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Regal Turbo Edges Competition in Highway Fuel Economy

New Manual, 6-Speed Delivers 32 MPG – Better than VW CC Sport and Acura TSX

DETROIT – Brad and Cathy French of Chicago have always driven cars with manual transmissions, including imports from Audi and BMW. Now the clothing industry sales and marketing reps drive a six-speed manual 2011 Buick Regal Turbo.

For the Frenchs, driving a “stick” is all about fun, fuel-efficiency and being alert in traffic.

“When you look at the Regal Turbo it just screams manual,” said Brad French, a fitness and fashion devotee for whom personal appearance factors into vehicle purchase decisions. “A few years ago I would’ve never considered Buick, but the Regal Turbo is a very sharp-looking car that is a thrill to drive. I can’t wait to show it off.”

Not only is the six-speed manual Regal Turbo a thrill to drive, it gets an EPA-rated 32 mpg on the highway, which is better than its closest competitors, Acura TSX and Volkswagen CC Sport. On the open road, Regal Turbo’s 2.0-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine delivers 220 hp and 258 lbs-ft of torque – also better than its rivals.

Buick Regal Turbo Acura TSX Volkswagen CC Sport
MPG 20 city / 32 highway 21 city / 29 highway 21 city / 31 highway
Horsepower 220 hp 201 hp 200 hp
Torque 258 lbs-ft 172 lbs-ft 207 lbs-ft

 

“Not only is the Regal Turbo fun to drive and fuel efficient, it is the first direct-injected turbocharged production car capable of running on any blend of gasoline or E85 ethanol,” said Robert Casparian, Regal product manager.

Like the Regal Turbo with automatic transmission, which starts at $28,745, the manual offers three unique driving modes – standard, tour and sport – each selectable by a push of a button. The available Interactive Drive Control System changes the Regal Turbo’s driving dynamics by altering suspension, shift pattern and steering sensitivity through the variable effort steering system. Tour mode offers a comfortable, relaxed driving experience for long journeys. Sport mode enhances road-holding capability. And the standard, or default, mode is optimized for all driving situations.

“By enabling drivers to tune their vehicle to their driving preference and even their mood, we’re better able to exceed their expectations and provide a more satisfying driving experience,” Casparian said.

As much as driving enjoyment factored in the French’s decision to purchase the granite gray metallic Regal Turbo, so did its sweeping silhouette and streamlined, coupe-like profile that suggest motion from all angles – from its waterfall grille to its spoiler-enhanced tail end.

“All of our friends love our sexy new car,” said Cathy French.  “Of course, I’m telling them that it’s really my car and that I’m only letting Brad drive it.”

 

 

 

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Buick Enclave Wins ‘2011 Best Value in America’ Award

Vincentric Picks Enclave over Other Full-Size Crossovers Based on Lower Costs of Ownership

DETROIT – Buick Enclave took top honors in the full-size crossover category of Vincentric’s seventh annual Best Value in America awards announced today, beating Ford Flex and other competitive models. Enclave previously earned the honor in 2009.

Vincentric, a privately held automotive data compilation and analysis firm, headquartered in Bingham Farms, Mich., selects winners based on calculations of total cost of ownership relative to price within industry segment.

“Winning the Vincentric ‘Best Value in America’ award reaffirms what Consumer Digest said of Enclave last year – that it’s a ‘Best Buy,’” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president, Buick Marketing. “Enclave is a smarter choice for crossover buyers, not only for its lower cost of ownership, but also for its winning blend of sleek, contemporary design, luxurious quiet-tuned interior and superior ride and handling.”

In addition to winning the “Best Value in America” award twice and the “Best Buy” designation four times, Enclave was recently nominated for About.com’s 2011 Readers’ Choice Award in the “Best New Crossover Vehicle” category.

“We picked Enclave over other full-size crossovers, because its low depreciation rate and low service costs resulted in a cost of ownership that is 3 percent lower than expected for similarly priced vehicles in its segment,” said David Wurster, president of Vincentric.

Enclave buyers have helped Buick become the fastest-growing mainstream automotive brand in America. The crossover’s retail sales grew in February by 45 percent compared to the same month in 2010 and total sales were up 38 percent.

Enclave has the highest “conquest” rate of any Buick, with 51 percent coming from non-GM brands, approximately half of which are import brands.

Learn more about Buick Enclave here.

 

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Buick Retail Sales Swell 90 Percent in February

Regal Posts Best Month since Launch as Fuel-Efficient Turbo Attracts New Buyers

DETROIT – Buick, the fastest growing major automotive brand in the United States in 2010, delivered its 17th straight month of retail sales gains with a 90 percent increase over last February. The brand’s total February sales also improved 73 percent year-over-year, thanks in part to the increased availability of the new fuel-efficient Regal CXL Turbo.

“Buick is gaining great traction in the midsize sedan, full-size car and crossover segments, thanks in part to very positive word of mouth,” said Brian Sweeney, U.S. vice president of Buick & GMC Sales and Service. “We fully expect the arrival of the fuel-efficient LaCrosse with eAssist and all-new Verano luxury compact to attract even more new customers to the brand.”

Approximately 38 percent of Buick buyers come from non-GM brands, including nearly 18 percent come from imports, calendar year-to-date.

Regal, which has the highest conquest rate of any Buick calendar year to date at 46 percent, enjoyed its strongest sales month since its launch last spring. Regal’s retail sales in February were 55 percent higher than in January.  Regal’s total sales were up 59 percent compared to the same period – 21 percent higher than its previous highest month (December).

Regal’s recent sales gains are fueled in part by the increased availability of the all-new Regal CXL Turbo, which accounted for approximately 25 percent of Regal’s sales in February. On the open road, Regal Turbo’s 2.0-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine delivers 220 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, better than Acura TSX. Regal Turbo, which is now available with manual six-speed transmission, also delivers better fuel economy, with an EPA-rated 32 mpg highway.

“Regal sales are expected to grow even more with the arrival of the new Regal with eAssist and high performance Regal GS later this year,” Sweeney said.

After enjoying its strongest sales in history in 2010, Enclave is on its way to having another strong year, with retail sales up 45 percent in February compared to the same period in 2010. Total sales for the luxury crossover were up by 38 percent for the month.

LaCrosse, which Car & Driver magazine recently honored with a 2011 Editor’s Choice Award, also had a strong February, with a 28 percent increase in retail sales and a 7 percent increase in total sales.