Buick Regal GS for North America
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7th November, 2010
Buick has revealed the production version of the 2012
Regal GS, an even sportier expression of the Regal sport sedan that went on sale earlier this year
across North America. Powered by a high-output, exclusive Ecotec 2.0 litre turbocharged engine matched
to a six-speed manual transmission, the GS delivers an estimated 190 kW (255 horsepower) and 400 Nm
(295 lb.-ft.) of torque. Buick’s Interactive Drive Control System is standard on the GS, allowing
drivers to customise 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 Buick Regal GS was unveiled last week at a consumer event in Miami, Florida. It goes on sale
in the second half of 2011.
Product highlights include:
- Exclusive Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged and intercooled engine rated at an estimated 190 kW (255
horsepower) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft of torque)
- Six-speed manual transmission, with six-speed automatic with Driver Shift Control to be offered
later
- Interactive Drive Control System with GS mode
- Four-wheel independent system with HiPerStrut front suspension
- High-performance four-wheel disc brake system with Brembo front callipers
- Standard 19-inch, 5-Twin Spoke alloy wheels and all-season tyre and optional 20-inch, 5-Twin
Spoke polished alloy wheels with performance tyres.
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
Regal models and aggressive 19-inch, 5-Twin Spoke alloy wheels and all-season tyres (20-inch, 5-Twin
Spoke polished alloy wheels with performance tyres 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).
Standard amenities for the Regal GS include:
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- Passive keyless entry with push-button start
- Standard XM Satellite Radio with three-month trial service
- Harmon/Kardon premium 320-watt sound system with nine speakers
- Bluetooth phone connectivity
- Leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel with audio controls
- Leather-appointed sport seating
- Heated driver and front passenger seats, with 12-way adjustable driver and front passenger
seats – including four-way lumbar adjustment
- 120-volt accessory power outlet
- Power windows with express up/down feature in the front and express down in the rear.
- Front and rear ultrasonic parking assist
- Bi-xenon HID headlamps.
Turbocharging and HiPerStrut
Power for the Buick Regal GS comes from a high-output version of the Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged
DOHC VVT engine with direct injection technology. It is based on the engine that will be
available on Regal CXL later this year, but the engine and turbocharger are tuned to deliver
greater boost pressure in the GS. The output is rated at 190 kW (255 horsepower) and 400 Nm
(295 lb.-ft.) of torque. A three-inch-diameter exhaust system provides reduced back pressure,
resulting in higher engine power
Direct injection technology helps the engine deliver more power through increased efficiency,
while maintaining fuel economy and lowering emissions. That means less fuel is consumed and
lower emissions generated – including a 25-per cent drop in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions.
Variable valve timing optimizes power, efficiency and emissions across the entire rpm band.
“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 a 3.5L V6, while delivering the fuel economy of a 2.0L four,” said Mike Anderson, Ecotec
global chief engineer and programme manager.
The engine is matched to a standard six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic
transmission will be available at a later time.
The Regal GS rides on a relatively long wheelbase of 2,738 mm (107.8 inches), which
delivers refined, well-balanced vehicle dynamics. It also features a four-wheel-independent
suspension, with a unique High Performance Strut (HiPerStrut) front suspension design. The
HiPerStrut system helps reduce torque steer and maintain negative camber during cornering; the
driver experiences reduced torque steer, improved grip and increased cornering power, along
with crisper handling, steering precision and feedback.
The four-link independent rear suspension is designed to minimise unwanted toe and camber
effects during spirited driving manoeuvres, enhancing vehicle stability. Both front and rear
dampers incorporate active Computer Damping Control (CDC), continuously changing damper
characteristics to maintain optimal vehicle ride control over varying road surfaces and
profiles. More aggressive, performance-oriented damping characteristics can also be selected
by the driver through the Interactive Driver Control System.
Braking power comes from a large diameter four-wheel disc brake system featuring Brembo
front callipers. A standard, four-channel anti-lock brake system is tuned to reduce stopping
distances over varied road surfaces and conditions. An electronic parking brake is actuated
via a centre console-mounted control. The Regal GS also features standard StabiliTrak
stability control system with integrated, full-function traction control.
Interactive Drive Control System
The Buick Regal GS is also equipped with Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) chassis
technology (also offered on other Regal models with the 2.0L turbo engine). It delivers
enhanced vehicle stability and greater driving safety. The driver selects among three
operating modes – standard, sport and GS – that change the suspension settings, and steering
sensitivity through the variable-effort steering system.
A sophisticated driving mode control module continually monitors driving style utilising
yaw rate, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, steering wheel, throttle and vehicle speed.
It defines the dynamic vehicle state, including acceleration, braking and cornering, to
optimise chassis reactions. It also executes all of the IDCS driver selections. All four
dampers are electronically controlled and continuously adapt within milliseconds to the
prevailing road conditions, vehicle movements and individual driving style.
