Buick Regal GS now with 6 speed and 255hp

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In another post, some of you all complained (rightfully so) about Buick's new Regal not having a manual transmission and somewhat lackluster power. That has been corrected - the GS will be one hot car! I do wish they offered the 3.6DI 304hp V6 however...



http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/...v/1104_regal_gs



2012 Buick Regal GS Production Model Takes Sports Sedan Performance To A New Level For Buick
2010-11-04


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High-performance midsize sport sedan with 0-60 mph performance of under seven seconds
Features exclusive, GS-only high-output version of the Ecotec 2.0L turbo engine with 255 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque
Buick’s Interactive Drive Control System allows drivers to change the suspension settings and steering sensitivity
Exclusive, racing-inspired exterior and interior appointments
Goes on sale in the second half of 2011
MIAMI – Buick this evening reveals the production version of the 2012 Regal GS, an even sportier expression of the Regal sport sedan that went on sale earlier this year and has attracted new buyers to the Buick family. Powered by a high-output, exclusive Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission, the GS delivers an estimated 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque for a 0-60 mph performance of less than seven seconds (estimated). Buick’s Interactive Drive Control System is standard on the GS, allowing drivers to customize the driving experience by changing the suspension settings and steering sensitivity between three modes: standard, sport and GS.

“Built on the performance foundation of the Regal, the Regal GS was designed as an even sportier expression of responsive performance and style,” said John Schwegman, vice president of Buick marketing. “The driving experience is powerful and spirited; and the GS represents the next entry in Buick’s product renaissance.”

The Regal GS will be unveiled this evening at a consumer event in Miami. It goes on sale in the second half of 2011. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Product highlights include:

Exclusive Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged and intercooled engine rated at an estimated 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm)
Six-speed manual transmission, with six-speed automatic with Driver Shift Control to be offered later
Interactive Drive Control System with GS mode
Four-wheel independent system with HiPerStrut front suspension
High-performance four-wheel disc brake system with Brembo front calipers
Standard 19-inch, 5-Twin Spoke alloy wheels and all-season tire and optional 20-inch, 5-Twin Spoke polished alloy wheels with performance tires.
The exterior design features unique front and rear fascias, with the front fascia incorporating prominent, vertical air intake slots and specific grille treatment – with the vertical elements accented in a satin-metallic finish. The rear fascia has a pair of integrated, satin-metallic trapezoidal exhaust outlets. Rocker panel extensions and an integrated rear spoiler are also woven into the design. The GS cuts a sportier stance, too, with a slightly lower ride height than other models and aggressive 19-inch, 5-Twin Spoke alloy wheels and all-season tires (20-inch, 5-Twin Spoke polished alloy wheels with performance tires are optional).

Inside is a racing-inspired, flat-bottom sport steering wheel and metal sport pedals, along with leather-appointed 12-way power-adjustable sport driver and front passenger heated seats, which include four-way power lumbar. The GS-specific black interior is accented with satin-finish elements on the instrument panel, steering wheel and console, while the instrument panel glows white when the driver engages the GS mode of the Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS).

Standard amenities for the Regal GS include:

Passive keyless entry with push-button start
Standard XM Satellite Radio with three-month trial service
Harmon/Kardon premium 320-watt sound system with nine speakers
Bluetooth phone connectivity
Leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel with audio controls
Leather-appointed sport seating
Heated driver and front passenger seats, with 12-way adjustable driver and front passenger seats – including four-way lumbar adjustment
120-volt accessory power outlet
Power windows with express up/down feature in the front and express down in the rear.
Front and rear ultrasonic parking assist
Bi-xenon HID headlamps.
Turbocharging and HiPerStrut

Power for the Regal GS comes from a high-output version of the Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged DOHC VVT engine with direct injection technology. It is based on the engine that will be available on Regal CXL later this year, but the engine and turbocharger are tuned to deliver greater boost pressure in the GS. The output is rated at 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400 Nm). A three-inch-diameter exhaust system provides reduced back pressure, resulting in higher engine power

Direct injection technology helps the engine deliver more power through increased efficiency, while maintaining fuel economy and lowering emissions. That means less fuel is consumed and lower emissions generated – including a 25-percent drop in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions. Variable valve timing optimizes power, efficiency and emissions across the entire rpm band.

“We’ve been combining direct injection and variable valve timing with boosted engines since 2006, and there’s no question the Regal GS turbo has the responsiveness and acceleration of a 3.5L V6, while delivering the fuel economy of a 2.0L four,” said Mike Anderson, Ecotec global chief engineer and program manager.

The engine is mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic transmission will be available later.

The Regal GS rides on a relatively long wheelbase of 107.8 inches (2738 mm), which delivers refined, well-balanced vehicle dynamics. It also features a four-wheel-independent suspension, with a unique High Performance Strut (HiPerStrut) front suspension design. The HiPerStrut system helps reduce torque steer and maintain negative camber during cornering; the driver experiences reduced torque steer, improved grip and increased cornering power, along with crisper handling, steering precision and feedback.

The four-link independent rear suspension is designed to minimize unwanted toe and camber effects during spirited driving maneuvers, enhancing vehicle stability. Both front and rear dampers incorporate active Computer Damping Control (CDC), continuously changing damper characteristics to maintain optimal vehicle ride control over varying road surfaces and profiles. More aggressive, performance-oriented damping characteristics can also be selected by the driver through the Interactive Driver Control System.

Braking power comes from a large diameter four-wheel disc brake system featuring Brembo front calipers. A standard, four-channel anti-lock brake system is tuned to reduce stopping distances over varied road surfaces and conditions. An electronic parking brake is actuated via a center console-mounted control. The Regal GS also features standard StabiliTrak stability control system with integrated, full-function traction control.

