I am not the type of parent who pushes my kids to get straight As; I just encourage them to do the best they can. I try to be the same way about cars, but when Buick revived the Gran Sport nameplate for the 2012 Regal, I had the highest expectations -- based both on the history of Buick performance (GS 455 or Grand National, anyone?) and recent GM performance cars like the Cadillac CTS-V. I was expecting a perfect A+ -- did the Regal GS deliver? Read on.
A Regal reminder
My test week reminded me what a lovely car the Regal is: Attractively styled, comfortable, and very, very good to drive. In terms of ride and handling, the Regal GS feels downright European, which I suppose should come as no surprise since it is European -- the Regal GS is basically a port of the GM's Euro-market Opel Insignia OPC. (The Regal would have been the next Saturn Aura had GM not folded the brand.) The Regal's Opel roots also explain why itsinterior (link goes to photo) is less elegant and more complicated than other Buick models and why theback seat is a bit tight compared to other mid-size sedans. Geek that I am, I have to mention the trunk-- it's big and deep with a giant opening that makes packing easy. (Are you listening, Every Other Sedan Manufacturer?)
The GS treatment includes a 270 hp/295 lb-ft version of the Regal's two-liter turbocharged engine (up from 220 hp/260 lb-ft in the Regal Turbo), Brembo brakes with four-piston calipers up front, HiPer Strut front suspension, and three driver-selectable modes (Normal, Sport and GS) that alter the shock absorber damping and steering feel. A 6-speed manual is standard, and my test car had the newly-available 6-speed automatic.
