Car Moon

The big news for the 2012 model year Buick LaCrosse sedan is the introduction of a new standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with eAssist and a newer, more powerful and more efficient version of the direct-injected, E85-capable 3.6-liter V6 unit that sits atop of the range.

The entry-level LaCrosse with GM’s micro-hybrid eAssist technology is expected to deliver 25 percent better highway fuel economy than the current base model with the 182HP 2.4-liter four-pot, but not without a penalty at the showroom as prices start at $29,960 before an $860 destination charge for a total of $30,820. That’s an increase of $2,830 over the current 2011 LaCrosse CX.

Even though automakers have been shifting millions of advertising dollars to the Internet, they aren't about to let go of TV any time soon. Following a series of web and print ads, GM is launching the first of several television commercials on the all-new 2011 Buick Regal.

The first TV spot for the Regal saloon is titled "Autobahn" and features the voice of Kevin Bacon. As you may have guessed by the commercial's name, GM is playing up the Regal's German roots.

Using an official sketch that was revealed at Buick's Los Angeles Auto Show conference last December as a canvas, GMI (GM Inside News) forum member "Mr. Burns" created a fairly realistic rendering of the firm's forthcoming small sedan that's expected to be heavily based on the Opel Astra.

The new four-door saloon that will make use of the same Delta II platform as the Chevrolet Cruze, will take the place of the Opel Insignia-based 2011 Regal sedan as Buick's entry-level offering in North America while it is also expected to replace the current Excelle in China.

The VW Jetta sedan should be considered one of the most closest rivals to the as of yet unnamed "baby" Buick model.

Though details still remain scarce, it is believed that the engine range will include the same 140HP 1.4-liter turbo four found in the Cruze while it's also possible that GM may add the Opel Astra's more potent 1.6-liter turbo with 180HP in the mix.

Chances are that we'll get to see the new Buick model arriving in the States sometime next year.

Renderings: GMInsidenews

Even though General Motors used the term 'show car' to describe the sporty Buick Regal GS that made its world debut in Detroit, there's nothing conceptual about this model. The GS version of the new 2011 Regal sedan that's due to go on sale this summer is said to be identical to the Opel Insignia OPC in all but one element: the engine.

According to GM, whereas the OPC gets a 2.8-liter twin-scroll turbocharged with 325HP, the all-wheel drive GS is fitted with a tuned up version of the Regal CXL's 2.0-liter turbo four that makes 255HP.

However, if you pay attention to the second promotional video after the jump (pause at 52 seconds into the film), you'll see that the GS features a V6 Turbo...

During Buick's Los Angeles Auto Show press conference for the unveiling of the Opel Insignia-based 2011 Regal saloon, the company's product marketing director, Craig Bierly, showed a teaser sketch of the next addition to the Buick range, a premium compact sedan.

General Motors is bringing back an old Buick name in a new package with the 2011 Regal sedan that was revealed to potential customers in Los Angeles on Thursday. The Regal is actually an Opel Insignia with a Buick waterfall-style grille and matching badges. In fact, it will be built alongside the Insignia at the GM Opel plant in Russelsheim, Germany. Power will come from GM's direct-injected 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 182 hp, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder with 220 hp. U.S. sales will start next spring. Follow the jump to watch the first official videos of the Regal that include detailed shots of the interior and exterior as well as driving footage.

Downsizing seems to be the name of the game these days - or at least segment-wise and in theory if you consider the fact that, for example, at 3,721mm / 146.5'' in length, the first gen VW Golf is significantly smaller than today's 3,970mm / 156.3'' long VW Polo, let alone the Golf VI... But anyhow. GM released a bunch of design proposals for a small premium Buick model developed under the project name 'Avant'.

Redesigned from the ground up, the 2010 LaCrosse is Buick's latest proposal in the near-luxury segment with rivals such as the Lexus ES350 and the Chrysler 300. The all-new LaCrosse that will make its premiere at the 2009 Detroit auto show will go on sale in the States this summer offered with the choice of two direct injection V6 engines and the option of all-wheel drive. Click here for more details and photos or follow the jump to check out the video.