Remember the days of the station wagon? The 4 door ‘family truckster’ with the large hatchback gave way to the minivan crazy in the 90’s. Soccer moms and dads traded in their hatchback beauties for vehicle with more interior space when it became necessary to cart around teams of children and all of their equipment. It’s not that the station wagon couldn’t compete in regards to it’s cargo space, it really had more to do with its curb appeal.

Well, all of that is about to change as it appears (and I’ve heard chatter) that Buick is on the precipice of releasing a wagon version of the Regal. According to a recent post on autoblog:

One year ago, a Buick Regal wagon was deemed “unlikely.” However, General Motors is reportedly looking to expand the Regal lineup, not just with a rumored coupe, but with the estate seen here. Sources within GM say that the Regal wagon could debut as early as the end of this year, making it a 2012 model year vehicle.

Look to this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show for the first glimpse of the 2012 Buick Regal Wagon. It’s, no doubt, going to turn a few heads. There’s talk of 19-inch wheels and a bunch of other tasty treats.

If this wagon does make it to the production line…and all signs are saying it will…Buick will be firmly planted to go after the aforementioned Soccer Mom/Dad crowd. Considering that Freeman Grapevine is situated virtually in heart of the DFW Metroplex, you can bet that I’ll have a few of these on the lot if and when they are released.

If you are interested in the 2012 Buick Regal Wagon, check here often, as I’ll be keeping everyone up to date on it’s drop date and availability.

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.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f48X-VhKbCo

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.

General Motors said the 2012 LaCrosse with eAssist delivers up to 37 mpg highway fuel economy compared to 30mpg of the 2011 model year sedan with the four-cylinder engine. The same hybrid powertrain will also make its way into the 2012 Buick Regal later this year.

The 2012  also brings an updated version of the LaCrosse’s range-topping 3.6-liter V6 engine with variable valve timing and direct-injection technology. According to the Detroit automaker, the front-wheel-drive 3.6-liter model is rated at 303-horsepower and 264 lb-ft (358 Nm) of peak torque, an improvement of 23HP and 5 lb-ft respectively over the 2011MY LaCrosse’s V6. Pricing for the top-end V6 models has not yet been announced,

Standard features include dual-zone climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, and Bluetooth and USB connectivity. Later in the year, the LaCrosse eAssist will come with standard Buick IntelliLink, which uses Bluetooth or USB to connect the driver’s smartphone to a new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It will enable streaming stereo audio from the phone through services like PANDORA and Stitcher, as well as full control of a paired device through the touchscreen display or steering wheel mounted buttons.

Come in and take a look at it yourself…I can describe it, but driving is definitely believing.

It used to be that if you wanted a car with more horsepower, you’d have to settle for a car that gets less gas mileage. Not so with the Buick Regal Turbo. In these times of fluctuating gas prices, the emphasis has understandably been focused on gas sipping, low horsepower people movers with style and performance taking a back seat. This is not the  case with the late 2011 introduction of the Buick Regal Turbo.

According to automedia.com:

The Regal Turbo returns late on 2011, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Performance is core to the character, offering a sporty alternative to the current 2.4-liter naturally aspirated version, yet this time it is fuel economy that is the main boast. Buick original claimed the turbo would hit 29 mpg on the highway, but the lux division has announced that the car will be EPA rated for 32 mpg. Around town, it will get a less-inspiring 20-mpg city rating.

To put those numbers in perspective, the Buick Turbo produces 220 horsepower, besting the Acura TSX and Volkswagen CC by about 20 hp each. More noticeably, the Buick trounces the Acura with 86 more lbs.-ft. of torque. The VW is bested by 51 lbs.-ft.  And yes, the Buick with a six-speed manual transmission will also get better highway mileage.

The Buick Regal Turbo’s most popular transmission of choice will most likely be automatic, but it will also offer three driver-selectable modes that will alter the car’s personality by adjusting suspension tuning, shift pattern, and steering sensitivity through the variable effort steering system. Thus giving the Regal owner more control and they opportunity to adjust the car to their driving habits as opposed to having to adjust to the car itself.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7rv-YiUAks

At a sticker of just over 28K for an turbo automatic, this car is definitely something you need to drive for yourself. The fact that you get more car for your money? Well that’s just added bonus for you.

Anyone wanting to take a test drive should swing by my place. If you own or have already drivin’ the 2011 Buick Regal Turbo, then leave us a comment and tell us what you think about this car. I for one love it!