GM Planning Buick Regal Concept?

[schmallz]

Originally Posted by AG3

Do you mean downsize them?
The Astra is a compact (similar size to the VW Golf/Rabbit), while the Regal/Insignia is roughly the same size as the mid-size Camry.


By the way, the Saturn Astra's 1.8 Ecotec already makes 138hp.

I thought the Regal was on SWB Epsilon, like the Saab 9-3.

The 2008 9-3 is 182" long. That makes it a compact.
Like the: Cobalt 180", 3 Series 178", and A4 185".

I should have specified, the Astra Hatchback is 170" long. Like other sub-compacts such as the:
1 Series(170"), A3(168"), Aveo(169"), Yaris(169") and the Golf(165")

[cdp326]

Originally Posted by schmallz

I thought the Regal was on SWB Epsilon, like the Saab 9-3.

The 2008 9-3 is 182" long. That makes it a compact.
Like the: Cobalt 180", 3 Series 178", and A4 185".

Isn't the Regal SWB Epsilon II though?

Either way, being on SWB Epsilon doesn't define it as a compact. The 2004 Malibu sedan was SWB Epsilon I, the Malibu Maxx was LWB Epsilon I.
Sedan: 106.3" wheelbase, 188.3" length
Maxx: 112.3" wheelbase, 187.8" length (this wheelbase is the same for the G6/Aura/'08 Malibu)
Both are still midsize.

Opel Insignia: 107.8" wheelbase, 190.2" length
Buick LaCrosse: 111.7" wheelbase, 197.0" length

I should have specified, the Astra Hatchback is 170" long. Like other sub-compacts such as the:
1 Series(170"), A3(168"), Aveo(169"), Yaris(169") and the Golf(165")

The Golf is a compact. You have to keep in mind that compact hatchbacks are often shorter than their compact sedan counterparts, and station wagons are closer to sedan dimensions (so they don't overlap with 5-door hatchbacks).

Aveo5: 97.6" wheelbase, 155.0" length
Aveo sedan: 97.6" wheelbase, 169.7" length

Yaris hatchback: 96.9" wheelbase, 150.6" length
Yaris sedan: 100.4" wheelbase, 169.3" length

Golf: 101.5" wheelbase, 165.5-166" length
Jetta: 101.5" wheelbase, 179.3" length
(For comparison, the length of the old 4th-gen subcompact VW Polo)
Polo hatch: 153-154" length
Polo sedan: 165.3" length

The current Astra has a sedan version sold in some markets; didn't see the sedan specs yet but the wagon is likely close:
Astra hatch: 102.9" wheelbase, 170.5" length
Astra wagon: 106.4" wheelbase, 177.8" length

[emawk]

The Chinese Buick Regal does look great. It would be a nice addition to Buick's U.S. lineup.

[LeSabre]

Originally Posted by emawk

The Chinese Buick Regal does look great. It would be a nice addition to Buick's U.S. lineup.

No it wouldn't!!!!





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[MAK]

YES!! It would. And I hope we get to see the Insignia OPC here as a Buick Regal GNX. And you can rant all you want about it wouldn't be a real GNX cuz it's not rwd and all blacked out. But GNX was always just a trim level, the same as OPC, based on performance add-ons.

[LeSabre]

Originally Posted by MAK

YES!! It would. And I hope we get to see the Insignia OPC here as a Buick Regal GNX. And you can rant all you want about it wouldn't be a real GNX cuz it's not rwd and all blacked out. But GNX was always just a trim level, the same as OPC, based on performance add-ons.

The GN/GNX as far as performance Buicks' go is a classic/legend & a modern FWD version would be a blasphemous sacrilege!!! It would also heavily tarnish the nameplate. If it's a Regal GS(which I doubt they'd make a modern one of those), fine.

Chinese Buick's can stay in China, esp. the the POS, Excelle! I am sure many Buick faithful/fans would shy away from those abominations. They would not be worth their price in tin.

The coming 2nd Gen LaCrosse is disgusting.

The only Buick model that is worth buying is the Enclave, That's it!



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[Eric77TA]

Originally Posted by LeSabre

The GN/GNX as far as performance Buicks' go is a classic/legend & a modern FWD version would be a blasphemous sacrilege!!! It would also heavily tarnish the nameplate. If it's a Regal GS(which I doubt they'd make a modern one of those), fine.

Chinese Buick's can stay in China, esp. the the POS, Excelle! I am sure many Buick faithful/fans would shy away from those abominations. They would not be worth their price in tin.

The coming 2nd Gen LaCrosse is disgusting.

The only Buick model that is worth buying is the Enclave, That's it!



!!

I agree on the GN/GNX name. Let a legend rest in peace. Buick's been out of NASCAR so long there's no connection whatsoever.

The Regal isn't really a "Chinese Buick" it was first brought to market there, but it isn't a native Chinese product.

