#BuickRegal

General Motors is focusing on plug-in technology for the next five years, aiming to have 500,000 vehicles on the road with some form of electrification by 2017.

Buick has just announced pricing for its 2013 Encore, but it’s just the very beginning of the American automaker’s onslaught of models coming up within the next 12 months.

Set to arrive at dealers this fall, the 2013 Buick Regal will get a price hike thanks to GM dropping the Ecotec engine to offer the eAssist hybrid as the base model.

Buick recently released detailed specifications on the surprisingly powerful Verano Turbo. Along with the 250 hp engine is the continued option of a six-speed manual transmission.

While it’s probably not the most dangerous issue to merit a recall, General Motors will fix defective parking lights in some 2012 Buick Regals. 

Making its way on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick for 2012 is the all-new Buick Verano. This raises General Motors IIHS Top Safety Pick award count to 14 in 2012 – not too shabby.

General Motors much loved LNF engine, the same 2.0L Ecotec that powered the Pontiac Solstice GXP, Saturn Sky Redline and Chevrolet Cobalt SS is continuing on in the Buick Regal Turbo and Buick Regal GS, but a new generation of turbocharged 4-cylinder motor is set to replace the LNF next year, packing even more power.

Buick has announced pricing for their newest additions to the Regal lineup, with their Regal eAssist mild hybrid vehicle starting at $29,530, while the high performance Regal GS starts at $35,310.

A “leaked document” (read: dubious rumor) claims that a coupe variant of the Opel Insignia sedan, may wear the famed Calibra badge. The previous Calibra was known for its slippery styling and turbocharged engines, and the Insignia would make a worthy successor.

Buick fans disappointed that the forthcoming Regal GS shares little in common with the European market Insignia OPC now have another reason to get mad, after Opel revealed that their hottest sedan is good for an astounding 168 mph when the speed governor is removed.

It’s not too hard to remember the days when Buick was the butt of jokes, with many suggesting that Buick be killed off during the General Motors bankruptcy in 2008, rather than Pontiac.

While GM’s announcement of a new car based on the Camaro platform being shown at the Chicago Auto Show stole the spotlight in the automotive press, the Buick Regal eAssist represents a product far more relevant to the average consumer, even if it’s less glamorous.

With an eAssist hybrid system from the Buick Lacrosse, the Regal delivers excellent mileage for a mid-size sedan, returning 26 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. A 15 horsepower electric motor helps to assist during acceleration and also allows for regenerative braking, and a start/stop system.

On the aesthetic front, lightweight 17″ wheels, a 7-inch screen for keeping track of fuel economy and other data, as well as an eco model for the air conditioning all make an appearance only on the eAssist. While the Lacrosse eAssist will be positioned as an entry level trim within the range, the Regal variant will simply complement the other versions, including the Regal Turbo and Regal GS.

Gallery: Buick Regal eAssist

General Motors will reportedly unveil a Buick Regal Hybrid at the Chicago Auto Show that uses similar eAssist technology seen on the its Lacrosse stablemate.

The Buick Regal will get GM’s eAssist mild hybrid system next year, according to rumors on GM Inside News. The eAssist system will debut on the Buick Lacrosse 4-cylinder, an engine shared with the Regal. It is also expected to appear on thew upcoming Chevrolet Malibu, though eAssist is expected to remain exclusive on Buick products for some time.

Buick is hoping to kickstart buzz around their upcoming Regal sports sedan by not manufacturing any buzz at all. Dubbed “The Moment of Truth”, Buick will take a page out of the Fiesta Movement’s book, but geared towards an older crowd.