Buick Regal Turbo with Six-Speed Manual Reviewed

Posted on May 17, 2011 by Buick Regal Columbia SC

The Buick Regal Turbo is the first Buick to offer Columbia SC a manual transmission in over a decade.

GM Inside News was able to sample the 2011 Buick Regal Turbo, this one equipped with the available six-speed manual transmission. (Yes, Columbia, you read that correctly–a Buick with a manual transmission.) Their test car was a fully-loaded TO7 model, featuring a navigation system, Harman/Kardon premium sound, adaptive suspension with interactive drive control, sunroof, heated leather seats, and dual-zone climate control.

Having sampled the car before with the standard 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated engine and the 2.0-liter turbo with the standard six-speed automatic transmission, the reviewers were well-aware of the excellent underpinnings of the Regal. The driving dynamics of its Epsilon II platform are improved further by the optional interactive drive control system, which allows the driver to select between normal, Tour, and Sport modes; the reviewer found a noticeable difference while accelerating down a fairly sharp on-ramp turn.

Another significant advantage to manual-equipped Regal Turbos is the increase in fuel economy, always on the mind of Columbia drivers as gas prices continue to climb higher and higher. The US Environmental Protection Agency officially rates the Regal Turbo with the manual transmission at 20 city miles per gallon and 32 highway miles per gallon, up from both the automatic version’s 18/28 estimates and the standard 2.4L engine’s 19/30. GMI was “perplexed by how easy it was to get good fuel economy out of the 2.0-liter, even when driving more on the “enthusiastic” side,” with a peak run of 35.1 MPG on a highway trip.

Overall, the testers found the manual transmission to be good, with the shifter’s throws a little long for high-performance driving but livable in both city and highway driving. They also praised the clutch’s linear feel and weight balance, along with the pedal placement that would allow a driver to use heel-and-toe shifting methods if they desired. The Regal Turbo, like all Regal models, comes with an electronic parking brake rather than a conventional handbrake; they encountered no problems using the system even on hill-hold starts.

Buick Regal Turbo Available Now in Columbia SC

Jim Hudson Buick is the #1 Buick dealer in South Carolina and carries a great selection of Buick Regal Turbo models at their dealership located at 7201 Garners Ferry Road in Columbia. Voted Best New Car Dealership ten years in a row and counting by readers of The State, Jim Hudson is committed to complete customer satisfaction and is one of the most trusted names in South Carolina. In addition to sales, Jim Hudson features Buick Certified Service technicians skilled in everything from tires and oil changes using high-quality Dexos 1 oil to mechanical repairs. For more information on the Buick Regal Turbo, visit their Buick Regal Columbia SC website or call (888) 377-4971.

Buick Regal Turbo Compared to Volkswagen CC Sport

Posted on March 4, 2011 by Buick Regal Columbia SC

The Buick Regal Turbo offers many features not available on the VW CC.

Drivers in the Columbia, South Carolina area looking for a sporty mid-size sedan have many great options to choose from. Shoppers looking at the Volkswagen CC, which made its debut in 2008, are especially wise to add the 2011 Buick Regal Turbo from Jim Hudson Buick in Columbia, South Carolina.

The Regal Turbo starts competitively priced compared to the Volkswagen CC Sport, with a Regal CXL Turbo TO1 starting at $29,495 compared to the CC’s $28,560 before any offers. Regal’s turbocharged 2.0-liter engine makes 220 horsepower, which gives it the edge against the Volkswagen’s even 200. The advantage in torque also goes to the Regal, which makes 258 pound-feet–nearly 25% more torque than the Volkswagen CC’s 207. If a sport-infused drive is what you seek, look no further than the 2011 Buick Regal.

Conventional wisdom would say that since the Buick Regal Turbo makes more power than the Volkswagen CC, it must suffer at the pump. Columbia drivers will be delighted to find that the Buick Regal Turbo equipped with the available (and, for true driving connoisseurs, desirable) six-speed manual transmission achieves an EPA-estimated 32 highway miles per gallon compared to the Volkswagen’s 31. In addition, the Buick Regal Turbo’s engine is a FlexFuel model, meaning it can run on blends of gasoline and ethanol up to E85. As ethanol is derived from plants, it allows the Regal driver to use less fossil fuels while driving. And once the Buick Regal with eAssist arrives, Columbia drivers will see the fuel economy gap widen even further.

