I’m not going to fall back on the tired cliche of pointing out that Buick’s are generally made and marketed for, um, more seasoned individuals, but I must admit – this new Regal GS is definitely not made for your grandfather.
The regular Regal has been out for a while, and while it’s a fine machine in its own right, it really doesn’t do a whole lot to stir the soul. The Regal GS is here to fix that.
First, the best news. GM has decided to give the Regal GS a manual transmission option! That’s right, a 6-speed manual is actually available in a Buick. So, it has one piece of the performance puzzle down. What else does it have? Well it will get a 2.0 litre turbocharged Ecotech 4 cylinder which will make 255 horsepower and 295 pound feet of torque. Good torque numbers, but let’s hope the turbo doesn’t kick in too late and that the ecotech is actually able to let its hair down every once in a while.
Here’s a bit of bad news though. The Regal GS will be front-wheel drive only. Aww, you were so close to an excellent performance recipe, GM. With that said, it will use the same front-wheel drive system that the 2011 Saab 9-5 gets and from what I read, it can hold its own. GM says they didn’t bother with AWD because they added a high performance strut system which they claim works just as good as an AWD car in hanlding situatutions, plus it keeps cost down.
On top of decent styling, you can get optional 20 inch rims (although hopefully they aren’t chrome like the ones pictured above) and a host of luxury features.
How much will it cost? We’ll have to wait and see. Until then, decent effort GM.
[General Motors]
