Buick Unveils Regal GS Show Car2010-01-0721st-century successor to Buick's Gran Sport heritageBold, sporty design with unique exterior details and an aggressive stanceHigh-output Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmissionAdaptive all-wheel-drive system and electronic limited-slip rear differential0-60 in less than 6.0 secondsBuick's class-exclusive Interactive Drive Control SystemDETROIT–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 performancePower 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.About BuickBuick is in the midst of a transformation that started with the Enclave luxury crossover and continues with the completely redesigned LaCrosse luxury sedan and Regal sport sedan. Buick is emerging as a modern, premium brand with vehicles characterized by sculpted designs, personal technologies, luxurious interiors and responsive performance. Future new sedans and crossovers are planned and will continue to expand Buick's portfolio both in North America and China. More information can be found atwww.buick.com.BUICK REGAL GS SHOW CAR SPECIFICATIONSOverviewModel:Buick Regal GS show carBody style / driveline:four-door, 5-passenger, front engine, transaxle. All-wheel-drive midsize vehicleConstruction:steel body-frame integral (unibody)Engine/TransmissionHigh-output 2.0L DOHC I-4 TurboDisplacement (cu in / cc):122 / 1998Bore and stroke (in / mm):3.39 x 3.39 / 86 x 86Block material:cast aluminumCylinder head material:cast aluminumValvetrain:overhead camshafts, four-valves per cylinder, continuous variable valve timing for intake and exhaustIgnition system:individual coil-on-plugFuel delivery:direct injection with variable high-pressure rail and electronic throttle controlCompression ratio:9.2:1Horsepower (hp / kW):255 / 190 (est.)Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm):295 / 400 (est.)Transmission6-speed manualChassis/SuspensionFront:independent, HiPerStrut-type with dual-path mountings, specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar (hollow); hydraulic ride bushings; continuous damping control (Interactive Drive Control System)Rear:four-link independent rear; hollow stabilizer bar; continuous damping controlTraction control:adaptive all-wheel drive; StabiliTrak electronic stability controlSteering type:hydraulic, variable-effort rack-and-pinion power steeringBrakesType:four-wheel disc w/ABS (w/ESC)Brake rotor diameter(in / mm) caliper type (front and rear):14 / 355, vented and cross drilled rotors; four-piston aluminum calipersWheels/TiresWheel size and type:20-inch aluminumTires:Bridgestone 245/35ZR20DimensionsExteriorWheelbase (in / mm) :107.8 / 2738Overall length (in / mm):190.2 / 4831Overall width (in / mm):73.1 / 1811Overall height (in / mm):58.4 / 1483Front track (in / mm):62.4 / 1585Rear track (in / mm):62.5 / 1587InteriorSeating capacity (front / rear):2 / 3Headroom (in / mm):38.8 / 985 (front)36.8 / 935 (rear)Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.   © Copyright General Motors  ...read more

The 2011 Regal: A Buick Bred On The AutobahnSport Sedan Blends Sleek Design with European Road Manners for Great Driving2009-11-11QUICK FACTS A new midsize Buick sport sedan with a European-bred driving experience On sale in the second quarter of 2010 Based on the award-winning Opel Insignia and available now as a Regal in China Modern, sleek design with great attention to detail and excellent build quality Efficient, four-cylinder/six-speed powertrain with 30 mpg (est.) Turbocharged model available in summer 2010 Driver-selectable Interactive Drive Control System available in summer 2010 Available rear-seat thorax air bags Standard 18-inch wheels, leather and heated front seats, XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth and OnStar. LOS ANGELES– On Thursday Buick will reveal the 2011 Regal sport sedan to customers in the L.A. area. Armed with turbocharged horsepower, a driver-selectable suspension system and a firm, European-tuned chassis, it delivers a driving experience that rivals the best import sport sedans in the segment. "The 2011 Buick Regal is like nothing you've ever experienced from this brand," said Susan Docherty, general manager of Buick GMC. "The Regal is the next chapter in Buick's transformation and will expand the portfolio to include a sport sedan." The new Regal arrives in the second quarter of 2010, with its sights aimed squarely on competitors like the Acura TSX and Volvo S60. It has a longer wheelbase and greater trunk volume than those vehicles, along with standard features – including a six-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch wheels and OnStar – that aren't offered standard on either competitor. The Regal's development is rooted in Germany, where the globally led engineering team created the award-winning Opel Insignia – the 2009 European Car of the Year. The Insignia has garnered more than 31 prestigious awards and is the best-selling midsize sedan in Europe. Regal will bring all of Insignia's award-winning design, technology and European-inspired performance capabilities to the American market. The Regal has already been a success on another continent, in China. It went on sale in December 2008 and more than 64,000 Regals have been sold there. Enthusiastic customers cite its sculpted, flowing design and responsive performance as the top reasons for purchase. Regal at a glance Regal will initially be offered in premium CXL trim only, with additional trim levels to be offered in the 2012 model year. The well-equipped Regal CXL includes the following as standard or available equipment: Standard 2.4L Ecotec direct injected engine rated at an estimated 182 horsepower (136 kW) Available 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged and direct injected engine rated at an estimated 220 horsepower (164 kW) – available late-summer 2010 Both engines have a six-speed automatic transmission standard with driver-shifting control Estimated 30 mpg on the highway with the 2.4L and 29 mpg highway with the 2.0L turbo engine MacPherson strut front suspension and four-link independent