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2011 Buick Regal Turbo will be E85-capable

General Motors describes the 2011 Buick Regal Turbo as "the first direct-injected turbocharged production car capable of running on any blend of gasoline or E85 ethanol."

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Suzanne Ashe
Suzanne Ashe has been covering technology, gadgets, video games, and cars for several years. In addition to writing features and reviews for magazines and Web sites, she has contributed to daily newspapers.
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Suzanne Ashe
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The 2011 Buick Regal Turbo is 'joining more than 5 million flex-fuel models General Motors has produced over the last 15 years.' General Motors

General Motors announced on Monday that the 2011 Buick Regal Turbo will be the first direct-injected turbocharged production car that is flex-fuel-capable. With a new turbocharged Ecotec 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder engine, the Regal will be able to run on "any blend of gasoline or E85 ethanol."

The announcement was made at the National Ethanol Conference, where participants were given a chance to test-drive the Regal and the flex-fuel GMC Terrain.

The new Regal will offer increased power as well as better fuel economy. "A sensor in the fuel system measures the blend in real time," GM said in statement. "This allows the engine management system to automatically adjust the mixture to provide the best performance."

GM explained, "Turbochargers use the energy in the hot exhaust gas flow to drive a compressor that forces more air into the combustion chamber for on-demand power delivery. The twin-scroll turbocharger on the Ecotec engine provides two inlet paths to the turbine to maximize the kinetic and thermal energy delivered to the turbine."

The company said, "The 2.0-liter Ecotec turbo produces 258 pound-feet of torque from 2,000 to 5,500rpm," delivering V-6 engine-like performance, while still serving up "four-cylinder efficiency."

'The Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged engine, including the direct-injection fuel system, continuous variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust valves, and the turbocharger.' General Motors

'Basic component set that makes up the Buick Regal's 2.0L direct-injection fuel system, including fuel rail and injectors, high-pressure cam-driven fuel pump, and the important E39 engine control module (cover removed) containing the 'Viper' 32-bit microprocessor.' General Motors

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