Buick Regal Named ‘Best Upscale Sedan for the Money’

DETROIT – U.S. News & World Report named the 2011 Buick Regal its annual “Best Car for the Money” awards in the Upscale Sedan category, beating competitors from BMW and Lexus.  The ranking was based on the magazine’s analysis of 27 published reviews and test drives of the Buick Regal, as well as analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Regal, which starts at $26,245, was praised for “performance that balances fuel economy and power, handling and ride comfort.”  U.S. News & World Report noted that reviewers are impressed with the Regal’s “handsome exterior and comfortable interior” and encourage midsize sedan shoppers to put the Regal on their short list.

“This award confirms what many Buick Regal buyers have already found out,” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing. “The Regal delivers a dynamic driving experience that competes with the best import sport sedans in the mid-size car segment.  Just as importantly, this sleek, smart, top-safety-rated car is attracting new customers to the Buick brand.”

The well-equipped Regal CXL and CXL Turbo models include the following as standard or available equipment:

• Ecotec 2.4L direct injected engine rated at an estimated 182 horsepower (136 kW)
• Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged and direct injected engine rated at 220 horsepower (164 kW)
• Both engines have a six-speed automatic transmission standard with driver-shift control
• A six-speed manual transmission is available on the turbocharged model
• EPA-rated 30 mpg on the highway with the 2.4L and 32 mpg highway with the 2.0L turbo engine
• MacPherson strut front suspension and four-link independent rear suspension
• All-new Interactive Drive Control available with the 2.0L turbo, offering driver-selectable suspension settings and automatic driver suspension setting adaptability
• Four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel anti-lock braking system, brake assist and electronic parking brake
• StabiliTrak stability control system and full-function traction control
• Dual-stage frontal air bags, side-curtain and front seat thorax air bags and pedal-release system
• Rear-seat thorax air bags
• Navigation system, Harman Kardon premium sound system, hard drive with 10GB for music, and 20 minutes of time shift audio capability to pause, rewind and playback radio programs
• 18-inch alloy wheels (19-inch alloy wheels with Interactive Drive Control)
• 12-way power, leather and heated driver seat; leather and heated passenger front seat; Bluetooth for phone; XM Satellite Radio and OnStar, along with a USB port for iPods and other audio devices.

Coming later this year is the 2012 Regal GS, an even sportier expression of the car. The GS is powered by a high-output, exclusive Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission, expected to deliver an estimated 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque for a 0-60 mph performance of less than seven seconds. GS also will be available with an automatic transmission later in the 2012 model year.

“The Regal GS will set a new benchmark for performance and value in the midsize segment,” DiSalle said.  “It represents the next entry in Buick’s product renaissance.”

About Buick
Buick is a modern luxury brand offering vehicles with sculpted designs, luxurious interiors with thoughtful personal technologies, along with responsive-yet-efficient performance. Buick is attracting new customers with its portfolio of award-winning models, including the Enclave crossover, LaCrosse sedan and Regal sport sedan. The new Buick Verano compact sedan and a small crossover will join the portfolio in the next few years. Buick’s sales continue to increase in North America, and it remains a best-selling brand in China, with continuing record growth. Learn more about Buick cars and crossovers at http://www.buick.com/, on Twitter @buick or at www.facebook.com/buick.