile. Sporty touches to the Regal’s interior include a thick-rimmed, leather-wrapped steering wheel and firm, highly bolstered and leather-covered seats, which the automaker says were benchmarked against the top import competitors for comfort and support. A standard flow-through center console offers plenty of storage for passengers in the front and back.
Model Lineup
In its initial year, the all-new 2011 Buick Regal will only be available in top-of-the-line CXL trim, although the automaker plans to add additional trim levels—presumably CX and CXS—for the 2012 model year. The 2011 Buick Regal CXL comes standard with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. A turbocharged, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is optional, beginning in the summer of 2010. Both engines come with a 6-speed automatic transmission with driver shift control. Standard features of note on the 2011 Buick Regal CXL include: leather seats; heated front seats; 12-way power driver’s seat; Bluetooth capability; XM satellite radio; OnStar communications; traction control; and stability control. Notable optional features include: a navigation system; Harmon Kardon sound system; internal flash drive (1GB); hard drive with 10GB for music; and a USB port.
Click here to read the rest of the article at JDPower.com
