2013 Buick Regal GS gets new automatic, Regal eAssist becomes base model

Buick has just released some news stating that there’s a new transmission option for their Regal lineup, specifically for the performance-oriented GS. Previously offered with only a six-speed manual transmission, the new 2013 Regal GS comes with a no-cost option for an Aisin AF40 automatic.

“With the Regal GS, we made a conscious decision to go against the current trend and give enthusiasts the manual transmission they desire as standard equipment” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing. “Adding an automatic simply makes the performance of the GS even more accessible.”

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And with that statement, it seems that General Motors, or at least Buick, is making a bet that manual transmissions are still desirable and it’s comforting to hear that GM is keeping the enthusiast in mind.

Actual performance figures for the automatic-equipped Regal GS have yet to be announced, but Buick says that it will match the manual version’s sprint to 60 of just 6.7 seconds while returning 19 mpg’s in city runabouts and 27 on the highway.

The new six-speed automatic will also be equipped to the Regal eAssist, boosting its EPA estimate to around 36 mpg’s in the combined average cycle. At the expense of this newly equipped Regal eAssist is the discontinuation of the base 2.4L Regal.

“Buick is committed to increasing innovation across the lineup,” said DiSalle “By making the advanced eAssist powertrain standard on a second vehicle, we are putting the spotlight on smart technology.”

– By: Chris Chin