Testing at the Nurburgring Nordschleife

Let’s be honest: The closest most of us are ever going to get to the Nurburgring Nordschleife is playing Gran Turismo on our Playstations. Although that’s an unfortunate truth that many car enthusiasts will have to reconcile, there’s still some solace to be found in the fact that there are a select few cars on our shores that have proven their worth on Germany’s famed racetrack. And, we’re proud to say, we can count the new 2011 Buick Regal among them.

That one would be surprised to hear that a Buick has made its rounds along the Nordcschleife’s 73 turns would be understandable. Although Buick has a long racing history marked by high performance cars, most recently the GNX, the brand has spent the better part of the last two decades building a reputation based more on comfort and convenience than high-revving engines and screeching tires.

While we’re more likely to find our 2011 Buick Regals quietly traversing the streets of West Covina, at legal driving speeds of course, any gearhead will tell you that there’s something to be said for knowing your car has the ability to scream around sharp corners. Should the need arise, of course. But even with all of its under-the-hood performance, the Regal still maintains the distinctive touch of class that its sister models, such as the LaCrosse and the Enclave, share with one another. It’s not often you’ll come across a vehicle that strikes a balance between power and luxury the way this car does.

Although no official lap time was recorded for the Regal, we did hear that the Opel Insignia it’s based off of managed to crack the 8:35 minute mark. Just something to think about.