Buick Regal Wagon spied without disguise [Image update]

Before Friday, there was nothing more than unfounded rumors supporting the notion of a Buick Regal Wagon in the works. Now, our spies have captured the first ever images of the Regal Wagon in any form.



Buick has received several mentions in the media lately for its recent resurgence due largely to its fresh product offerings, and now it seems Buick has yet another fresh model in the works.

Our spies say they captured this completely undisguised Buick Regal Wagon wearing the complete front fascia of the recent U.S.-spec Buick Regal on Friday, and now they have managed to get up close and photograph this cargo and people hauler front and rear.

The only thing missing from this particular test car is the front plate filler panel that all U.S. Regal sedans get, likely due to the fact that this is a pre-production model. the exterior features, including the grille, fog lights, lower fascia and the wheels are all identical to the 2011 U.S.-spec Regal sedan.

Being an early prototype, the fit and finish between the front clip and hood is expectantly sub-par. Also, much like the Regal GS prototype spied a few months ago, this Regal wagon is still wearing a European "Insignia" badge on the rear, but the rear hatch also features a Buick emblem as well.

Sources say the official debut for Buick's new Regal-based wagon would likely come towards the end of 2010, making this a 2011 model year vehicle. With modest production goals, it's likely GM would build the wagon in their Russelsheim factory.

Because of the unexpected nature of the find, we have few details, except we expect the Buick Regal Wagon variant to be motivated by the same 2.4-liter, direct-injected Ecotec four-cylinder engine rated at 182 horsepower that is found in the Regal Sedan. The Regal Sedan will feature an estimated 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that is due to arrive in late summer, 2010. We expect both engines, as well the six-speed automatics that come standard.