Buick Regal GS Show Car Features Tuned Turbo 2.0L Direct-Injection Ecotec
10 January 2010
GM is introducing the Buick Regal GS show car at the North American International Auto Show this week. With an estimated 255 turbocharged horsepower (190 kW), a six-speed manual transmission and an advanced, adaptive all-wheel-drive system, this a high-tech, high-performance version of the brand’s newest sport sedan.
We designed the Regal GS to explore the appeal of a high-performance variant of the Regal. 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.
—Craig Bierley, product marketing director for Buick
| The Regal GS show car. Click to enlarge. |
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 N·m).
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 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.
Is the new Buick Regal an Opel Insignia with Buick trims? It will also be assembled in Ontario-Canada by 2011.
An interesting powerful small 4 cyls. It could probably meet CAFE 2016 standards with a 6 or 7 speed transmission, low friction tires, stop-start and improved speed-accelleration management.
Posted by: HarveyD | 10 January 2010 at 07:21 AM
You could also replace the adaptive 4WD with a through the road hybrid system, downsize the engine and make up the power with an electric motor on the rear axle.
Make it a pure hybrid and a plug in version.
Posted by: 3PeaceSweet | 10 January 2010 at 08:18 AM
3PS:
Yes you could. It is what Peugeot is trying to do.
Posted by: HarveyD | 10 January 2010 at 09:58 AM
This is not your dad's Buick, but they are going to have to shave some weight off it if they want it to perform as expected.
Posted by: SJC | 11 January 2010 at 08:36 AM
I had a 1990 eagle talon with a 2 litre 16 valve motor and awl , with a slightly biger turbo than stock and it made 300 bhp and still got 30 mpg on the highway. Just don't see where all this eficiency is????
Posted by: clambro | 12 January 2010 at 09:09 AM