New Car Review Areas


General Car Topics

2010 Buick Regal GS Review

November 2010
Filed under: BUICK Car News | BUICK Headlines

Latest BUICK Headlines

Buick this evening reveals the production version of the 2012 Buick Regal GS, an even sportier expression of the Regal sport sedan that went on sale earlier this year and has attracted new buyers to the Buick family. Powered by a high-output, exclusive Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission, the Buick Regal GS delivers an estimated 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque for a 0-60 mph performance of less than seven seconds (estimated). Buick's Interactive Drive Control System is standard on the Buick Regal GS, allowing drivers to customize the driving experience by changing the suspension settings and steering sensitivity between three modes: standard, sport and Buick Regal GS.

"Built on the performance foundation of the Regal, the Buick 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 Buick Regal GS represents the next entry in Buick's product renaissance."

The Buick Regal GS will be unveiled this evening at a consumer event in Miami. It goes on sale in the second half of 2011. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Product highlights include:

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, with six-speed automatic with Driver Shift Control to be offered later
Interactive Drive Control System with Buick Regal GS mode
Four-wheel independent system with HiPerStrut front suspension
High-performance four-wheel disc brake system with 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 with performance tires.

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 Buick Regal GS cuts a sportier stance, too, with 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 with performance tires 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 Buick Regal 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 Buick Regal GS mode of the Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS).

Standard amenities for the Buick Regal GS include:

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 Buick Regal 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 with boosted engines since 2006, and there's no question the Buick 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. A six-speed automatic transmission will be available later.

The Buick 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, 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 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 Buick 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 Buick Regal 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 utilizing yaw rate, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, steering 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 Buick Regal GS mode optimizes 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 Buick Regal GS modes.

Latest Car News

All images courtesy of and copyright their respective manufacturers, unless otherwise indicated. They may not be reproduced or retransmitted in any way without the express written permission of their respective owners. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Model news and specifications are presented as provided by manufacturer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DIGIADS. No warranty is made by DIGIADS with respect to the accuracy or timeliness of the information contained herein.