2012 Buick Regal GS rated at 270 hp

[GTSpartan]

2012 Buick Regal GS hits track with 270 hp, 15 more than planned — Autoblog

"The 2012 Buick Regal GS is set to hit dealerships this fall, but that means engineers still have time to fine-tune the vehicle before it arrives in showrooms across the country. What better way to do that than to take the Regal GS to the automaker's Milford Proving Grounds? This Michigan road course is a twisting, turning stretch of asphalt that allows engineers to really put a vehicle through its paces.

The hi-po Regal GS is powered by a direct-injected 2.0-liter turbocharged Ecotec four-banger, which pumps out 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. That's enough horses to coax the sedan from 0 to 60 in 6.7 seconds, according to General Motors estimates. A few more notes about those power figures: First, when the Regal GS was first announced, we were only promised 255 horses, so 270 is a very welcome figure.

Second, the Regal GS and its 2.0L turbo boasts more torque than the larger 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which produces 260 pound-feet in the Chrysler 200, and the 2.0-liter Turbo in the Hyundai Sonata, which is rated at 269 pound-feet of twist (to be fair, the latter two have never claimed to be sport sedans). What else does it beat? The list includes the Acura TSX V6, Audi A4, Lexus IS250 and the Volvo S60 T5. Plus, 95 percent of that peak torque is available from 2,300 to 4,900 rpm.

It's also worth mentioning that, with 135 horsepower per liter, the new boosted Ecotec boasts the highest specific power output of any engine in GM's history. It's also the most power-dense rating the SAE has ever officially recognized. That's impressive stuff.

Now we bet you're ready to watch a Buick test driver push the 2012 Regal GS around the track. Stop reading and click past the jump for the clip. Also, be sure to take a look at the full press release for more information on this new, sporty Regal."

[youtube_browser]dFScQw5GTqQ[/youtube_browser]

Should be a nice little car and good competition for the entry luxury car segment.

 

[ViciousJay]

boost controller, down pipe and a few other goodies and i bet this thing will be close or just under the 400 hp range with no problem

 

[GTSpartan]

Press Release

Buick Regal GS Cranks 270 HP and 295 Lb-Ft of Torque
Exclusive Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged engine delivers more launch force than imports

DETROIT – The 2012 Buick Regal GS, which arrives at dealerships this fall, has been SAE-certified to deliver 270 horsepower (201kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400Nm) for an estimated 0-60 mph performance of 6.7 seconds.

Regal GS's exclusive Ecotec 2.0L direct-injected turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers more torque than Acura TSX V-6, Audi A4 Sport, Lexus IS 250 and Volvo S60 T5. Torque is the twisting force that gets a vehicle moving and what the driver feels when accelerating.

"The Regal GS 2.0L turbo delivers the highest specific output of any production engine GM has ever offered, and at 135 hp per liter is the most power dense engine ever certified by SAE," said Mike Anderson, Ecotec global chief engineer and program manager. "We've been combining direct injection and variable valve timing with boosted engines since 2006, and there's no question the Regal GS turbo has the responsiveness and acceleration of some V-6s, while delivering the fuel economy you'd expect of a four-cylinder."

Ecotec 2.0L turbo highlights include direct injection, continuously variable valve timing, forged steel crankshaft, twin scroll design turbocharger and an efficient intercooler system. The peak torque of 295 lb-ft is achieved at a relatively low 2400 rpm. There is 95 percent of peak torque available between 2300 and 4900 rpm.

The GS's engine is mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission, and gets an estimated fuel economy of 28 mpg on the highway. A six-speed automatic transmission will be available later. The entire GS powertrain is covered by a five-year, 100,000-mile warranty.

Further reinforcing Regal GS's performance appeal is its Interactive Drive Control System chassis technology, which delivers enhanced vehicle stability. The driver selects among three operating modes that change the suspension settings, and steering sensitivity through the variable-effort steering system. "GS" mode optimizes the car for dynamic driving, tightening the suspension and steering response. "Standard," or the default mode, is the setting for all-around use. "Sport" mode provides a level of performance between standard and GS modes.

Regal GS also features a four-wheel-independent suspension, with a unique High Performance Strut (HiPerStrut) front suspension design. The HiPerStrut system helps reduce torque steer and maintain negative camber during cornering to keep the all-important tire contact patch on the pavement. The driver experiences improved grip and increased cornering power, along with crisper handling, steering precision and feedback.

The four-link independent rear suspension is designed to minimize unwanted toe and camber effects during spirited driving maneuvers, enhancing vehicle stability and tire grip. Both front and rear dampers incorporate active Computer Damping Control, continuously changing damper characteristics in real time to maintain optimal vehicle ride comfort over varying road surfaces and profiles. More aggressive, performance-oriented damping characteristics can also be selected by the driver when choosing "Sport" or "GS" mode.

