Filed under: Sedan, Buick, GM

Buick launched its mid-size Regal sedan in late 2010 as a 2011 model, with the Turbo, high-performance GS and eAssist models following suit over the past year. Now, General Motors' tri-shield arm has announced a couple of powertrain updates that will go into effect for the 2013 model year, namely the discontinuation of the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter inline-four in the base Regal.

For 2013, the Regal's standard engine is the 2.4-liter eAssit powerplant - a mill that, according to the EPA, is good for up to 36 miles per gallon on the highway. Buick pulled a similar stunt with its larger LaCrosse, killing off the base 2.4 in favor of the eAssist powertrain with a V6 available as a no-cost option. That said, Buick has not announced pricing for the updated 2013 Regal line, but we'll be interested to see if the 220-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-four of the Regal Turbo will be available at no additional cost.

The 270-hp Regal GS carries over largely unchanged, though as initially promised, a six-speed automatic transmission will now be optional. Buick states that the self-shifting unit will not hinder performance (well, except for that whole shift-on-your-own-terms thing), citing that the automatic-equipped Regal GS will sprint to 60 miles per hour in 6.7 seconds, just like manual-equipped cars.

Buick will release full pricing and availability for the 2013 Regal line later this year. In the meantime, read the full details for yourself in the press release below the fold.

Continue reading 2013 Buick Regal gets standard eAssist, automatic option for GS

2013 Buick Regal gets standard eAssist, automatic option for GS originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Car Buying, Classics, Etc., Audi, Buick, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Jeep, Nissan, Porsche, Volkswagen

The world would be considerably less entertaining if we could all predict the future. Even so, the classic car gurus at Hagerty Insurance have cast a few chicken bones in an attempt to figure out which vehicles produced today might eventually turn collectible.

The company restricted entrants to hardware with a price tag of less than $100,000, so the list isn't populated with too many wild exotics. While vehicles like the Nissan GT-R Black Edition, Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca Edition, Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and Porsche 911 are low-hanging fruit, the list also featured a few surprises.

For starters, it begins with none other than the mighty Buick Regal GS. Hagerty says the vehicle is a win because it's the first Buick with a manual transmission since the fall of the Holy Roman Empire. The Fiat 500 Abarth also makes an appearance alongside an even hotter hatch, the Volkswagen Golf R. Of course, we're simply thrilled to see the sinister Audi TT RS make a showing. Hit the jump for the full list or view each vehicle in our gallery above.

Continue reading Hagerty predicts this year's future classics

Hagerty predicts this year's future classics originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Crossover, Buick, Vauxhall, UK, Design/Style

The Buick Encore will see its first encore in Ye Olde England when it appears as the Vauxhall Mokka, and other than a little bit of fiddling up front, it doesn't appear that anything changes in the still-ladybug-sized limey version. To our eyes, the design looks much better without the Buick's Ventiports tacked onto the hood, and something of this size and capability just seems to be a better mental fit with Vauxhall or Opel branding versus Buick.

Instead of the Hobson's choice U.S. buyers are faced with for the engine - a 140-horsepower 1.4-liter or... nothing - the Euros will get a choice of three powerplants: two gasoline and one diesel, all with stop/start. They also get the option of two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission.

Admittedly, the two other engine options are less powerful: one of them is a non-turbocharged 1.6-liter with just 113 horsepower, but the 127-hp, 1.7-liter CDTI diesel does crank the torque up to 222 pound-feet, well up from 148 lb-ft in the Ecotec 1.4-liter. We'll see it in person at the Geneva Motor Show in March, it will go on sale toward the end of this year, and there's a press release after the jump to get you ready to... Mokka.

Continue reading Buick Encore appears as Vauxhall/Opel Mokka overseas

Buick Encore appears as Vauxhall/Opel Mokka overseas originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Podcasts, Buick, Hyundai, Mini

The North American International Auto Show episode



Episode #264 of the Autoblog Podcast is here with Chris, Dan, Chris Paukert, and the prodigal Alex Nunez. The Detroit Auto Show just wrapped up, and we saw plenty there to fill up a podcast talking about. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #264:

• The North American International Auto Show

In the Autoblog Garage
2011 Mini Cooper S Countryman All4
2011 Hyundai Elantra
2012 Buick Regal GS


Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert, Alex Nunez

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #264

Autoblog Podcast #264 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, Buick, Luxury

Buick used the bright lights of the Detroit Auto Show to unveil the 2013 Encore; a mite-sized crossover that will be smaller than other vehicles in its class. In fact, the Encore is only 168 inches long, and its wheelbase is only 104.8 inches across. Even with those diminutive proportions, the Encore still manages to house 48 cubic feet of cargo with the second-row seats folded flat. The front passenger seat also folds for additional storage.

Buick also worked hard to distinguish the cabin of the Encore, with active noise cancellation that General Motors design boss Ed Welburn claims will be among the quietest in its class. The Encore will also feature Buick IntelliLink, which includes a seven-inch LCD screen plus Bluetooth that works with smart phones for hands-free calling and access to Pandora and Stitcher.

