2012 Buick Regal GS with 255HP 2.0-liter Turbo and FWD Unveiled in Production Form

GM has revealed the production version of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show's Buick Regal GS concept but to our disappointment, the automaker has kept the 255HP 2.0-liter turbocharged engine instead of the Opel Insignia OPC's far more potent 2.8-liter twin-scroll turbocharged V6 with 325 ponies. The General's cost-cutters also ditched the OPC's four-wheel drive system as the GS is a front-wheel drive model only.

Buick says with the standard six-speed manual gearbox, the GS will accelerate from 0 to 60mph in less than seven seconds (*estimated). In comparison, the basic $28,200 VW Passat CC 2.0 Turbo with 200HP completes the standard sprint in 6.9 seconds, while the European Opel Insignia OPC in 5.8 seconds.

Later on, Buick will offer the GS with an optional six-speed automatic with Driver Shift Control.

The car rides on standard 19-inch alloy wheels and all-season tire, with 20-inch polished alloy wheels shod in performance tires being optional. Braking power comes from a four-wheel disc brake system featuring Brembo front calipers, while there's also a standard StabiliTrak stability control system with integrated, full-function traction control.

Other than that, the Regal GS features Interactive Drive Control System which allows drivers to customize the suspension settings and steering sensitivity between three modes: standard, sport and GS.

The styling more or less follows in the footsteps of the Insignia OPC with a bespoke aero kit and bumpers, and a raft of interior upgrades such as the leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, sport seats and unique decorative trim.

The Regal GS goes on sale in the second half of 2011, with pricing to be announced closer to launch. However, being that prices for the 220HP Regal Turbo range from $28,795 to $34,435, we don't expect anything less than a mid-$30k sticker.

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Subaru Teases Mystery Concept Model Model Ahead of LA Show

At this month's Los Angeles Auto Show (November 19 -28), Subaru will lift the wraps off a never-before seen concept model that is claimed to embody the firm's new global brand statement, called "Confidence in Motion". Aside from the single teaser image, we don't have anything else on the concept model as the press release concentrates on explaining the new slogan. So until we get more info and/or a better picture of the study, follow the jump to check out Suabru's P.R. and why not, speculate on the type of car that the company is preparing for the LA Show.

Subaru Press Release:

"Confidence in Motion"

- To Showcase a Concept Car Embodying the Brand Statement at the LA Auto Show -

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, announced today the establishment of a new global brand statement, "Confidence in Motion", as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the Subaru brand.

"Confidence" reflects Subaru's attitude toward engineering excellence and the trust generated among drivers by following through on its commitment to provide both enjoyment and peace of mind. "in Motion" expresses Subaru's resolve to continue innovating to meet customer expectations in a world of constant change.

Subaru will proactively address global environmental issues and the demands of ever-maturing automobile use. Subaru believes automobiles should be more than just a means of simple transportations. They should also be a source of enjoyment, and enjoyment rests on a foundation of peace of mind. These two inseparable values are central to the Subaru experience. As customer expectations are diversifying, Subaru will foresee these needs with independent thinking and continue to offer enjoyment and peace of mind without losing sight of the essence of what an automobile should be.

"Confidence in Motion" expresses Subaru's aim to continue evolving in order to offer even more customers new ways to enrich their lives through a uniquely satisfying Subaru experience.

From now on, "Confidence in Motion" will be at the center of all Subaru activities. As the first step, FHI will exhibit a concept car embodying the new brand statement at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, California, USA (press days on November 17 and 18, open to the public from November 19 to 28). A press briefing with FHI President & CEO Ikuo Mori is scheduled for Wednesday, November 17 at 12:20 (PST) at the Subaru booth.

Honda to Debut Electric Concept Model and New Plug-in Hybrid Platform at LA Show

Last week, we told you about some of the new cars and concept models heading to the LA Auto Show in mid-November. Now we have news of Honda's plans for the motor show. The Japanese automaker said it will host the world premiere of an all-new electric vehicle concept as well as a plug-in hybrid platform showcasing the next-generation of Honda hybrid technology.

