Regal GS offers 0 to 60 in 6 seconds
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The GS, short for Grand Sport, was a badge worn by Buick's muscle cars in the '60s and '70s. General Motors Co. released details on the vehicle today.
The 2011 Regal was developed on GM's global mid-sized front-drive platform and is essentially a rebadged Opel Insignia. Nearly all of the Regal GS performance upgrades have been adopted from the Insignia OPC, which now is sold in Europe.
Regal sales begin in the second quarter. The Regal GS production vehicle is expected next year.
“We're trying to rebuild the performance credentials that Buick once held,” Jim Federico, GM's vehicle line executive for global mid-sized architecture, said during a press event in December.
In place of rear drive and a big, thirsty V-8, the Regal GS has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing an estimated 255 hp and 295 pounds-feet of torque. The Regal GS is teamed with an adaptive all-wheel-drive system that includes an electric limited slip rear differential.
To stop quicker, the GS concept has a high-speed Brembo brake system with 14 x 1.2-inch cross-drilled rotors; four-piston, high-strength aluminum calipers; and performance high-speed pads.
The concept also allows a driver to select one of three operating modes -- normal, sport or GS -- to change suspension settings, throttle response, shift pattern and steering sensitivity.
The stick shift is a curious offering for Buick.
Said GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz: “If you are going to be serious about a performance sedan, it must be available with a manual transmission, because that is really what captures the hearts of the enthusiasts.”
