Although GM's headlining act at next month's 2010 Detroit Auto Show is the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V coupe, leaked reports across the internet indicate that the automaker will also show a Buick Regal GS. If approved for production, the GS would be the high-performance mode in the Regal line.
Inside Line has learned that the show car uses many parts from the European-spec Opel Insignia OPC shown here. There has been no confirmation of which engine is in the show car, much less any commitment on the motor that might be used in a hypothetical production car. But perhaps we'll see some Recaro seats and Brembo brake calipers.
It has also been leaked that GM will unveil a concept version of the Chevrolet Aveo called the RS (said to be larger than any production Aveo to date), plus a GM concept car called the Granite. The latter is described as an "urban utility vehicle," and you know how much we love those.
bodyblue says:
02:05 PM, 12/21/09
My buddy in high school had a 1971 GS 455 Stage One....that was one torquey monster....and that one had less HP than the 70's.
inlinesix says:
06:04 PM, 12/21/09
I always thought this Opel looked good. The Regal base models seem to have lost something.
http://blogs.edmunds.com/strategies/4%20%202011%20Buick%20Regal.620.jpg
If the performance Regal uses a lot of parts from the Euro Opel I think it'd look great.
1487 says:
07:28 AM, 12/22/09
I doubt this car would have the same engine as the Opel. I'm thinking the 3.6L with 280+hp and AWD is more likely. Then again if they are going to import the 2L turbo from Europe (or wherever its built) maybe they will import the 2.8L turbo as well once production goes to Canada.
jederino says:
01:58 PM, 12/22/09
In Opel trim, this car has a great buttoned-down look. See how the front and rear have been finished very nicely, and reminds me of the polished look of the best Audi designs. Really nice!
inlinesix says:
03:13 PM, 12/22/09
The GM 3.0L, 270HP engine used in the CTS could be offered...depending on weight
lexuslvr says:
09:42 AM, 12/23/09
1487 lets not hope GM uses the 2.8 turbo as its too heavy for its size, not very fuel efficient, and does not seem to meet its power ratings. The DI 3.6 is ok but still doesn't have the power needed for this car's sporting intentions.
inlinesix again not the proper engine for this car's sporting intentions. The 3.0 has absolutely no torque for its size (also has a wopping 40 less lb-ft than the 2.0T in the Buick) and wouldn't be much faster than the 220 hp 2.0T I4.
GMs best bet is to go with the Stage 1 2.0 Turbo I4 from the Saturn SKY Redline/Pontiac Solstice GXP uprated to 290 hp and 340 lb-ft. The 2.0T is much lighter than the 2.8T while generating comparible horse power and more torque (about 330 hp and 325 lb-ft for the 2.8T in the Insignia). Not to mention the 2.0T I4 is much much more fuel efficient. The 2.0T I4 is a much more modern engine and can be refined if they were to use it in the upcoming Regal GS.
Reports say the sport version of the Insignia with the 330 hp 2.8T weights close to 400 lbs while the 220 hp 2.0T Regal weights slightly more than the base 2.4s 3600 curb weight.
lexuslvr says:
09:45 AM, 12/23/09
1487 lets not hope GM uses the 2.8 turbo as its too heavy for its size, not very fuel efficient, and does not seem to meet its power ratings. The DI 3.6 is ok but still doesn't have the power needed for this car's sporting intentions.
inlinesix again not the proper engine for this car's sporting intentions. The 3.0 has absolutely no torque for its size (also has a wopping 40 less lb-ft than the 2.0T in the Buick) and wouldn't be much faster than the 220 hp 2.0T I4.
GMs best bet is to go with the Stage 1 2.0 Turbo I4 from the Saturn SKY Redline/Pontiac Solstice GXP uprated to 290 hp and 340 lb-ft. The 2.0T is much lighter than the 2.8T while generating comparible horse power (when you factor in weight) and more torque (about 330 hp and 325 lb-ft for the 2.8T in the Insignia). Not to mention the 2.0T I4 is much much more fuel efficient. The 2.0T I4 is a much more modern engine and can be refined if they were to use it in the upcoming Regal GS.
Reports say the sport version of the Insignia with the 330 hp 2.8T weights close to 400 lbs while the 220 hp 2.0T Regal weights slightly more than the base 2.4s 3600 curb weight.
The price difference should not matter in a car like this (which I would expect to be around 35-40K) so the I think it would be worth the extra cash to put the 2.0T in the upcoming Regal GS.