Vauxhall gets into the Christmas Shopping Spirit, Announces 20% Discounts on Most New Models

'Tis the season for shopping at Vauxhall as GM's British subsidiary has announced a significant 20 per cent discount on most of its new models, just days before the VAT increases in the country by a hefty 2.5 per cent in early January. The automaker's offer is called "Vauxhall Countdown" and it is available on new cars purchased between December 27, 2010

While Vauxhall did not release a full price list, the automaker did provide some examples. With the 20 per cent discount, the on-the-road price of an Astra 1.4 (100PS) Exclusive tumbles by more than £3,190, while savings on the Agila range start from £1890.

According to the automaker, Corsa buyers can save up to £3400 off the on the road price, depending on model, while the Astra Sports Tourer will attract discounts of between £3,300 and £4,685. Those in need of more power can opt for the range-topping Insignia VXR (OPC for the rest of Europe) and see the road price drop by £6,165 to £26,150.

"We’re committed to reducing the pain of the latest VAT rise as much as possible,” said Peter Hope, Vauxhall’s Marketing Director. “Vauxhall Countdown is a no-nonsense 20 per cent discount that applies across almost all models in our range. It has instant appeal for all our customers and makes ownership of some of our latest, award-winning cars even more attractive than before."

German Police Recruits Opel Insignia Sports Tourer

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.

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2012 Buick Regal GS with 255HP 2.0-liter Turbo and FWD Unveiled in Production Form

GM has revealed the production version of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show's Buick Regal GS concept but to our disappointment, the automaker has kept the 255HP 2.0-liter turbocharged engine instead of the Opel Insignia OPC's far more potent 2.8-liter twin-scroll turbocharged V6 with 325 ponies. The General's cost-cutters also ditched the OPC's four-wheel drive system as the GS is a front-wheel drive model only.

Buick says with the standard six-speed manual gearbox, the GS will accelerate from 0 to 60mph in less than seven seconds (*estimated). In comparison, the basic $28,200 VW Passat CC 2.0 Turbo with 200HP completes the standard sprint in 6.9 seconds, while the European Opel Insignia OPC in 5.8 seconds.

Later on, Buick will offer the GS with an optional six-speed automatic with Driver Shift Control.

The car rides on standard 19-inch alloy wheels and all-season tire, with 20-inch polished alloy wheels shod in performance tires being optional. Braking power comes from a four-wheel disc brake system featuring Brembo front calipers, while there's also a standard StabiliTrak stability control system with integrated, full-function traction control.

Other than that, the Regal GS features Interactive Drive Control System which allows drivers to customize the suspension settings and steering sensitivity between three modes: standard, sport and GS.

The styling more or less follows in the footsteps of the Insignia OPC with a bespoke aero kit and bumpers, and a raft of interior upgrades such as the leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, sport seats and unique decorative trim.

The Regal GS goes on sale in the second half of 2011, with pricing to be announced closer to launch. However, being that prices for the 220HP Regal Turbo range from $28,795 to $34,435, we don't expect anything less than a mid-$30k sticker.

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Buick Mulling Over Coupe, Convertible and Station Wagon Models

In a live web chat held on GM's official blog earlier this week, Buick Product Marketing Director Roger McCormack sat down and answered questions from the general public. He revealed that the Buick is looking into expanding the brand's U.S. lineup with new models in the near future.

Aside from the small crossover model that has already been confirmed, McCormack said Buick is considering several options including a coupe, a convertible with either a soft-top or a retractable hardtop and a station wagon.

One question was about whether or not Buick is considering the possibility of a coupe model, in which McCormack answered: " Yes, very strong consideration."

Another question was about a drop top model. "We are always looking for ways to excite our customers...I think a convertible would do just that. Nothing to announce today but know we will look hard at a convertible option," McCormack answered.

Summing up, he said: " As we mentioned, we are looking at all options...a coupe, convertible, a wagon, a retractable hardtop and more...we don't know right now which direction we'll go. We think the Buick brand can stretch in a lot of directions."

Not surprisingly, the Buick manager did not give out much in the way of details, but we assume that the coupe, station wagon and convertible models would be based either on the Regal (Opel Insignia) or the Opel Astra, a sedan version of which is expected to be introduced in the States next year.

Hat tip to Anthony!

Link: GM Webcast

VIDEO: Buick Launches First TV Ad for 2011 Regal, Touts German Engineering

Even though automakers have been shifting millions of advertising dollars to the Internet, they aren't about to let go of TV any time soon. Following a series of web and print ads, GM is launching the first of several television commercials on the all-new 2011 Buick Regal.

The first TV spot for the Regal saloon is titled "Autobahn" and features the voice of Kevin Bacon. As you may have guessed by the commercial's name, GM is playing up the Regal's German roots.

"The first of the Regal television commercials will allow consumers to discover the all-new Regal sports sedan's German inspired engineering and performance," said Craig Bierley, Buick advertising director. "The subsequent television spots and the advertising campaign will present the Regal in a range of mediums that will allow consumers the ability to draw their own conclusions on the vehicle."

Priced from $26,245, the new Regal is offered with a 182HP 2.4-liter four-pot in the States. A 220HP 2.0-liter turbocharged-four will be added to the range this fall.

The Buick Regal is currently built alongside the Insignia at Opel's factory in Russelheim, Germany, but production in North American will commence in early 2011 at GM's Oshawa Car Assembly plant in Canada.

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