The hot new 2011 Buick Regal isn't set to go on sale until the second quarter of the year but we can reveal today that the mid-level Regal CXL model will be priced from $26,995 plus a $750 destination charge.

Early next year, Buick will introduce for the 2012 model year several other trim levels including a cheaper Regal CX model and possibly a high-performance Regal GS, however, for the immediate future we'll have to make do with just the Regal CXL.

It will be available in two different flavors: a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter model or a 2.0-liter turbocharged version. Both engines feature direct injection technology and come paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission with pseudo manual control.

The 2.4-liter model will be priced from $26,995 plus a $750 destination charge, undercutting the similarly specced 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXL by more than $3,000. The 2.0-liter turbocharged Regal CXL will be priced from $29,495 plus the same $750 destination charge, however, this model will only be available from late summer.

The 2.4-liter engine is rated at 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque, while the 2.0-liter turbocharged mill gets 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is estimated at 30 mpg on the highway with the 2.4-liter unit and 29 mpg on the highway with the 2.0-liter turbo.

The 2011 Buick Regal CXL will also get 18-inch wheels as standard but 19-inch wheels are available on turbocharged models equipped with Buick's Interactive Drive Control.

Other standard features include electronic stability control, dual-stage front air bags, side-curtain air bags and pedal-release (rear-seat thorax air bags are optional), as well as a 12-way power, leather and heated driver seat, a leather and heated passenger front seat, Bluetooth capability, XM Satellite Radio and OnStar. Optional goodies include a navigation system and a Harmon Kardon sound system with a 10 GB hard drive.

Production of the Regal sedan is taking place in Russelsheim, Germany, with the first cars due to arrive in showrooms in the second quarter of the year. North American production will begin at the Oshawa plant in Canada in the first quarter of next year.

[Buick]