2011 Buick Regal GS Show Car

Buick will launch a new Regal sedan next year to give the lineup a more approachable (read: less expensive) model. The new sedan got rave reviews when it launched in November of 2009, but that was the base model.

At the Detroit Auto Show next week, GM will launch the Buick Regal GS concept, a highlight of what a future performance model would look like.

The good thing is that Buick kitted this GS show car out with actual performance goodies. The car has a 255-hp turbocharged four-cylinder Ecotec 2.0-liter and a six-speed manual transmission, riding on an all-wheel-drive setup, too. It's interesting -- and perhaps a bit of a sign of the times -- that a performance model can launch with a four-cylinder. Five years ago (or maybe even one), GM would have tried to put a V-8 in it. Times are changing, obviously.

Brakes are upgraded to four-piston Brembos with cross-drilled rotors. Performance, according to GM, is brisk. Under six seconds to 60 mph sounds like a good number to us and completely unlike any other Buick we remember from the last decade (or more). This is the most exciting Buick we've seen since the Grand National.

GM is calling the new Regal concept a "21st-century successor to the Buick's Gran Sport heritage." Visually the concept differs from the base production model with new vertical inlets in the front faschia, unique rocker panels, an integrated rear spoiler and dual exhaust tips. Inside there's a jet black interior with a flat-bottom steering wheel covered in suede.

“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.”

For right now GM is calling the GS just a show car, but they will use the Detroit Auto Show as temperature-taking for consumer response. If the Buick Regal is to become a successful sedan for the brand, all signs point to the GS actually making its way into production. There's no word on price, though.

With the introduction of the new LaCrosse in 2009, more than a few people took a new look at Buick. In fact, the company's ad campaign at the launch of that vehicle was an apropos "Take a look at me now" theme. With this new Regal GS concept, it appears the brand is continuing to move in a direction that is very product-focused, with a clear line of sight toward selling cars to younger buyers.