LOVE the interior. Not so big on the exterior except for the European/concept versions. Sat in a new LaX a few weeks ago and found it to be 90% on par with what you get in the new Cadillacs.

Now, if GM could just put one of these Buick/GMC/Cadillac interiors in the Corvette.

 

Don't really understand why it has Euro tag-size cut-out in the front bumper. Wasn't this front end designed specifically for U.S. cars?

 

Why are we still discussing what is going to happen with a V6? It's going to happen with the 2012 MY.

GM has said that the current regal will only be offered in the base form with a standard 4 cylinder and an optional turbo 4. The Regal will NOT have just a 220hp engine as the "top of the line" motor.

You'll see a real, REAL nice engine packing for the next MY. GM has a short lead on this vehicle because they are sourcing it from Germany until 2011. Then it moves to North America.

If you're GM and you've been pushing "global" all these years would you rather wait until MY 2012 for this car or would you rather leverage production and bring the car here NOW without all the bells and whistles....and your trump card.

The V6 is coming guys.

GM's doing it right.

 

Pretty sure only the grill was changed, which is why you have the Euro Tag cut-out.

 

I'd go so far as to say that the pics of the Regal GS we've seen are nothing more than photochops of the existing Insignia OPC/VXR. That's why the Euro plates are still on the car in the pics.

I'm not sure anyone actually said that there was a Buick version of the high end car actually on the road (mule or otherwise) anywhere - it's just speculation and "they should bring that over here" musings at this point. Now, I'm not saying it isn't going to happen, or that the GS-based Euro hot version won't be here, but just that it's still a ways off.

 

I agree, the GS pics are shops. But, the pictures of the non-GS models still have the same cutout. From GM...
http://media.gm.com/content/media/us...k/091112_Regal

I haven't seen what it looks like in person though. Maybe, year 1 it has this cutout, when it moves to the states, it has a different one?

 

True, and I think the pedestrian version looks a little bland and not nearly as interesting or attractive as say, the Lacrosse. Maybe it's the colour of the photo car, having seen pics of lesser Euro models the car in Opel/Vauxhall guise looks more attractive. I don't know, but it definitely lacks the sizzle that the OPC/VXR/GS car has.

Maybe the cutout will remain long term, for locales where the front plate isn't a requirement, it may just look like a curious design detail, otherwise it may stand out a whole lot more with the narrow plates we have in NA. Recall that the now departed batch of minivans GM marketed retained the cutout in the rear bumper for the Euro plates even though plates here were located on the liftgate.

 

If GM does intend on using the OPC/VXR package for the GS, I hope that they also retain the option of a manual trans. I know the take rate would be very low, but I think it would send an important message that Buick is in fact looking to cater to new consumers.

 

I totally agree. How can you go after someone who might be interested in a similar FWD vehicle from Audi or Acura if those brands offer a manual and you don't? I'd like to see a manual with the 2.0 turbo, also, but I understand that might not be feasible. Nonetheless, I think any 'performance' model needs a manual to send the message that this is a different Buick.

 

Agreed. There would be no stronger message that this is a different Buick, than including a car with a manual tranny - of all things.

I still can't get over the notion of using those two words in the same sentence - manual and Buick. It's like being caught up in a Cheech and Chong movie - somebody must be smoking something.

I would just like to see a manual with the positive shifting experience of say, an Acura.

 

When was the last time Buick offered a manual anyways?

 

I would also like to see the turbo 2.0L with a manual. This is what Buick needs to change their image. This move alone would be huge even if only 5% of cars were sold with the manual.

 

The 1989 Skyhawk was the last Buick with an available manual trans to date.

 

20 years in NA. What is the manual take rate in China? If Buick is going Chinese, what do *they* want in Buick?

I hope they keep the manual transmission and the OPC bodywork or something similarly less-bland. The OPC Insignia looks pretty awesome in black.

 

And thats the key . The take rate in the US is also very small on a manual trans in say a A4 . But its there for those who wouldnt have it any other way . I think GM flubbed big time not offering a manual trans on the Malibu too , even though Accord , Mazda 6 , Fusion and Altima all offer a stick . Sooo , Im not to optimistic youll see much more than a a6 with manumamatic if a "GS" Regal should ever make it over hear . And after hearing Lutz speak of auto transmissions as pertaining to fuel economy hear lately , I doubt you will see a expanded use of a manual trans in "normal" GM vehicles . Im honestly shocked you can still get a manual trans in a base 3.0 CTS .