2011 Buick Regal

Buick Regal 2011 - (for perspective)-photos-01

While GM never made a man like Chevrolet, Saturn, while imports of wild animals, somehow managed to Insignia correct in his role as the long forgotten by the average price Audi. Since its launch in the autumn of 2008, Insignia has a number of European awards were arrested, said the Buick, the number of customer performance) Audi A4, 2) BMW 3-series, and 3) Mercedes-Benz C -... Class.
If Opel really caught in the middle of the upper segment in Western Europe, is a perfect match for Buick, trying to come here with new models like the Enclave and LaCrosse 2010.
Buick Regal sold as a "sports sedan" in which the platform to the Epsilon II LaCrosse, but the wheelbase of 107.8 cm (3.9 inches less than the LaCrosse). It is 6.8 cm shorter, 192 cm and 0.8 cm lower, at 58.4 cm. With a fast C-pillar - a vehicle line exec Jim Federico called "coupe-like" - Regal sedan is designed for a wide range, as LaCrosse.Stražnje seat is spacious enough for kids and adults at night, but the margin is slightly tight for six-foot long ride

2011 Buick Regal

2011 Buick Regal

2011 Buick Regal

2011 Buick Regal

2011 Buick Regal

Power-Up: 2012 Buick LaCrosse Gets Upgraded to 303 Horsepower

As if it was to just sit back and take the hits while its little brother Regal gets all of the attention from the horsepower gods, Buick has announced a horsepower upgrade for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse in the form of a 303-horsepower 3.6-liter direct-injection V6.

The nice new engine will be a no-cost option and is rated at 17 mpg city and 27 highway. The last time we tested a LaCrosse, it was a 2010 CXL 3.0 with 255 horsepower. It managed 60 in 8.4 seconds and the quarter mile in 16.4 seconds at 86 mph.

While we're glad to see this in the LaCrosse, we can't help wonder why it's not in the Enclave yet....

Buick sells 3 millionth car in China

Buick sells 3 millionth car in China

Buick car sales of over 3 million units in China because Shanghai GM began offering their original vehicle in 1999.

Buick is one of the fastest growing brands in China's passenger. Shanghai GM's Buick performance of the new brand strategy in 2008, sales increased by more than 100,000 units per year.

Buick has over 400 stores in China, 4S, offers award-winning post Buick brand. Shanghai GM Design Partnership with GM's Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (Pataca) joint venture in Shanghai, has resulted in the development of many new and improved models of the Buick, including Excel XT and GT cars and the brand new GL8 luxury SUV.

At Auto Shanghai 2011, announced Shanghai On Star deployment of mobile applications that Buick owners to allow that to take to activate all functions of a traditional car key ring - remote start, horn and lights, and door lock / unlock - is safe for their smartphones.

In 2010, Shanghai GM was the first automaker in China to one million cars per year sold. She finished the year with domestic sales of 1,033,307 cars

2012 Buick Regal Hybrid

General Motors has unveiled the Buick Regal Hybrid at the Chicago Auto Show.

The Buick Regal Hybrid is expected to have similar consumption figures as the LaCrosse, as the e-Assist will enable a 25 percent boost in efficiency. This means that the 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine powering the Buick Regal Hybrid which will use a six-speed transmission will most probably return around 31 mpg (combined cycle) / 7,9-litres per 100 Km.

The same 17-inch lightweight alloy wheels (and low rolling resistance tires) are used on both Buicks. Thanks to the Regal’s smaller size, however, the wheels don’t appear as undersized as they do on the LaCrosse. If the driver is in an especially green mood, the car can be put into a fuel economy optimizing mode with the AC unit that allows for more frequent and longer engine stop periods.

The Buick Regal with e-Assist is more likely to be marketed as a premium engine choice for buyers of the compact sedan, unlike the current setup for the LaCrosse full-size four-door where the hybrid version has become the vehicle’s entry-level model. GM has cited cost concerns which prevent the Regal from enjoying the same ultra-thrifty base drivetrain.




Press Release

2012 Regal to Offer New eAssist^TM Fuel-Saving Technology

• eAssist "light electrification" system improves fuel economy 25 percent
• Estimated 26 mpg city / 37 mpg highway (pending EPA certification)
• On sale this fall

CHICAGO - Buick announced the 2012 Regal with eAssist^TM fuel-saving technology, which improves overall fuel economy by 25 percent over the 2011 four-cylinder/six-speed powertrain. Estimated fuel economy is 26 mpg city and 37 mpg on the highway (pending EPA certification).

