Jump to content
Create New...
  • William Maley
    William Maley

    2018 Buick Regal GS Shows Up With 310 Horsepower

      That's a Regal GS!


    The Buick Regal GS has been one of the worst-kept secrets in quite awhile. We learned many of the key details such as the powertrain and how it would look months only a short time after Buick debut the Regal Sportback and Tourx.

    Today, Buick has finally unveiled the 2018 Regal GS and given out the juicy details. First up, the Regal GS will use a variant of the 3.6L V6 that powers a number of GM vehicles. Output is rated at 310 horsepower and 282 pound-feet of torque - an increase of 61 horsepower and a decrease of 13 lb-ft when compared to the turbo 2.0L used in the current GS. Power goes through a nine-speed automatic and a twin-clutch all-wheel drive system that not only splits power between the front and rear axles, but also to each rear wheel.

    Buick has fitted the second-generation Continuous Damping Control system and Interactive Drive Control to allow a driver to tailor between driving dynamics and comfort. A set of Brembo brakes helps bring the GS to a quick stop.

    Outside, the Regal GS looks the part with aggressive front and rear fascias, rear decklid spoiler, and 19-inch wheels. The interior features a set of sport seats that are heated and cooled, flat-bottom steering wheel, and metal pedals. An eight-inch Intellilink system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility comes standard.

    How much for all of this performance? Quite a lot. When the GS arrives at Buick dealers later this year, it will carry a base price of $39,990 with destination.

    “This is a sport sedan designed for everyday driving, but one that makes every drive special. The new Regal GS is in the sweet spot of the market: more refined and luxurious than the mainstream, more value for the price with style and premium features on par with higher-end competitors, and with standard features like AWD with active twin clutch and a rear sportback design that will surprise customers with its usefulness,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global Buick and GMC.

    Source: Buick 
    Press Release is on Page 2


    2018 Buick Regal GS Makes World Debut

    • Premium sport sedan offers all-new 310-horsepower V-6, nine-speed transmission and intelligent AWD with active twin clutch

    DETROIT — Where spirited driving meets attainable luxury and sleek, sporty design meets modern usefulness, you’ll find the 2018 Buick Regal GS – a car for commutes that are anything but common. As the brand’s most dramatic expression of design and dynamics, this all-new model balances these key characteristics to provide customers excellent driving performance every day and in every season.

    The 2018 Regal GS advances the nameplate with 51 more horsepower than the model it replaces, more refined transmission and AWD technology, all-new, heated/cooled and massaging performance seats and the added functionality and style of a five-door sportback design. Starting at $39,990 with destination charges, the Regal GS offers luxury features at a price more attainable than competitors from Audi and BMW.

    “This is a sport sedan designed for everyday driving, but one that makes every drive special,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president, Global Buick and GMC. “The new Regal GS is in the sweet spot of the market: more refined and luxurious than the mainstream, more value for the price with style and premium features on par with higher-end competitors, and with standard features like AWD with active twin clutch and a rear sportback design that will surprise customers with its usefulness.”

     Regal GS Highlights:

    • New 3.6L V-6 with 310 horsepower and 282 lb-ft of torque featuring direct injection, cylinder deactivation and stop/start technology
    • Standard nine-speed automatic transmission and intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD) with active twin clutch for improved vehicle control, and five-link rear suspension
    • GS-specific, AGR-certified, performance seats that are heated, cooled and massaging with adjustable seat and seat-back bolsters as well as thigh support
    • Second-generation Continuous Damping Control (CDC) capable of 500 adjustments per second and Interactive Drive Control with GS and Sport modes
    • Unique sport front and rear fascias, side skirts and rear spoiler
    • Standard 19-inch wheels
    • Performance brakes with Brembo front calipers
    • Sport-tuned exhaust system
    • Sport flat-bottom steering wheel and metal pedals
    • Available head-up display

    Buick’s most advanced new propulsion components come standard on the new Regal GS. With 310 horsepower, its refined 3.6-liter V-6 provides more power than an Acura TLX A-Spec or a Lexus IS350 F-Sport but offers seamless auto stop/start technology and can cruise on four cylinders. The V-6 engine is complemented by a sport-tuned dual exhaust system.

    Regal GS’ intelligent AWD system with an active twin clutch can precisely transfer torque between the rear wheels for more refined and efficient performance, and the GS receives one of the first applications of the nine-speed automatic transmission in the Buick lineup that’s mated to AWD. This advanced new transmission will soon be offered across five different Buick models.

    Every Regal GS also features Buick’s Interactive Drive Control, allowing the driver to tailor the car’s dynamics based on different drive experiences through a standard setting or Sport and GS modes selected via the center console. Interactive Drive Control utilizes Buick’s second-generation Continuous Damping Control (CDC), which is able to adjust suspension damping up to 500 times per second.

