2010 Buick Regal: Imported Performance

It’s an Opel Insignia across the pond, but it will be our Buick Regal when it hits our shores. Therefore, let’s discuss this sweet mid-sized sedan and why it’s even going to matter when it shows up in showrooms.

Opel is a European division of GM. So if you don’t know what an Opel Insignia is, that’s why. But much like when GM imported the Vauxhall VXR8 from their Australian branch as the Pontiac G8, good things can happen when they actually give us a car worth buying (yes, Pontiac is dead now, but that’s got nothing to do with the G8. That’s got to do with suits that couldn’t run water).

Let’s start with the superficial but all too important stuff — looks. I have absolutely no complaints about exterior of this car. Actually, yes I do. Those wheels look lame, but i’m nitpicking really. The lines just flow so well from grill to tail light. They do a wonderful job of trimming up the overall shape of the car. It’s a sporty-looking proposition no matter the trim level. Look at that Nike-ish swish running along the bottom of the doors as it swings upward and disappears into the start of the soft crease that runs right into the corner of the tail light. The the subtle fender flares and bulged hood offer a look of muscularity, but it’s not overbearing in a stark masculine way. It’s just the right blend of elegance and power.

On the inside, things to look quite so stellar. There’s nothing wrong with it, but it’s just a little flat. The instrument cluster looks easy to read and all the buttons on the center stack look easy to get to. And sometimes, that’s all that really matters. I just think that it could maybe stand to be a little more stunning. It really isn’t bothering me though because what I’m more interested in what’s under the hood.

The Regal, initially, is only going to be available in one trim level: CXL. So what all do you get for your $26,000 in CXL trim? Well, you’ll get the 2.4 liter naturally aspirated inline four cylinder engine that you’ve been seeing in other GM products for a while now. The 182 horsepowers will be routed to a 6 speed automatic gearbox driving your front wheels. Eventually, you’ll be able opt for the 2.0 liter turbocharged four-banger that we’ve seen in the Cobalt SS and Saturn Sky Redline. The damn shame is that they seem to have detuned as to not scare old people. Instead 260 or even 235 hp, it’s being said that it will only churn out 220hp through the same automatic transmission, but anyone who has the money to tune that up probably will.

Oh!! The chassis!! This is a front wheel drive-based platform. You get disc brakes at all four corners (I’m imagining single pistons), MacPherson struts up front and 4-link independent suspension out back. Other standard equipment includes, 12-way power adjustable leather heated front seats, stability control, 18 inch rims, airbags for all and blue teeth(Bluetooth). Options like a USB port and 10GB harddrive are…optional(redundancy WIN). If you want the 2.0 liter turbo, they’ll offer you driver-selectable adjustable suspension.

I think for most costumers, that package will do just fine. But, if you are anything like me, you want a little bit more. The Regal GS will have the cure for need for speed we have, supposedly. You see, my issue here is that instead of bringing us the 2.8 liter turbocharged V6 in the Open Insignia OPC, we’re stuck with the 2.0 liter turbo I already told you about. However, this engine is tuned up and retuned in the GS, making 255hp and 295ft-lbs of torque. It’s not the 325hp you get out of that light V6, but oh well. At the GS will be lighter still, get from 0-60 in under 6 seconds, and have all wheel drive along with that nifty adjustable suspension setup. Best bit is this car only comes with a 6 speed manual *is giddy*. The GS is expected to be priced in the mid-$30k range.

Hey, GM, can you please give us the wagon? And please please please offer the 2.8 liter turbo V6 at some point. Please!

Really though, this is an excited car for the Buick lineup. They’ve been on a roll with the Enclave and Lacrosse and it looks like they show no signs of slowing down with the introduction of this Regal. And what’s more, the brand gets a performance car for the first time in a long time. Now if we could just get a Grand National that Zeta platform…