Regal with eAssist joins the 2012 LaCrosse as the second Buick to feature the efficiency-enhancing technology. The system uses a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery system, electric induction motor-generator and regenerative braking capability to improve fuel economy. Its fuel economy tops competitors such as the Acura TSX, rated at 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. Regal's estimated 37 mpg on the highway is 20 percent greater and the TSX doesn't offer a six-speed automatic transmission, which is standard on the Buick.

"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."

Regal with eAssist goes on sale this fall. It joins an expanding lineup that also includes 2.4L and 2.0L Turbo (with manual transmission) models, as well as the upcoming Regal GS. Regal with eAssist offers the range of luxury and convenience packages offered in the other models, along with unique features that include:

Lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels and tires with lower rolling resistance
A driver-selectable, fuel economy-optimizing mode for the air conditioning system, which enables more frequent and longer-duration engine stop periods
An ECO gauge on the instrument panel that continuously responds to driving behavior, enabling the driver to drive with greater efficiency
A powerflow readout in the 7-inch infotainment screen, which shows the flow of energy through the electric assist system, such as battery charging from regeneration and electric power directed to the engine.
eAssist details
Mated to Regal's 2.4L Ecotec direct injection four-cylinder engine and next-generation six-speed automatic transmission, the eAssist system uses power stored in the battery to provide needed electrical boost in various driving scenarios, optimizing engine and transmission operation. An advanced 115V lithium-ion battery and latest-generation 15-kW induction motor-generator unit help increase fuel economy through:

Regenerative braking, which provides up to 15 kW of electricity to charge the battery
Providing up to 11 kW (15 hp) of electric power assistance during acceleration
Automatic engine shut-off when the vehicle is stopped
Aggressive fuel cut-off during deceleration down to zero vehicle speed, enabled by the torque smoothing provided by the induction motor-generator unit
Intelligent charge/discharge of the high-voltage battery.
"The capability to deliver electric boost to the powertrain system during heavy acceleration and grade driving enables the engine and transmission to operate more efficiently," said Steve Poulos, global chief engineer of the eAssist system. "Full fuel shutoff at stops and during deceleration complements electric boost and regenerative braking with additional fuel savings."

Regal with eAssist technology also features improved underbody aerodynamics and tires optimized for performance and fuel economy. It also features a hill-assist system that captures brake pressure to help the driver more comfortably accelerate from a stop on a moderate or steep grade. It does this by greatly reducing the tendency of the vehicle to roll backward with the engine in shut-down mode.

The eAssist system's 115V air-cooled lithium-ion battery bolsters the 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder engine with approximately 11 kW (15 hp) of electric power assist during heavy acceleration and 15 kW of regenerative braking power. The system also enables the Ecotec engine to shut down fuel delivery in certain deceleration conditions, which saves additional fuel. While in fuel shut-off mode, the induction motor-generator unit continues spinning along with the engine to provide immediate and smooth take-off power when the driver presses on the accelerator. Then, as the vehicle comes to a stop, the induction motor-generator unit spins the engine, bringing it to a smooth stop - properly positioned for a smooth restart.

"The battery system is designed to provide power assistance to the internal combustion engine, rather than store energy for all-electric propulsion," said Poulos. "It's really an extension of the conventional internal combustion engine, not a replacement for it."

The eAssist power pack contains the lithium-ion battery pack, the integrated power inverter and 12V power supply. It is located in a compartment between the rear seat and trunk; and it is surprisingly compact and lightweight, weighing only about 65 pounds (29 kg). Trunk space is slightly reduced when compared with 2011 models with the four-cylinder/six-speed powertrain, but still offers 11.1 cubic feet (314 liters) of storage. A quiet electric fan cools the power pack, drawing air from a vent located in the package tray, behind the rear seat.

The eAssist system's electric induction motor-generator is mounted to the engine in place of the alternator to provide both motor assist and electric-generating functions through a unique engine belt-drive system. The induction motor-generator is a high-performance, compact induction motor that is liquid-cooled for increased performance and efficiency.