rear suspension All-new Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) available with the 2.0L turbo, offering driver-selectable suspension settings and automatic driver suspension setting adaptability Four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel anti-lock braking system, brake assist and electronic parking brake Standard StabiliTrak stability control system and full-function traction control Standard dual-stage frontal air bags, side-curtain air bags and pedal-release system; rear-seat thorax air bags available Available navigation system, Harmon Kardon sound system, internal flash drive (1GB), hard drive with 10GB for music and USB port Standard 18-inch wheels (19-inch wheels standard with IDCS) Standard 12-way power, leather and heated driver seat; leather and heated passenger front seat; Bluetooth capability; XM Satellite Radio and OnStar. Design story The Regal's sleek design blends the sweeping silhouette and proportions of a coupe in a progressive package that suggests motion from all angles. Great attention to detail complements that aggressive styling, with tailored applications of Buick's signature design cues, such as the waterfall grille, select use of chrome trim and superior fit and finish of the exterior panels. "Regal is all about great proportions," said John Cafaro, design director, passenger car. "For example, with the fenders flared to wrap around the tires. It's an aggressive stance that people aren't used to seeing in recent Buicks." The car's performance-oriented spirit is also conveyed in sleek, sculpted body-side detail and aggressive headlamps that further suggest motion. At the rear, an abbreviated deck and tucked-in body panels are the hallmarks of a contemporary sport sedan, with bold taillamps and their intricate lighting elements reinforcing Regal's attention to detail. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard. The sweeping design motif carries over to the interior, where the side panels flow uninterrupted into the instrument panel. The instruments have the look of expensive sport timepieces and are lit with ice-blue LED lights. The center stack, housing the climate and "infotainment" controls, was designed to allow for a lower, driver-centric instrument panel profile. Features such as a thick-rimmed, leather-wrapped steering wheel and firm, highly bolstered and leather-covered seats also support the sport-oriented driving experience. "There is great design harmony between the exterior and interior," said Cafaro. "The feeling of flow and motion carries through in an engaging manner that makes you want to take the Regal out to your favorite twisting road to see what it can do." A breakthrough interior The Regal's finely crafted, sporty and well-appointed interior builds on the exceptional attention to detail found in the Enclave and LaCrosse, blending signature styling cues with contemporary sport sedan aesthetics. Regal's firm, highly bolstered seats were benchmarked against the top import competitors for comfort and support, while a standard flow-through center console offers plenty of storage for passengers in the front and back. Smart applications of technology are also hallmarks of the Regal, including details such as a multi-function controller on the center console for operation of the audio system, navigation system and the Bluetooth phone. The faceplate for the "infotainment" screen is set at a 30-degree angle to contribute to the car's flowing interior design. A new era in Buick design is also seen in the satin metallic, piano black and new, Kibo-patterned interior trim materials. Kibo is a rich, dark, progressively grained wood that lends an international flair to the Regal. Under the hood Unique with its all-four-cylinder powertrain, the Regal relies on the excellent horsepower-per-liter ratio of the Ecotec engine family to deliver smart, on-demand performance that is also very efficient. Both the standard 2.4L engine and the available 2.0L turbo use direct injection technology to optimize performance, reduce emissions and maximize fuel efficiency. The 2.4L is the same engine offered in the Buick LaCrosse, but in the smaller, lighter Regal, it delivers more agile performance. The 2.0L turbo cements the sport sedan credibility of the Regal, with on-demand power comparable to a V-6, but the inherent efficiency of a four-cylinder. To ensure responsive power across the rpm range, the 2.0L turbo uses a twin-scroll turbocharger that builds power quickly at lower rpm. Distinct, uniquely calibrated six-speed automatic transmissions are paired with each engine. Both offer driver shift control that enhances the sporty driving feel of the Regal. Driving experience The chassis and structural systems were developed in Germany and give the Regal the handling and dynamics of a premium European sport sedan, as well as the quiet, refined ride and road manners expected of a Buick. The body structure is one of the most rigid in the segment, which is approximately 25-percent stiffer than the previous Regal. This solid structure supports more precise suspension tuning and a quieter ride. A relatively long wheelbase of 107.8 inches (2738 mm) gives the Regal refined, well-balanced vehicle dynamics and supports comfortable ride tuning. Additionally, an independent MacPherson strut-type front suspension with single-path mountings and hydraulic ride bushings; a four-link independent rear suspension; hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering; and optimized four-wheel disc brakes are optimized to the capability of the individual powertrains and tailored to the expected use by drivers. Models equipped with the 2.0L turbo engine, for example, feature larger brakes. Latest-generation electronic stability control (ESC or StabiliTrak), anti-lock brake system (ABS), and traction control system (TCS) are standard with Buick's innovative, Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) real-time damping system offered on models equipped with the 2.0L turbo powertrain. Interactive Drive Control System Regal's Interactive Drive Control System chassis technology (available on models with the available 2.0L turbo engine) offers enhanced vehicle stability and greater driving safety. It is designed to change the personality of the car based on the personality of the driver. 