(continued from above)
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 goes on sale in the second half of 2011.
Regal GS's Exterior and Interior
Design
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).
Turbocharged Engine
The 2012 Buick Regal GS, which arrives at dealerships this fall, has been
SAE-certified to deliver 270 horsepower (201 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque (400
Nm) for an estimated 0-60 mph performance of 6.7 seconds.
Regal GS's
exclusive Ecotec 2.0L direct-injected turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers
more torque than Acura TSX V-6, Audi A4 Sport, Lexus IS 250 and Volvo S60 T5.
Torque is the twisting force that gets a vehicle moving and what the driver
feels when accelerating.
"The Regal GS 2.0L turbo delivers the highest
specific output of any production engine GM has ever offered, and at 135 hp per
liter is the most power dense engine ever certified by SAE," said Mike Anderson,
Ecotec global chief engineer and program manager. "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 some
V-6s, while delivering the fuel economy you'd expect of a four-cylinder."
Ecotec 2.0L turbo highlights include direct injection, continuously variable
valve timing, forged steel crankshaft, twin scroll design turbocharger and an
efficient intercooler system. The peak torque of 295 lb-ft is achieved at a
relatively low 2400 rpm. There is 95 percent of peak torque available between
2300 and 4900 rpm.
The GS's engine is mated to a standard six-speed
manual transmission, and gets an estimated fuel economy of 28 mpg on the
highway. A six-speed automatic transmission will be available later.
Buick Regal GS: Review (2/2)