Selecting GS mode optimises the car for dynamic driving, tightening the suspension and
steering response. “Standard,” or the default mode, is the setting for all-around use. The
sport mode provides a level of performance between standard and the GS modes.
BUICK REGAL GS SPECIFICATIONS
Overview
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Model: |
2012 Buick Regal GS |
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Body style/driveline: |
four-door, five-passenger, front-engine transaxle. Front-wheel drive mid-size sedan |
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Construction: |
steel body frame integral (unibody) with front and rear crumple zones; galvanised steel front guards,
bonnet, roof, door panels, one-piece body side outer panel, thermal plastic olefin (TPO) bumper fascias |
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EPA vehicle class: |
mid-size |
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Manufacturing location: |
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada |
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Key competitors: |
Acura TSX, Audi A4 |
Engines
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2.0 litre DOHC VVT I-4 ECOTEC Turbo High Output |
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Displacement (cc / cu in): |
1,998 / 122 |
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Block material: |
cast aluminium |
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Cylinder head material: |
cast aluminium |
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Valvetrain: |
overhead camshafts, four-valves per cylinder, continuous variable valve timing for intake and
exhaust |
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Ignition system: |
individual coil-on-plug |
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Fuel delivery: |
direct injection with variable high-pressure rail and electronic throttle control |
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Compression ratio: |
9.2:1 |
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Horsepower (kW / hp @ rpm): |
190 / 255 @ 5,300 (est.) |
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Torque (Nm / lb-ft @ rpm) |
400 / 295 @ 2500-4000 (est.) |
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Recommended fuel: |
premium petrol recommended but not required |
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Max engine speed: |
6,350 rpm |
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Emissions controls: |
close-coupled catalytic converter; variable valve timing; 58x ignition system; returnless
fuel rail; wide-range O2 sensor |
Transmission
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F40-6 |
Aisin AF40 |
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Type: |
six-speed speed manual |
six-speed transverse, electronically controlled, overdrive automatic with torque converter
clutch |
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Gear ratios (:1): |
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First |
3.92 |
4.14 |
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Second |
2.04 |
2.37 |
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Third |
1.32 |
1.55 |
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Fourth |
0.95 |
1.15 |
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Fifth |
0.76 |
0.86 |
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Sixth |
0.62 |
0.68 |
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Reverse |
3.75 |
3.39 |
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Final Drive |
3.76 |
3.33 |
Chassis/Suspension
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Front: |
independent, MacPherson strut-type with dual-path mountings, specifically tuned coil springs,
direct-acting stabiliser bar (hollow); hydraulic ride bushings; continuous damping control (Interactive Drive
Control System) |
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Rear: |
four-link independent rear; hollow stabiliser bar; continuous damping control (IDCS) |
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Traction control: |
all-speed using engine torque reduction and brake intervention |
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Steering type: |
hydraulic, variable-effort |
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Steering wheel turns lock-to-lock: |
2.68 |
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Turning circle, curb-to-curb (metres / feet): |
11.4 / 37.4 (19-inch wheels) |
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Steering ratio: |
15.2:1 |
Brakes
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Type: |
four-wheel disc w/ABS (w/ESC) |
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Brake rotor diameter – front (mm / in): |
355 / 14.0 vented; four-piston aluminium Brembo calliper |
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Brake rotor diameter – rear (mm / in): |
315 / 12.4 vented; single-piston, aluminium calliper |
Wheels/Tyres
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Wheel size and type: |
19-inch alloy, 5-Twin Spoke
20-inch polished alloy, 5-Twin Spoke |
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Tyres: |
Goodyear Eagle RSA P245/40R19
Pirelli P-Zero P255/35-ZR20 |
Dimensions
Exterior
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Wheelbase (mm / in) : |
2,738 / 107.8 |
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Overall length (mm / in): |
4,831 / 190.2 |
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Overall width (mm / in: |
1,811 / 73.1 |
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Overall height (mm / in): |
1,480 / 58 |
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Front track (mm / in): |
1,585 / 62.4 |
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Rear track (mm / in): |
1,587 / 62.5 |
Interior
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Seating capacity (front / rear): |
2 / 3 |
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Headroom (mm / in): |
985 / 38.8 (front) 935 / 36.8 (rear) |
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Legroom (mm / in): |
1,069 / 42.1 (front), 947 / 37.3 (rear) |
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Shoulder room (mm / in): |
1,440 / 56.7 (front), 1,382 / 54.4 (rear) |
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Hip room (mm / in): |
1,407 / 55.4 (front), 1,328 / 52.3 (rear) |
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EPA passenger volume (litres / cu ft): |
2,741 / 96.81 |
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EPA interior volume (litres / cu ft): |
3,146 / 111.1 |
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Cargo volume (litres / cu ft): |
403 / 14.25 |
Capacities
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Fuel tank (litre / gal): |
70 / 18.5 |
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Engine oil (litre / qt): |
6.0 / 6.3 |
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Curb weight (kg /lb): |
1,683 / 3,710 |
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