Buick: Regal News
#284
My first Avatar....
#285
I disagree with unanimity
iTrader: (2)
Agreed. But like Costco said, the HiPer strut suspension supposedly does a pretty good job of combating torque steer.
http://blog.roadandtrack.com/buicks-...n-hiper-strut/
Granted they tested on a heavier vehicle with less tq, but it will still be interesting to hear the reviews on whether it makes a difference on the GS.
HiPer Strut was produced to address four specific issues: eliminate torque steer, reduce sensitivity to rotating assembly imbalance, reduce steering wheel kickback and improve steering feel. Actually, that last bit is a happy benefit of HiPer Strut, but let’s answer the question of what the heck it is. On a typical McPherson strut setup, the points of contact for the spindle (the piece that holds the wheel bearings) would be on the spindles strut mount and lower control arm ball joint. Some applications mount the ball joint directly to the strut itself. If you look at the photos and diagrams, though, you’ll notice the top of the spindle attaches to the strut via a ball-joint and the bottom of the spindle mounts to the lower control arm by what Buick calls a revolute joint. This joint and the ball-joint fixes the location and orientation of the spindle.
It works by decoupling the relationship between the spindle and strut via the upper ball-joint. This allows for a shorter spindle length, which means you can have a more upright kingpin angle. A shorter spindle length means the wheel has a shorter moment arm in which to impact the rest of the steering gear while decreasing the KPA reduces steering effort. In other words, the system doesn’t actually remove torque steer, but it significantly reduces it to the point where a manufacturer will no longer need to resort to torque-mitigation to limit it.
We had a chance to try it out on the winding, hilly roads near Middleburg, Virginia, a quaint town located about an hour west of Washington DC. First impression is excellent, and I have to say that it works exactly as described. If you’ve ever driven a high-powered front wheel drive car, in this case a Buick LaCrosse CXS with its standard 3.6 liter V-6 producing 280 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, you’ll know that getting on the throttle while in a turn that crests a hill is a recipe for torque steer, but but in this case, there was virtually no difference in steering effort as the individual front wheels lightened up. Coming out of tight corners, you could floor the throttle and feel the car just turn, with only road feedback. It was moderately unnerving, at first, but the more I drove it, I could the nuances of the steering itself, versus the motor tugging the steering wheel via the tire.
As a high-end option, expect only CXS trim-level LaCrosse’s to have them by May of this year. Most assuring, though, was hearing Buick folk speaking seriously about performance, ride quality, and design.
It works by decoupling the relationship between the spindle and strut via the upper ball-joint. This allows for a shorter spindle length, which means you can have a more upright kingpin angle. A shorter spindle length means the wheel has a shorter moment arm in which to impact the rest of the steering gear while decreasing the KPA reduces steering effort. In other words, the system doesn’t actually remove torque steer, but it significantly reduces it to the point where a manufacturer will no longer need to resort to torque-mitigation to limit it.
We had a chance to try it out on the winding, hilly roads near Middleburg, Virginia, a quaint town located about an hour west of Washington DC. First impression is excellent, and I have to say that it works exactly as described. If you’ve ever driven a high-powered front wheel drive car, in this case a Buick LaCrosse CXS with its standard 3.6 liter V-6 producing 280 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, you’ll know that getting on the throttle while in a turn that crests a hill is a recipe for torque steer, but but in this case, there was virtually no difference in steering effort as the individual front wheels lightened up. Coming out of tight corners, you could floor the throttle and feel the car just turn, with only road feedback. It was moderately unnerving, at first, but the more I drove it, I could the nuances of the steering itself, versus the motor tugging the steering wheel via the tire.
As a high-end option, expect only CXS trim-level LaCrosse’s to have them by May of this year. Most assuring, though, was hearing Buick folk speaking seriously about performance, ride quality, and design.
Granted they tested on a heavier vehicle with less tq, but it will still be interesting to hear the reviews on whether it makes a difference on the GS.
