Is this the 2012 Buick Regal GS? Probably. For now, though, we have to call it the Buick Regal GS Concept while Bob Lutz winks in our direction. You'll see this car at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. And you'll get sweaty palms when you see its flat-bottom suede steering wheel and blacked-out interior.
Turns out the Regal GS Concept is down with OPC. Yeah, that's right, Opel Insignia OPC. It borrows heavily from this European car. To start, the Regal GS is all-wheel-drive with an electronic limited-slip rear differential (i.e., the Haldex system used on AWD Saab 9-3s).
It also has the driver-adjustable Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) which allows you to tailor suspension damping, steering sensitivity and throttle response. Specially designed front struts known as "HiPerStrut" are said to ward off torque steering by maintaining negative camber.
The Regal's 20-inch cast aluminum wheels are some of the prettiest we've ever seen on a GM sedan, and they're wrapped in 35-series rubber. Peek behind the front wheels and you'll see 14-inch rotors with 4-piston fixed Brembo calipers.
Oddly, the one thing that's not finalized on the production-ready Regal GS Concept is the engine. The show car has a higher-output version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder already slated for the 2011 Regal CXL. In the GS, the engine is said to produce 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It's hooked up to a six-speed manual.
But Buick might not use this engine in the production car. Rumors abound that Buick might replace the turbo four with a V6 -- either the 280-hp, direct-injected 3.6-liter V6 from the LaCrosse or the 321-hp, turbocharged, 2.8-liter V6 used in the Insignia OPC. -- Reporting by Dan Pund
inlinesix says:
09:28 PM, 01/ 6/10
Wheels look hot. AWD is almost as good as RWD. Probably (on paper) the best GM vehicle I've seen in years.
1487 says:
05:12 AM, 01/ 7/10
Well the OPC didnt get a rave review from IL so I dont expect much from this car when it debuts. It is attractive however. I can tell you the problem 2 years before it shows up- the auto media are not going to like the price and say "$35k is steep for a Buick and puts it in the realm of proper RWD sports sedans like the 3 series or G37"
Other reviews have noted the harsh ride of the OPC so they better make some tweaks. They need the 3.6L engine as well- it runs on regular.
rsholland says:
06:25 AM, 01/ 7/10
Very nice. :)
dougtheeng says:
06:29 AM, 01/ 7/10
I like the look a lot.
mrryte says:
06:49 AM, 01/ 7/10
Nice....not feeling the rims though.
Will be offered with Recaros like in the OPC?
1487 says:
07:47 AM, 01/ 7/10
yes
xprojected says:
08:24 AM, 01/ 7/10
I'm not sure when 20" rims became "pretty" and not gaudy and non-functional, but anyway, the figures sound good. Just need to prepare those interested for the inevitable sticker shock.
stephen987 says:
08:33 AM, 01/ 7/10
I'm one of those who thinks Buick needs to push "effortless performance"--so it will be interesting to see if a turbo four really can deliver that kind of torque at a usable RPM.
cartester16 says:
08:46 AM, 01/ 7/10
Funny, I used to draw wheels like that on my "Custom Van" & "Smokey and the Bandit Firebird/Z28" drawings I did in fifth grade back in the 70's. Give me a simple 5-spoke any day. I'd hate to have to clean these muthas too. Nice car from GM though. Here's an idea: make the GS the 4cyl, and the GSX the six with all the other goodies.
bodyblue says:
08:52 AM, 01/ 7/10
I like the LaCrosse better.......and not sure if a MT and turbo are what Buick should be shooting for. I bet it is just a marketing strategy to get the younger folks in the door to at least get them behind the wheel......probably not a bad idea. Buick is really building some nice cars But do they really think they will sell many MT turbo units?