Buick Regal Offers Better Warranty Than VW CC

Beyond power and fuel economy, the Buick Regal Turbo offers additional peace of mind that the Volkswagen CC Sport simply can’t offer. The Buick Regal’s bumper-to-bumper limited warranty lasts for four years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first), significantly better coverage than Volkswagen provides with its 3-year/36,000-mile warranty. The same goes for the two vehicles’ powertrain warranties; while both last for five years, the Regal’s goes up to 100,000 miles while Volkswagen only offers protection for 60,000 miles. Should you need roadside assistance, Volkswagen will assist you for the length of the 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, but Buick offers roadside assistance for five years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first). In addition, Volkswagen doesn’t offer the safety and convenience of OnStar service, which comes standard on the Regal for six months offering features like Automatic Crash Response that will attempt to contact OnStar when an accident is detected to have an OnStar Advisor summon emergency services.

Buick Regal Turbo Trumps Volkswagen CC Sport in Luxury Amenities

Luxury amenities abound in the Regal that the Volkswagen CC Sport doesn’t even offer. The first you’ll notice the moment you get behind the wheel of each vehicle, as the Buick Regal Turbo offers standard leather-appointed seating, which is not even available on the CC Sport. Buick Regal CXL Turbo sedans in Columbia offer ultrasonic rear parking assist as standard equipment for added peace of mind while backing up, an option not even available on the Volkswagen CC. Cold-natured front passengers in the Buick Regal will enjoy dual-zone automatic climate control; the Volkswagen only offers single-zone climate, nor does it offer heating ducts for the rear seats. With your passengers comfortable in the Regal, you’ll be able to enjoy the variety of XM Satellite Radio (with a three-month trial included), a service not available on the CC Sport. And for those occasions you have to store long items in the trunk, Regal offers a rear-seat pass-through for convenience, a feature you won’t find on the Volkswagen.

Visit Jim Hudson Buick for your Buick Regal Turbo in Columbia SC

Jim Hudson Buick is the premier Buick dealer in Columbia, South Carolina serving the entire midlands of South Carolina including Newberry, Sumter, and Newberry. Jim Hudson has been voted Best New Car Dealership in Columbia an unmatched ten years running by readers of The State, which only underscores Jim Hudson’s commitment to complete customer satisfaction. Jim Hudson Buick is located at 7201 Garners Ferry Road in Columbia, South Carolina, and can be reached by phone at (888) 377-4971. For more information, visit their Buick Regal Columbia SC page on their website.

Buick Regal in Columbia SC Receives 1.9% APR Financing Offer

Posted on March 2, 2011 by Buick Regal Columbia SC

Sales of the 2011 Buick Regal have shot up nationwide.

Jim Hudson Buick, the premier Buick dealership in Columbia, South Carolina, is pleased to announce special low financing rates on the 2011 Buick Regal premium sport sedan. Customers who take delivery of a new Buick Regal before May 2, 2011, can take advantage of low 1.9% APR financing for up to 60 months with approved credit when they finance through Ally Bank. Columbia drivers that prefer to finance for longer terms can also take advantage of low 3.9% APR financing for up to 72 months with approved credit.

Buick Regal Sales Skyrocket in 2011

National sales figured for the new Buick Regal show that it is fast becoming a popular choice in the premium sedan segment, a more than worthy alternative to cars like the Acura TSX, Audi A4, and Volkswagen CC. Regal has the highest conquest rate of of any Buick thus far this year, with 46 percent of its buyers coming from outside the GM family. February national sales for the 2011 Buick Regal were up 55 percent compared to January despite a shorter month, an increase attributed to the availability of the 220-horsepower Buick Regal Turbo. Beyond the additional power offered by the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, Regal Turbo offers impressive fuel economy with an EPA-estimated 32 highway miles per gallon when equipped with the available six-speed manual transmission. (Yes, it’s true–a manual transmission in a Buick!) Sales are expected to increase through the second half of the year thanks to the pending arrivals of the 255-horsepower Buick Regal GS and the 37-MPG Buick Regal with eAssist featuring Buick’s powerful light electrification technology and exclusive aerodynamic tweaks to improve fuel economy even further.