#287
Throw in the turbocharged V6 and AWD.... that means another 2-300 lbs, easy. And that upgraded hardware ain't gonna be cheap. I'm not saying I like the fact that GM went with a FWD turbocharged 4-cylinder powertrain, but with the guesses being around $36-38k to start, you'd probably be looking at $41-43k with AWD and a V6T, on the conservative side.
Also consider the V6 TSX, which starts around $35k compared to $29.5k for the base TSX. IIRC the reason for the big price jump is because the TSX is made in Japan while the V6 itself is made in Ohio, requiring multiple shipments.
I'm starting to get into SSFTSX mode with all these figures but assuming the Regal GS is made in Canada and the turbocharged V6 itself is made in Germany (since the Opel/Vauxhall it's found in is made in Germany) I have to expect that my conservative estimate will fall short.
Then the problem at that point is, "there's no way I'd get a Buick for X amount of money over X car"
Also consider the V6 TSX, which starts around $35k compared to $29.5k for the base TSX. IIRC the reason for the big price jump is because the TSX is made in Japan while the V6 itself is made in Ohio, requiring multiple shipments.
I'm starting to get into SSFTSX mode with all these figures but assuming the Regal GS is made in Canada and the turbocharged V6 itself is made in Germany (since the Opel/Vauxhall it's found in is made in Germany) I have to expect that my conservative estimate will fall short.
Then the problem at that point is, "there's no way I'd get a Buick for X amount of money over X car"
#288
Race Director
^ I've looked at dealer inventory recently and there seems to be a mix of source for the car - most cars start with a W in the VIN (from Germany) and while the rest start with a 2 (Canada).
The problem for Buick, sounding like SSFTSX here, is that it is pitting the Regal against the TSX but it doesn't seem to have any kind of adavntage. The price is no better, the performance isn't and neither is the fuel mileage.
The problem for Buick, sounding like SSFTSX here, is that it is pitting the Regal against the TSX but it doesn't seem to have any kind of adavntage. The price is no better, the performance isn't and neither is the fuel mileage.
#289
Senior Moderator
GM has been building big torque FWD cars on and off for a while. (The original STS, Pontiac Grand Prix GTP/GTX, Impala SS (L67 and LS4) and prior Regal GS come to mind.) So, this is nothing new for them and should not come as any surprise to us.
While I agree that the GS would be more attractive with AWD, it's still a sweet looking package. The fact that is comes with a 6MT makes it more attractive as a driver's car than the TSX V6 and the base TL.
While I agree that the GS would be more attractive with AWD, it's still a sweet looking package. The fact that is comes with a 6MT makes it more attractive as a driver's car than the TSX V6 and the base TL.
#290
Fahrvergnügen'd
^ I've looked at dealer inventory recently and there seems to be a mix of source for the car - most cars start with a W in the VIN (from Germany) and while the rest start with a 2 (Canada).
The problem for Buick, sounding like SSFTSX here, is that it is pitting the Regal against the TSX but it doesn't seem to have any kind of adavntage. The price is no better, the performance isn't and neither is the fuel mileage.
The problem for Buick, sounding like SSFTSX here, is that it is pitting the Regal against the TSX but it doesn't seem to have any kind of adavntage. The price is no better, the performance isn't and neither is the fuel mileage.
The TSX looks like it's really a facelifted 3G TL that's almost eight years old now.
#291
^ I've looked at dealer inventory recently and there seems to be a mix of source for the car - most cars start with a W in the VIN (from Germany) and while the rest start with a 2 (Canada).
The problem for Buick, sounding like SSFTSX here, is that it is pitting the Regal against the TSX but it doesn't seem to have any kind of adavntage. The price is no better, the performance isn't and neither is the fuel mileage.
The problem for Buick, sounding like SSFTSX here, is that it is pitting the Regal against the TSX but it doesn't seem to have any kind of adavntage. The price is no better, the performance isn't and neither is the fuel mileage.
I may be mistaken but I'm not sure if the 2G TSX was meant to have a V6... it shows in the reviews. I think only the US is the only market to get the V6 TSX, while the "Euro" Accord is sold basically all over the world.
#292
Race Director
#293
#294
I love me some Curry...!
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Murrieta CA.. but Brooklyn is in the soul..