    Versus a standard 2018 Regal Sportback, the GS also has standard Brembo brakes for more confident stopping power.

    “With the all-new 2018 Regal GS, we set out to make a driver-focused, engaging and entertaining sport sedan without sacrificing the smooth ride and refined character expected of any modern Buick,” said Martin Hayes, chief engineer for the Buick Regal GS. “Our new V-6 and nine-speed transmission, intelligent AWD and CDC all work to deliver excellent driving performance.”

    Outside, Buick’s signature sculptural beauty presents the car’s sporting nature in an understated way with aggressive front and rear fascias, standard 19-inch wheels, a rear decklid spoiler and GS badging front and rear. Full LED headlamps are an option.

    Inside, the Regal features unique perforated GS-specific performance seats with integrated headrests and adjustable lumbar and thigh support bolsters. The seats are heated and ventilated and come standard with a massage function. The interior also features a standard heated flat-bottom sport steering wheel and GS-specific pedals and sill plates.

    The 2018 Regal GS offers a cohesive and connected infotainment experience with an 8-inch diagonal touchscreen and 8-inch diagonal reconfigurable instrument cluster as standard equipment. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility both come standard. A full-color head-up display is available with an optional Driver Confidence II package that also includes several safety features including Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Automatic Braking.

    Edited by William Maley


    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments



    12 minutes ago, Stew said:

    The Accord will be available as all lux with an adaptive suspension.  the Camry XSE has a suspension turned for performance as well, and the Fusion sport can be optioned up to mach rthe GS for less than a loaded GS.  massaging seats yay.  Just what Americans who can't even use an automatic shifter needs.  And headed and Ventilated seats are nowhere near as rare as you are making them to be.  And the Camry and the upcoming Accord will both even have HUDs.  The only real difference is that it has the hatch, but that does not mean it is not a direct competitor.  The Civic Coupe and Sedan SIs are direct competitors to STs and GTIs despite them having hatches.  You are going to be looking at 50ish grand for a loaded GS and that is really expensive for what it is.  If it didn't have the same engine as every other V6 GM it may warrant the way out of bounds price.  If Ford or FCA was offering this same exact car with their own top 6s (3.7 for the Ford and 3.6 pentastar for the Chrysler) all you GMophiles would be bitching it is too expensive. 

    So you do the reverse and bitch about GMs offerings based on the same "logic" by making apples to oranges comparisons? That sounds perfectly reasonable.  Again, the Accord and Camry are not luxury nor are they marketed as such. They also do not offer AWD. You also cherry picked your argument by ignoring literally every reason why the GS can beat out the Fusion Sport (which was carefully pointed out by Drew, which (btw) has a far more mundane interior than the GS but we will just skip over that so that you can still have the "and it's cheaper" argument. Good grief.  

     

    What is ironic here is that Chrysler is offering the same old 3.6L V6 AWD on the 300 for the same amount of money as the GS, while being a much older model and platform with a much more dated interior. By all means though, keep bitching about GM though. 

     

    IMG_5490.PNG

    • Thanks 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    2 minutes ago, surreal1272 said:

    So you do the reverse and bitch about GMs offerings based on the same "logic" by making apples to oranges comparisons? That sounds perfectly reasonable.  Again, the Accord and Camry are not luxury nor are they marketed as such. They also do not offer AWD. You also cherry picked your argument by ignoring literally every reason why the GS can beat out the Fusion Sport (which was carefully pointed out by Drew, which (btw) has a far more mundane interior than the GS but we will just skip over that so that you can still have the "and it's cheaper" argument. Good grief. 

    It is not apples too ranges  We are comparing midsize to midsize.  The regal is not a luxury or entry luxury, especially at a starting price of 25k.  Quit trying to make excuses not to compare it to it's true comparative set.  It is just silly.  We still compare the Ridgeline to the Colorado do we not?  Dspite one being a FWD unibody and one being a RWD based body n frame.  

    5 minutes ago, surreal1272 said:

    So you do the reverse and bitch about GMs offerings based on the same "logic" by making apples to oranges comparisons? That sounds perfectly reasonable.  Again, the Accord and Camry are not luxury nor are they marketed as such. They also do not offer AWD. You also cherry picked your argument by ignoring literally every reason why the GS can beat out the Fusion Sport (which was carefully pointed out by Drew, which (btw) has a far more mundane interior than the GS but we will just skip over that so that you can still have the "and it's cheaper" argument. Good grief. 

    There are differences, but in the marketplace they are still comparable.  Good grief.....

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    37 minutes ago, Stew said:

    It is not apples too ranges  We are comparing midsize to midsize.  The regal is not a luxury or entry luxury, especially at a starting price of 25k.  Quit trying to make excuses not to compare it to it's true comparative set.  It is just silly.  We still compare the Ridgeline to the Colorado do we not?  Dspite one being a FWD unibody and one being a RWD based body n frame.  