Braking power comes from a large diameter four-wheel disc brake system featuring big, four-piston Brembo front calipers for optimal feel and modulation. A standard, four-channel anti-lock brake system is tuned to reduce stopping distances over varied road surfaces and conditions. The Regal GS also features standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control with integrated, full-speed traction control.

The GS cuts a sportier stance, too, with a lower ride height than other Regal models and aggressive 19-inch, 5-Twin Spoke alloy wheels and all-season tires (20-inch, 5-Twin Spoke polished alloy wheels with performance tires are optional).

"The 2012 Regal GS is well balanced with dynamic ride and handling, powerful brakes, great acceleration and excellent fuel economy," said Robert Casparian, Regal product marketing manager. "And the fact that one can get such great performance in a gorgeous sport sedan makes it even more attractive."

 

[DDogsrt461BLK]

it's basically a LNF Cobalt SS engine under the under. My buddies with just a tune put 285HP & 323trq to the wheels. That engine is strong once tune, but looks as if GM gives it the meat and potatoes out of the box.

 

[JD03Cobra]

A manual trans would be nice!

 

[dragaddict]

Is this car wrong wheel drive?

 

[GTSpartan]

is this car wrong wheel drive?

awd

 

[carrrnuttt]

I wish they'd bring the turbo V6 + 6-speed/AWD option they have on the Opel version of this car. They can brand that one a GNX or something.

 

[snake134]

It can beat the TSX, A4, and the IS250. Sure hope it can, TSX just has a TL engine from 2004, the A4 still has the same old 2.0T engine from 2006, and the IS250 is just god awful slow. Really not setting the bar high here. That said, it's a sharp-looking car and AWD sounds awesome.

 

[GTSpartan]

It can beat the TSX, A4, and the IS250. Sure hope it can, TSX just has a TL engine from 2004, the A4 still has the same old 2.0T engine from 2006, and the IS250 is just god awful slow. Really not setting the bar high here. That said, it's a sharp-looking car and AWD sounds awesome.

While I agree with your thoughts, what would the bar be in the $35K range then? Buick can't control what the competition is offering.

I wish they'd bring the turbo V6 + 6-speed/AWD option they have on the Opel version of this car. They can brand that one a GNX or something.

We can all hope for that someday.

 

[dragaddict]

awd

Good.

I wonder how this tuned up with a few boltons will stack up against the SHO.

Now I wait for the price to drop within an affordable range and sell my Evo.

It is about time gm came out with another performance oriented awd vehicle.

 

[GTSpartan]

Good.

I wonder how this tuned up with a few boltons will stack up against the SHO.

Now I wait for the price to drop within an affordable range and sell my Evo.

It is about time gm came out with another performance oriented awd vehicle.

A small sedan vs a full size sedan is probably not the best comparo. Given that, the SHO's huge power advantage should give it the win in a drag race (high 13's vs mid 14's I would guess), but I bet the tables would be turned on a road course (where no one will ever take these cars).

 

[BRIZZOK84]

On autoweek it saidThe original Regal GS concept from the 2010 Detroit auto show had an all-wheel-drive system, but the production car will only employ front-wheel drive. A spokesman said there are no plans to offer AWD for the new GS.

The high-end Regal follows in a long line of cars from Buick to wear the GS, or Gran Sport, badge, signifying athletic models and increased performance.

Pricing was not announced, but look for the car to start in the range of a top-shelf Regal turbo. Buick says the sedan will be able to sprint to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. Plus, maximum torque comes on early in the band, at 2,400 rpm.

 

[openaccount]

On autoweek it saidThe original Regal GS concept from the 2010 Detroit auto show had an all-wheel-drive system, but the production car will only employ front-wheel drive. A spokesman said there are no plans to offer AWD for the new GS.

The high-end Regal follows in a long line of cars from Buick to wear the GS, or Gran Sport, badge, signifying athletic models and increased performance.

Pricing was not announced, but look for the car to start in the range of a top-shelf Regal turbo. Buick says the sedan will be able to sprint to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. Plus, maximum torque comes on early in the band, at 2,400 rpm.

WTF so basically it IS the Cobalt SS just with a 10k price hike and fancy interior/exterior + auto.

 

[OneSlowCobra]

its a heavier slower cobalt ss LNF. Not really excited. They pretty much put a decent motor in a gay car.

 

[o2k]

I wish they'd bring the turbo V6 + 6-speed/AWD option they have on the Opel version of this car. They can brand that one a GNX or something.

+1. That would have been awesome.

 

[Shirley1978]

I like the set up.. not too sure about the looks tho. But then again it is buick...

 

[THE_STIG]

Cool stuff, too bad the car looks dull as any other sedan on the road.

 

[Trbulnt]

A manual trans would be nice!

The GS's engine is mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission.

 

[whiplash306]

C'mon Buick, the automotive world is ready for the reintroduction of the GN....it's TIME!!!! Stop pussy-footin' around get the job done!!!!