Interactive Drive Control System

The Regal GS is also equipped with Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) chassis technology (also offered on other Regal models with the 2.0L turbo engine). It delivers enhanced vehicle stability and greater driving safety. The driver selects among three operating modes – standard, sport and GS – that change the suspension settings, and steering sensitivity through the variable-effort steering system.

A sophisticated driving mode control module continually monitors driving style utilizing yaw rate, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, steering wheel, throttle and vehicle speed. It defines the dynamic vehicle state, including acceleration, braking and cornering, to optimize chassis reactions. It also executes all of the IDCS driver selections. All four dampers are electronically controlled and continuously adapt within milliseconds to the prevailing road conditions, vehicle movements and individual driving style.

Selecting GS mode optimizes the car for dynamic driving, tightening the suspension and steering response. “Standard,” or the default mode, is the setting for all-around use. The sport mode provides a level of performance between standard and the GS modes.

About Buick

Buick is a modern luxury brand offering vehicles with sculpted designs, luxurious interiors with thoughtful personal technologies, along with responsive-yet-efficient performance. Buick is attracting new customers with its portfolio of award-winning models, including the Enclave crossover, LaCrosse sedan and Regal sport sedan. The new Buick Verano compact sedan and a small crossover will join the portfolio in the next few years. Buick’s sales continue to increase in North America, and it remains a best-selling brand in China, with continuing record growth. Learn more about Buick cars and crossovers at www.buick.com, on Twitter @buick or at www.facebook.com/buick.
 
Awesome car! BUT,the two mistakes they made..........it`s front wheel drive and has four doors. They should come out witha rwd Regal coupe in the tradition of the GN.
 
Don't forget a curb weight of 3600+ pounds, probably 3800 in a loaded GS!

Wrong wheel drive and big weight does not make a performance car out of it.

Going to hurt the mileage, too.
 
I don't understand why they insist on changing Buick from a comfortable oldfolksmobile into a sports sedan. They already have sports sedans under the Cadillac brand.
 
Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
Awesome car! BUT,the two mistakes they made..........it`s front wheel drive and has four doors. They should come out witha rwd Regal coupe in the tradition of the GN.


AMEN! As the owner of a 1987 GN I agree!
 
I'm pretty sure this will be a screamer. It begs comparison to the Sonata Turbo. The two cars are after different customers. The Buick is after the person who wants a driver's car (Did I just say "Buick" and "driver's car" in the same sentence?!?). The Sonata is just a powerful family sedan. On a road course the Buick should hand the Sonata its head in each corner.

Of course, I can armchair race all I want. Now to find a Regal CXL to test-drive to compare to the Sonata.
 
Originally Posted By: CivicFan
I don't understand why they insist on changing Buick from a comfortable oldfolksmobile into a sports sedan. They already have sports sedans under the Cadillac brand.


I think its because the old folks that were typically buying Buicks like that are passing away and the market is not there anymore. That image was also hurting Buick so they had to change. Also, for the people that can't afford a Cadillac, they can get nearly the car for less money with Buick.
 
The electronic parking brake bugs me. I can just imagine the failure modes... or the inability to pull a rockford turnaround.
wink.gif


Props to Buick for this insane car that breaks the mold of their geezer pleasers. Yeah they could add lightness. I wonder what it sounds like; could be rather strung out pulling up a hill or whatever.
 
The LNF is no joke. With a tune the 2.0L will put down 300hp. I seen a station wagon looking thing Regal GS. A two door AWD version would be cool.
 
I wonder if GMPP will offer a Stage I Upgrade package and program for the 2.0 like they did in the Solstice GXP/Cobalt SS/HHR SS.

30 extra HP and a 40-60 ft-lb boost in Tq for $700 is a good investment in my book.
 
Originally Posted By: CivicFan
I don't understand why they insist on changing Buick from a comfortable oldfolksmobile into a sports sedan. They already have sports sedans under the Cadillac brand.
That just sound funny and so WRONG!
wink.gif
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Originally Posted By: CivicFan
I don't understand why they insist on changing Buick from a comfortable oldfolksmobile into a sports sedan. They already have sports sedans under the Cadillac brand.
That just sound funny and so WRONG!
wink.gif




...But true. The V-series are powers to reckon with 556hp in the CTS.
 
The LNF is a bad little motor. With a tune those things can put down 300 hp. I would have much rather seen a revised version of the 3800 with a turbo or two powering it, but oh well.
 
Originally Posted By: GMBoy
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Originally Posted By: CivicFan
I don't understand why they insist on changing Buick from a comfortable oldfolksmobile into a sports sedan. They already have sports sedans under the Cadillac brand.
That just sound funny and so WRONG!
wink.gif




...But true. The V-series are powers to reckon with 556hp in the CTS.
True. I have been casually looking for one used in decent shape for ~25k but they are hard to find for THAT price. I just cant be a mustang guy anymore - though that 400+hp Coyote motor sounds like a runner! It would shorten my life I would bet.
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Originally Posted By: GMBoy
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Originally Posted By: CivicFan
I don't understand why they insist on changing Buick from a comfortable oldfolksmobile into a sports sedan. They already have sports sedans under the Cadillac brand.
That just sound funny and so WRONG!
wink.gif




...But true. The V-series are powers to reckon with 556hp in the CTS.
True. I have been casually looking for one used in decent shape for ~25k but they are hard to find for THAT price. I just cant be a mustang guy anymore - though that 400+hp Coyote motor sounds like a runner! It would shorten my life I would bet.


I hear that! I was dissappointed many years back when the good old 5.0 was replaced by the 4.6. So I am VERY happy to see new Mustangs with "5.0" badges again! It just seems right!
 
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