Even though Opel makes word of a new 1.4-liter Turbo petrol that replaces the naturally aspirated 1.8-liter unit with the same output, as well as a new 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol for the 4x4 model with 30 more horses for a total of 250HP, we know for a fact that both engines were already available in certain market.
That said, we reckon Opel means it will roll out the new engine options to all markets across Europe with the 2012 Insignia.
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Now GM announced that the Regal GS’ 2.0-liter direct-injected turbocharged four-cylinder engine has been SAE-certified to deliver 270 horsepower (201kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400Nm) fat 2,400 rpm or an estimated 0-60 mph performance of 6.7 seconds, or 0.9 seconds slower than the car’s European sibling, the Opel Insignia OPC that features a 325HP V6 and AWD.
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Opel didn't offer any new information on the car aside from announcing that the average fuel consumption is 7.6 liters/100 km (30.95 mpg) with corresponding CO2 emissions of 178 grams per kilometer.
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“We are responding to frequently expressed customer wishes,” says Alain Visser, Vice President Sales, Marketing and Aftersales at Adam Opel AG. “Insignia OPC buyers are generally experienced and responsible drivers who want to enjoy the full technical possibilities of their car.”
Buick says with the standard six-speed manual gearbox, the GS will accelerate from 0 to 60mph in less than seven seconds (*estimated). In comparison, the basic $28,200 VW Passat CC 2.0 Turbo with 200HP completes the standard sprint in 6.9 seconds, while the European Opel Insignia OPC in 5.8 seconds.
Later on, Buick will offer the GS with an optional six-speed automatic with Driver Shift Control.
The car rides on standard 19-inch alloy wheels and all-season tire, with 20-inch polished alloy wheels shod in performance tires being optional. Braking power comes from a four-wheel disc brake system featuring Brembo front calipers, while there's also a standard StabiliTrak stability control system with integrated, full-function traction control.
Aside from the small crossover model that has already been confirmed, McCormack said Buick is considering several options including a coupe, a convertible with either a soft-top or a retractable hardtop and a station wagon.
One question was about whether or not Buick is considering the possibility of a coupe model, in which McCormack answered: " Yes, very strong consideration."
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The first TV spot for the Regal saloon is titled "Autobahn" and features the voice of Kevin Bacon. As you may have guessed by the commercial's name, GM is playing up the Regal's German roots.
Bitter has yet to make an official announcement on the modified Insignia but it said that it is based on the 260HP 2.8 V6 Turbo 4x4 model with pricing to be around the €65,000 [US$80,500] mark. If true, that's €25,000 more than the model upon it is based and close to €19,000 more than the 325HP Insignia OPC.
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More recently, Buick was the brand that was selling the Lucerne, LaCrosse, and Rendezvous, none of which could get anyone excited. Now, however, Buick intends to keep surprising people with its new direction and image. The latest decision from the golden oldie? They're going to build the Regal GS (can I get a collective high five?).
And while many (yours truly included) may support that an Astra-based sports coupe sounds like a more reasonable and lucrative proposal for Opel, Car Magazine has returned with an update on the Calibra II / GTC Concept story.
The report claims that the four-seater coupe is still under consideration but if it gets the final okay, it could go on sale as early as 2013, which sounds plausible given that the car would be more or less a two-door version of the Opel Insignia (sold in the U.S. as the 2011 Buick Regal).
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...
Officially, the Detroit automaker says that the Regal GS was designed "to explore the appeal of a high-performance variant of the Regal", but chances are that it will make it into production in the very near future.
"We designed the Regal GS to explore the appeal of a high-performance variant of the Regal," said Craig Bierley, product marketing director for Buick. "Like the Regal, the Regal GS is based on the award-winning Opel Insignia, and we believe it will reinvigorate Buick's storied Gran Sport legacy."
The Regal GS showcar uses a modified version of the 220HP 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot that will be offered on Regal CXL models later this summer tuned to deliver greater boost pressure. The engine's output is estimated at 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400 Nm).
Furthermore, whereas the Regal CXL comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Regal GS's engine is linked to a six-speed manual gearbox that directs torque to an adaptive all-wheel-drive system.
As with its German counterpart, the GS is equipped with an electronic, limited-slip rear differential to reduce wheelspin.
General Motors says that the 255HP Buick Regal GS is expected to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds, which sounds a bit optimistic considering the fact that the 325HP Opel Insignia OPC reaches 60mph in 5.8 seconds.
The Regal GS also benefits from a tuned four-wheel-independent suspension, a revised steering wheel system and a high-performance Brembo brake system with 14 x 1.2-inch (355 x 32 mm) cross-drilled rotors; four-piston, high-strength aluminum calipers, and high-performance pads.
There's also Opel's Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) chassis technology that allows the driver to chose from three different operating modes (normal, sport and GS) for the suspension settings, throttle response and steering sensitivity.
Other than that, the Buick Regal GS gets the same tasty bodykit, sexy 20-inch alloy wheels and interior upgrades including a pair of Recaro front seats and flat-bottom steering wheel as its European counterpart.
Fast-forward almost thirty years, and the (road-going) Ascona's spiritual successor, the Insignia (2010 Buick Regal in the States), is now offered with an Adaptive 4x4 system as an option on the 220HP 2.0-liter and standard on the 2.8 V6 Turbo and OPC models.
In this promo video, the 2.4-liter Ascona 400 Rally Car is pitched against the Insignia 4x4 in a race on ice. Behind the steering wheel of the Ascona 400 is rally legend Christian Geistdörfer while the modern-day Insignia is driven by racing talent Sina Winkelhock, daughter of Jockel Winkelhock.
No prize for guessing which car wins...