GM had long intentions to offer a Buick Regal wagon parallel to their popular range of sedans in the United States. But GM’s unfortunate bankruptcy resulted to deviate from their financial budgeting with the change in priorities saw funds for the program diverted towards other avenues. It now appears that their plans are back on track judging continuous ongoing development work at their facilities.
The Regal sedan is a redesigned Insignia four door that has undergone heavy Buick reformation, including installation of a chrome grille and Buick emblems and wheels. “Insignia” badge is still apparent at the rear hatch along with the “Turbo X” mark and its presence indicates that this particular example of sports four wheel drive and a 2.0-liter turbo four. The 220-hp 2.0-liter is the only turbocharged engine used in the U.S. Regal sedan and putting in any of the European engines would not make much of a sense. The Regal’s other engine option is a conventional 182-hp, 2.4-liter.
The Regal wagon would face tough competition with the Acura TSX Sport Wagon and Audi A4 Avant. These as well as GM’s own Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon, expect an American Regal wagon to get a user friendly name in an effort to pamper U.S buyers, most of whom are sensible enough and abstain from buying just anything labeled as a wagon. Regal Sport Wagon has potential as it will carry a tradition of a Sports Tourer.
One thing is for sure that what is really wanted is a high performance variant. Options for using the 255-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four engines or the 325-hp V-6 from the Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer are open hooked up with a four wheel drive. It seems remote, but the existence of the Cadillac CTS-V wagon shows that somebody somewhere in the company values fast and luxurious wagons.
Via caranddriver.com