The Encore will be powered by the same 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder engine currently under the hood of the Chevrolet Sonic and Cruze. The mini mill pumps out 140 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. That's not a lot of power, but keep in mind that the Encore rides on a revised version of the Chevy Sonic platform.

Hit the jump to read over the Buick press release, and click on the gallery above to peruse the high-resolution images from the show floor.

Continue reading Buick Encore brings small to the big stage of Detroit

Buick Encore brings small to the big stage of Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Crossover, Buick, Design/Style

As Buick unleashed its rather deliberate teaser strategy for its 2013 Encore crossover, there was much speculation among both industry pundits and Autoblog commenters about what size the vehicle actually is. Having seen it in person and now having the full measurements at hand, we feel comfortable telling you that the Encore is probably smaller than you think.

Riding atop a 100.6-inch wheelbase, the Encore only spans 168.5 inches, making it smaller than the five-door Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, which straddles a 104.8-inch wheelbase and spans 171.5 inches overall. The Encore's platform is based on Gamma II architecture, which is related to - but not identical - to the framework underneath the Chevrolet Sonic. Buick is making bold proclamations about the Encore being a pioneer in the premium subcompact crossover market, and as if to emphasize the point, General Motors compares the vehicle to the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 in its press materials - vehicles that aren't even sold in the U.S.

Like the Sonic, the Encore relies on the 1.4-liter turbo four backed by a Hydramatic six-speed automatic, and the powertrain is tuned to deliver 140 horsepower at 4,900 rpm and 148 pound-feet at 1,850 rpm. In typical Buick fashion, engineers have placed significant emphasis on a hushed interior, fitting an acoustic-laminated windshield and standard 18-inch "quiet-tuned" Continental tires along with active noise cancelling through the audio system - a Buick first.

It will be interesting to see where the Encore is priced when it hits dealers - the Verano sedan is currently Buick's least expensive offering at $23,470, but it's larger in size. For the full details, hit the jump for the official press blast.

Continue reading 2013 Buick Encore is smaller than you think

2013 Buick Encore is smaller than you think originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Sedan, China, Buick

By and large we're not big fans of the full-on chrome-finish treatment here at Autoblog. Most of us lean more toward matte than mirrored. But some cars wear the garish look well. Like a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, for example. A Buick Regal? Less so.

That, however, does not appear to have stopped members of a Regal-centric car club in China from wrapping the Buick sedan in the shiny stuff, for better or worse. At least they've also given the same car a flat black finish, too. Follow the links to see more.

Why yes, this is a chrome Buick Regal originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Jan 2012 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, Buick

Buick has shown off yet another section of the Encore CUV set to debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. The latest panel gives us a clear look at the vehicle's front fascia, complete with a waterfall grille and attractive projector headlights. We aren't entirely smitten by the black trim set just below each headlight array, but we'll reserve final judgement until we see the vehicle in the flesh next week.

The Encore is expected to arrive on dealer lots later this year as a 2013 model and should bolster Buick's small SUV chops. As of right now, the company only offers the three-row Enclave crossover, leaving buyers hungry for a smaller vehicle to look elsewhere. Check back on on January 10 for all the details at the Encore's official unveiling.

2013 Buick Encore cubular striptease continues originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, Buick

The 2013 Buick Encore is set to appear for the first time at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, but the Tri-Shield is giving us a sneak-peek via its Facebook page. We've already seen a close-up of a very attractive-looking headlamp, and Buick also unveiled one quarter of a water-front image.

Now Team Buick is unveiling a second panel, which shows the entire greenhouse plus a good portion of the side body panels. The Encore looks to be about the same size as the Chevrolet Equinox, but we don't see a single panel shared with the BowTie-badged CUV. We still don't have the first hint of any vehicle specs, but that should change as we get closer to the crossover's January 10th reveal date.

More of Buick Encore revealed on Facebook originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Sedan, SUV, Crossover, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Volvo, Tesla

As we prepare to flip our calendars from 2011 to 2012, it's time to say goodbye to a handful of vehicles that are being sent to the Great Parking Lot In The Sky before the 2012 model year completely takes hold. And while we're not exactly upset about having to bid farewell to things like the Mitsubishi Endeavor, Mazda Tribute or Chevrolet HHR, there are a few vehicles that we're truly going to miss.

The Mazda RX-8, for example, has grown to be one of our favorite sports cars since its introduction in 2003. We love its lightweight construction, high-revving rotary engine and surprisingly functional suicide door design. It's kind of like a Miata with a roof and rear seats. Speaking of the Miata, Tesla's two-seat Roadster - the automaker's first production vehicle - proved to us that open-top motoring can be thrilling even with a stack of batteries driving the wheels.

We'll miss the Honda Element and its rugged, utilitarian nature. We'll miss the Volvo V50 and its capacious cargo area made for Ikea runs. And we'll really miss those large lords of luxury, the Cadillac DTS and Ford Crown Victoria. We've already said goodbye to the faithful but overripe Ford Ranger, and as ridiculous as the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid was, it was a shockingly good-to-drive electrified crossover.

There are plenty more models that won't be making the journey to the 2012 model year, so have a look at the full list in our attached image gallery, then let us know which ones you'll miss (if any) in the Comments.

Say 'goodbye' to these cars and trucks for the new year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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