After growing rumors that the Buick Regal GS might be joined by a larger sporty sibling, GM has finally gone on the record and quashed any notion of a LaCrosse Gran Sport model.

Given that the upcoming Cadillac XTS (which shares architecture with the LaCrosse) was slated to receive a version of GM’s twin-turbo V6, it was a logical step, say some to place a version of this motor in the Buick.

That said, with the LaCrosse having already received more power for the 2012 model year, in the shape of the 303 hp LFX 3.6-liter bent six engine, perhaps the idea of a GS model with a turbo motor seems a bit superfluous, at least for the time being. Further adding to that notion is the recently unveiled LaCrosse GL concept (shown above), which hints that the plans for Buick’s largest new generation car are slanted more towards luxury than performance (it’s certainly been that way in the past, even during the T-Type era).

That said, General Motors plans to revamp the LaCrosse for the 2014 model year, so it will be interesting to see if a Gran Sport model makes the cut sometime after then. For now however, if you fancy the idea of a twin-turbo V6 premium sedan from General Motors, your best bet will likely be the XTS.

[Source: GM Inside News]

General Motors much loved LNF engine, the same 2.0L Ecotec that powered the Pontiac Solstice GXP, Saturn Sky Redline and Chevrolet Cobalt SS is continuing on in the Buick Regal Turbo and Buick Regal GS, but a new generation of turbocharged 4-cylinder motor is set to replace the LNF next year, packing even more power.

While the LNF makes as much as 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft in the Regal GS, the new engine, dubbed the LHU, will be used as a replacement for V6 engines in mid-size cars, and is expected to make at least 280 horsepower in standard trim. Given that GM’s current “high feature” V6 makes 306 horsepower, we should expect a figure somewhere in that area.

The LHU will get its first use in the Cadillac ATS sports sedan and the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. Expect it to migrate to other products in the near future as well.

[Source: GM Inside News]

Buick has announced pricing for their newest additions to the Regal lineup, with their Regal eAssist mild hybrid vehicle starting at $29,530, while the high performance Regal GS starts at $35,310.

The Regal eAssist uses a stripped down regenerative braking system to deliver hybrid-like fuel efficiency gains without the weight or added complexity of a full hybrid system. Fuel economy numbers aren’t quite as high as other full hybrids, but the vehicle still manages to deliver 25 mpg in town and 36 mpg on the highway.

The Regal GS offers a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, and a 6-speed manual gearbox. Despite early concept vehicles that were displayed with all-wheel drive, the Regal GS is front-drive only, but also adds adjustable damping, upgraded brakes, a 19″ wheel and tire package and a harmon/kardon stereo system. The Regal GS is also expected to deliver 27 mpg on the highway.

Having just announced the official specs on the new high-performance Regal GS, Buick has now released a video highlighting the car’s performance characteristics and the testing it underwent.

The short clip details the everything from the 270-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, to the numerous suspension changes and Brembo brakes, with brief interviews from engineers and plenty of shots on-track at GM’s Milford Proving Ground.

Watch the video after the jump:

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Nearly a month after GM first showcased the concept, Buick has brought to market the Regal GS in an attempt to attract younger and more performance-oriented buyers to the geezer brand.

Changing little from the concept, it retains the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with output raised to 255-hp and a significant 295 ft-lbs of torque. Full power comes on strong at 5300 rpm and torque is available as of 2500 rpm. At launch the car will be offered exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission, however, a 6-speed automatic will join the lineup shortly afterward.

Sadly, AWD is not available. Instead, the Regal GS is a front-drive only model and comes equipped with GM’s HiPerStrut suspension. What is included, however, are some beefy Brembo brakes which should help slow the sedan. Another important goody is GM’s new Interactive Drive Control that lets you choose different suspension and steering settings with normal, sport and high-performance GS modes.

Outside the car gets a more aggressive front end, larger exhaust pipes out back and 19-inch wheels (20s are optional). Inside, standard equipment includes a push-button start with passive keyless entry, a 9-speaker 320-watt Harmon/Kardon audio system, 12-way heated front seats with lumbar adjustment, full leather interior, Bi-xenon headlights, front and rear ultrasonic park assist and a flat-bottom leather steering wheel.

Overall, the Regal GS falls short of the high-performance Opel OPC on which it’s based, but for a Buick this package is impressive.

GALLERY: 2011 Buick Regal GS

Set to debut in just a few weeks time at the LA Auto Show, Buick has taken the covers off the official production version of its new Regal GS sports sedan. Changing little from the concept first shown at the Detroit Auto Show at the start of the year, it retains the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with output raised to 255-hp and a significant 295 ft-lbs of torque. Full power comes on strong at 5300 rpm and torque is available as of 2500 rpm. Only one transmission is offered and, to our surprise, it’s a 6-speed manual – hinting that this is a machine built for enthusiasts. This, however, is just a marketing trick and a 6-speed auto-box is set to arrive in the next few months.