Next-generation six-speed
The eAssist system works with Regal's direct injected 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder and next-generation six-speed automatic powertrain combination. In the Regal with eAssist, the engine is rated at 182 horsepower (136 kW) and the next-generation Hydra-Matic 6T40 takes transmission technology to the next level with features designed to enhance powertrain efficiency.

Significant internal transmission changes to clutch controls and hardware provide reduced spin losses while improving shift response and time. The added electric power provided by the eAssist system allows for higher gearing to improve steady state efficiency without impacting acceleration performance or driveability. The system's ability to provide some electric assistance at cruising speeds allows the driver to accelerate lightly or ascend mild grades without the transmission downshifting.

An auxiliary, electric-driven transmission oil pump is added to the 6T40, which keeps the transmission primed and the fluid flowing when the engine shuts down at a stop. That keeps the transmission ready to perform when the driver accelerates, for a seamless, uncompromised driving experience.

2012 BUICK REGAL PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Models:	2012 Buick Regal with eAssist technology
Body style / driveline:	four-door, five-passenger front engine transaxle. front-wheel-drive midsize vehicle
Construction:	steel body frame integral (unibody) with front and rear crumple zones; galvanized steel front fenders, hood, roof, door panels, one-piece bodyside outer panel, thermal plastic olefin (TPO) bumper fascias
EPA vehicle class:	midsize
Manufacturing location:	Oshawa, Ontario
Key competitors:	Acura TSX and Volkswagen CC

Engines

	Ecotec 2.4L DOHC I-4
Displacement (cu in / cc):	145 / 2384
Bore and stroke (in / mm):	3.46 x 3.85 / 88 x 98
Block material:	precision sand cast aluminum
Cylinder head material:	SPM cast aluminum
Valvetrain:	overhead camshafts, four-valves per cylinder, continuous variable valve timing for intake and exhaust
Ignition system:	individual coil-on-plug
Fuel delivery:	direct injection and electronic throttle control
Compression ratio:	11.2:1
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):	182 / 136 @ 6700 rpm*
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm)	172 / 233 @ 4900 rpm*
Recommended fuel:	regular unleaded
Max engine speed:	7000 rpm
Emissions controls:	close-coupled, catalytic converter; variable valve timing; positive crankcase ventilation evaporative system
Fuel economy (city / hwy):	26 / 37 (estimated)

Transmissions

Type:	Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic
Gear ratios: (:1):
First:	4.58
Second:	2.96
Third:	1.91
Fourth:	1.45
Fifth:	1.00
Sixth:	0.75
Reverse:	2.84

Electric Drive System

Type:	belt-driven, liquid-cooled induction motor/generator unit and lithium-ion battery system; air-cooled power electronics and battery pack
Maximum electric generating power:	15 kW @ 1570-3180 rpm
Maximum electric motor torque (cranking):	110 lb.-ft. / 150 Nm
Maximum electric motor torque (electric assist):	79 lb.-ft. / 107 Nm @ 1000 rpm
Maximum electric motor power (electric assist):	15 hp / 11.2 kW @ 1000-2200 rpm
Lithium-ion battery:	115V, 0.5-kWh, 15 kW peak power

Chassis/Suspension

Front:	independent, MacPherson strut-type with dual-path mountings, specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar (hollow); hydraulic ride bushings
Rear:	four-link independent rear; hollow stabilizer bar
Traction control:	all-speed using engine torque reduction and brake intervention
Steering type:	hydraulic, specifically calibrated rack-and-pinion power steering
Steering wheel turns lock-to-lock:	2.68
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (feet / meters):	37.4 / 11.4
Steering ratio:	15.2:1

Brakes

Type:	four-wheel disc w/ABS (w/ESC)
Brake rotor diameter – front (in / mm):	11.7 / 296 vented; single-piston, cast iron caliper
Brake rotor diameter – rear (in / mm):	11.5 / 292 solid; single-piston, aluminum caliper

Wheels / Tires

Wheel size and type:	17-inch aluminum
Tires:	P235/50R17 Michelin Energy Saver All Season

Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm) :	107.8 / 2738
Overall length (in / mm):	190.2 / 4831
Overall width (in / mm):	73.1 / 1811
Overall height (in / mm):	58.4 / 1483
Front track (in / mm):	62.4 / 1585
Rear track (in / mm):	62.5 / 1587

