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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Buick's VW Jetta-Fighting Small Sedan Realistically Rendered

Using an official sketch that was revealed at Buick's Los Angeles Auto Show conference last December as a canvas, GMI (GM Inside News) forum member "Mr. Burns" created a fairly realistic rendering of the firm's forthcoming small sedan that's expected to be heavily based on the Opel Astra.

The new four-door saloon that will make use of the same Delta II platform as the Chevrolet Cruze, will take the place of the Opel Insignia-based 2011 Regal sedan as Buick's entry-level offering in North America while it is also expected to replace the current Excelle in China.

The VW Jetta sedan should be considered one of the most closest rivals to the as of yet unnamed "baby" Buick model.

Though details still remain scarce, it is believed that the engine range will include the same 140HP 1.4-liter turbo four found in the Cruze while it's also possible that GM may add the Opel Astra's more potent 1.6-liter turbo with 180HP in the mix.

Chances are that we'll get to see the new Buick model arriving in the States sometime next year.

Renderings: GMInsidenews