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Wagon Master: 2018 Buick Regal TourX

May 14, 2018 by admin 5 Comments

Buick overhauls the Regal line, adds TourX and Sportback models.

2018 Buick Regal TourX — The 2018 Regal line expands to include this TourX wagon.

The Buick Regal has taken on many forms across its long history, including a coupe, sedan and briefly as a wagon. Its previous iteration was as a four-door sedan, a model developed in Germany, then built in Canada for the North American market.

Well, sedan sales have been deteriorating for years and after a seven-year run, Buick cancelled most of the sedan line, although the performance GS remains. Beginning in 2018, an updated Regal portfolio is in place, but this time it also includes a hatchback (Regal Sportback) and a wagon (Regal TourX). As of publication, Buick offers the Sportback in the US and Canada, while the GS sedan and wagon are exclusive to the United States.

The two newest Regals are once again built only in Germany and by Opel. Up until last year, Opel was a GM division, but now owned by Groupe PSA, mainly comprising Peugeot and Citroen, the French automaker.

We cannot explain for certain how or why this arrangement continues, other than to say that when the Opel-to-PSA deal became final, certain models were sharing a common platform and will likely do so for years ahead. No matter, the Regal TourX is an Opel (or a Vauxhall) Insignia in some markets, but it is also a Holden Commodore in Australia. Got it?

2018 Buick Regal TourX

For this review, we shall look primarily at the test model at hand — the 2018 Regal TourX. Where necessary, we will mention a few things about the Sportback, but not much else. There are some differences between the two, therefore we will not take a deep dive into what we have not driven. Just so you know, Buick markets the Sportback as a “Car,” but it lists the TourX under its “SUV & Crossovers” category.

The 2018 Regal TourX comes in three trim levels: TourX ($29,070), Preferred ($32,670) and Essence ($35,070). These prices do not include the $925 destination and handling charge, nor are taxes, fees, tags or discounts factored in. All models have a turbocharged engine, an automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Exterior Highlights

The Regal TourX does not attempt to hide its wagon design and that is a good thing. Up front, it shares a fascia common to the brand with the Buick tri-shield insignia and wing-like chrome bands flowing out from the center. Sleek headlamps and pronounced cutouts for the fog lamps add sporty touches.

The wheel wells come wrapped in contrasting trim, while deep sculpting marks the profile. A rising beltline and falling roofline meet to form the liftgate. The rear fascia has sleek wraparound tail lamps and dual exhaust ports.

Although obviously a wagon, this model adds special styling points, including an upswept rear roof pillar. You will also find chrome door trim that runs from the front to the rear pillars, then intersects with the tail lamps. Whoever said a wagon cannot deliver flair? It is a look I found appealing.

Standard equipment includes halogen headlamps, fog lamps and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Available features include LED headlamps with automatic leveling, a panoramic moonroof, power-heated side mirrors, roof rack rails and a power liftgate.

2018 Buick Regal TourX

Interior Highlights

When it comes to passenger space, the TourX compares with any midsize, two-row SUV. Specifically, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Edge and the Nissan Murano are three that come to mind. The main difference, of course, between the Buick and this trio is the high profile of the competitors. Other than that, the Buick compares well here.

The TourX interior reminded me of the Buick Enclave, a three-row SUV with nine more inches between the wheels. Plenty of soft-touch materials, chrome and with the Essence model, leather. It is a look that is at once soothing as it is elegant, one that supplies a fitting parallel to the LaCrosse sedan.

The driver-centric instrument panel is big and clear, the center console smartly ordered and uncluttered. The front seats are plush, yet firm. The rear seat holds two adults with ease and three when needed. My test model had leather seats, although cloth seats are standard. The cabin is very quiet and is up there with Buick’s exacting standards.

Standard equipment includes full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column and air conditioning. Among the upgrades you will find are a heated steering wheel, power front seats with lumbar support, heated front seats, ambient lighting and dual-zone climate control.