minibro77 says:
09:52 AM, 01/ 7/10
GM has learned a valuable lesson with Cadillac. If you want to compete against the big boys you have to play in their league. While you may not sell as many of these with an automatic transmission here in the U.S. there are also very few choices for cars in this segment that offer a true manual. GM and Bob Lutz are showing that they have what it takes to be world class. This is the correct ammo for the gun they are building. Why not offer a manual for the enthusiast? It will not cost them anything additional and they will have a better chance of attraction not only a younger clientel but also some enthusisasts which Buick hasn't gone after in decades. Nurburgring tuned and tested with the proper styling, drivetrain, and quality to back it makes a winner in my book. Look how far they've come with the CTS and CTS-V. Who knew this car would fare so well against the AMG's and ///M's of today? I like this car and would take more than a second look at it if I see one on the street.
inlinesix says:
10:16 AM, 01/ 7/10
I think the price may be steep for a Buick but if it can compete with the 335xi and the G37x... it may be real competition for those cars...
bankerdanny says:
10:20 AM, 01/ 7/10
I like the wheels a lot, but (assuming the big brakes would still fit) they should probably go to 19" as 35 profile tires would likely produce a harsher ride than most people (and I don't just mean Buick buyers) would want.
I also rather like the idea of the 2.0 rather than a bigger, heavier V6, even though it means less power.
1487 says:
11:09 AM, 01/ 7/10
"Buick is really building some nice cars But do they really think they will sell many MT turbo units?"
Buick knows they arent going to sell a lot. The manual is offered for credibility and magazines. Same with the manuals in the TL and G37. Do you really think people get manuals in those cars? Maybe 5% tops.
"I think the price may be steep for a Buick but if it can compete with the 335xi and the G37x... it may be real competition for those cars... "
Buicks have been priced in the $40k range for years. Lucerne, Enclave, Park Ave, etc. all topped out at $40k or more. Buicks are cheaper than top tier luxury vehicles but they arent cheap. The Lacrosse is $40k loaded and they are having no trouble selling them. I would think this car would be in the $35k-$38k range.
bodyblue says:
04:16 PM, 01/ 7/10
"Buick knows they arent going to sell a lot. The manual is offered for credibility and magazines. Same with the manuals in the TL and G37. Do you really think people get manuals in those cars? Maybe 5% tops."
I agree....but it is more of a stretch to sell a Buick with a MT.....Acuras have sold many units with MTs even if they dont sell so many now.
lexuslvr says:
05:14 PM, 01/ 7/10
"I like the wheels a lot, but (assuming the big brakes would still fit) they should probably go to 19" as 35 profile tires would likely produce a harsher ride than most people (and I don't just mean Buick buyers) would want."
The normal 2.0T will have 245/40/19 tires while GM wants the GS to wear 245/35/20. well I have these on my Kia Optima and let me tell you the car is still suprisingly quiet and only potholes upset the ride(I hate potholes!)
"Well the OPC didnt get a rave review from IL so I dont expect much from this car when it debuts. It is attractive however. I can tell you the problem 2 years before it shows up- the auto media are not going to like the price and say "$35k is steep for a Buick and puts it in the realm of proper RWD sports sedans like the 3 series or G37"
Well the Regal GS will get slightly softer suspension to cope with our American roads. Why not expect much when this car has the European Car of the Year award? The car has better dynamics than the Acura TL and that car won a track test against cars like the 335xi, G37x, Audi A4.
jederino says:
05:57 PM, 01/ 7/10
What is that strange feeling inside my chest? Is it... a burning desire for a Buick? Yes, it is! This looks very appealing. I drive a G35 manual, but I like the AWD option for inclement weather and trips through the mountain passes. I would definitely cross shop this against the Audi, as a bargain alternative with affordable maintenance.
sgude says:
08:34 PM, 01/ 7/10
Nice job, Buick.
anythngbutgm says:
05:58 AM, 01/ 8/10
If we follow GM's limited history of producing cars with manny-trannies, it will only be offered in FWD trim while AWD trim will be slushbox to keep the MPG's up.
And the gearbox will be as pleasurable as rowing a rod through a box of rocks...
jederino says:
04:14 PM, 01/ 8/10
^^Anythngbut:
But what QUALITY of rocks. For instance: diamonds. I hear those can be quite precise.