Interior

Seating capacity (front / rear):	2 / 3
Headroom (in / mm):	38.8 / 985 (front) 36.8 / 935 (rear)
Legroom (in / mm):	42.1 / 1069 (front) 37.3 / 947 (rear)
Shoulder room (in / mm):	56.7 / 1440 (front) 54.4 / 1382 (rear)
Hip room (in / mm):	55.4 / 1407 (front) 52.3 / 1328 (rear)
EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L) :	96.81 / 2741
EPA interior volume (cu ft / L):	111.1 / 3146
Cargo volume (cu ft / L):	14.25 / 403

Capacities

Fuel tank (gal / L):	18.5 / 70
Engine oil (qt / L):	2.4L: 5.0 / 4.7
Curb weight (lbs / kg):	TBD

Official: 2011 Buick GL8 unveiled for China

Buick has released an all-new version of its popular GL8 in China. The new GL8 builds on the original GL8 and will be released in January.

The new GL8 comes with a choice between 3.0-liter V-6 SIDI intelligent direct injection engine and a 2.4-liter Ecotec engine with segment-leading fuel efficiency. GM’s advanced 6-speed automatic transmission comes standard, providing unrivaled power in the luxury MPV segment.

Inside, the seven-passenger cabin is elegantly appointed with a wrap-around dashboard, blue ambient lighting, wood trim, and tasteful metallic accents. Options include two-tone leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, power-sliding doors, a Bose audio system, and a rear seat entertainment system with a 10.2-inch screen.

Buick has also retuned the suspension system with independent front-and-back sub-frames for better ride comfort and even quieter cabin. The car also gets Bosch 8.1 ESP system, large-size tires and disc brakes, with six air bags available on selected models, as well as multi-dimensional blue ray Bi-Xenon HID headlights and crystal-like chrome LED taillights.


The GL8 retails for between CNY288,000 and CNY388,000 ($43,19 to $58,192). Until the new model arrives, Shanghai GM will also introduce an upgraded 2011 model of the current Buick GL8 in December 2010.





Press Release

All-New Buick GL8 Luxury MPV Now Available

330,000 GL8s Sold Across China Since Model's Debut

Shanghai - The all-new Buick GL8 from Shanghai GM is now available. The luxury MPV builds on the heritage of the original GL8, China's first family of executive wagons. Since the model's debut in 1999, more than 330,000 have been sold across China.

The new model, which will reach the market in January 2011, features seven innovations and 27 technological breakthroughs along with improvements in design, space and safety, technology, power, features and quality. The result is an unprecedented luxury MPV experience that is unmistakably Buick.

"The new GL8 was developed by Shanghai GM in cooperation with the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) in Shanghai with the specific needs of our customers in mind," said Terry Johnsson, Shanghai GM Vice President of Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. "It offers everything that consumers have come to expect from Buick, including a dynamic, smooth, quiet and comfortable ride. Like its predecessor, the new GL8 is the right product at the right time."

The new GL8 has a graceful exterior design highlighted by Buick's distinctive double sweep spear running from front to back. Decorative metal bands add a sense of smooth, modern elegance. Its classic waterfall grille and chrome portholes further underscore the new GL8's Buick heritage.

With a length of 5,256 mm, a width of 1,878 mm, a height of 1,800 mm and a wheelbase of 3,088 mm, the new GL8 provides a spacious ride for all occupants. The dignified interior merges Eastern and Western aesthetics. It features ice-blue atmosphere lighting and a 360-degree wraparound design inspired by luxury yachts.

Among the other amenities available are two-tone ergonomic genuine leather seats; a two-piece panorama sunroof; an electric anti-pinch sliding door and one-touch electric lift rear door; a 10-speaker, 5.1-channel Bose sound system; a 7-inch touch screen up front and 10.2-inch WVGA HD display in back; and the OnStar in-vehicle safety, security and communication service.

An enhanced suspension with independent front-and-back sub-frames ensures a smooth, steady ride. Buick's signature QuietTuning reduces, blocks and absorbs interior noise, for a distraction-free environment that is comparable to that of a luxury sedan.

The new GL8 comes with a choice of a 3.0-liter V-6 SIDI intelligent direct injection engine or a 2.4-liter Ecotec engine with segment-leading fuel efficiency. GM's advanced 6-speed automatic transmission comes standard, providing unrivaled power in the luxury MPV segment.

