In Europe it is known as the Opel Insignia, but for the North American market General Motors decided to revive a name first used back in 1973: Regal. Sales of the new Buick Regal sport sedan will begin in the second quarter of 2010, and its main competitors will be the Japanese Acura TSX and Swedish Volvo S60. The new Regal will be offered in two different trim levels: CXL and CXL Turbo, with prices starting at $26,995 and $29,495 respectively. In 2012 it will get two new versions.
The 2011 Regal will be offered only in the CXL trim (additional ones will be added for the 2012 model year). The Regal CXL will be offered standard with a 2.4 Liter Ecotec direct injected four cylinder engine that delivers a maximum output of 182 HP, however a 2.0 Liter direct gasoline injected turbocharged Ecotec cranking out 220 HP will be offered as an option. Both engines will come mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with driver-shift control.
There is nothing much to say about the new Regal’s design, anyone can recognize the Insignia underneath the Buick badge. With its aggressive styling and tailored applications of Buick’s signature design cues, such as the waterfall grill, select use of chrome trim and superior fit and finish of the exterior panels. While the interior consists of all the latest technologies to keep it up to date in the 21st century: navigation, Harmon Kardon sound system, internal flash drive (1GB), hard drive with 10GB for music and USB port.
UPDATE 09/03/2010: Check out our review of the Buick Regal by clicking here!
Full details in the press release after the jump.
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After the Hyundai Genesis bagged awards left and right for Hyundai, it’s fair to say that the expectations for the burgeoning Korean brand is now at an all-time high. Both the Genesis Coupe and the Genesis Sedan were so far ahead of the game that it became apparent that the onus was now on Hyundai to release a car that could meet – or even exceed – the expectations set by the Genesis.
Now, Hyundai has that car in the form of the 2011 Sonata.
Thanks in large part to the economic crisis and the continued rise in oil prices, car brands have become more inclined in producing fuel efficient vehicles and veering away from the conventional market segment and tapping into the younger and more out-going market. If there were skeptics that initially doubted Hyundai’s new direction, the Genesis certainly did its part to quell all those doubts. And now that the 2011 Sonata, which is one of seven new models Hyundai is planning to launch within the next two years, is on the horizon, Hyundai is hell-bent on keeping its momentum going.
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The Honda CR-V SUV is entering the 2010 model year with refinements and upgrades to the exterior and interior, new features, better fuel economy, and more power. Prices for the new model will range from $21,545 for the CR-V LX 2WD version and will go up to $29,745 for the CR-V EX-L 4WD with Navigation package.
For 2010 the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine improve power output to 180 hp, a 14 hp increase. City/highway EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings increase to 21/28 mpg on 2WD models and 21/27 mpg on models equipped with Real Time 4WD - an increase of 1 mpg in both city and highway driving on all models.
On the exterior Honda added a freshened front fascia with a new grille and bumper design, a re-sculpted hood, and a new rear bumper shape. A 10-spoke alloy wheel design, standard on CR-V EX and EX-L, replaces the previous 7-spoke alloy wheel design. Interior improvements focus on new features and functionality. Bluetooth HandsFreeLink is now included on models equipped with the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System. Auto on/off headlights have been added to the CR-V EX-L and the front seats have wider center armrests on all models.
Press release after the jump.
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While German Volkswagen enthusiasts have been enjoying the sixth generation hot hatch Golf GTI for almost a year now, the Mk VI GTI has just become available to consumers here in the U.S. as both a three and five door hatchback starting at at $23,664 and climbs up to $24,269 for the one with more openings. The 2010 the GTI comes with a more aggressive face highlighted by a new set of swept back teardrop shape headlamps and black honeycomb grill with the signature GTI red outline and bespoke badging. Out back the new GTI wears a pair of redesigned taillights and rides on a set of 17 inch alloys that accentuate the car’s sporty character.
The 2010 GTI U.S. version is powered by 2.0 Liter 16 Valve dual overhead cam (DOHC) turbocharged and intercooled four cylinder that produces 200 HP and 207 lb-ft of torque mated to a six speed manual transmission as standard fare with a quick shifting DSG available as an option. Thanks to its agile nature and the potent TFSI power plant under the hood, the GTI can sprint from 0 to 60 MPH in only 6.8 seconds and keeps going all the way up to an electronically limited tops speed of 130 MPH, while European owners get to have a bit more fun at 140 MPH.
Press release after the jump.
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The UK Pricing for Mazda’s limited-edition 20th Anniversary MX5 has now been announced with the 20th anniversary roadster fetching a price tag of £16,850 - around $24,000.
Based on the 1.8-liter MX5 SE, these special-edition MX-5s were created to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Mazda’s venerable sports car, arguable one of the most popular ones from its generation.
Each of these three models comes in three unique color-ways – True Red, Chrystal White Pearlescent, and Aurora Blue Mica – with all of them sporting their own distinct artistic styling.
In addition to the its UK pricing, Mazda also released new photos of the three 20th anniversary models, with the White Pearlescent edition having its own unique racing decal with a matching Union Jack flag on its hood.
The 2011 Kia Sorento made its North American debut at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. The new Sorento will be the first vehicle to roll off the new assembly line at Kia Motors’ state of the art manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia and will start to arrive in dealer’s showrooms starting in January of 2010.
For 2011, the Sorento CUV will be offered with a choice of two power plants, the first is a 2.4 Liter four cylinder that delivers 175 HP and 169 lb-ft of torque while a more powerful 3.5 Liter V6 making 276 HP and 248 lb-ft of torque, both coupled to Kia’s new six speed automatic transmission that provide the driver with effortless shifts.
