2011 Buick Regal GS Study: Videos and Live Photos from Detroit - Film Shows V6 Turbo, GM Says 4-Cylinder Turbo...

Even though General Motors used the term 'show car' to describe the sporty Buick Regal GS that made its world debut in Detroit, there's nothing conceptual about this model. The GS version of the new 2011 Regal sedan that's due to go on sale this summer is said to be identical to the Opel Insignia OPC in all but one element: the engine.

According to GM, whereas the OPC gets a 2.8-liter twin-scroll turbocharged with 325HP, the all-wheel drive GS is fitted with a tuned up version of the Regal CXL's 2.0-liter turbo four that makes 255HP.

However, if you pay attention to the second promotional video after the jump (pause at 52 seconds into the film), you'll see that the GS features a V6 Turbo...

We don't know if anyone popped up the hood on the Regal GS showcar in Detroit to see if it's fitted with a four-pot or a V6 Turbo, but the best explanation we can give is that GM's team took the OPC, added Buick's logos and waterfall grille along with a pair of bonnet air-vents leaving the Opel's hardware intact.

It remains to be seen whether or not GM will offer a production version of the Regal GS in the States, and if so, if it will be powered by a four-cylinder or a V6 turbo engine. Till then, watch the two videos after the break or click here to read more details about Buick's sporty saloon proposal.

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http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/01/2011-buick-regal-gs-study-videos-and.html?m=0

New Buick Regal GS: GM Rebadges Opel Insignia OPC But Replaces 325HP V6 Biturbo with 255HP 2.0-liter Four-Pot

Leave it to GM to take out all the fun even when it comes to re-badging its own vehicles... See, while the General took the decision to reveal a North American version of the Opel Insignia OPC in the form of the Buick Regal GS showcar in Detroit, unfortunately, the European model's 325HP 2.8-liter twin-scroll turbo V6 has been replaced with a lighter but more puny 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing an estimated 255HP.

Officially, the Detroit automaker says that the Regal GS was designed "to explore the appeal of a high-performance variant of the Regal", but chances are that it will make it into production in the very near future.

"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 showcar uses a modified version of the 220HP 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot that will be offered on Regal CXL models later this summer tuned to deliver greater boost pressure. The engine's output is estimated at 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400 Nm).

Furthermore, whereas the Regal CXL comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Regal GS's engine is linked to a six-speed manual gearbox that directs torque to an adaptive all-wheel-drive system.

As with its German counterpart, the GS is equipped with an electronic, limited-slip rear differential to reduce wheelspin.

General Motors says that the 255HP Buick Regal GS is expected to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds, which sounds a bit optimistic considering the fact that the 325HP Opel Insignia OPC reaches 60mph in 5.8 seconds.

The Regal GS also benefits from a tuned four-wheel-independent suspension, a revised steering wheel system and 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.

There's also Opel's Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) chassis technology that allows the driver to chose from three different operating modes (normal, sport and GS) for the suspension settings, throttle response and steering sensitivity.

Other than that, the Buick Regal GS gets the same tasty bodykit, sexy 20-inch alloy wheels and interior upgrades including a pair of Recaro front seats and flat-bottom steering wheel as its European counterpart.

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-buick-regal-gs-gm-rebadges-opel.html?m=0

Buick Avant Project: Six Official Design Proposals for a Small Premium Model

Downsizing seems to be the name of the game these days - or at least segment-wise and in theory if you consider the fact that, for example, at 3,721mm / 146.5'' in length, the first gen VW Golf is significantly smaller than today's 3,970mm / 156.3'' long VW Polo, let alone the Golf VI... But anyhow. GM released a bunch of design proposals for a small premium Buick model developed under the project name 'Avant'.

All-in-all, the automaker's designers came up with six different exterior themes ranging from a MINI-style three-door hatchback to a '350Z-esque' coupe as well as four interior concepts as proposals.

GM's team said that while the company hasn't arrived at a final solution yet for a small Buick, it hopes that "it's onto something".

Via: GM Labs

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2009/09/buick-avant-project-six-official-design.html?m=0