Buick Regal Dealers in Columbia, South Carolina

Jim Hudson Buick is the oldest Buick dealership in Columbia, South Carolina, and carries a great selection of 2011 and 2012 Buick Regal models. Jim Hudson was among the very first in the United States to receive the new Buick Regal, and will be among the first to receive the new GS and eAssist models once they begin production. Jim Hudson prides itself on complete customer satisfaction before, during, and after the sale, a commitment noted by the public voting Jim Hudson Best New Car Dealership an unmatched ten years in a row in The State’s annual Readers’ Choice poll. For more information on the 2011 Buick Regal, visit the Buick Regal Columbia SC page on Jim Hudson’s website, or visit them at 7201 Garners Ferry Road in Columbia to test-drive a Regal of your own.

Buick Regal Hybrid Technology Coming to Columbia SC for 2012

Posted on February 8, 2011 by Buick Regal Columbia SC

The 2012 Buick Regal with eAssist will arrive at Jim Hudson Buick in Fall 2011. (Image: GM Media)

Jim Hudson Buick, the premier Buick dealer in Columbia, South Carolina, announces the 2012 Buick Regal with eAssist™ fuel-saving technology, which improves overall fuel economy by 25 percent over the 2011 four-cylinder/six-speed powertrain. Estimated fuel economy is 26 mpg city and 37 mpg on the highway (pending EPA certification); the 2011 Buick Regal CXL is EPA rated at an estimated 19 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

Regal with eAssist joins the 2012 LaCrosse as the second Buick for sale in Columbia, South Carolina to feature the efficiency-enhancing technology. The system uses a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery system, electric induction motor-generator and regenerative braking capability to improve fuel economy without the extra cost and complexity of a full hybrid system. Its fuel economy tops competitors such as the Acura TSX, rated at 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. Regal’s estimated 37 mpg on the highway is 20 percent greater and the TSX doesn’t offer a six-speed automatic transmission, which is offered on the Buick as standard equipment.

“Buick’s eAssist technology means customers don’t have to trade a premium driving experience for efficiency,” said Tony DiSalle, VP of marketing for Buick. “We believe Regal and LaCrosse with eAssist provide more logical and affordable choices, compared to other hybrid midsize and full-size luxury sedans.”

Regal with eAssist will be available for sale in Columbia, South Carolina in the fall of 2011. It joins an expanding lineup that also includes 2.4L and 2.0L Turbo (with manual transmission) models, as well as the upcoming Buick Regal GS. Regal with eAssist offers the range of luxury and convenience packages offered in the other models, along with unique features available to Columbia drivers including:

Lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in lower-rolling-resistance tires
A driver-selectable, fuel economy-optimizing mode for the air conditioning system, which enables more frequent and longer-duration periods where the engine stops
An ECO gauge on the instrument panel that continuously responds to driving behavior, enabling the driver to drive with greater efficiency
A powerflow readout in the 7-inch infotainment screen, which shows the flow of energy through the electric assist system, such as battery charging from regeneration and electric power directed to the engine.

Mated to Regal’s 2.4L Ecotec direct injection four-cylinder engine and next-generation six-speed HydraMatic automatic transmission, the eAssist system uses power stored in the battery to provide needed electrical boost in various driving scenarios, optimizing engine and transmission operation. An advanced 115V lithium-ion battery and latest-generation 15-kW induction motor-generator unit help increase fuel economy through:

Regenerative braking, which provides up to 15 kW of electricity to charge the battery
Providing up to 11 kW (15 hp) of electric power assistance during acceleration
Automatic engine shut-off when the vehicle is stopped
Aggressive fuel cut-off during deceleration down to a halt, enabled by the torque smoothing provided by the induction motor-generator unit
Intelligent charge/discharge of the high-voltage battery.