Sadly, AWD is not available. Instead, the Regal GS is a front-drive only model and comes equipped with GM’s HiPerStrut suspension. What is included, however, are some beefy Brembo brakes which should help slow the sedan. Another important goody is GM’s new Interactive Drive Control that lets you choose different suspension and steering settings with normal, sport and high-performance GS modes.

Outside the car gets a more aggressive front end, larger exhaust pipes out back and 19-inch wheels (20s are optional). Inside, standard equipment includes a push-button start with passive keyless entry, a 9-speaker 320-watt Harmon/Kardon audio system, 12-way heated front seats with lumbar adjustment, full leather interior, Bi-xenon headlights, front and rear ultrasonic park assist and a flat-bottom leather steering wheel.

Overall, the Regal GS falls short of the high-performance Opel OPC on which it’s based, but for a Buick this package is impressive.

We’ll be sure to bring you more on the car with its reveal at the LA Auto Show starting November 17th.

GALLERY: 2012 Buick Regal GS

Official release after the jump:

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Autoguide previously reported that the Buick Regal GS was a sure bet to return to Buick showrooms, and now Autoblog has confirmed that the Regal GS will be back, posting the contents of an email from GM employee Dayna Hart that states “At wave 1 of our drive program for Regal we just confirmed that the Regal GS will be added to the Buick portfolio. We are not providing any additional details at this point.”

Expect the Regal GS to make more than the show car’s 255 horsepower now that the Hyundai Sonata Turbo is putting out 276 horsepower. Those nice Recaro seats also on the show car? They might not make the cut. Even though the Regal GS is Buick’s “hot rod”, the average age of a Buick buyer is 65, and even if the Regal GS buyer is 15-20 years younger on average, they’re still likely to be at the point in their lives where getting in and out of high-bolstered bucket seats is an annoyance rather than a novelty.

Get more info on the new Buick Regal at RegalForums.com

[Source: Autoblog]

Buick hasn’t had a truly hot car since the GNX of 1987, but things are set to change if The Detroit Free Press’ sources are correct. The  newspaper reports that the Regal GS, a high performance version of Buick’s new Regal sports sedan, has been approved for production.

The concept Regal GS (we use the term “concept” loosely) follows in the footsteps of the GNX by using a turbo powerplant, but the similarities end there. The GNX had a twin turbo V6, automatic transmission and rear wheel drive with a crude rear suspension setup. The GS on the other hand, uses an ultra-high-tech turbo four-banger, putting out 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, through a six speed manual gearbox and an all-wheel drive system.

The Free Press reports that the tight Recaro bucket seats seen on the concept may not make it to production, and for once, the less sporty option might be the smart one. Buick’s average buyer is 65 years old, and it’s hard to imagine someone that qualifies for senior citizen discounts wanting to hoist themselves in an out of those seats multiple times per day.

Gallery: Buick Regal GS

[Source: Autoblog]

When and if the Buick Regal GS makes it to market, we’re not going to see a 325-hp turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 under the hood. Rumors that the Regal GS would get such a motor started almost immediately after the Regal was unveiled, with the Opel Insignia on which it’s based offering that very powerplant and GM announcing a high-performance GS model was in the works. Those rumors seemed to come true when the Regal GS Show Car, unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show, had that very same turbo V6.

Yet, despite what was there, GM said the Regal Show car had a high-boost version of the turbocharged 2.0-liter Ecotec 4-cylinder found in the CXL model. Instead of 220-hp an 258 ft-lbs f torque, however, the GS has 255-hp and 295 ft-lbs of torque, ensuring a 0-60 mph time of roughly 6.0 seconds.

According to Buick/GMC General Manager Brian Sweeney in a conversation on GM’s Fastlane blog, the 325-hp motor is not in the plans. “At 255hp with 0-60 in less than 6 seconds we think we’re in good shape if we bring this to production.”

Buick has yet to confirm a production model GS, but at this point it’s essentially a done deal.

[Source: GMFastLane]

Buick introduced a high-tech, higher-spec version of the new Regal at the Detroit Auto Show.

Dubbed the Buick Regal GS, paying homage to Buick’s Gran Sport heritage while showing the potential of the company’s new sedan.

“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 has a lower body than the regular Regal and features two additional vertical front air intakes, forged aluminum 20-inch wheels, performance tires and racing-inspired steering wheel and pedals.

Powered by a Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged engine with six-speed manual transmission, the Regal GS claims 255 horses and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. The transmission directs that torque to an adaptive all-wheel drive system for improved performance. Buick estimates a 0 to 60 time of 6.0 seconds.

The Regal GS uses the Interactive Drive Control System chassis technology found in 2.0L turbo versions of the Regal CXL. The IDCS provides different driving options that adjust suspension, throttle response and steering sensitivity. While the Regal CXL has “normal” and “sport” riding modes, the concept car has a third “GS” mode that further enhances performance.

Gallery: Buick Regal GS Concept

Official release after the jump:

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