In the area of safety, the new GL8 has a super-solid body frame. The Bosch 8.1 ESP system delivers premium handling. It is complemented by large-size tires and disc brakes, with six air bags available on selected models. For maximum visibility, the new GL8 incorporates multi-dimensional blue ray Bi-Xenon HID headlights and crystal-like chrome LED taillights.

The new GL8 luxury MPV has a retail price of between RMB 288,000 and RMB 388,000. Shanghai GM is also introducing an upgraded 2011 model of the current Buick GL8 in December 2010, targeting the upper-medium MPV segment. It includes a new 2.4-liter Ecotec engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. This "dual-vehicle strategy" will enable Shanghai GM to more fully address the MPV market, from the upper-medium to luxury segments.

2011 Buick Regal Sport Sedan Aesthetics 2.0L Turbo Engine V-6, four-Cylinder.

2011 Buick Regal Sport Sedan

Armed with turbocharged horsepower the 2011 Buick Regal, a driver-selectable suspension system and a firm, European-tuned chassis, it delivers a driving experience that rivals the best import sport sedans in the segment.

"The 2011 Buick Regal is like nothing you've ever experienced from this brand," said Susan Docherty, general manager of Buick GMC. "The Buick Regal is the next chapter in Buick's transformation and will expand the portfolio to include a sport sedan."

The new Buick Regal arrives in the second quarter of 2010, with its sights aimed squarely on competitors like the Acura TSX and Volvo S60. It has a longer wheelbase and greater trunk volume than those vehicles, along with standard features - including a six-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch wheels and OnStar - that aren't offered standard on either competitor.

The Buick Regal's development is rooted in Germany, where the globally led engineering team created the award-winning Opel Insignia - the 2009 European Car of the Year. The Insignia has garnered more than 31 prestigious awards and is the best-selling midsize sedan in Europe. Buick Regal will bring all of Insignia's award-winning design, technology and European-inspired performance capabilities to the American market.

2011 Buick Regal Sport Sedan

The Buick Regal has already been a success on another continent, in China. It went on sale in December 2008 and more than 64,000 Regals have been sold there. Enthusiastic customers cite its sculpted, flowing design and responsive performance as the top reasons for purchase.
The Buick Regal's sleek design blends the sweeping silhouette and proportions of a coupe in a progressive package that suggests motion from all angles. Great attention to detail complements that aggressive styling, with tailored applications of Buick's signature design cues, such as the waterfall grille, select use of chrome trim and superior fit and finish of the exterior panels.

The car's performance-oriented spirit is also conveyed in sleek, sculpted body-side detail and aggressive headlamps that further suggest motion. At the rear, an abbreviated deck and tucked-in body panels are the hallmarks of a contemporary sport sedan, with bold taillamps and their intricate lighting elements reinforcing Buick Regal's attention to detail. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard.

"There is great design harmony between the exterior and interior," said Cafaro. "The feeling of flow and motion carries through in an engaging manner that makes you want to take the Buick Regal out to your favorite twisting road to see what it can do."
The Buick Regal's finely crafted, sporty and well-appointed interior builds on the exceptional attention to detail found in the Enclave and LaCrosse, blending signature styling cues with contemporary sport sedan aesthetics.

2011 Buick Regal Sport Sedan

Unique with its all-four-cylinder powertrain, the Buick Regal relies on the excellent horsepower-per-liter ratio of the Ecotec engine family to deliver smart, on-demand performance that is also very efficient.

Both the standard 2.4L engine and the available 2.0L turbo use direct injection technology to optimize performance, reduce emissions and maximize fuel efficiency. The 2.4L is the same engine offered in the Buick LaCrosse, but in the smaller, lighter Buick Regal, it delivers more agile performance. The 2.0L turbo cements the sport sedan credibility of the Buick Regal, with on-demand power comparable to a V-6, but the inherent efficiency of a four-cylinder. To ensure responsive power across the rpm range, the 2.0L turbo uses a twin-scroll turbocharger that builds power quickly at lower rpm.

2011 Buick Regal Sport Sedan

Distinct, uniquely calibrated six-speed automatic transmissions are paired with each engine. Both offer driver shift control that enhances the sporty driving feel of the Buick Regal.
Buick Regal's Interactive Drive Control System chassis technology (available on models with the available 2.0L turbo engine) offers enhanced vehicle stability and greater driving safety. It is designed to change the personality of the car based on the personality of the driver.