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. Chassis settings are adjustable by the driver, with Normal, Tour and Sport settings. IDCS allows the driver to choose between three different operating modes that change the suspension settings, throttle response, shift pattern and steering sensitivity through the variable effort steering system. The three modes deliver three types of experiences: Normal – balanced and optimized for all driving situations Tour – optimized for comfort and relaxed driving on long journeys Sport – optimized for road holding; enthusiast driving . Selecting "Sport" mode optimizes the car for dynamic driving, tightening the suspension and steering response and speeding up the reaction of the automatic transmission. The "Tour" mode is optimal for long-distance cruising or rough road conditions, providing an increase in comfort. "Normal" or Default Mode is the perfect all-around setting for daily commuting and city traffic. The other major benefit of Interactive Drive Control is that it automatically adapts Regal's performance settings to individual driving styles. When a driver begins to drive more aggressively it will tighten the suspension and increase steering effort and change to a more aggressive throttle response. When the vehicle senses that the driver is doing relaxed cruising, it adjusts settings for rolling smoothness and comfort. Apart from a more rewarding driving experience, IDCS also offers safety benefits in emergency situations. For example, if an obstacle must be avoided when the car is in Tour mode, various chassis sensors convey this to the DMC and the dampers are stiffened within milliseconds, delivering greater body control. About Buick Buick is in the midst of a transformation that started with the Enclave luxury crossover and continues with the completely redesigned LaCrosse luxury sedan and Regal sport sedan. Buick is emerging as a modern, premium brand with vehicles characterized by sculpted designs, personal technologies, luxurious interiors and responsive performance. Future new sedans and crossovers are planned and will continue to expand Buick's portfolio both in North America and China. More information can be found atwww.buick.com. ...read more

 2010 Buick LaCrosse Named IIHS Top Safety PickExtra Roof Strength Helps Beat Lexus, Acura Competitors2009-11-18DETROIT – The all-new Buick LaCrosse received Top Safety Pick honors Wednesday from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, achieving a "good" rating in each of the four crash simulations and offering StabiliTrak,electronic stability control shown  to help drivers avoid certain types of crashes.Competitors from Lexus and Acura, which compete with LaCrosse in the large family car segment, did not make the list."Institute tests represent the four most common kinds of crashes," said IIHS president Adrian Lund. "Getting through these tough tests and earning the Institute's highest award means the LaCrosse is in the top tier for safety."The tests include front, side and rear crashes and a simulated rollover crash. The Top Safety Pick for LaCrosse  adds a "good" rating for roof strength to the designation first announced in September. The roof strength test is a measure to help determine protection in a rollover crash responsible for 9,000 highway deaths a year."We engineered this level of roof strength into the 2010 LaCrosse," said Jim Federico, vehicle line executive engineer responsible for LaCrosse. "Customers continue to tell us that safety is a top consideration in a new vehicle purchase and we are listening. We think this is one more reason why the LaCrosse deserves strong consideration."In the roof strength test, a metal plate is pushed against one side of a roof at a constant speed. To earn a good rating for rollover protection, the roof must withstand a force of four times the vehicle's weight before reaching five inches of crush. This is called a strength-to-weight ratio.Achieving a "good" rating in front and side crash tests and rear impact as well as electronic stability control were the other criteria used to select the 27 vehicles that received Top Safety Pick for 2010 compared with 94 in 2009. The Institute told automakers in January that it was adding the rollover test.Frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of 40 mph frontal offset crash tests. Each vehicle's overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion into the occupant compartment, injury measures recorded on a dummy in the driver seat, and analysis of slow-motion film to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test.Side evaluations are based on performance in a crash test in which the side of a vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph. The barrier represents the front end of a pickup or SUV. Ratings are based on injury measures recorded on two instrumented dummies, an assessment of head protection and the vehicle's structural performance during the impact.Rear crash protection is rated according to a two-step procedure:  The height of a restraint and its horizontal distance behind the back of the head of an average-size man. Seat/head restraints with good or acceptable geometry are tested for forces on the neck in a simulated collision in which a stationary vehicle is struck in the rear at 20 mph.About BuickBuick is in the midst of a transformation that started with the Enclave luxury crossover and continues with the completely redesigned LaCrosse luxury sedan and Regal sport sedan.  Buick is emerging as a modern, premium brand with vehicles characterized by sculpted designs, personal technologies, luxurious interiors and responsive performance.  Future new sedans and crossovers are planned and will continue to expand Buick's portfolio both in North America and China.  More information can be found atwww.buick.com. ...read more