An all-new performance sedan has arrived ready to outpower, outperform and out-luxury its competition. It’s also set to out-value them. The 270-hp 2012 Buick Regal GS comes equipped to upset the luxury/sports sedan ranks with Buick style, grace and value.
The turbocharged, high-output ECOTEC® direct-injected 2.0-liter engine in the 2012 Regal GS delivers 135 hp per liter of displacement (also known as “specific output”), making it the most “power-dense” engine ever certified by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). The turbo 2.0-liter has the highest specific output of any production engine GM has ever offered, and its 295 lb/ft of torque surpasses that of luxury/sports sedans such as the Lexus IS 250 and 350, Acura TSX V6 and Infiniti G25 and G37, giving it better acceleration and launch power. Buick unleashes the potent new 2012 Regal GS with a bolder look, every mechanical system enhanced and optimized for class-leading performance and the interior upgraded to an even higher level of luxury.
In the 1960s and 1970s, “GS” designated the most powerful and sportiest Buick models, highly respected in their day and now sought after by collectors. The 2012 Buick GS (MSRP $34,450) evolves the spirit of those classic models in an internationally inspired midsize sedan powered by a truly inspired powertrain. With its 270 hp and 295 lb/ft of torque, the advanced 2.0-liter engine delivers thrilling performance. Initially offered exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, the 2012 Regal GS will offer a new six-speed automatic with Driver Shift Control later in the model year.
The Regal GS looks the high-performance part with exclusive front and rear fascia styling, Bi-Xenon headlights and prominent front vertical air intakes. The rear fascia integrates satin-metallic trapezoidal exhaust outlets. Rocker panel extensions and a subtle rear spoiler complete the international performance demeanor.
In a preview test of the 2012 Regal GS, Motor Trend magazine concluded that the car was likely even quicker than the rated 6.7-second zero-to-60 acceleration time and said this about its every day performance. “Pulling from low rpm, the engine delivers a uniform surge of power with no discontinuities, lags or surges. It just feels like 3.5 liters pulling.” That’s high praise, indeed – comparing the engine’s performance to a larger, heavier 3.5-liter V6 such as in the Acura TSX V6.
The 2012 Regal GS chassis performance lives up to the potential of its potent turbo engine. Buick thoroughly retuned the four-wheel independent suspension, adding the brand-exclusive HiPer Strut front setup, lowering the car 10mm and increasing spring rates by 20 percent. The changes yield more responsive handling with premium ride quality. The innovative HiPer Strut system helps reduce the “torque steer” experienced in some high-powered front-wheel drive cars while also helping to improve handling grip. Speaking of grip, the leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel provides a sporty touch not seen in competing luxury sports sedans.
The 2012 Regal GS also features a suspension technology more commonly seen on high-end performance cars. The suspension dampers (shock absorbers) integrate active Computer Damping Control (CDC), which continuously adapts the suspension to maintain optimal ride control over varying road surfaces. The standard Interactive Drive Control System puts even more control at the driver’s fingertips with a console-mounted switch to select more athletic suspension response at will. Choose from among “Standard,” “Sport” and “GS” operating modes. Each changes the suspension settings and steering sensitivity with “Sport” and “GS” modes providing a progressively more spirited driving performance. GS Mode will also modify the shifting behavior of the new automatic transmission when the new six-speed arrives mid-model-year.
The 2012 Buick Regal GS comes standard with high-performance four-wheel disc brakes. The front four-piston calipers are from Brembo, the same brand that supplies Ferrari. You’ll spot those high-tech brakes behind the standard 19-inch alloy wheels. Echoing the serious performance character of the 2012 Regal GS, 20-inch polished-alloy wheels with summer-rated performance tires are also available. In comparison, the Acura TSX and Lexus IS 250 offer standard 17-inch and available 18-inch wheels.
Luxury jumps to the top of the Regal line in the 2012 GS model, which features such standard amenities as leather-appointed seating, 12-way power heated front seats and a 336-watt harman/kardon® premium 5.1 Matrix Surround Sound system with nine speakers. Standard OnStar includes the Advanced Crash Response System, smartphone apps for remote access and control and a suite of connectivity, safety and convenience features.
Also coming later in the model year, the standard Buick IntelliLink system will offer control of your smartphone through voice activation and steering wheel controls, and will enable streaming stereo audio through your smartphone using services like PANDORA® Internet Radio and Stitcher SmartRadio®. Check back in the coming months for more details.
Come in and see the 2012 Buick Regal GS, the 270-hp alternative to the common sport/luxury sedan.