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Buick Regal wagon spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery
One year ago, a Buick Regal wagon was deemed "unlikely." However, General Motors is reportedly looking to expand the Regal lineup, not just with a rumored coupe, but with the estate seen here. Sources within GM say that the Regal wagon could debut as early as the end of this year, making it a 2012 model year vehicle.
In addition to these live photos (note the "turbo" script on its rump), our spies are offering up a rendering of what the production version of the Regal Wagon could look like, complete with the larger 19-inch wheels from the Regal Turbo sedan. If produced, the Regal wagon would aim squarely at the recently introduced Acura TSX Sport Wagon.
If the Regal wagon is indeed set to debut this year, the Los Angeles Auto Show is probably a safe bet. We'll keep our ears to the ground for more details in the coming months.
autoblog.com
#295
Hmm.
Not nearly as good looking as the TSX wagon. It looks vanilla as well for some reason.
Not nearly as good looking as the TSX wagon. It looks vanilla as well for some reason.
#296
Your Friendly Canadian
Join Date: Dec 2007
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Methinks the bumbuklatz is a little ugly, but it looks great from the front quarters.
#298
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Really? It seems to me like it's aimed squarely at the TSX.
#300
http://s396.photobucket.com/albums/p...t=CIMG0406.jpg
#301
My first Avatar....
#302
Race Director
Unlike the sedan, Buick would be chasing a TSX wagon that sells maybe 400/mo. No, I think either Buick sees the wagon market growing or it thinks it can compete with the BMW and Audi wagons (which may or may not endure in the US).
#305
I like it, but I think where it all goes wrong is those taillights. Maybe that chrome strip below the rear window too. They bug me a lot for some reason. On the OPC/Regal GS sedan, they're distinctive looking... but on the wagon, even the OPC variant it looks so plain.
Hell even looking at it now, the TSX wagon's tails bother me a bit too. But still they look less like a big red blob a la Regal wagon.
+1
I love how it has absolutely no relevance to what was quoted. The thought process is like this....
1. Quote random post
2. Forget original purpose of quote
3. Insert random, irrelevant pictures/specifications/observations, such as ground clearance, side mirror styling, etc.
4. Claim that Honda > everything because of ^
5. Collect kickbacks from Honda Motor Company
I'm contemplating taking this guy off my ignore list.... he is just too amusing to miss out on sometimes.
Hell even looking at it now, the TSX wagon's tails bother me a bit too. But still they look less like a big red blob a la Regal wagon.
+1
I love how it has absolutely no relevance to what was quoted. The thought process is like this....
1. Quote random post
2. Forget original purpose of quote
3. Insert random, irrelevant pictures/specifications/observations, such as ground clearance, side mirror styling, etc.
4. Claim that Honda > everything because of ^
5. Collect kickbacks from Honda Motor Company
I'm contemplating taking this guy off my ignore list.... he is just too amusing to miss out on sometimes.
#306
Fahrvergnügen'd
2012 GS to have 270hp, start at $35,310
Originally Posted by Autoblog
The 2012 Regal GS will be the top model in the sedan's range, with pricing starting at $35,310 (also including the $860 destination charge). For the GS, Buick has boosted the output of its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, producing 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque in this application. The Regal GS will launch exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, though a six-speed automatic unit will be available later in the model year.
#307
My first Avatar....
#308
Race Director
http://content.usatoday.com/communit...ybrid-models/1
The eAssist (Drive On still thinks they need a new name for this that doesn't sound like something for senior citizens) will start at $29,530 with shipping.
That makes the eAssist system, in fact, a $2,000 option on the base Regal with the 2.4-liter four without the system. Unlike the LaCrosse, which is dropping the cheaper, non-eAssist model for 2012, Buick will continue to offer the Regal base model without eAssist as well as the 2.0-liter turbo (Drive On's preference).
As with the LaCrosse, the Regal eAssist package includes improved aerodynamics, different tires, start-stop technology, energy-capturing regenerative brakes, a lithium-ion battery and a small electric motor. In the Regal it will be 25 mpg city, 36 highway. Also in the package is an Eco gauge and powerflow graphics for driver biofeedback.