As you probably know, the U.S. Insignia was going to be the 2nd generation Saturn Aura. With Saturn gone, it looks like we'll be getting it as the Regal in the U.S. as well, though made at Oshawa.

They'd never bring the Excelle here. It's far below U.S. Buick standards. Not only is it too small, it's too unrefined. They've done a decent job on the interior of the 2009 update, though. Nonetheless, that car isn't long for this world anyway. The car it was originally based on (Daewoo Lacetti) is already a more modern Cruze twin than the Excelle currently is.

Not sure what your problem is with the LaCrosse. Seems like a more holistic effort than the first generation LaCrosse was to me. I think it's fine for Buick's mainstream car (though I think they need to ditch the wheelcovers on the base CX. NO Buick should have wheelcovers anymore, period).

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by LeSabre

The GN/GNX as far as performance Buicks' go is a classic/legend & a modern FWD version would be a blasphemous sacrilege!!! It would also heavily tarnish the nameplate. If it's a Regal GS(which I doubt they'd make a modern one of those), fine.

Chinese Buick's can stay in China, esp. the the POS, Excelle! I am sure many Buick faithful/fans would shy away from those abominations. They would not be worth their price in tin.

The coming 2nd Gen LaCrosse is disgusting.

The only Buick model that is worth buying is the Enclave, That's it!



!!

Then don't buy any of them and quit being a downer for people who want to see a refreshed Buick lineup.

[Ed Arcuri]

Let's use names with great traditions. Regal, for example. Anyone else remember those Regals? The ones from Studebaker?

[M_RABID]

Originally Posted by LeSabre

The coming 2nd Gen LaCrosse is disgusting.

The only Buick model that is worth buying is the Enclave, That's it!


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I know you are but what am I.

LeSabre, you need to give this car a chance. I wasn't really sold on it until I saw some up close, and got to sit in them. The new LaCrosse will knock your socks off. The interior is georgous. Loads of technology. Maybe it's not for the "traditional" Buick buyer, but that's the point. Buick still has the split bench Lucerne for them.

[cire_1wb]

Originally Posted by M_RABID

I know you are but what am I.

LeSabre, you need to give this car a chance. I wasn't really sold on it until I saw some up close, and got to sit in them. The new LaCrosse will knock your socks off. The interior is georgous. Loads of technology. Maybe it's not for the "traditional" Buick buyer, but that's the point. Buick still has the split bench Lucerne for them.

I agree about the 2010 LaCrosse. The new LaCrosse is a winner (except for the lame name; I think they should resurrect "LeSabre" for this car since it will probably be Buick's future flagship sedan).

I disagree about the Lucerne, however. It should be discontinued along with the current LaCrosse when the 2010 LeSabre (oops! I mean LaCrosse) reaches the market. Buick doesn't need any relics from their outdated past sitting on dealer lots reminding people how geriatric the brand has been.

Enclave and the 2010 LeSabre (oops! There I go again) definitely convey that there is a brighter future ahead for Buick (if GM can keep it together).

[LeSabre]

Originally Posted by M_RABID

I know you are but what am I.

LeSabre, you need to give this car a chance. I wasn't really sold on it until I saw some up close, and got to sit in them. The new LaCrosse will knock your socks off. The interior is georgous. Loads of technology. Maybe it's not for the "traditional" Buick buyer, but that's the point. Buick still has the split bench Lucerne for them.

I wouldn't get a Lucerne either.

Buick offers no cars that I would consider.
The only Buick model I like & would consider highly is the Enclave, but this vehicle would not be practical for me & my current lifestyle.

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[LeSabre]

Originally Posted by cire_1wb

I agree about the 2010 LaCrosse. The new LaCrosse is a winner (except for the lame name; I think they should resurrect "LeSabre" for this car since it will probably be Buick's future flagship sedan).

I disagree about the Lucerne, however. It should be discontinued along with the current LaCrosse when the 2010 LeSabre (oops! I mean LaCrosse) reaches the market. Buick doesn't need any relics from their outdated past sitting on dealer lots reminding people how geriatric the brand has been.

Enclave and the 2010 LeSabre (oops! There I go again) definitely convey that there is a brighter future ahead for Buick (if GM can keep it together).

I disagree. A new LeSabre should replace the aging Lucerne. The LaCrosse name should be something like "Electra".


!!!

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by cire_1wb

I agree about the 2010 LaCrosse. The new LaCrosse is a winner (except for the lame name; I think they should resurrect "LeSabre" for this car since it will probably be Buick's future flagship sedan).

GM Training Vids already refer to the LaCrosse as Buick's new flagship.

Looks like that's as big as we'll see a Buick sedan get for some time.

[LeSabre]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

GM Training Vids already refer to the LaCrosse as Buick's new flagship.

Looks like that's as big as we'll see a Buick sedan get for some time.

I find this "news" disgusting.
The only Buick model out now or is known to be on its way to possibly have the distinction of being the brands flagship is the Enclave.



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