Not to leave out of the discussion is the storage space behind the second-row seat. Buick supplies 32.7 cubic feet, which is more than the 23.6 cubic feet in the Enclave. But if you fold the third-row seat in the Enclave you have a generous 58 cubic feet. Back to the TourX and you have 73.3 cubic feet behind the first row — that’s ample room to carry your gear — a bicycle, tent, skis, what have you. And that is why Buick offers a standard 60/40 or an available 40/20/40 second-row bench seat.

2018 Buick Regal TourX

Technology & Safety Features

I have long praised Buick for its tech features and the TourX does not disappoint. The audio package includes a 7-inch color touch screen display, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility.

You will also find a USB port inside the center console and a WiFi system for connecting up to seven devices. Other features include keyless entry and push-button start, remote panic alarm and OnStar connected vehicle services.

Upgrades include HD and satellite radio, navigation, an 8-speaker Bose audio system and remote start. Wireless charging is an option.

Among safety items you will find a rear vision camera. Move up through the trim levels and multiple driver-assist features roll out, including lane change alert with side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert and rear park assist. Other features include lane keep assist with lane departure warning, forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, and adaptive cruise control with forward automatic braking. My top-of-the-line Essence trim had all such features present.

(See Also — Swift Sportback: 2018 Buick Regal GS)

2018 Buick Regal TourX

On the Road: 2018 Buick Regal TourX

A station wagon has a V8 engine, right? Or at least a powerful V6. Well, in this case it has neither.

How about a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine? That is exactly what motivates the Regal TourX, delivering 250 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Buick pairs this engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Do these numbers seem underpowered? Well, consider how they stack up with the Buick Lucerne, a full-size model last offered in 2011: that sedan’s 3.9-liter V6 earned 227 horsepower and 237 pound-feet of torque. Further, there was a V8 available as well, delivering 292 horsepower and 288 pound-feet of torque. Thus, the torque number on the TourX beat the old V8 and that is something to keep in mind when considering this model.

Off-the-mark acceleration with the TourX is quite good. When you need extra power, the turbo kicks in with only minimal lag detected. A willing transmission works unnoticed in the background and that is what we like. Direct and weighted steering imbue driver confidence, while the smooth ride should please everyone.

Although not a curve carver, the TourX stays planted. The all-wheel drive system is a big help on wet roads as well as when you pull out of a corner. That’s the main difference between the Sportback and the TourX — the hatchback offers standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive. I think Buick made the right decision by making the TourX all-wheel drive only.

As for off-roading, this wagon is strictly designed for light-duty work — traveling on gravelly roads or dusty paths. Its 6-inch ground clearance means you won’t be following the Outback across a shallow creek or to a sandy beach.

2018 Buick Regal TourX

Parting Thoughts

There is a revival taking place in the wagon market. Besides the TourX, you will find the Subaru Outback, Audi A4 AllRoad, Volkswagen Golf Alltrack and the Volvo V60 and V90 Cross Country models. We must not leave out the Jaguar XF Sportbrake and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon, although both aim squarely at the luxury market.

I found myself almost giddy with the TourX, especially when I showed the vehicle to crossover and minivan owners. For the most part, there was a distinct love it/hate it reaction by some, but then I could see others carefully taking it in. That alone is a good thing as wagons fell out of grace long ago, especially by those who left one for a minivan.

But the market is cyclical and what was once out of favor could very well catch on again. With Buick, there is no need to wait as the 2018 Regal TourX delivers. Choose the well-equipped Essence and you will come away with a loaded model for under $40,000. This represents an important price point for similar crossover SUVs.

2018 Buick Regal TourX

2018 Buick Regal TourX Specifications

Buick	2018 Regal TourX
Segment	Small Station Wagon
Base Sticker Price	$29,070 ( plus $925 destination charge)
Price as tested	$41,550
Standard Engine	2.0-liter, turbo inline-four
Horsepower	250 @ 5,400 RPMs
Torque (lb.-ft.)	295 @ 3,000 to 4,000 RPMs
Transmission	Eight-speed automatic
Seating	5
Curb Weight (pounds)	3,708
Wheelbase (inches)	111.4
Length (inches)	196.4
Width (inches)	73.1
Height (inches)	59.1
Head room (f,r…inches)	38.8; 39.0
Leg room (f,r…inches)	42.1, 36.9
Shoulder room (f,r…inches)	56.9, 55.4
Hip room (f,r…inches)	55.2, 54.1
Storage (cubic feet)	32.7; 73.5
Gross vehicle weight (pounds)	NR
Towing (pounds)	NR
Payload (pounds)	NR
Fuel	Premium
Fuel Tank (gallons)	16.3
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway)	21/29
Manufacturing Plant	Ruesselsheim, Germany

