cars news 10: New Buick Regal Is Going to Be Drop-Dead Gorgeous

Just days after an Insignia was spotted on some kind of a photo or video shoot, Opel has officially unveiled the new Grand Sport sedan. This is our best look yet on what to expect for the U.S.-market Buick Regal.

Judging from these Insignia images, it appears that the Regal is going to receive a much more mature design. Opel pushed the wheels forward relative to the cabin and gave it an elongated appearance. The Insignia’s new look matches the look of new Buicks including the LaCrosse, especially up front. A horizontal wing connects the front emblem to the edges of the grille. The nose of the new model is much flatter, and the headlights are slim and more modern than those on the current Regal. Bold character lines caress the side of the doors, and a sloping roofline falls onto a short rear deck.

The Opel Insignia Grand Sport is based on an entirely new vehicle architecture. Although it weighs around 385 pounds less than the old model, the Insignia’s wheelbase has increased by 3.6 inches. The front and rear overhangs have been shortened, and the roofline is 29 millimeters lower.

We’re eager to see if the Regal drives as nicely as it looks, but we know its European cousin is receiving some powertrain upgrades, too. An eight-speed transmission has been added to the lineup, as has a new all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring. The Insignia also gets a new five-link rear suspension and FlexRide chassis, with different modes that adjust dampers, throttle response, and steering.

The new Opel is roomier than its predecessor, allowing for more headroom and knee room in the rear. Other key features include lane keep assist, a new head-up display, heated front and rear seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist with automated steering correction, and rear cross traffic alert.