DETROIT — Although General Motors' headlining act at next month's 2010 Detroit Auto Show is the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V coupe, leaked reports across the Internet indicate that the automaker will also show a Buick Regal GS. If approved for production, the GS would be the high-performance model in the Regal line.
Inside Line has learned that the showcar uses many parts from the European-spec Opel Insignia OPC, including some powertrain components.
There has been no confirmation of which engine is in the showcar, much less any commitment on the motor that might be used in a hypothetical production car. Several media reports have alternately identified the 280-horsepower 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 from the LaCrosse and the 324-hp turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 from the Insignia OPC as potential candidates for the Regal GS.
All-wheel drive reportedly will be an option, as will a six-speed manual gearbox, according to various Web reports.
The standard 2011 Regal was unveiled earlier this month at the Los Angeles auto show.
It has also been leaked that GM will unveil a concept version of the Chevrolet Aveo called the RS (said to be larger than any production Aveo to date), plus a GMC concept vehicle called the Granite.
Inside Line says: The Insignia OPC looks like a dynamite product — but we're not convinced it will make a good Buick. — Erin Riches, Senior Editor
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atenza94546 says:
04:27 PM, 12/25/2009
Tota lly wrong name to keep. Buick is for older folks. This is not China, Pontiac should have been saved for speicalty vehicles. Such as G8, or slot the Insignia OPC to be a G6.
ausboy1 says:
01:37 PM, 12/23/2009
This woudl have made a fntastic replacment for the Pontiac G6. I still think that Pontiac was the wrong name to kill in the USA. But what do I know, I am just another car nut that won't look at GM again.
jm1212 says:
01:28 PM, 12/23/2009
If GM is smart they will pick the 2.8L turbo, which is also shared with the Saab 9-3 Aero and eventually will be in the Cadillac SRX. the engine has no turbolag whatsoever, and makes more power than the 3.6 while using less fuel. plus, it will probably weigh less.
that said, AWD will be a must to prevent torque-steer problems with either engine
double_duece says:
12:57 PM, 12/23/2009
I agree with firstclass and dogbolter. Why not make this a straight import and just change the badge? the Opel Insignia OPC looks so aggressive and sporty. It invites you to drive it harder and you want to drive it harder! And though the changes to the Buick Regal look good, it's just too smooth and all that visual eye candy has been dulled away. Maybe on the GS, we'll get some of those angry visual queues back. Either, it's still a car I'm looking forward to. They'd just better make sure they bring the wagon to the states as well.
dogbolter says:
11:46 AM, 12/23/2009
Why not just import the Opel and change a few badges? The Opel is a far better (IMHO) looking vehicle.
firstclass says:
10:39 AM, 12/23/2009
The Opel Insignia OPC Looks so much more aggressive and sports oriented...how did a different bumper and smaller wheels make this Buick look so tame and weak. If Buick is at all serious about attracting younger buyers they'll have to at least offer the Insignia's Wheels.
Any 1980s Buick drivers just so you know OPC has nothing to do with Robocop.