“The capability to deliver electric boost to the powertrain system during heavy acceleration and grade driving enables the engine and transmission to operate more efficiently,” said Steve Poulos, global chief engineer of the eAssist system. “Full fuel shutoff at stops and during deceleration complements electric boost and regenerative braking with additional fuel savings.”

Regal with eAssist technology also features improved underbody aerodynamics and tires optimized for performance and fuel economy. Also included is a hill-assist system that captures brake pressure to help the driver more comfortably accelerate from a stop on a moderate or steep grade. It does this by greatly reducing the tendency of the vehicle to roll backward with the engine in shut-down mode.

The eAssist system’s 115V air-cooled lithium-ion battery bolsters the 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder engine with approximately 11 kW (15 hp) of electric power assist during heavy acceleration and 15 kW of regenerative braking power. The system also enables the Ecotec engine to shut down fuel delivery in certain conditions when the vehicle is slowing down, which saves additional fuel for Columbia drivers. While in fuel shut-off mode, the induction motor-generator unit continues spinning along with the engine to provide immediate and smooth take-off power when the driver presses on the accelerator. Then, as the vehicle comes to a stop, the induction motor-generator unit spins the engine, bringing it to a smooth stop and in just the right position for a smooth restart.

“The battery system is designed to provide power assistance to the internal combustion engine, rather than store energy for all-electric propulsion,” said Poulos. “It’s really an extension of the conventional internal combustion engine, not a replacement for it.”

The eAssist power pack contains the lithium-ion battery pack, the integrated power inverter and 12V power supply. It is located in a compartment between the rear seat and trunk and weighing only about 65 pounds (29 kg). Trunk space is slightly reduced when compared with 2011 models with the four-cylinder/six-speed powertrain, but still offers 11.1 cubic feet (314 liters) of storage. A quiet electric fan cools the power pack, drawing air from a vent located in the package tray, behind the rear seat.

The eAssist system’s electric induction motor-generator is mounted to the engine in place of the alternator to provide both motor assist and electric-generating functions through a unique engine belt-drive system. The induction motor-generator is a high-performance, compact induction motor that is liquid-cooled for increased performance and efficiency.

Next-generation six-speed transmission improves Regal with eAssist’s efficiency in Columbia

The eAssist system works with Regal’s direct injected 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder and next-generation six-speed automatic powertrain combination. In the Regal with eAssist, the engine is rated at 182 horsepower (136 kW) and the next-generation Hydra-Matic 6T40 takes transmission technology to the next level with features designed to enhance the efficiency of Regal’s powertrain, which will be backed by the same exceptional 5-year/100,000-mile (whichever comes first) limited warranty as any other Regal.

Significant internal transmission changes to clutch controls and hardware provide reduced spin losses while improving shift response and time. The added electric power provided by the eAssist system allows for higher gearing to improve steady state efficiency without impacting acceleration performance or driveability. The system’s ability to provide some electric assistance at cruising speeds allows the driver to accelerate lightly or ascend mild grades without the transmission downshifting.

An auxiliary, electric-driven transmission oil pump is added to the 6T40, which keeps the transmission primed and the fluid flowing when the engine shuts down at a stop. That keeps the transmission ready to perform when the driver accelerates, for a seamless, uncompromised driving experience.

Buick Regal with eAssist Coming to Jim Hudson Buick in Columbia SC

The 2012 Buick Regal with eAssist will join an impressive lineup of Buick Regal sedans this fall at Jim Hudson Buick in Columbia, South Carolina. Jim Hudson is the oldest Buick dealership in Columbia, acquiring its franchise from Hancock Buick in 2007, and serves both new and long-time Buick owners alike with a commitment to complete customer satisfaction. A ten-time winner of The State’s Readers’ Choice award for Best New Car Dealership, Jim Hudson’s focus on customer service is known throughout the entire city of Columbia. For more information on the 2012 Buick Regal, visit Jim Hudson’s Buick Regal Columbia SC page on their website.