See Also — 4 California Art Museums

Volkswagen Scandal No Surprise to Those Who Have Been Tracking It…VW Management Included

September 25, 2015 by admin 3 Comments

Lateral view of a Volkswagen Golf TDI “clean diesel” at the 2010 Washington Auto Show.

By the reading of it, Volkswagen management expressed what seemed like genuine shock when the EPA and California’s Air Resources Board revealed their joint findings regarding the automaker’s manipulation of US emissions testing for diesel cars outfitted with a particular 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine.

Last Sunday, the company’s then CEO, Martin Winterkorn, issued a brief statement declaring that the Board of Management at Volkswagen AG “takes these findings very seriously.” What those findings revealed was that the automaker used “defeat devices” to fool emissions testing, effectively concealing the reality that certain cars spew emissions some 10 to 40 times the legal limit.

Approximately 482,000 US cars are equipped with the affected engines and will be recalled. The remaining models sitting on new car dealer lots are under a stop-sale order.

Within a few days of the initial response in which the now terminated Winterkorn added, “We do not and will not tolerate violations of any kind of our internal rules or of the law,” it was revealed that the extent of Volkswagen’s emissions manipulation had been known for at least two years, perhaps much longer.

Indeed, that knowledge was confirmed when a small research staff at West Virginia University completed a report in May 2013, then shared those findings in a public forum. Volkswagen representatives were on hand and even questioned Daniel Carder, the university’s engineer who led the study. Carder serves as Interim Director of CAFEE — the Center for Alternative Fuels, Engines and Emissions, at the university.

The CAFEE study, commissioned and paid for by the nonprofit International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), was shared with and substantiated by the EPA and CARB.

Regulators met with Volkswagen in 2014 and the company agreed to a voluntary recall to fix the problem. Volkswagen subsequently sent notices to some customers declaring that their vehicles were in need of an “emissions service action.”

That notice was served in April 2015 to an unknown number of 2010 to 2014 model-year owners in California according to Reuters. It was offered by Volkswagen as a potential solution agreed upon by CARB, but it didn’t work.

In July 2015, the CARB conducted follow up testing and discovered that the scrubber technology — which sprays a liquid comprised of 30 percent urea and 70 percent water into the diesel exhaust system and ultimately cuts carbon dioxide to levels within acceptable emissions parameters — was turned off. Those findings were shared with the EPA and led to the agency’s recall order on Sept. 18.

This fast changing and expanding story later revealed that as many as 11 million cars are affected worldwide, vehicle’s powered by a family of turbo-diesel engines with displacements of 1.6 and 2.0 liters. Further, Volkswagen has set aside approximately US$ 7.5 billion to handle repairs and related claims.

Class action lawsuits on behalf of consumers will likely follow to help owners recoup the “diminished value” of their vehicles. When a fix is announced, it is expected that the cars will lose performance and suffer a corresponding decline in fuel economy.

Volkswagen executives now find themselves sitting on a hot seat with some facing dismissal, including Volkswagen of America CEO Michael Horn. However, US Volkswagen dealers are opposed to his ouster as they credit him with representing their interests before upper management at Volkswagen’s headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany.

Horn, a 25-year Volkswagen company representative, assumed his current position in January 2014, just months after the CAFEE study was shared and a mere three months before the CARB-initiated recall. Although Volkswagen dealers laud Horn for his representation in Wolfsburg, what has yet to be revealed is whether he shared the emissions findings with senior management in Germany, including the now-deposed Winterkorn.

This story, like so many other far-reaching scandals has had its shares of twists and turns.

