All-New Buick Regal Debuts at Auto Shanghai 2017

The all-new Buick Regal made its Asian debut today at Auto Shanghai 2017. It provides a sleek, sporty, coupe-like design plus the spirited performance of a premium sports sedan and unexpected versatility in one sophisticated package for a perfect balance of form and function.

All-New Buick Regal

The Regal was originally introduced in the United States in 1973 and China in 2002. It has become popular among younger car buyers due to its styling and high-tech features. Last year, Regal deliveries in China exceeded 71,000 vehicles.

Drawing design inspiration from the Buick Avista concept, the all-new Regal has a wing-shaped grille that is complemented by wing-shaped dual LED daytime running lamps for a strong horizontal visual effect. Its second-generation Matrix Full-LED headlights give the new model a high-tech feel.

The wheelbase of the all-new Buick Regal has been extended 92 mm from the previous generation to 2,829 mm, while its wind drag coefficient has been reduced to 0.26. Providing a longer, lower center of gravity and coupe-like design, the model combines the spirited performance of a coupe with the generous stance of a premium sedan, setting a new trend for the segment.

As one of Buick's key global models, the all-new Regal will be offered in three variants with two powertrain options.

The 28T and 20T variants come standard with a nine-speed Hydra-Matic intelligent transmission. The transmission has a compact, efficient design along with a wider gear ratio range, optimizing fuel economy and significantly reducing engine noise while cruising. The transmission also delivers smoother, quicker gear shifting and acceleration in combination with two intelligent direct-injection turbocharged engines: GM's new-generation 1.5T SIDI small-displacement engine and its high-performance 2.0T SIDI engine, which has been named one of Ward's 10 Best Engines.

The upcoming all-new Buick Regal 30H variant will adopt GM's latest electrification technology.

!NEW! Avenir Sub-Brand to Represent Highest Expression of Buick Luxury

Concept car-inspired models will join global portfolio in 2018 model year

 

Buick Avenir Sub-Brand

Across continents, a growing set of new customers are discovering unexpected and attainable luxury experiences from Buick. Soon, those customers will be introduced to a new Avenir sub-brand designed to grow with the needs of future luxury buyers.

The Avenir sub-brand is inspired by Buick’s evolving customer base. The brand has grown quickly with female buyers, and one in two Buick customers today are coming from competitive brands. They’re expecting a high-end experience and premium quality. For example, 90 percent of Enclave buyers purchase one of the top two trim levels.

This year, an unprecedented number of new global products such as the Envision compact SUV and the 2017 LaCrosse sedan offer an elevated luxury experience that’s encouraging new car buyers to reassess what they know about Buick.

“Through the first half of 2016, Buick has been the industry’s fastest-growing major international brand, and Avenir is key to future growth and delivering on the high expectations of new customers coming to our showrooms,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global Buick Sales, Service and Marketing. “Avenir will be Buick’s signature. The highest expression of the luxury experiences we’re delivering now and in the future.”

Avenir vehicles will add distinct touches to Buick’s timeless, sculpted designs, including a three-dimensional mesh grille, large-diameter wheels, and unique trim finishes. Inside, Avenir models will enhance the brand’s quiet, inviting environment with unique seat details, modern trim materials and Avenir script identification.

The name “Avenir,” French for “future,” is taken from the award-winning concept sedan from 2015. That concept and this year’s Avista coupe concept — from which the new sub-brand borrows its grille pattern — have served as guideposts for designers sketching and modeling Buick’s future.

“Stretching the Buick brand’s international appeal and potential has been a major focus of exploration in our design studios,” said Helen Emsley, executive director of Buick Global Design. “Concept cars stretch the boundaries of what is possible and every new Buick is benefitting from this vision work. As the Avenir concept expressed the prestige vision for the portfolio, the addition of an Avenir sub-brand illustrates an important piece of future direction.”

Additional Avenir details and product specifics will be announced later.

!NEW! All-New Buick LaCrosse Hybrid Electric Vehicle to Be Unveiled in China

Expands brand’s green product lineup, promotes eco-friendly mobility solutions

All-New Buick LaCrosse Hybrid

SAIC-GM announced that the all-new Buick LaCrosse Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) will be unveiled in Shanghai on April 18. GM’s joint venture with SAIC will also outline Buick’s vision for green transportation and introduce the award-winning Buick Avista concept for the first time in China.

A major product under SAIC-GM's Drive to Green strategy, the all-new LaCrosse HEV adopts the design language and technological advances of the all-new LaCrosse, as well as segment-leading hybrid powertrain technologies.

It is powered by a 1.8L SIDI engine that is paired with an electric two-motor drive unit that provides additional power to assist the engine during acceleration. The result is an eco-friendly, premium driving experience for owners as well as a practical green solution for sustainable urban transportation.

The Avista coupe made its global debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit earlier this year. It was developed by GM's global design team and embodies Buick's future design language.

The Avista pays homage to Buick’s heritage while showing the future direction of the brand’s timeless styling. It has a striking appearance, with a 2+2 modern cockpit that is clean and elegant.

Its twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine, which churns out 298 kW of power, is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In combination with a Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) suspension, it offers precise handling.

Throughout its 19-year history in China, Buick has remained attentive to customer needs. It has actively introduced advanced technologies backed by GM's global technical expertise. SAIC-GM’s Drive to Green strategy is focused on making its vehicles leaders in fuel efficiency.