Is This the U.S.-spec Buick Regal?

Posted October 16 2009 11:06 AM by Steve Diehlman
Category: News

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Buick is playing coy about the announcement of the return of the Regal, but a casual image of what appears to be the U.S.-spec sedan appeared on the division's official Facebook page this afternoon.

The live shot, albeit slightly different from the Chinese-market Regal, resembles a teaser shot issued by GM's press department on Wednesday. The newest photo was taken outside of the Grand Rapids Art Center. The hallmark "waterfall" grille seems slightly larger than the Chinese car, and the air inlets on the front bumper seem to have been given an overhaul.

Details on the U.S.-market Regal are still sketchy. We do know the car will be built off the European Opel Insignia (once slated to become the next-generation Saturn Aura), but we're not exactly certain how Buick plans on positioning the car in its lineup, especially since the brand has the similar LaCrosse. Perhaps the Regal will be the "value" model of the pair, allowing Buick to target former Saturn owners.

Given the sudden "tease" of the car, we may learn more about Buick's plans and the new sedan at the Los Angeles auto show in December. Stay with Automobile Magazine for the latest on the new Buick.

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5 Comments

1.	Looks like a Japanese or Korean car (which isn't a bad thing). Buick should've died with Pontiac and Saturn. Posted October 16 2009 11:20 AM	tmvu13
2.	I still think Buick has a long way to go to shed it's older demographic image. Even the new Regal and Lacross, while much more modern and contemporary compared to what they've offered in the last few model cycles, don't seem like enough to draw younger car-buyers away from a European or Asian near-luxe car. Now if they could turn out a compact & midsize RWD/AWD sedans with a quality, understated luxury feel to it (as opposed to Cadillac's OTT blingified luxe) then they might have something. Posted October 16 2009 12:09 PM	KaBoomBOX
3.	This resembles my '08 Malibu but with an uglier front end and uber-expensive-to-replace HID headlights. I am unimpressed. And just when I was looking forward to replacing my Malibu with a neo-Grand National (or settle for a Gran Sport). Like KaBoomBOX said, a near-luxury RWD/AWD (think Lexus IS250/350) sub-$30k lineup would be the way for Buick to reclaim whats left of its market share, as well as make the brand start pulling its weight within GM for the first time in decades by offering an "almost Cadillac", something they haven't done for a long time. However with Uncle Barack calling the shots behind the scenes through the EPA, this is not likely to happen. P.S. If GM wants to start selling enough cars to turn a profit again in their home market, they should start designing product based for the UNITED STATES market, not China. Posted October 16 2009 05:34 PM	tweak8487
4.	With Buick's 1.5% of the American market, does anyone care that this is the new Regal? Hertz Gold Club members, maybe. The blue rinse set, possibly. Readers of this august publication, not so much so. Posted October 17 2009 10:28 AM	MrFelix
5.	That may be, but what will single moms drive in 10-15 years if GM doesn't keep building Buicks? lol Posted October 17 2009 07:27 PM	tweak8487

Is This the U.S.-spec Buick Regal?

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