Even though General Motors used the term 'show car' to describe the sporty Buick Regal GS that made its world debut in Detroit, there's nothing conceptual about this model. The GS version of the new 2011 Regal sedan that's due to go on sale this summer is said to be identical to the Opel Insignia OPC in all but one element: the engine.
According to GM, whereas the OPC gets a 2.8-liter twin-scroll turbocharged with 325HP, the all-wheel drive GS is fitted with a tuned up version of the Regal CXL's 2.0-liter turbo four that makes 255HP.
However, if you pay attention to the second promotional video after the jump (pause at 52 seconds into the film), you'll see that the GS features a V6 Turbo...
We don't know if anyone popped up the hood on the Regal GS showcar in Detroit to see if it's fitted with a four-pot or a V6 Turbo, but the best explanation we can give is that GM's team took the OPC, added Buick's logos and waterfall grille along with a pair of bonnet air-vents leaving the Opel's hardware intact.
It remains to be seen whether or not GM will offer a production version of the Regal GS in the States, and if so, if it will be powered by a four-cylinder or a V6 turbo engine. Till then, watch the two videos after the break or click here to read more details about Buick's sporty saloon proposal.
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24 Comments:
Nice catch > Lol!
Like the Opel version better, because the Opel version is not a re-badge, and not a Buick like this pretends to be.
Lets decrease horsepower when we send this car to the US (only the most HP hungry country in the planet) that makes sense.
love it, actually. the opel version is mighty fine, too. gm did a wonderful job making each extremely unique, especially with gm in the midst of the crisis i think is finally fading. impressive, not just for china, but right here in the heartland of america.
Seeing the car in motion = the key. I did not care for it much when I merely saw still pics of just "another" rental car white Buick sedan... but how I was wrong!
well done Opel
only one complain... the "add on" rear trunk deck spoiler. cheap and distracting from an otherwise smooth operator!
From any angle, a very attractive 4-Door. Should enjoy great success.
3Deuce27
"Like the Opel version better, because the Opel version is not a re-badge, and not a Buick like this pretends to be."
Despite them both being the exact same car made by the exact same multi-national corporation...and yet you're still getting hung up on 'what sales channel it's sold under'.
Grow up. There isn't any Buick and there isn't any Opel.
There isn´t any Opel? Only because Opel is owned by GM it doesn´t mean that it isn´t an independent automobile company under the GM umbrella, and the Insingia OPC/Regal GS is a product of Opel build and engineerd at Opels Int. Technical Development Center in Ruesselsheim. If you don´t believe me then come to Germany. If that would be so, then a Ferrari is made by Fiat.
easy boys! different "related" vehicles for specific markets. both are nice. like anything, differents strokes... (you know the rest)! fmc may have something with it's new global escort.
i wonder who will be the first to sell rebedge to original opel kit's from europe like those for sprinter van like original Mercedes Benz but here in USA was dodge sprinter but now Mercedes sell them as original Mercedes sprinter...thanks GOD for that:))) check ebay maybe somebody selling allready:)))
is this first buick in USA with a 6 speed manual wow GM is giving as a choice!!!!!!!!! manual i can believe!!! nice very nice more manual transmissions please not everyone want's automatic!!!
Damn, I say bring the 2.8 turbo instead. I smell lots of potential... Hopefully the drivetrain will be able to handle lots of extra power, since I can see people switching out the stock turbos for bigger ones. MAKE SURE THAT TRANSMISSION CAN TAKE A BEATING.
Bring it on, GM would be fools not to bring it to North America. They need to redefine this car company quickly.
Put a hot turbo6 in it, paint it black, and make it a limited production model with the Grand National designation. I'm sure there'd be a market for that in the US.
with the sad end of the pontiac brand, gm would be crazy not to bring this version to the market and offer even more vehicles with punch. however, enough with the sedans and suv's/crossovers. let us see a decent coupe, sports wagon and ragtop.
Or you maybe you would prefer the Vauxhall version sold in the UK. Just like the Opel but with a Vauxhall Eagle-holding-a-V-flag thingie instead of the Opel horizontal lightning bolt in the emblem circle in the grill. And the steering wheel on the other side.
GM by the way has owned Opel and Vauxhall for about eighty years.
to lure younger buyers, buick needs to rid itself of the stoggy names, like regal. what a turn off!
"to lure younger buyers, buick needs to rid itself of the stoggy names, like regal. what a turn off!"
At least what we see of a Regal here isn't as boring and directionless like HS or ES.
Besides, it's just a name. For what's being offered here, the name is the least of my concerns!
GM MAKE THE DAMN V-6 Turbo an OPTION!!!
C'mon 325Hp show what you can do! eff the 4 banger crap!
Looks like well conceived Sports Sedan. Good Specs. Tested at Nurburing (sp). AWD! "Looks & practicality balanced!" I'd take the GS over many higher "marks". Needs 6-spd Auto/Select. I like manuals, but slushing in 5pm traffic jam & on clogged city streets is tedious. Plus, most of today's auto's shift w/ better acceleration times anyway. Plus, for economies of scale to keep cost down, need broader appeal 6/7-spd auto offers. The V6-Turbo would make it competitive with and/or beat Euro & Asian models (i've owned most of them)-(Why take Turbo V6 out of chassis designed for V6? - though I realize more goodies, means higher cost v. market niche - cheaper to make many of same thing than to offer options(?) However, options like 6-spd auto &/or Turbo V6 will only increase sales; conversions from import sport sedans.
Theres a $4600 535hp kit for that Turbo Ecotec. I put the Ecotec in my Lotus. I'd like to trade my BMW on this Regal GS turbo 4 or 6
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