Thread: 2012 Buick Regal GS

Buick, experienced to most of thecountry like a provider of comfort but stodgy cars, is attempting toremake its image. Exhibit number one is the Regal Gran Sport, ahigh-performance edition of the Regal. This novel model packs anattractive suite of hardware—a punchy 270-horsepower turbo engine,four-piston front Brembo brakes, adjustable shock absorbers and sharptitling enhancements.


Additionally, it is available on thehallmark of any driver's car: manual transmission. Better till, thereasonable base cost contains everything the goodies. The justalternatives are a sunroof, navigation system, 20-inch wheels onsummer tires and special paint.

GM's so-called Hyperstrut iscontained with the GS. This bit of hardware applies a particularknuckle at the base of the front struts to move the steering axiscloser to the center of the tire, which decreases the tendency of thecar to swan throughout acceleration.

Our opportunity to drivethe GS arrived at GM's Milford, Mich., road course, a challenging mixof hills, dips, tight turns and fast sweepers. And with thisspecialized course, the GS performed as no Buick we have alwaysdriven. It is managing looks more European than domestic, withtightly controlled body motions, little roll in the corners andnicely weighted steering.


The Hyperstruts perform as advertised:We felt just a jog of torque steer when accelerating over bumps.Otherwise, the car channels its horsepower adroitly. Press the dashbutton marked GS and the shocks switch to their strongest adjusting,tightening the body response and decreasing the body lean althoughcornering.


In any way, still, the body balancerests skewed toward mild under-steer. Lifting off the gas in the turndoes tuck in the front end, but not dramatically, and not to thedegree we would prefer. The brakes are simply fantastic, supplying afirm pedal on no fade, as well later repeated laps on GM's testtrack. As well, the sport seats have prominent bolsters, which holdthe driver from sliding about through out spirited driving.

TheRegal GS is more as compared to only the highest-performing Buick. Itis a feel at the future of performance cars. It may not be jackrabbitrapid in a straight line, but it is surely entertaining. And inreturn for lacking a hugely powerful motor, the GS makes reasonablefuel economy. That is the form of tradeoff our present regulatoryenvironment will demand.


We would not be wowed so much byflooring the gas; rather, the feel of the body will bring centerstage. And in that regard, the Buick excels. The next step will be tosample the car on public roads. If it goes across the test there,like we want it will, the body feel, wonderful brakes, attractiveplan and low cost will create the GS a car that as well BMW driversshould sample.