autoinsane

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• More

6 speed manual, 255 horsepower, 0-60 in under 6 seconds and a whole lot of extras. The Regal GS has a promising laundry list. The turbocharged 2.0 Ecotec will route those 255 ponies through an adaptive AWD system. Stopping power comes from 4 piston 14-inch Brembos.

Holding the drive in place is a set of Recaro seats, which should come in handy with the trick suspension that GM has put in place. GM is using its HiPerStrust technology which helps to reduce torque steer and maintain negative camber during cornering.

However, we have a few questions and speculations. If you’re familiar with the Opel Insignia OPC (That Opel Performance Center for those stateside) it packs a 2.8 V6 Turbo that puts out 325 horsepower, a whopping 70 more ponies. Don’t get us wrong, as-is the new GS looks very promising but we are wondering what is going on. Could the General be holding a GNX or maybe a GSX up its sleeve? Maybe the General doesn’t want to put the Buick up against the Caddy CTS.

Either way, as snow starts falling around us, an AWD Turbo sounds like a very good option.

 

Press Release Follows

o 21st-century successor to Buick’s Gran Sport heritage
o Bold, sporty design with unique exterior details and an aggressive stance
o High-output Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmission
o Adaptive all-wheel-drive system and electronic limited-slip rear differential
o 0-60 in less than 6.0 seconds
o 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.

BUICK REGAL GS SHOW CAR SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Engine/Transmission

Chassis/Suspension

Brakes

Wheels/Tires

Dimensions
Exterior

Interior

Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.

Related posts:

1. 2011 Buick Regal is stylish, elegant, and we got to climb inside it last night
2. An in depth first look at the resurrected 2011 Buick Regal
3. Worth the wait: 2010 Buick LaCrosse unveiled
4. Cadillac unveils CTS Coupe, announces CTS-V Coupe – We’re in love!
5. 2010 NAIAS: Volkswagen New Compact Coupe doesn’t replace Scirocco in our hearts