That makes the eAssist system, in fact, a $2,000 option on the base Regal with the 2.4-liter four without the system. Unlike the LaCrosse, which is dropping the cheaper, non-eAssist model for 2012, Buick will continue to offer the Regal base model without eAssist as well as the 2.0-liter turbo (Drive On's preference).
As with the LaCrosse, the Regal eAssist package includes improved aerodynamics, different tires, start-stop technology, energy-capturing regenerative brakes, a lithium-ion battery and a small electric motor. In the Regal it will be 25 mpg city, 36 highway. Also in the package is an Eco gauge and powerflow graphics for driver biofeedback.
#309
Race Director
^ that 2K option is pretty decent (compared to the typical 4-5K hybrid markup) given the mileage improvements. It is yet to be seen how realistic those EPA numbers are.
#310
Fahrvergnügen'd
The base A4 starts at $32k ... I don't have a list of what the GS will have in it but I would imagine the features are at least at the A4 Premium Plus level which is $37k with CVT and FWD.
I'm very interested to see what the reviews are like because I think the car is decently priced. Though I wish it was the 321hp and AWD, it's clear that car would have been $42-45k.
I'm very interested to see what the reviews are like because I think the car is decently priced. Though I wish it was the 321hp and AWD, it's clear that car would have been $42-45k.
#311
אני עומד עם ישראל
Atleast we know what SSFTSX looks like. Asian dude in the middle flanked by Indian FOB and Russian FOB.
#312
Fahrvergnügen'd
They just need to get someone from the Middle East to cover all the POS Lada rebadges they build there.
#313
Race Director
#315
Race Director
I lived in Cairo for 3 years and know there are a ton of Niva and 124 Ladas there - but as far as I know they still came from Russia. There are a few transplants there - including BMW 5 series (small assembly plant outside Cairo).
Anyway, the Regal should do well as long as the on the lot units are not optioned too high.
Anyway, the Regal should do well as long as the on the lot units are not optioned too high.
#316
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...ive/index.html
This car should corner well with 19" or 20' wheels.
This car should corner well with 19" or 20' wheels.
Last edited by DeMAN; 08-06-2011 at 10:16 PM.
#317
Senior Moderator
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...ive/index.html
This car should corner well with 19" or 20' wheels.
This car should corner well with 19" or 20' wheels.
#319
Fahrvergnügen'd
In their test they ran 19s with all-seasons and 20s with summer tires.
I'd like to see a comparison of both because I have a feeling the 19s with summer tires would be faster around a track than the 20s.
Especially considering the 20s aren't going to be lightweight forged wheels.
I'd like to see a comparison of both because I have a feeling the 19s with summer tires would be faster around a track than the 20s.
Especially considering the 20s aren't going to be lightweight forged wheels.
#320
Fahrvergnügen'd
Pricing announced:
$35,310 with destination. Sunroof is $1000, 20" wheels are $700, and Navigation is $1,145. With all three it comes to $38,480. $1000 rebate on the car (stupid GM rebate reliance).
$38,480 puts it in line with an A4 Premium Plus with no options, a 328i with the Sport Package and no other options, an IS250 AWD with no options, or a G37x w/no options.
Given that the Regal is a FWD and two of the other three are AWD, I still think that if a person can get over the idea of paying $38k for a Buick, the Regal is a pretty interesting alternative.
It really depends on how it drives and looks inside but it definitely has the goods on the outside.
$35,310 with destination. Sunroof is $1000, 20" wheels are $700, and Navigation is $1,145. With all three it comes to $38,480. $1000 rebate on the car (stupid GM rebate reliance).
$38,480 puts it in line with an A4 Premium Plus with no options, a 328i with the Sport Package and no other options, an IS250 AWD with no options, or a G37x w/no options.
Given that the Regal is a FWD and two of the other three are AWD, I still think that if a person can get over the idea of paying $38k for a Buick, the Regal is a pretty interesting alternative.
It really depends on how it drives and looks inside but it definitely has the goods on the outside.