2010 Detroit Preview: Buick Regal GS is a concept, at least for now

Buick Regal GS Concept

Ever since the Opel Insignia based Regal sedan made its debut at the 2009 LA Auto Show, we’ve been crossing our fingers for an Insignia OPC based Regal GS. Well, here it is – in concept form at least. Ready to make its debut at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show next week, the Regal GS concept is not confirmed for production, at least for now.

“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.”

Why is it a concept? In our minds, there is no doubt that the Regal GS will eventually arrive in dealerships shortly after its base siblings do, but we’re guessing that GM is holding back from making more than one “high-performance” production vehicle debut (other than the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe) next week in Detroit (you know, with some big shots from Washington D.C. heading down to Motor City for the show and all).

Unlike its Opel cousin, which is powered by a 325-hp 2.8 V6 turbo, the Buick Regal GS carries a 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged 4-banger making 260-hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed manual that directs torque to an all-wheel-drive system, 0-60 mph should come in less than 6 seconds. Stopping power comes from a Brembo brake system with 14 x 1.2-inch cross-drilled rotors; four-piston, high-strength aluminum calipers, and high-performance pads.

Buick Regal GS Concept

Other than that, the Buick Regal GS gets Insignia OPC touches including two additional vertical front air intakes and forged aluminum 20-inch wheels and performance tires. Inside, the high-performance Regal gets a racing-inspired sport steering wheel, metal pedals and high-performance Recaro front seats with 4-way lumbar support and cushion extensions.

We’ll be bringing you live images from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show on Monday. Stay tuned and stay excited.

Hit the jump for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

Buick Regal GS Concept:

Buick Regal GS Concept Buick Regal GS Concept Buick Regal GS Concept Buick Regal GS Concept

Press Release:

Buick Unveils Regal GS Show Car

– 21st-century successor to Buick”s Gran Sport heritage
– Bold, sporty design with unique exterior details and an aggressive stance
– High-output Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmission
– Adaptive all-wheel-drive system and electronic limited-slip rear differential
– 0-60 in less than 6.0 seconds
– Buick”s class-exclusive Interactive Drive Control System

DETROIT ““ 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.

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 performance

Power 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.

BUICK REGAL GS SHOW CAR SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Model: Buick Regal GS show car
Body style / driveline: four-door, 5-passenger, front engine, transaxle. All-wheel-drive midsize vehicle
Construction: steel body-frame integral (unibody)

Engine/Transmission

High-output 2.0L DOHC I-4 Turbo
Displacement (cu in / cc): 122 / 1998
Bore and stroke (in / mm): 3.39 x 3.39 / 86 x 86
Block material: cast aluminum
Cylinder head material: cast aluminum
Valvetrain: overhead camshafts, four-valves per cylinder, continuous variable valve timing for intake and exhaust
Ignition system: individual coil-on-plug
Fuel delivery: direct injection with variable high-pressure rail and electronic throttle control
Compression ratio: 9.2:1
Horsepower (hp / kW): 255 / 190 (est.)
Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm): 295 / 400 (est.)
Transmission 6-speed manual

Chassis/Suspension

Front: 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 control
Traction control: adaptive all-wheel drive; StabiliTrak electronic stability control
Steering type: hydraulic, variable-effort rack-and-pinion power steering

Brakes

Type: 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 calipers

Wheels/Tires

Wheel size and type: 20-inch aluminum
Tires: Bridgestone 245/35ZR20

Dimensions
Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm) : 107.8 / 2738
Overall length (in / mm): 190.2 / 4831
Overall width (in / mm): 73.1 / 1811
Overall height (in / mm): 58.4 / 1483
Front track (in / mm): 62.4 / 1585
Rear track (in / mm): 62.5 / 1587

Interior

Seating capacity (front / rear): 2 / 3
Headroom (in / mm): 38.8 / 985 (front)
36.8 / 935 (rear)

– By: Omar Rana