"Both the electric vehicle concept and the plug-in hybrid platform along with the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle demonstrate the company's vision for the future of personal mobility and its continued commitment to developing advanced environmental technologies," said Honda in a statement.

Unfortunately, Honda did not hand out any photos of the concept model or of the plug-in hybrid platform project.

The Japanese firm added that for time in the LA Show's history, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. President and CEO Takanobu Ito will attend the press conference to showcase the two models.

2011 Dodge Avenger Officially Revealed, gets New Interior and 283HP V6

Another day, another new or in this case, refreshed Chrysler Group product. Enter the 2011 Dodge Avenger that has been overhauled with a completely new interior, better powertrain options, a revised suspension and a barely noticeable exterior facelift.

Unlike its Chrysler 200 brethren, the 2011 Avenger receives only a few minor exterior tweaks and in particular, the new signature Dodge Brand "split crosshair" grille and a redesigned bumper up front, plus new LED tail lamps at the back.

The big styling changes are found inside where the Avenger gets a brand new interior with a far more contemporary design and higher-grade materials that Dodge claims are "more pleasing to the touch but also to the eye".

Highlights include a new multi-function three-spoke sports steering wheel with integrated controls for the radio, cruise control, hands-free phone and other vehicle functions, and the availability of new two-tone interior color schemes and voice command functions for hands-free phones.

Moving on to the mechanical and chassis upgrades, the 2011 Avenger gains a recalibrated 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine mated to a new smoother-shifting six-speed transmission and the Chrysler Group's 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with 283HP and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, also linked to a six-speed auto.

Dodge says its engineers have retuned or redesigned virtually every part of the suspension for 2011, including 26 of 30 suspension bushings. The mid-size sedan also gets wider tires (from 215 to 225), a new suspension geometry and a wider track (+1-in.) while it rides 12mm lower in the front and 6mm lower at the rear. The company says these changes reduce body roll and vehicle shake, and provide improved isolation, better steering precision, response and feel.

The facelifted 2011 Avenger is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. before the end of the year.

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LA Auto Show: More Debuts Announced, Including Mazda Shinari, New Chrysler 200 Convertible and Hyundai Elantra

Automakers are planning to unload a raft of new vehicles at the rapidly approaching Los Angeles Auto Show. According to the event planners, the LA convention center will host 20 world premieres and more than 30 North American debuts.

We already know about several world debuts such and Nissan's completely redesigned Quest minivan, Murano Cross Cabriolet concept and Ellure sedan study, but today the organizers [officially] confirmed a few more premieres.

These include -in no particular order- the well-received Mazda Shinari sports sedan [read the full story here]; the five-door version of the Land Rover Evoque; Saab 9-4X; Kia Optima Hybrid; VW Eos facelift, and the U.S.-spec Hyundai Elantra compact sedan and Fiat 500

In addition, show planners said Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep will display a handful of new products such as the Chrysler 200 Sedan and it's yet-to-be-revealed, Convertible brethren.

Other models to go on show in LA include the all-new Audi A7 Sportback, BMW's redesigned X3 crossover, Porsche's new 911 Carrera GTS and Speedster, the Jaguar C-X75 study, and five concept sport models from Lotus that we first saw at the Paris Show last month.

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Volkswagen Adds Exclusive Models to 2011 Eos Facelift Range

If you haven't heard already, earlier this month, Volkswagen lifted the covers off the redesigned 2011 Eos Coupe-Convertible. And while here in the U.S., buyers will have to wait until next year for the revamped model, in Europe, the 2011 Eos is not only available for order but Volkswagen also introduced the Exclusive Edition package.

Available with all engine variants from the 140HP 2.0 TDI to the 210HP 2.0 TSI, the Exclusive trim adds a raft of features such as sports seats in two-tone Nappa leather upholstery and decorative elements in aluminum.

The interior also benefits from a sports steering wheel, gear lever sleeve and hand brake lever finished in leather with matching colored stitching, Black Piano lacquer trim elements on the center console, and unique door sills.

Every Eos Exclusive model gets standard 18-inch alloy wheels in a choice of two designs and standard sport suspension. Prices in Germany start from €35,275.

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