Is the Buick Regal GS the most important "maybe" of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show? It's been more than two decades since performance enthusiasts cared about Buick in any meaningful way. The car at that time was the now legendary Buick GNX. Even if the proposed Regal GS makes production – a big if – it's not going to be a GNX replacement, at least not in the hearts and minds of power-mad Buick enthusiasts. However, at this chapter in Buick's story, every little performance bit counts.
That stated, here's what we might get: Power comes from a beefed-up version of the direct-injected 2.0-liter turbocharged Ecotec four-cylinder making 255 horsepower and a walloping 295 pound-feet or torque. Compare that to the regular 2.0-liter DI Ecotec that we know and love in cars like the Pontiac Solstice GXP and Chevrolet Cobalt SS: 260 hp, 260 lb-ft of twist. Five horsepower less, sure (your lawnmower makes five horsepower), but we'll gladly trade those ponies for the 35 extra torques. All that grunt gets routed through a six-speed manual before being kicked out to all four wheels. Speaking of wheels, the Regal GS rides on gorgeous 20-inch alloys that are hauled to a halt by big Brembos squeezing 14-inch cross-drilled and vented rotors.
One of the more interesting aspects of the Regal GS is its traction control system that Buick has dubbed "Interactive Drive Control." There's a Normal mode, a Sport mode and most enticing, a GS mode. That final setting changes the default torque split, routing most of the power to the rear wheels. Color us curious, excitedly so. The Regal GS also sits 10mm lower than the standard car and is further visually differentiated by twin intakes on the front clip and two through-fascia tailpipes. It's even got sporty Recaros and a flat-bottomed steering wheel.
Are they going to build it? Our gut says "yes," or something very close to it. As a brand, Buick needs a shot in the arm of something hot and bothered. Why not a hopped-up Regal? And will we eventually see an even more muscular version of the Regal GS, fitted with a 325-hp turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 from the Opel Insignia OPC, possibly called the Regal GSX? Maybe GNX fans will have something to look forward to after all. High-res shots below, official press release with full specs and video of the live reveal after the jump.
[Source: Buick]
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- 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
DETROIT – With an estimated 255 turbocharged horsepower (190 kW), a six-speed manual transmission and an advanced, adaptive all-wheel-drive system, the Buick Regal GS show car is a high-tech, high-performance version of the brand's newest sport sedan. It was introduced at the 2010 North American International Auto Show.
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.
"We designed the Regal GS to explore the appeal of a high-performance variant of the Regal," said Craig Bierley, product marketing director for Buick. "Like the Regal, the Regal GS is based on the award-winning Opel Insignia, and we believe it will reinvigorate Buick's storied Gran Sport legacy."
The Regal GS exterior is distinguished by vertical air inlets in the front fascia, as well as unique rocker panels, an integrated rear spoiler, dual exhaust outlets, Olympic White paint and satin metallic accents.
"The idea behind the Regal GS was taking the production model in a more aggressive direction to appeal to performance enthusiasts," said John Cafaro, Buick design director. "But along with its aggressive stance, there's sophisticated style in the design that complements the driving experience."
Inside, the Regal GS varies from the standard Regal by featuring a completely jet black interior, including the pillars and headliner, sport shifter for the six-speed manual transmission and a suede-covered, flat-bottom steering wheel reminiscent of those used in international racing series. The instrument panel glows ice blue when the driver engages the sport mode of the Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS).
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.
The Regal GS features a high-performance Brembo brake system with 14 x 1.2-inch (355 x 32 mm) cross-drilled rotors; four-piston, high-strength aluminum calipers, and high-performance pads.
The Regal GS is also equipped with Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) chassis technology (also offered on Regal CXL models with the 2.0L turbo engine). It delivers enhanced vehicle stability and greater driving safety, while also adapting the driving characteristics of the car to the driver's preferences. The driver selects among three operating modes – normal, sport and GS – that change the suspension settings, throttle response and steering sensitivity through the variable-effort steering system.
About Buick
Buick is in the midst of a transformation that started with the Enclave luxury crossover and continues with the completely redesigned LaCrosse luxury sedan and Regal sport sedan. Buick is emerging as a modern, premium brand with vehicles characterized by sculpted designs, personal technologies, luxurious interiors and responsive performance. Future new sedans and crossovers are planned and will continue to expand Buick's portfolio both in North America and China. More information can be found at www.buick.com.
BUICK REGAL GS SHOW CAR SPECIFICATIONS
Overview
| Model: |
Buick Regal GS show car |
| Body style / driveline: |
four-door, 5-passenger, front engine, transaxle. All-wheel-drive midsize vehicle |
| Construction: |
steel body-frame integral (unibody) |
Engine/Transmission
| High-output 2.0L DOHC I-4 Turbo |
|
| Displacement (cu in / cc): |
122 / 1998 |
| Bore and stroke (in / mm): |
3.39 x 3.39 / 86 x 86 |
| Block material: |
cast aluminum |
| Cylinder head material: |
cast aluminum |
| Valvetrain: |
overhead camshafts, four-valves per cylinder, continuous variable valve timing for intake and exhaust |
| Ignition system: |
individual coil-on-plug |
| Fuel delivery: |
direct injection with variable high-pressure rail and electronic throttle control |
| Compression ratio: |
9.2:1 |
| Horsepower (hp / kW): |
255 / 190 (est.) |
| Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm): |
295 / 400 (est.) |
| Transmission |
6-speed manual |
Chassis/Suspension
| Front: |
independent, HiPerStrut-type with dual-path mountings, specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar (hollow); hydraulic ride bushings; continuous damping control (Interactive Drive Control System) |
| Rear: |
four-link independent rear; hollow stabilizer bar; continuous damping control |
| Traction control: |
adaptive all-wheel drive; StabiliTrak electronic stability control |
| Steering type: |
hydraulic, variable-effort rack-and-pinion power steering |
Brakes
| Type: |
four-wheel disc w/ABS (w/ESC) |
| Brake rotor diameter |
14 / 355, vented and cross drilled rotors; four-piston aluminum calipers |
Wheels/Tires
| Wheel size and type: |
20-inch aluminum |
| Tires: |
Bridgestone 245/35ZR20 |
Dimensions
Exterior
| Wheelbase (in / mm) : |
107.8 / 2738 |
| Overall length (in / mm): |
190.2 / 4831 |
| Overall width (in / mm): |
73.1 / 1811 |
| Overall height (in / mm): |
58.4 / 1483 |
| Front track (in / mm): |
62.4 / 1585 |
| Rear track (in / mm): |
62.5 / 1587 |
Interior
| Seating capacity (front / rear): |
2 / 3 |
| Headroom (in / mm): |
38.8 / 985 (front) |
Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.
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