GM emissions documents from the California Air Resources Board have done more than confirm the existence of the Buick Regal TourX wagon.
The CARB documents show GM’s 250+ horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making an appearance in both front- and all-wheel-drive Regals, plus the anticipated TourX wagon.
Interestingly, it would seem that the Regal will be available with two transmission choices at launch: the new 9T50 nine-speed transmission jointly developed with Ford will be in front-wheel drive models while the Asin AF50 eight-speed will be the choice for all-wheel-driven derivatives.
The made-in-Mexico Hydra-Matic 9T50 will evidently be shipped from GM’s San Luis Potosi plant in Mexico across to Opel’s manufacturing facility in Rüsselsheim, Germany for install in North American spec Regals.
GM had said switching to a house-made transmission would save the company money instead of sourcing the AF50 from Asin, making this initial overlap odd, especially considering GM ditched the eight-speed in favor of the 9T50 in 2.0T equipped Malibus. Buick is likely to replace the Asin-built box across the model range at some point.
SEE ALSO: Buick Regal Sedan Reportedly Getting Discontinued
Well placed internal sources revealed the Regal will gain a V6 engine to keep it in line with competitors, while a diesel is also under consideration for later in the Regal’s lifecycle–but the CARB documents make no mention of either motor.
GM plans to use the 9T50 in at least 10 models before the end of ’17 but has only confirmed the Chevrolet Cruze with the 1.6-liter diesel, the Chevroelt Equinox with the 2.0T, and the new GMC Terrain sporting a 1.5T. Neither GM or Ford has announced an application linking the 9T50 with a V6 engine.
If the Regal does end up with an oil-burner don’t be surprised if it’s the same Opel developed 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel paired with the nine-speed. Check back for more information after the Regal makes its debut on April 4th in Michigan.