As far back as 2011, the non-governmental environmental organization Greenpeace initiated its own crusade against Volkswagen. That campaign included releasing an anti-Volkswagen video with a Star Wars theme whereby the organization alleged that “VW is threatening our planet by opposing cuts to CO2 emissions.” The video concluded by inviting viewers to “join the rebellion.” It was uploaded to YouTube on June 27, 2011.

If there is a darker side of the Volkswagen scandal, you can be certain that it will eventually be exposed. However, some questions remain unanswered, including whether Wolfsburg was kept in the dark as well as why it took the EPA so long to address the matter.

Photo credit: Mario Roberto Duran Ortiz, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

Looking Ahead: 2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe

August 21, 2015 by admin 5 Comments

At the Frankfurt International Motor Show next month, count on a number of eye-catching new models making global debuts. One of the most anticipated and visually appealing vehicles will come from the host country, Germany, as Daimler unveils the sinewy 2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe.

Dubbed by the manufacturer as “the sportiest C-Class ever,” the new coupe does what every product from Mercedes-AMG does best: advance the latest technical features while lifting design and performance benchmarks.

C63 and C63 S Coupes

Available in standard and S Coupe models, the snazzy coupe is powered by a 4.0-liter, V-8 bi-turbo engine with 469 standard horsepower and 503 horsepower in the S Coupe. The engine is the workmanship of the AMG engine plant in Affalterbach. AMG also contributes the rear-axle limited-slip differentials, the engine mounts, the ride control system with electronically controlled shock absorbers, and the dynamic select transmission modes.

Mercedes-AMG will premier the C63 Coupe on September 15, 2015, in Frankfurt. US dealers will begin receiving the new model by early summer 2016.

AMG C63 Coupe

An Exceptional C63 Coupe

Much about the Mercedes-AMG model is different from the standard Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe. Indeed, only the doors, roof and trunk are the same, while the rest of the body is unique to the C63 Coupe. Notably, an increased track width required changes to the front and rear axles, affecting everything from the front end to the rear assembly. Moreover, new front and rear fenders, and wider, flared wheels are also evident.

The aluminum hood measures 2.36 inches longer and is marked by a pair of power domes, what advances this model’s muscular countenance. Large air inlets, a twin blade grille with AMG lettering, and a three-dimensional front spoiler that does double duty as an air deflector for the three cooling air inlets are also present. The front splitter, set at the bottom of the front apron, is tasked with reducing front-axle lift.

Large wheels enhance the coupe’s profile, which finish flush with the body on the far outside and standout side skirts. Distinctive character lines run from the headlamps to the tail lights; a second set of profile lines sweep up from the rocker panel. The roofline suggests a coupe always in motion with the narrowest of B pillars present.

To the rear, a pair of chrome-plated twin tailpipes are mingled with the diffuser. Rear airflow is managed by means of laterally optimized optical air outlet openings. Even the trunk lid has been specially designed to incorporate a spoiler lip that is both stylish and functional. Specifically, it is tasked with reducing rear-axle lift.

AMG C63 Coupe

AMG Motoring Heritage

The 2017 C63 Coupe features an interior that Mercedes says is composed of only the finest high-grade materials. To advance the coupe’s motoring heritage, numerous AMG-specific controls are present. Available performance seats provide a lower seating position and come with more generously formed bolsters in a bid to enhance lateral support.

The C63 Coupe accelerates from 0-to-60 mph in 3.9 seconds and in 3.8 seconds with the S Coupe. Wider tires and shorter-legged rear-axle ratios give this model a slight performance edge over the sedan.

Mercedes-AMG pairs the biturbo engine with a 7-speed sport automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. The AMG Speedshift MCT transmission is designed to execute upshifts and downshifts faster than the previous model. Four different transmission modes are present; the S Coupe gains an additional “Race” mode.

AMG C63 Coupe

Suspension Changes and New Differentials

Changes to the suspension system equipment and geometry include a four-link front suspension with radial, racing-style brake connections with proprietary steering knuckles and a wider track, to provide greater lateral acceleration.

A newly redesigned rear axle advances a multi-link concept with the wheel bearing contact surfaces shifted slightly to the outside when compared with the sedan. Camber and tuning changes were also accomplished.

