The Opel Insignia was tapped to replace the Saturn Aura but due to the sale of the brand, GM decision makers opted to sell the car as the 2011 Buick Regal. The Buick Regal is set to hit the market by the 2nd quarter of 2010.

The 2011 Buick Regal is expected to give other sport sedan in its segment a tough competition. The Regal derives its power from the turbocharged engine, European chassis set up, and selectable suspension system.

The Aura replacement will meet head on with models like the Volvo S60 and the Acura TSX. The new 2011 Regal will have more space and legroom compared to these cars. It has a longer wheelbase, bigger trunk capacity, six speed transmission, and 18-inch rims.

You can trace the development of the Regal back to Germany where the current European Car of the Year, the Opel Insignia hails. The Regal has also seen success in China where about 64,000 units have been sold so far since December 2008.

The initial offering of the 2011 Buick Regal in the U.S. will come as the CXL trim with 182 horsepower with fuel mileage of 30 mpg on highway driving and 29 mpg while snaking in and out of city streets.