[I~LUV~Caddys8792]

So I get to my big client in Rochester yesterday, the big Buick/GMC store, and what do I (finally) see? A 2011 Regal, in real life, up close & in person.

I saw it before it got it's PDI inspection, so I wasn't able to drive it (yet), so I'll just give my overall impressions real quick.

-It's smaller than most Buicks in recent memory. It's probably the same length as a '90s Skylark, but looks more substantial due to it's design.
-It's a very handsome design, will age well. Looks great from rear 3/4 view. I think it's best asset on the exterior is the trunklid and tail lamp assy.
-Sizewise, it's very close to a TSX.
-Fit and finish is superb. Very narrow panel gaps, inside & out. FINALLY. The interior feels very German because of this, and the fact it's basically a black monotone, aside from various bits & pieces of metallic trim. The dashboard has a hint of VW to it, which is good considering how nice their interiors have been as of late.
-Vehicle has plenty of room inside, especially considering it's exterior size. Makes great use of space.
-Firm, but comfortable seats.
-Beautiful gauges. The tachometer reads x100, instead of the normal x1000. Again, something that VW does (did?) for a while.

I'm really impressed and I'm sure it'll do well against the TSX, S40, 9-3 and IS250.

Forgive the less-than-spectacular quality of the iPhone pics.

 

[Jesda]

Saturn Aura's secret comeback.

 

[I~LUV~Caddys8792]

No! Actually they're built in Germany along side Opel. The technicians at the dealer were pretty disappointed when they saw on the window sticker that the final point of assembly was a town in Germany (I forget what one), as they all have flashbacks of the Catera nightmares.

 

[Kick94sts]

Hahahaahha


I love it!

 

[Jesda]

It really is what the 2012 Aura would have been. Its Epsilon II.

 

[I~LUV~Caddys8792]

Wait, so Epsilon was G6, Aura and Malibu, so this is technically the second generation of my dad's '10 Malibu?

 

[ben.gators]

No! Actually they're built in Germany along side Opel. The technicians at the dealer were pretty disappointed when they saw on the window sticker that the final point of assembly was a town in Germany (I forget what one), as they all have flashbacks of the Catera nightmares.

Huh, that is why I always have been complaining about the new Regal! I do not like this...

Just aside, Chad do you have any idea about the overlap between new Regal and new Laccrosse? For me it seems that they both are in the same class, "affordable luxury family sedan", the same price range (Lacrosse is a bit higher), the same type of potential costumers! Does the dealer have any concern about this fact that the success of one may result in the failure of the other? I mean is it possible that one of these cars have the same destination that hyundai genesis got after introduction of new gen Sonata?

 

[RightTurn]

Me likey. Thanks for posting, Chad. I was going to ask where it's built but I see that's been covered. Nice. :thumbsup:

 

[I~LUV~Caddys8792]

Just aside, Chad do you have any idea about the overlap between new Regal and new Laccrosse? For me it seems that they both are in the same class, "affordable luxury family sedan", the same price range (Lacrosse is a bit higher), the same type of potential costumers!

Well from my understanding, the Regal is a little sportier, a little lighter, so therefore more lithe and light on it's feet. It's main competitor is the Acura TSX, a car of similar size, features and powertrain layout, but I do believe the Buick is a bit cheaper. The LaCrosse is a little bigger, with more room inside, and two different V6's, so it'll appeal to a more mature, luxury minded audience, it's biggest competitor is the Lexus ES350. But I suppose the Hyundai Azera is a lot like it too, and perhaps the V6 Genesis.

 

[gary88]

This I like, can't wait for the GS version to hit the streets.

GM has a pretty good chance to revolutionize Buick, I hope they don't drop the ball.

 

[ga_etc]

Actually they're built in Germany along side Opel.

There's a reason for it.

Look familiar? :shhh:

 

[Aron9000]

Keep in mind the big difference between the Regal and LaCrosse is under the hood. The Regal is a 4 cylinder only.

After looking at Buick's website, the Regal and Lacrosse both start at 26k. The Regal is 190", LaCrosse is 196", so its not that big of a size difference IMO. I agree that Buick is kind of competing with itself here. The $$$ spent on the Regal would've been better served to replace the old fuddy-duddy Lucerene.

 

[I~LUV~Caddys8792]

After looking at Buick's website, the Regal and Lacrosse both start at 26k. The Regal is 190", LaCrosse is 196", so its not that big of a size difference IMO. I agree that Buick is kind of competing with itself here. The $$$ spent on the Regal would've been better served to replace the old fuddy-duddy Lucerene.

I hope it doesn't get to be something like the Altima and the Maxima, where they're so close in size and features, it's almost pointless to have two.

 

[orconn]

From the pictures, it appears to have no rear seat headroom.

 

[Florian]

fugly.


F

 

[Florian]

dupe.........sorry.


F

 

[Florian]

fugly. BTW, Audi, circa 2000, called....they want their instrument cluster back.


F

 

[Night Wolf]

There's a reason for it.

YouTube- Opel Insignia OPC roadtest (english subtitled)

YouTube- Top Gear - Vauxhall Insignia VXR / Opel Insignia OPC

Look familiar? :shhh:

Turbo V6, manual trans, AWD, built in Germany...

... Wonder what the GS version will keep the trend...

 

[77CDV]

Rooting for it to be a success, if only to please Chad. Not my cuppa, though.

 

[Stingroo]

Dunno, I'd drive one.

:hide: