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.

Before the sale of the Buick Regal in North America, the Opel Insignia has been rolling off the dealerships in China. According to GM insiders, the Regal will be marketed below the 2010 LaCrosse and will have a few thousand dollars off its sticker price. The LaCrosse has a tag starting at $27,835.

The LaCrosse and the Regal though is built on the same DNA of the Epsilon II FWD. They also share basic lines and curves for the body structure. This could give a good indication of what this model will afford you in terms of car breakdown cover and insurance costs.The LaCrosse has several features that you cannot find on the Regal. The former comes with acoustic glass, hood built with perimeter seal, and absorption material under the chassis.

The Regal is also 4 inches shorter when your compare its wheelbase to the 10.7 inches of the LaCrosse. The regal is also 6.9 inches short off the length of the LaCrosse.

The Buick Regal is part of the general plan of the car manufacturer to introduce to the market new models which can challenge brands like the Acura and Lexus.

The Insignia has also several variants including a standard sedan, a 5-door hatchback, and a functional wagon. These may also be brought to North America.