The Buick Regal first came out in 1973 as a personal luxury coupe. Over time it became a full model line and became a mainstay in the mid-size car class. Known for its history and performance it’s a favorite among car owners.
What is Buick Regal?
The Buick Regal is a mid-size car that first came out as an upscale luxury model. It’s designed to be smooth and comfortable.
The Regal combines Buick’s traditional aesthetics with modern technology, making it attractive to both young and older drivers.
References
- Wikipedia. Buick Regal. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buick_Regal on 3 October 2024.
- Consumer Reports. Buick Regal. Retrieved from https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buick/regal/ on 3 October 2024.
What is the History of Buick Regal?
The Buick Regal first came out in 1973 when Buick was going for luxury and performance. In its early years it was part of the GM A-body platform. The original models had a V8 engine and were marketed as personal luxury vehicles.
The 1978 redesign had a downsized version to address the energy crisis. In 1988 the Regal went to front-wheel-drive and improved handling.
In the 90s and 2000s the Regal had several updates, including cosmetic and technology upgrades. The 2009 re-introduction of the Regal in North America was a new chapter, a mix of European design and features.
References
- MotorTrend. Buick Regal History: Generations, Pictures, and More. Retrieved from https://www.motortrend.com/vehicle-genres/buick-regal-history-pictures-generations/ on 3 October 2024.
- Wheelz. History of Buick Regal. Retrieved from https://en.wheelz.me/history-of-buick-regal/ on 3 October 2024.
What are the Key Features of Buick Regal?
The Buick Regal has a sleek and aerodynamic design with a focus on luxury. It has roomy interiors with premium materials. It comes with modern features to make driving more enjoyable.
These include infotainment systems with touchscreens, smartphone integration and premium sound systems. The Regal’s suspension is designed to be smooth and absorb road bumps. Safety features often include lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control and collision alerts.
References
- Car and Driver. Buick Regal Specifications. Retrieved from https://www.caranddriver.com/buick/regal/specs on 3 October 2024.
- PakWheels. Buick Regal Specifications. Retrieved from https://www.pakwheels.com/new-cars/buick/regal/specifications/ on 3 October 2024.
- Kelly GMC Buick. Buick Regal Safety Features. Retrieved from https://www.kellygmcbuick.com/blog/blog-buick-regal-safety-feartures on 3 October 2024.
What are the Models and Trim Levels of Buick Regal?
The Regal has had many models and trims over the years. Notable models include the Grand National and the GNX, famous for their racing heritage.
The Regal GS was introduced in the late 90s and had a supercharged engine to boost performance. The Regal has been a sedan, coupe and even a wagon so it’s good for many. Here are the details:
First Generation (1973-1977)
The first generation Regal was mainly a luxury coupe. It had the base model and the S/R trim with upgraded interiors and optional V8 engines for more power and comfort.
Second Generation (1978-1987)
This generation had the Regal Sport Coupe and the famous Grand National. The Sport Coupe had a turbocharged V6 for more power. The Grand National trim with its aggressive look and powerful engine became a NASCAR racing icon.
Third Generation (1988-1996)
The Regal went to front-wheel drive, available as a coupe and sedan. Trims were the base Custom and the Limited, both with the 3.8L V6 engine.
Fourth Generation (1997-2004)
The Regal shared its platform with the Buick Century. It came in LS and GS trims. The GS had a supercharged engine for a sportier drive.
Fifth Generation (2008-2017)
The Regal used the Opel Insignia’s platform and had CXL and GS trims. The CXL had luxury upgrades, the GS had a turbocharged engine and sport features.
Sixth Generation (2018-Present)
The latest Regal has the Sportback and TourX. Trims are base, Preferred, Essence and the performance oriented GS. The GS has a 310-horsepower V6 engine and is all about power and luxury.
References
- CarBuzz. Buick Regal Sportback Specs and Trims. Retrieved from https://carbuzz.com/cars/buick/regal-sportback/specs-and-trims/ on 3 October 2024.
- Wikipedia. Buick Regal – Third Generation (1988). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buick_Regal#Third_generation_(1988) on 3 October 2024.
What are the Engine Specifications of Regal?
The Regal has had many engine options over the years. Early models had V8 engines but later ones had 4-cylinder and V6 engines. Recent models have turbocharged engines to balance power and fuel efficiency. The engines are paired with automatic or manual transmissions to suit different driving styles.
References
- U.S. News & World Report. Buick Regal Performance. Retrieved from https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/buick/regal/performance on 3 October 2024.
What about the Discontinuation of the Buick Regal?
The Buick Regal ended its run in North America in 2020 when General Motors announced its discontinuation. It was part of GM’s plan to focus more on SUVs and crossovers as the consumer preference is shifting.
As sedan sales declined, GM decided to adjust its lineup and focus on vehicles with higher demand. The Regal, known for its luxury and performance, had its last production year in 2020 and that marked the end of an era for Buick’s mid-size sedans in America.
The discontinuation of the Regal also aligns with Buick’s global strategy as the brand wants to simplify its offerings. Although the Regal is no longer sold in North America, it’s still available in China where sedans are popular.
In China, the Regal still has its reputation for being comfortable and stylish to drive. This geographical shift shows how the global automotive market is dynamic where regional demands dictate production.
Overall, the discontinuation of the Buick Regal in North America underscores the automotive industry’s evolving landscape, where consumer trends and company strategies dictate vehicle availability. The Regal’s legacy persists through its impact on Buick’s brand identity and its continued presence in international markets.
References
- Cochran Cars. Discontinued GM Models. Retrieved from https://www.cochrancars.com/blog/discontinued-gm-models on 3 October 2024.
- V8Buick. Buick Regal: GM discontinued it because it beat the Corvette. Retrieved from https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/buick-regal-gm-discontinued-it-because-it-beat-the-corvette.387943/ on 3 October 2024.
- Buick Canada. Regal Discontinued Vehicles. Retrieved from https://www.buick.ca/en/discontinued-vehicles/regal on 3 October 2024.