By Malcolm Gunn
Wheelbase Media
Buick continues to fashion a hipper image with the new Regal GS – short for Gran Sport.
The GS comes with an enhanced-output, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine and the matching performance/luxury content to challenge similar mid-size sedans from Europe and Japan.
The GS undoubtedly challenges the public’s perceptions about Buick, which has traditionally catered to older drivers who cared very little about acceleration, road holding, and steering and stopping performance.
“This car is unlike anything I have ever driven in the Buick lineup,” said Tim Jacques, General Sales Manager for Schumacher Buick. “With vehicles like the GS, as well as the Enclave and LaCrosse, Buick is becoming extremely popular among families that want luxury, technology and performance.”
The GS also improves on the standard-issue Regal’s good looks with a more distinctive front end that features a unique satin-metallic grille flanked by prominent twin air intakes plus an enlarged air scoop below the bumper. There’s also special rocker-panel trim, integrated trunk spoiler, and a set of irregular-shaped exhaust outlets that should replace the faux Buick portholes as the marque’s next signature styling cue.
The GS also has a slightly lower ride height along with its own 19- and optional 20-inch wheels.
This is all well and good, but what gives this Buick its performance chops is a turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder that delivers 270 horsepower.
Additional performance-oriented upgrading has also been bestowed upon the GS.
Chief among these are special “HiPerStruts” for the front suspension that help reduce torque steer, which is the tendency for high-powered front-wheel-drive vehicles to pull to one side under hard acceleration. The driver can choose standard, sport and extra-firm suspension settings, and for a more sporting feel, the degree of power-steering boost is reduced as suspension firmness increases.
Finally, the Regal’s braking has been upgraded with a four-wheel-disc package from Brembo.
Both driver and passengers will experience more regal accouterments in the GS, beginning with a well-executed all-black interior with satin-nickel trim, leather-covered seats (heated and 12-way adjustable in front); meaty flat-bottomed steering wheel; and a 320-watt, nine-speaker Harmon/Kardon-brand sound system.
There’s front and rear park-assist warning system, electronic parking brake, and high-intensity bi-xenon (high and low-beam) headlamps.
Jacques has the GS available for test drives, and has already taken several pre-orders.
I am so excited to be able to offer our customers a sports, luxury vehicle like the GS,” he said. “You really need to come in and experience it for yourself.”
2012 BUICK REGAL GS
Type: Four-door, front-wheel-drive, mid-size sedan
Engine: 2.0-liter, turbocharged, inline-four-cylinder (270 horsepower)
Transmission: Six-speed manual; six-speed automatic
Safety: Front airbags, side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags, rear-side-impact airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control
Fuel mileage: 19 (city)/29 (highway)
MSRP: Starting at $34,450
Karp Buick is a division of Karp Automotive (www.karpauto.com), a family owned and operated dealership since 1957 located in Nassau County on the South Shore of Long Island in Rockville Centre, NY between Baldwin and Lynbrook, handling all Volvo, Buick, Saab, and Kia needs. Since its inception, Karp Automotive has made a commitment to upholding its core values of integrity and honesty. Karp is an active member of the community sponsoring many local outreach programs, community service projects, and community development initiatives. This has made Karp Automotive widely regarded as “the Auto Authority” and providing a superior ownership experience. As our customers would attest, there are many places a person can purchase a vehicle, but only here will you be treated like family by family.
Karp Automotive 