The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer, the sedan version of which is marketed in the States as the Buick Regal, has been recruited for duty by the Polizei force of the German State of Hesse. The authorities announced today that they have ordered a total of 800 patrol cars from Opel, with the first 100 examples to be delivered this year.
All Insignia patrol cars will come fitted with special equipment including additional rear warning lights with LED tech, a pull out tray system for the trunk which can be replaced with a transport box for police dogs.
In November 2009, in Los Angeles, GM revealed the model to the North American market, with a launch date of 2nd quarter 2010.
In North America, the new Regal will slot just below the LaCrosse, and compete with upscale sedans such as the Acura TSX and Volvo S60. It will debut with just one engine, the 2.4L Ecotec I4 rated at 182 hp. A turbocharged 2.0L Ecotec I4 rated at an estimated 220 hp will be available later in 2010.
2011 Buick Regal
2011 Buick Regal
2011 Buick Regal
2011 Buick Regal
Both will come with 6-speed automatic transmission. Jim Frederico, chief engineer for Buick, announced that a 6-speed manual will be available shortly after launch. A hybrid variant will soon follow.
The 2011 Regal will be offered only in CXL trim, with other trim levels expected for 2012.