The C63 Coupe is outfitted with a mechanical rear-axle limited-slip differential; the S Coupe has the electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential. Both differentials act to reduce slippage on the inside wheel when cornering without activating the control interventions from the braking system.

Better handling, increased stability and a more satisfying driving experience are among the positive results evident.

AMG C63 Coupe

Photos copyright Mercedes-AMG.

50 Years of the Porsche 911

May 13, 2013 by Mark Martin 4 Comments

Porsche Carrera Speedster. — The classic beauty of the original Porsche endures forever.

The Frankfurt Motor Show in September this year will mark the 50^th anniversary of the launch of the Porsche 911, which was first unveiled at that show in 1963. Porsche has managed to maintain the 911’s position at the forefront of the super car market ever since, with the model being just as popular today as it was five decades ago.

Porsche 911 Background

The 911 was launched as a replacement for the 356, which had entered production in 1948 and was the Porsche company’s first road car. The 356 had been designed prior to World War II, with three manufactured for the 1939 race from Berlin to Rome which was eventually cancelled. It was revived at the end of the War, with 76,000 being manufactured before attention was shifted to the 911.

But did you know that Porsche initially intended to call the car the 901 and that it was unveiled at the Frankfurt with that designation? However, Peugeot launched a complaint claiming that they had the legal rights to car names which featured three numbers with a zero in the middle. Eighty-two 901s were manufactured before Porsche was forced to change the name to the 911.

Contemporary Favorite: Porsche 911 Carrera.

Evolutionary Changes

Gradual improvements have been made to the 911 over the years by Porsche to ensure that it remains current and relevant with modern day motorists. This has led to five major design overhauls since its initial launch. Although aesthetically it has remained largely similar, its evergreen design has helped the 911 maintain its popularity with the Porsche factory in Stuttgart that still ships out 110 911s daily. To date, it has been estimated that 820,000 911s have been manufactured in this Stuttgart factory since 1963.

The 911s continued popularity with car enthusiasts has no doubt been helped by its huge and varied success in motor sport over the past five decades. It is perhaps most associated with the 24 hours of Le Mans; a race which it has been won on remarkable 14 occasions by derivatives of the Porsche 911. This association was heightened by the 1971 film ‘Le Mans’, which featured the legendary Steve McQueen as the lead Porsche driver.

24 Heures du Mans

Porsche 911 overall victory and its first since 1998. Red Bull race winner Mark Webber is strongly tipped to leave Formula One to lead Porsche’s challenge, such is the expectation around the return of the brand to the race.

Le Mans isn’t the only event where the Porsche 911 has made a mark, having also recorded the 10 wins at the 12 hours of Sebring and four victories at the notorious and icy Monte Carlo Rally; highlighting the versatility of the model.

Porsche is also using the motorsport arena to develop the next generation of 911; working with the Williams F1 team to develop a hybrid 911 to compete in GT sports car races. It is expected that this technology will come as standard on future 911s as the fuel crisis becomes more severe.

Porsche 911 On Steroids

Porsche has previously utilized expertise harnessed from motor racing for performance purposes rather than fuel economy. In 1996, it developed a version of the 911 which is amongst the most powerful road going cars ever produced by the German manufacturer. Built with a mid-mounted engine, it was effectively a 700 bhp road legal version of Porsche’s GT1 Le Mans car and was capable of a remarkable top speed of 235 mph.

The Porsche 911 is highly respected within motoring circles, coming in second on the list of ‘100 Coolest Cars’ in a survey conducted by Automobile Magazine. It was also named World Performance Car of the year in 2012.

Porsche Museum Celebration

Porsche itself is also planning on marking the anniversary, with the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, holding a special exhibition marking the occasion from June 4 through September 29 this year.

***

Martin is a self confessed petrol head with an interest in all things motoring and motorsport. He is a graduate with 1st class honors from the University of Chester with a degree in business and marketing. Dissertation was perhaps unsurprisingly focuses on sports sponsorship in Formula 1. Working for MoneySupermarket in the motoring department for almost three years, focusing on motoring research and content.

See Also — Celebrating 50 Years of McLaren