    There are differences, but in the marketplace they are still comparable.  Good grief.....

    They are only comparable to a point and that is what Stew does not get. The Regal is priced in line with the competition while offering things they clearly don't have. Can you get AWD on the Camry or Accord? No. Can you get a hatch, which adds cargo room? No. Those two things alone kill any comparison to those other two cars. 

     

    @Stew--Yes apples to oranges for reasons I just stated. As far as your ridgeline and Colorado comparison, at least those two are more alike than what you have been serving up by bringing up the Accord and Camry. Again, it's not just me saying this. Drew brought up many good points as to why your comparisons are just off base and honestly it's just more of your bitter GM BS because of how you see people criticize FCA. You said it yourself. 

    Edited by surreal1272
    • Like 1
    • Thanks 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    2 hours ago, Stew said:

    The Accord will be available as all lux with an adaptive suspension.  the Camry XSE has a suspension turned for performance as well, and the Fusion sport can be optioned up to mach rthe GS for less than a loaded GS.  massaging seats yay.  Just what Americans who can't even use an automatic shifter needs.  And headed and Ventilated seats are nowhere near as rare as you are making them to be.  And the Camry and the upcoming Accord will both even have HUDs.  The only real difference is that it has the hatch, but that does not mean it is not a direct competitor.  The Civic Coupe and Sedan SIs are direct competitors to STs and GTIs despite them having hatches.  You are going to be looking at 50ish grand for a loaded GS and that is really expensive for what it is.  If it didn't have the same engine as every other V6 GM it may warrant the way out of bounds price.  If Ford or FCA was offering this same exact car with their own top 6s (3.7 for the Ford and 3.6 pentastar for the Chrysler) all you GMophiles would be bitching it is too expensive. 

    You're still wrong and just doing mental gymnastics to justify your argument. The new Regal GS has a *nurburgring-tuned* adaptive suspension. This is a trackable performance car. Totally, utterly different than a "sport-tuned" suspension offered in the Camry and the adaptive suspension in the Accord. NEITHER of those are sport sedans at all. They're not meant to be. Same with the Chrysler 200. You're doing these cars a disservice by labeling them something they aren't. Take them to a track and be prepared to have the car falling all over itself and throwing up warning lights.

    The Fusion Sport isn't a true sport sedan either. It's not track-ready, and it's not track tuned. It's a cruiser with an engine/suspension package. It'll be faster than the GS in a straight line and handle reasonably well in normal conditions, which is enough to win over most casual buyers. Ford offers a summer tire package to generate benchracer stats that belie the dynamic mess it is under real handling duress.

    No matter how you slice it, the Regal GS is above the Camry, Accord, and 200 in luxury appointments and performance. You are actively ignoring the facts here, pretending this is a Malibu with a V6 package.

    • Like 1
    • Thanks 1
    • Agree 2
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    10 minutes ago, cp-the-nerd said:

    You're still wrong and just doing mental gymnastics to justify your argument. The new Regal GS has a *nurburgring-tuned* adaptive suspension. This is a trackable performance car. Totally, utterly different than a "sport-tuned" suspension offered in the Camry and the adaptive suspension in the Accord. NEITHER of those are sport sedans at all. They're not meant to be. Same with the Chrysler 200. You're doing these cars a disservice by labeling them something they aren't. Take them to a track and be prepared to have the car falling all over itself and throwing up warning lights.

    The Fusion Sport isn't a true sport sedan either. It's not track-ready, and it's not track tuned. It's a cruiser with an engine/suspension package. It'll be faster than the GS in a straight line and handle reasonably well in normal conditions, which is enough to win over most casual buyers. Ford offers a summer tire package to generate benchracer stats that belie the dynamic mess it is under real handling duress.

    No matter how you slice it, the Regal GS is above the Camry, Accord, and 200 in luxury appointments and performance. You are actively ignoring the facts here, pretending this is a Malibu with a V6 package.

    Exactly.

    And outside of the Mustang, not terribly thrilled with any of Ford's Chassis tuning.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites




    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • google-news-icon.png



×
×
  • Create New...

Hey there, we noticed you're using an ad-blocker. We're a small site that is supported by ads or subscriptions. We rely on these to pay for server costs and vehicle reviews.  Please consider whitelisting us in your ad-blocker, or if you really like what you see, you can pick up one of our subscriptions for just $1.75 a month or $15 a year. It may not seem like a lot, but it goes a long way to help support real, honest content, that isn't generated by an AI bot.

See you out there.

Drew
Editor-in-Chief

Write what you are looking for and press enter or click the search icon to begin your search