2012 Buick Regal GS: Going for the Holeshot with Enthusiasts

Buick is one of the divisions that GM decided to retain and for a valid reason. Buicks have rated well in dependability and they sold well. Now, with the 2012 Buick Regal GS (Grand Sport), GM is trying to get the holeshot with auto enthusiasts. So what does the Regal GS have to offer?

First off, it is built on the shared platform with the European Opel Insignia OPC. Thus, Buick has engineered some performance intent into the car.

The exterior of this sleek four-door front-wheel drive sedan has a highly racked front windshield and a coupe like side profile. The front provides a rounded bumper with large air intakes below. The headlights extend up the fenders.

At the rear, the window becomes almost flat. The tail of the car is rounded and includes large taillights. The dual exhaust pipes are fairly prominent and are rectangular in form.

On the interior, this Buick looks very modern. The seats are comfortable and provide good side bolstering. The materials are upscale and the fit and finish is competitive in this car's class. The trunk provides 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space.

Standard equipment includes push-button start, a leather wrapped flat bottom steering wheel, 12-way power heated front seats, leather seat trim, bi-xenon HID headlights, a 236-watt Harman/Karen sound system with nine-speaker surround sound, Bluetooth phone combination, and a IntelliLink information system will be added next year.

Options include on this Buick are short and include pearlescent paint, 20 inch wheels with Pirelli P-Zero performance rubber, a sun roof, and navigation.

The engine is a direct injected 2.0-liter turbochared inline four-cylinder providing 270 hp and 295 ft. lb. of torque. The transmission choices are a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. The car's 0-60 mph is reported to be in 6.7 seconds. The gas mileage is 19 city and 27 mpg highway.

The brakes are discs all around with anti-lock (ABS). The front vented rotors are sourced from Brembo and measure 14 inches and are grabbed by four-piston calipers. The rear discs are also vented and measure 12.4 inches. The brakes are reported to provide a firm pedal and no fade even with aggressive use. The 60-0 stopping distance is in 132 feet. The standard tires measure 245 40 19 inch.

Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) chassis technology increases the car's stability and driving safety.

The suspension at the front consists of GM's Hyperstrut, which are special knuckles located at the base of the struts allowing the steering axis to be moved closer to the center of the tire. This reduces torque steer when the car is accelerated hard. Furthermore, the GS has Sachs-sourced adaptive shock absorbers with Computer Dampening Control (CDC) which continually changes the dampening for optimum ride and handling on varying road surfaces. Furthermore, the system has three driver selected settings (comfort, normal, sport-GS). The stiffest, GS mode, changes the car's dynamics by way of steering assist, accelerator response, and shift parameters for the automatic transmission. The car's steering is reported to be well weighted. This Buick provides a smooth highway ride but can also handle twisty back roads.

The manufacturer's warranty is 4 years and 50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper and 5 years 100,000 miles on the powertrain (engine and transmission).

Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing was quoted as saying, "As is the case with all Regal models, the GS and eAssist offer the winning combination of advanced technology, no-compromise driving performance, luxurious style and passenger comfort that make Buick one of the fastest growing automotive brands in North America." Such words are to be expected from a Buick marketing man.

The 2012 Buick Regal GS has a starting price of $35,310. At this price there are a number of sport sedan competitors (Infiniti G37, Acura TL, and the Volvo S60T5). This Buick is certainly an American offering that is in the mix and such is reasonable at this point.

Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best for the Price: How to Buy a Used Automobile, Sport-Utility Vehicle, or Minivan and Save money." He welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.cartown1.com. Follow Kyle on Facebook and Twitter.