Buick Regal GS “Show car”
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Sure, “show car”.
Everyone knows this is the Buick version of the Opel Insignia OPC, which is already in production.
So adding a Buick grille to it is a no bainer. Making the Regal an instant serious competition to other German imports.
No word on when a production version might come out, but it probably won’t be before next year.
The regular Regal still being a few months away.
Here is the official word:
“-21st-century successor to Buick’s Gran Sport heritage
—Bold, sporty design with unique exterior details and an aggressive stance
-High-output Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmission
-Adaptive all-wheel-drive system and electronic limited-slip rear differential
-0-60 in less than 6.0 seconds
-Buick’s class-exclusive Interactive Drive Control System
The mechanical elements were developed with the aim of delivering a driving experience that is sporting, confidence-inspiring and refined. It has a performance-oriented drivetrain, a lowered body and lower center of gravity. Exterior and interior cues include two additional vertical front air intakes; large, forged aluminum 20-inch wheels and performance tires; a racing-inspired sport steering wheel and metal pedals. Recaro high-performance front seats feature four-way lumbar support and cushion extensions.
Turbocharged AWD performance
Power for the Regal GS comes from a high-output 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged engine with direct-injection technology. It is based on the engine that will be offered on Regal CXL models later this summer, but the engine and turbocharger are tuned to deliver greater boost pressure in the GS. The output is estimated at 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400 Nm).
The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission that directs torque to an adaptive all-wheel-drive system calibrated for performance driving. An electronic, limited-slip rear differential helps ensure the engine’s power is distributed effectively during cornering.
The high-performance drivetrain is expected to enable the Regal GS to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds. That performance is complemented by a four-wheel-independent suspension, with a unique High Performance Strut (HiPerStrut) design in front. The HiPerStrut system helps reduce torque steer and maintain negative camber during cornering. This improves ultimate grip levels in dry and wet conditions, as well as improves the direct feel of the road, while isolating undesirable feedback. Behind the wheel the driver experiences reduced torque steer, improved grip and increased cornering power, along with crisper handling, steering precision and feedback.
Can't wait! GM sure is starting to bring it's "A" game!!
Nice, very, very nice – BEATS anything from Toyota, Lexus, Honda, and Acura as far as design is concerned. I'd trade in my '08 Acura TL on this in a heartbeat if it drives as nice as it looks. Watch out Toyota, you're about to fall from grace – fast!
The last dozen or so GM introductions have been pretty amazing — and the more you dig into the fine details the more impressive they are. Buick alone seems to be putting Lexis & Acura into their respective coffins. If the goverment could just sell it's share of the General to a private free-enterprise buyer (GM) would probably be putting a lid on those coffins.
I like it.
they should definitely bring the wagon over too – with AWD.
I have nothing else to say but, "HOLY SH*T!" And "WOW"
Looks too ghetto. Rims and ugly do not a classy car make.
Wow what about Caddy or Chevy or GMC. All GM foucses on is Buick this and Buick that.
F(censored)N' A!!!!! Now THAT'S what I'm talkin' about!!! I even like the engine. Great idea making it a di turbo 4cyl. On another site (sorry Vince), I saw a pic with the hood up and I saw a v6 turbo badge, so I hope it's NOT the sfi 2.8l turbo v6. I'm hoping they'll turbo the 3.0 di v6 instead. That 2.8 is obsolete already. Personnaly I'd like to see the Camaro's 3.6 di 306 hp v6 in it with a nice, properly tuned, 6 speed manumatic. Awesome job Buick/Opel.
It was designed in Europe, that's why it looks so good.
Same with some future US Ford models.
It is sad that americans don't know how to design cars anymore.
"It is sad that americans don't know how to design cars anymore."
It's American car design, or lack of it, is a big part of why GM and Ford are in the mess that they're in. Would any decent designer live in Detroit? Thank god GM has pulled the best designers from every continent to work on their newest cars. This is hot and it will sell like crazy.
But as a sporty car that will be forever compared to the GNX, this will need a more powerful engine than a turbo four. Both Camry and Accord are available with much more powerful engines. This looks fast, but it has the bark and not the bite.
Are these engines from Saab? The displacements and specs seem familiar.
I hope the "official word" is wrong about the engine in the GS. This car should get the turbo v6 that the VXR/OPC Insignia has if it wants to be taken seriously as a competitor to the high-zoot Japanise and German cars. As for the 2.0L turbo mentioned here, that motor should be the one offered on the CXL model, with the base engine being the de-tuned 220hp version that will come out in the fall. Then, it can be a credible alternative to the A4! Oh, and offer a proper 6spd MANUAL across the board!
Myself, I think this engine is gonna be just fine. Granted the 2.8T kicks out more horsepower but the 2.0DI-T kicks out the same amount of torque and will probably produce the same performance results (don't forget less weight) all while using less gas. To me it shows just how obsolete the 2.8T really is. GM might be thinking that as the economy improves, gas prices will probably go up. On the other hand, I would'nt mind Buick putting in a turbocharged version of the 3.0DI. That would be awesome, but it does'nt exist, so it does'nt matter.
I remember all the same discussions about smaller engines that occurred when the Buick GN/GNX came out. "What are they doing putting a turbo 6 cylinder in it? They shoulda put a 5.7l V8 in it."
The recent Buick designs are much more attractive than Cadillac's. Buick has a much better chance of shaking off the old fart stigma.
It is sad that americans don't know how to design cars anymore.
ARE YOU BLIND?????????????????
The ONLY car Mercedes has EVER done properly is the LATEST E-class (and then only the sedan). Which was styled while Mercedes was stealing everything it could from CHRYSLER.
The best Jag's & Astons were designed by AMERICANS (Ford) –ditto for Range Rover (LR3, etc)
The best SAABs ever are the latest AMERICAN (GM) designs!
The best Austrailian design EVER is the CURRENT Statesman Caprice (& to a lesser extent it's sportier,smaller stablemate) (GM/Holden)
compare Cad & chevy & GMC to Pilot or Crosstour or CRV!
Compare ANYTHING GM or CHRYSLER or FORD to ANYTHING Toyota (or Lexus).
What in the world are you smoking?????