The new car will be both longer and roomier than the previous generation Sorento, with an overall length of 184.4 inches and overall width of 74.2 inches.
A first for Kia, the 2011 Sorento comes with a panoramic sunroof. While standard equipment includes an AM/FM/CD/MP3/SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities complete with three months of complimentary service. Your iPod can be hooked up via auxiliary and USB inputs and Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel mounted voice activation controls that allow you to safely communicate with loved ones while driving down the road.
At the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show Kia revealed the 2011 Sorento SUV. Now the Korean maker announced sales will begin in early next year, with prices starting from $19,995 for the entry level version which is powered by a 175-hp 2.4L 4-cylinder engine. Prices will go up to $27,195 for the top of the line V6 version.
Customers will be able to chose between three additional packages: Limited Package, priced at $2000 (navigation system with real-time traffic, Infinity sound system, 18-inch chrome wheels, interior accent lighting and high-style interior color theme), Premium Package priced at $1500 (roof-rails, leather-seats, heated front seats and a rear-view backup camera) and Third Row Package priced at $700.
Press release after the jump.
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Even if it hasn’t received a face lift since 2004, the Mitsubishi Galant has undergone a few changes for the 2010 model year. The new car will only be offered in ES and SE trim levels, each powered by a 2.4 Liter four cylinder engine that delivers a maximum output of 160 HP mated to a 4 speed automatic transmission. Mitsubishi has discontinued the Sport Edition, Sport V6, and Ralliart versions for 2010, but prices for the remaining models start at $21,599 for the ES and goes up to $23,999 for the SE version.
The 2010 Galant features a silver painted mesh front grill, color matched door handles and power side mirrors, rear window defroster and an antenna integrated into the rear glass. The SE model is distinguished by a set of 18 inch alloy wheels, body colored rear spoiler and chrome exhaust tips. Standard equipment includes: anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), traction control (TCL), Active Stability Control (ASC), dual stage front airbags, front seat mounted side impact airbags and side front and rear curtain airbags.
Press release after the jump.
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The Mitsubishi Eclipse receive a minor face lift in 2009, and the diamond star brand from Japan is continuing the trend with with an even more drastic makeover in 2010. The latest version of the fourth generation Eclipse features restyled front and rear fascias. The 2010 Eclipse gets a new monochromatic with a two tone bumper insert while the GT variant features a large rear spoiler and a few new exterior hues, Carbon metallic and Solar vibrant yellow. The GS Sport model combines the aggressive exterior appearance of the GT with the fuel economy of the four cylinder GS model and Eclipses equipped with the standard cloth interior feature upgraded fabrics.
The GS version is powered by a 2.4 Liter four cylinder engine making 162 HP, while the GT variant gets a 3.8 Liter V6 that pumps out a total of 265 HP and can accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in about six seconds.
Press release after the jump.
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The Japanese automaker Nissan has just revealed details about the 2010 Altima sedan - a model that receives more power, grows in size, benefits from new technology as well as new styling both inside and out. The 2010 Altima starts at $19,900 for the entry level 2.5 S version and goes up to $24,520 for the high end 3.5 SR model.
For 2010 the Nissan Altima’s exterior gets a restyled hood complete with power bulges, a more curvaceous front bumper and fresh metal on the bottom of the grill and on top of the license plate opening. The new car is available with either a set of fresh 16 inch or 17 inch aluminum-alloy wheels, standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) as well as revised interior fabrics and finishers. For those who are in the know, the old top of the line 3.5 SE has been renamed the 3.5 SR.
The 2010 Altima is offered with a choice of two gas burning engines; a 175 HP 2.5 Liter inline 4 cylinder and a 270 HP 3.5 Liter V6. Either way the Altima comes complete with all the latest Nissan technologies like: Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, BluetoothHands-free Phone System with audio streaming, RearView Monitor and Nissan Navigation with XM NavTraffic and NavWeather Real-Time Traffic Information services to bring your morning commute into the 21st century at a reasonable price.
UPDATE 06/28/2010: Check out our review of the Nissan Altima 3.5SR by clicking here.
Press release after the jump.
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Originaly introduced as a 2008 model, the Nissan Altima Coupe is entering its third year of production with a few new exterior touches, three new colors, refined interior fabrics, optional red leather appointed interior and revised option packages. Power train options for the 2010 Nissan Altima Coupe consist of a 2.5 Liter inline 4 cylinder and a larger 3.5 Liter V6 engine, each is being offered with either a choice of 6 speed manual transmission or Nissan’s advanced Xtronic continuously variable (CVT) transmission. The VQ based V6 makes a maximum output of 270 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque while the more economical 4 pot produces a total of 175 HP and 180 lb-ft twist.
For 2010, the Altima Coupe is being offered with a long list of user friendly technological features including Nissan’s Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition and available Bluetooth Hands free Phone System complete with audio streaming standard as well as an advanced touch-screen navigation system with XM NavTraffic and NavWeather real-time information services as part of the required XM subscription as well as a RearView Monitor; all designed to make the time you spend behind the wheel as enjoyable as possible.
The 2010 Altima Coupe starts at $22,440 for the 2.5 S version equipped with 6 speed manual transmission, $22,940 for the 2.5 CVT, $27,270 for the 3.5 SR with CVT and $29,600 for the 3.5 SR with a 6 speed manual gearbox.
Press release after the jump.
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