2012 Buick Regal GS news, pictures, and information

2012 BUICK REGAL GS PRODUCTION MODEL TAKES SPORTS SEDAN PERFORMANCE TO A NEW LEVEL FOR BUICK

• Exclusive Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged and intercooled engine rated at an estimated 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm)

• Six-speed manual transmission, wîth six-speed automatic wîth Driver Shift Control to be offered later

• Interactive Drive Control System wîth GS mode

• Four-wheel independent system wîth HiPerStrut front suspension

• High-performance four-wheel disc brake system wîth Brembo front calipers

• Standard 19-inch, 5-Twin Spoke alloy wheels and all-season tire and optional 20-inch, 5-Twin Spoke polished alloy wheels wîth performance tires.

The exterior design features unique front and rear fascias, wîth the front fascia incorporating prominent, vertical air intake slots and specific grille treatment – wîth 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, wîth 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 wîth performance tires are optional).

Inside is a racing-inspired, flat-bottom sport §teering wheel and metal sport pedals, along wîth 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 wîth satin-finish elements on the instrument panel, §teering 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:

• Passive keyless entry wîth push-button start

• Standard XM Satellite Radio wîth three-month trial service

• Harmon/Kardon premium 320-watt sound system wîth nine speakers

• Bluetooth phone connectivity

• Leather-wrapped flat-bottom §teering wheel wîth audio controls

• Leather-appointed sport seating

• Heated driver and front passenger seats, wîth 12-way adjustable driver and front passenger seats – including four-way lumbar adjustment

• 120-volt accessory power outlet

• Power windows wîth 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 Regal GS comes from a high-output version of the Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged DOHC VVT engine wîth 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 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400 Nm). 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-percent 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 wîth 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 program manager.

The engine is mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) A six-speed automatic transmission will be available later.

The Regal GS rides on a relatively long wheelbase of 107.8 inches (2738 mm), which delivers refined, well-balanced vehicle dynamics. It also features a four-wheel-independent suspension, wîth 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 wîth crisper handling, §teering precision and feedback.

The four-link independent rear suspension is designed to minimize unwanted toe and camber effects during spirited driving maneuvers, 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 calipers. 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 center console-mounted control. The Regal GS also features standard StabiliTrak stability control system wîth integrated, full-function traction control.

Interactive Drive Control System

The Regal GS is also equipped wîth Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) chassis technology (also offered on other Regal models wîth 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 §teering sensitivity through the variable-effort §teering system.

A sophisticated driving mode control module continually monitors driving style utilizing yaw rate, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, §teering wheel, throttle and vehicle speed. It defines the dynamic vehicle state, including acceleration, braking and cornering, to optimize 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 optimizes the car for dynamic driving, tightening the suspension and §teering 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.

REGAL GS SEEKS REPEAT PERFORMANCE IN OPEN ROAD RALLY