DETROIT – Buick today debuted its Regal GS show car at the
2010 Detroit Auto Show, its newest sports sedan with 255 turbocharged
horsepower. The automaker designed the Regal GS on the appeal of a
high-performance variant of the Regal, which was initially based on the Opel
Insignia. Buick is hoping that its latest show car will appeal to performance
enthusiasts.
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.
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