Buick Regal in Columbia SC Hailed by US News and World Report

Posted on January 26, 2011 by Buick Regal Columbia SC

Jim Hudson Buick, the premier Columbia Buick dealer, is proud to announce yet another accolade for the 2011 Buick Regal premium sport sedan. U.S. News & World Report has named the 2011 Regal its annual “Best Car for the Money” in the Upscale Sedan category, beating competitors from BMW and Infiniti. The ranking was based on the magazine’s analysis of 27 published reviews and test drives of the Buick Regal, as well as analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2011 Buick Regal for sale in Columbia SC, which starts at $26,245, was praised for “performance that balances fuel economy and power, handling and ride comfort.” U.S. News & World Report noted that reviewers are impressed with the Regal’s “handsome exterior and comfortable interior” and encourage Columbia drivers shopping for a premium mid-size sedan to add the 2011 Regal to their consideration list.

“This award confirms what many Buick Regal buyers have already found out,” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing. “The Regal delivers a dynamic driving experience that competes with the best import sport sedans in the mid-size car segment. Just as importantly, this sleek, smart, top-safety-rated car is attracting new customers to the Buick brand.”

The well-equipped Regal CXL and CXL Turbo models include the following as standard or available equipment:

Ecotec 2.4L direct injected engine rated at an estimated 182 horsepower (136 kW)
Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged and direct injected engine rated at 220 horsepower (164 kW), which can be paired with an available six-speed manual transmission and driver-selectable Interactive Drive Control that automatically recalibrates the suspension settings
Standard six-speed automatic transmission with driver shift control
EPA-rated 30 mpg on the highway with the 2.4L and 32 mpg highway with the 2.0L turbo engine
MacPherson strut front suspension and four-link independent rear suspension
All-new Interactive Drive Control available with the 2.0L turbo, offering driver-selectable suspension settings and automatic driver suspension setting adaptability
Four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel anti-lock braking system, brake assist and electronic parking brake
Standard StabiliTrak stability control system and full-function traction control
Dual-stage frontal air bags, side-curtain and front seat thorax air bags and pedal-release system
Rear-seat thorax air bags
Navigation system, Harman Kardon premium sound system, hard drive with 10GB for music, and 20 minutes of time shift audio capability to pause, rewind and playback radio programs
18-inch alloy wheels (19-inch alloy wheels on turbocharged models equipped with Interactive Drive Control)
12-way power, leather and heated driver seat; leather and heated passenger front seat; Bluetooth for phone; XM Satellite Radio and OnStar, along with a USB port for iPods and other audio devices.

Coming later this year is the 2012 Buick Regal GS in Columbia SC, an even sportier expression of the already sport-injected Regal. The GS is powered by a high-output, exclusive Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged engine derived from the departed Pontiac Solstice GXP performance roadster mated to a six-speed manual transmission, expected to deliver an estimated 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque for a 0-60 mph performance of less than seven seconds. GS also will be available with an automatic transmission later in the 2012 model year.

“The Regal GS will set a new benchmark for performance and value in the midsize segment,” DiSalle said. “It represents the next entry in Buick’s product renaissance.”

Visit Jim Hudson Buick for your Buick Regal in Columbia SC

Jim Hudson Buick is the premier source for the 2011 Buick Regal in Columbia, South Carolina. Jim Hudson carries a great selection of Regal sedans, both with the standard 2.4L engine and the turbocharged 2.0L engines. Jim Hudson has carried the Regal since its launch in the middle part of 2010 as a 2011 model, and its Buick certified technicians are here to provide service after the sale. For more information on the 2011 Buick Regal, visit Jim Hudson’s Buick Regal Columbia SC page on their website or call (888) 377-4971.

Columbia Buick Dealer Highlights Buick Regal’s Global Appeal

Posted on January 4, 2011 by Buick Regal Columbia SC

The 2012 Buick Regal GS, known in China as the New Regal GS Sport, is unveiled.

Jim Hudson Buick, the premier Columbia Buick dealer, is proud to note the worldwide popularity of the 2011 Buick Regal for sale in Columbia, SC. Recently at the Guangzhou Auto Show in China, Buick unveiled the New Regal GS Sport–the Chinese-market version of the Buick Regal GS coming soon to Columbia, South Carolina.

