TriShield

2012 BUICK REGAL GS PRODUCTION MODEL TAKES SPORTS SEDAN PERFORMANCE TO A NEW LEVEL FOR BUICK







• 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.

chaman

iTrader: (5)

Beautiful, aggressive yet elegant styling! I would love to see a V8 option with rear wheel drive though.

kozak

iTrader: (2)

No AWD and no turbo Di v6 FTL. But the inside and outside look good.

TriShield

Yes, they totally neutered this car for the US. It's an Opel OPC Insignia without it's 300hp engine and AWD. Lame.

Cole Train

iTrader: (30)

it does need AWD and a more powerful engine UNLESS GM has something up their sleeve as a GN

MI-Z/28

AWD would be nice. I wonder what just a tune will do for it? Livernois tuned an otherwise stock SHO and got some nice gains. I also hope they left the interior the way it was at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. The seats were amazing.

Z Fury

iTrader: (1)

I really wish they would stop neutering these great vehicles. This car does look pretty awesome though.

SSNISTR

iTrader: (10)

Looks great. Needs another 25 ponies though.

THE-HOE

iTrader: (3)

wow, i cant believe this thing is a 4 cyl, i really like the styling, just cant get over the small engine. Buick does some really weird **** sometimes, so i figured they would have built their own engine for this thing. I know its not a performance car but saying 0-60 in under 7 sec nothing to brag about

LEO

iTrader: (3)

High performance sport sedan? 0-60 under 7 seconds? I think it looks great, but Honda Accords run faster and I don't consider them a sports sedan. Definitely needs more performance.

gocartone

iTrader: (4)

The last Regal GS (that came out 14 years ago) was in the mid-6 second range for 0-60, this new one does not impress me. Well, the car itself does, but trying to act like it's even a little sporty is just not going to work. 300hp and AWD would do the trick, not this.

justin455

I love the look of this car and its a great mid level model, but leaving this top dog would be a disgrace. At the very least it needs the euro spec 2.8 v6, but ideally a boosted 3.6 with about 350hp and awd would end up top dog...gsx gets my vote.

02sleeperz28

iTrader: (26)

Looks good just needs more power.

LS1LT1

iTrader: (16)

Nice ride.

GTOSE

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for getting my hopes up yet again GM.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

Its not GM cutting the ***** off, it's the government.

BanditTA

iTrader: (3)

Hopefully they give us a GSX which awd and a 6, they really cut the cars ***** off. Not saying I won't buy one in a few years for a DD, still looks amazing. I posted this topic on Buick's facebook page, I hope they read what people actually think.

Tainted

iTrader: (9)

not feelin this one to much. I think it needs more power and ditch fwd...then we'll start to ask who in the hell designed that hideous truckish front end

black06g85

iTrader: (6)

At least that motor is pretty tuneable, we get over 300whp on pretty much stock cobalts with he same motor, hell we got one running 30psi with a gt3076 on a bone stock motor

DiscerningZ32

I was REALLY looking forward to this car when I first heard very initial rumors about it.

I thought it was going to be AWD and have the Saab based LP1, the turbo V6.
It sounded too good to be true and would have made for an awesome car.

Then I heard it was going to just have the ecotec.
I knew the motor was strong, but I was a little concerned it would be way too weak for a car nearing two tons.

Then I see a posting on autoblog about how GM was dropping the AWD...
Really GM? Really?!

Forget it, I'll wait for GM to man up and enter the turbo AWD sedan market.