The 2012 Buick Regal GS (all images ©GM Corp.)
Buick recently released the figures for the most powerful model if its Regal range, the GS, and if we may, they are some pretty formidable numbers.
In January, we reported that the new model will feature the most powerful version of The General’s EcoTec. It’s a 2.0-litre turbocharged four banger, and considering both a press release and the power on hand, it will help the car take aim at the leaders of the sports sedan market.
Buick is claiming horsepower to be a healthy 270, while torque is expected to fall just short of 300 ft.-lb. That is some impressive stuff; forget the fact that that figure eclipses figures from more established models like the Lexus IS250 or Audi A4 ; what impresses us is that it’s almost on par with the Mitsubshi EVO MR we just tested.
That is quite a statement coming from Buick. It’s a fairly good indication that perhaps The General’s almost-luxury division will have what it takes to compete with the establishment.
Buick has been saying for quite awhile now that while Cadillac makes cars for presidents and oil tycoons, they are ready to pursue the newer and competitive market of young professionals. These types have gravitated towards options from Germany and Japan for—well, for as long as we can remember—and it appears that Buick has sensed blood here and is going for it full-bore.
Mike Anderson, Ecotec global design cheif said in a statement that “The Regal GS 2.0L turbo delivers the highest specific output of any production engine GM has ever offered, and at 135 hp per litre is the most power dense engine ever certified by SAE.”
Now, we haven’t really heard an engine described as “dense” before (and we’re not sure if it’s the best term to use, either), but semantics notwithstanding, the bottom line is that 135 hp/litre figure is nothing to sniff at.
Take in to account that GM is claiming 7.1L/100 km in the combined cycle, and we could be seeing a fairly serious player here. Not to mention Brembo disc brakes, driver-adjustable dampers and a torque-steer reducing HiPerStrut system. And if Buick manages to go the route of Kia and Hyundai, whose new turbo engines don’t require premium fuel for optimum performance, then what we have is a fairly intriguing package.
Look for the Regal GS to hit showrooms in fall 2011. No prices have been announced, but expect to benefit from a five-year, 160,000 km warranty.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I am not a fan of turbos and almost all the mechanics I talk to are of the same opinon. The heat and higher stress a turbo places on engine component will compromise reliability and longevity. That is likely the reason why Lexus does not use turbos. (Toyota used to but has since moved away from it) If you look at the warranty for the Evolution MR and GSR, you will know that Mitsu cut back the warranty period to 3 years (vs 5 years for the regular Lancer). Given GM’s track record, I doubt they will be able to make this a reliable car and the 5 year warranty is going to bleed them dry.
An uninformed statement is not surprising. Turbocharged vehicles have proven reliability on par with that of naturally aspirated offerings, both foreign and domestic. Virtually every major manufacturer offers a vehicle with a turbocharged engine, including Toyota (ie: the upcoming FT-86 and countless turbo-diesels). Turbo-diesels have been commonplace in european markets for years. And don’t forget all of the turbo-diesel powered trucks that deliver all of our goods. Are those million mile plus vehicles unreliable?
Get used to seeing more turbocharged vehicles on our shores as gas prices continue to rise and CAFE deadlines approach.
Increased performance, decreased emissions and better fuel economy sounds like a winning combo to me!