Opel/Vauxhall Insignia and Buick Regal named to the top ten list for 2010 World Car of the Year Award

The Opel/Vauxhall Insignia and Buick Regal have made the top 10 list of global vehicles selected for the 2010 World Car of the Year Award.  The winner will be selected by a jury of 59 international automotive journalists. The top three finalists in all award categories will be announced at the Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 and the winner of 2010 world Car of the Year will be announced at the New York Auto Show on April 1.
 

Source: GM Media

2011 Buick Regal (USDM) revealed

 

It is well known that Opel Insignia is heading to the states and GM has now released details about the new 2011 Buick Regal.

 Key Facts:

• A new midsize Buick sport sedan with a European-bred driving experience

• On sale in the second quarter of 2010

• Based on the award-winning Opel Insignia and available now as a Regal in China

• Modern, sleek design with great attention to detail and excellent build quality

• Standard 2.4L Ecotec direct injected engine rated at an estimated 182 horsepower (136 kW)

• Available 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged and direct injected engine rated at an estimated 220 horsepower (164 kW) – available late-summer 2010

• Both engines have a six-speed automatic transmission standard with driver-shifting control

• Estimated 30 mpg on the highway with the 2.4L and 29 mpg highway with the 2.0L turbo engine

• MacPherson strut front suspension and four-link independent rear suspension

• All-new Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) available with the 2.0L turbo, offering driver-selectable suspension settings and automatic driver suspension setting adaptability

• Four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel anti-lock braking system, brake assist and electronic parking brake

• Standard StabiliTrak stability control system and full-function traction control

• Standard dual-stage frontal air bags, side-curtain air bags and pedal-release system; rear-seat thorax air bags available

• Available navigation system, Harmon Kardon sound system, internal flash drive (1GB), hard drive with 10GB for music and USB port

• Standard 18-inch wheels (19-inch wheels standard with IDCS)

• Standard 12-way power, leather and heated driver seat; leather and heated passenger front seat; Bluetooth capability; XM Satellite Radio and OnStar.

You can read the press release HERE

Source: GM Media

First proper photo of USDM Buick Regal

We already know that Insignia is going to be sold in the States as the new Buick Regal (earlier post), but now the first image showing the complete vehicle has been posted in Facebook.

Well, I think that there are no surprises at all. It's just closer, in terms of looks, to the Opel Insignia than the Chinese-spec Regal.

Source: Facebook

Opel Insignia heads to the States as the new Buick Regal

As part of Buick GMC’s strategy to engage and listen to its dealers, more than 1,000 dealers this week will be the first to learn the name of Buick’s next mid-size sport sedan will be the Buick Regal. The announcement was made at the Buick GMC dealer business meeting.

“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,” said Susan Docherty, Buick GMC General Manager. “We’re thrilled to announce that the Regal will be the next member of the Buick family.”

The Regal name has played a very important role in Buick’s history for many years and continues to be one of the top Buick nameplates recalled by consumers even though it’s been out of the market for the past six years.

Buick is emerging as a modern, premium marquee with vehicles characterized by sculpted designs, personal technologies, luxurious interiors and responsive performance. Future new sedans and crossovers will continue to expand Buick's portfolio both in North America and China.

Source: GM Media Online

Note: The first photo is showing the USDM Buick Regal, while the other five photos are showing the Chinese-spec Regal