Buick has a long history in China, one going back to the last emperor of China that owned one in his collection. As automobile sales have skyrocketed in China, Buick’s reputation for quality and safety has led to it being one of the top brands in the country. Buick has sold over two million cars in China since its arrival, the second million in just three years.

The New Regal GS Sport in China shares many similarities with the Regal GS that will be available in the United States, featuring the same bold styling and a similarly-rated 255-horsepower turbocharged engine. It also features their FlexRide adaptive driving system, similar to the class-exclusive Interactive Drive Control System that automatically adapts steering, suspension, and transmission settings through at the press of a button to allow the driver to tailor the driving experience.

Columbia drivers will also experience the well-received HiPerStrut suspension system on the Regal GS, currently seen on uplevel models like the Buick LaCrosse and Saab 9-5, which is designed to reduce torque steer under acceleration commonly found in front-wheel-drive performance sedans.

Pricing has not been announced for the 2012 Buick Regal GS sport sedan, but trust that Jim Hudson Buick will carry it as soon as it’s available.

New Buick Regal for sale in Columbia SC

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2011 Buick Regal Turbo On Sale Now in Columbia, South Carolina

Posted on December 13, 2010 by Buick Regal Columbia SC

2011 Buick Regal Turbo for sale in Columbia, SC

The 2011 Buick Regal Turbo is now available in Columbia, SC at Jim Hudson Buick.

The first 2011 Buick Regal CXL Turbo sport sedans have arrived at Jim Hudson Buick, the premier Columbia Buick dealership, providing Columbia drivers with an extra shot of adrenaline in their premium sedan options.

The Buick Regal for sale in Columbia, SC was reborn in 2010 for the 2011 model year, and comes standard with a 2.4L ECOTEC engine putting out 182 horsepower. Opting for the 2011 Regal CXL Turbo subsitutes a 2.0L turbocharged ECOTEC engine making 220 horsepower. For the first time in over a decade, a true manual transmission is available in a Buick–in the Regal Turbo’s case, a six-speed manual transmission designed for smooth shifting and maximum control on the road. For sportier handling, available Interactive Drive Control System allows the driver to dial in a preferred suspension setting–Standard, Sport, or Tour–at the press of a button. Added assurance comes from the available Bi-Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, a feature exclusive to the Regal Turbo.

Columbia Drivers Love Buick Regal Turbo’s Premium Features

2011 Regal CXL Turbo models come well-equipped, with standard features including leather-appointed seating with 12-way power heated front seats, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, USB hookups for an iPod, six-speed automatic transmission with driver shift controls, ultrasonic rear parking assist, automatic dual-zone climate control, dual stainless steel exhaust with dual bright exhaust tips, StabiliTrak with traction control, and six airbags–two front impact airbags, side impact airbags for the driver and front passenger, and head side curtain airbags for both front and rear outboard passengers. Side impact airbags for the outboard rear passengers are also available, bringing the total number of airbags to eight.

Regal offers Columbia drivers a host of available features befitting a premium sport sedan, including:

Voice-activated navigation system with 40 GB hard drive, with 10 GB set aside for music storage
19-inch machined alloy wheels
Interactive Drive Control System
Power tilt-sliding sunroof with sunshade
Premium 9-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system
Rear-seat thorax airbags
Bi-Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps

MSRP on the 2011 Buick Regal CXL Turbo starts at $28,745 before destination freight charges, taxes, fees, and optional equipment.

Visit Jim Hudson Buick in Columbia, SC for your Regal Turbo

Jim Hudson Buick is the premier Buick dealer in Columbia, serving old and new Buick customers alike since its purchase of Hancock Buick in 2007. Buick owners love Jim Hudson for its total commitment to complete customer satisfaction before, during, and after the sale, a commitment noticed by its customers as Jim Hudson been voted Best New Car Dealership by readers of The State an unmatched ten years running, and multiple times by readers of Columbia’s Free Times weekly. Jim Hudson Buick is located at 7201 Garners Ferry Road in Columbia, South Carolina, and can be reached by phone at (803) 783-0110. Visit their website for the current selection of Buick Regal sedans in Columbia, SC.