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2012 Buick Regal GS Performance Tech make User Friendly

Wednesday, March 21st, 2012

Buick Regal GS

Unique suspension and other features improve efficiency and comfort

Some of the same technologies that make the 2012 Regal GS sport sedan the brand’s top performance car contribute to the stability and comfort that defines Buick.

Buick’s HiPer Strut system is an example of the best-of-both-worlds approach. Short for High Performance Strut, this piece of hardware creates a better separation between the front suspension’s steering and shock-absorbing functions through added components that enable the steering knuckle to rotate independently from the strut tower. Ideal suspension geometry is maintained, reducing torque steer and improving camber control.

What that means to drivers is that torque steer – the sensation of the car pulling the steering wheel to one side – is virtually eliminated, steering response is improved, and overall control is better. It delivers some of the advantages of all-wheel drive, but without the added weight and complexity.

“HiPer Strut raises the limits of how a front-drive car can perform.” said lead engineer Bill Rietow.

The stability allowed by HiPer Strut let engineers package an advanced four-cylinder turbocharged engine with the highest horsepower-per-liter ratio General Motors has ever produced. At 135 horsepower per liter, it is also the most power-dense engine ever certified by the Society of Automotive Engineers. The car’s 270-horsepower rating wouldn’t be possible without fuel-saving technologies like spark ignition direct injection (SIDI) and variable valve timing.

Computer controls that smooth engine performance and increase efficiency also allow predictable response to the driver’s gas pedal inputs.

Buick Interactive Drive Control System, standard on the Regal GS, puts control over the balance of performance and comfort at the driver’s fingertips. Through a set of “Sport” and “GS” buttons, drivers can alter suspension, steering, and gear shifting characteristics. “Sport” suspension is 20 percent stiffer than the base setting, while “GS” is 20 percent stiffer than “Sport.” While the car is moving, the engine computer constantly analyzes road conditions – thousands of calculations each second – to fine-tune suspension characteristics.

Other driver controls in the Regal GS are tuned for a pleasant experience. With a six-speed automatic transmission, shifts are smooth and programmed to save fuel during normal driving. When in “GS” mode, the transmission shifts are firmer and quicker to sharpen performance.

Regal GS caters equally to manual transmission enthusiasts. While these drivers select their own shift points, they are aided by a Hill Start Assist feature that, when the car is stopped on an incline, automatically engages the brakes for a few seconds while the driver releases the clutch, preventing the jolt that comes when a car rolls back.

“I’ve been driving manuals my whole life, but I still find the security of Hill Start Assist reassuring,” said Rietow.

The engine control module in the GS also briefly cuts fuel and reduces spark advance when the driver depresses the clutch, allowing to turbocharger to maintain boost for quick and smooth “no-lift” shifting at wide-open throttle.

“The Regal GS uses purposeful technology to create an intelligent brand of performance,” said Rietow.

GS recently won a Car and Driver sport sedan comparison test against the 2012 Volvo S60 R-Design and was recognized on the Hagerty Insurance “Hot List” of future collectible cars.

: 2012 Buick Regal GS Performance Tech

: Buick Regal GS

: Buick Regal GS

2012 Buick Regal GS Performance Tech

Buick Regal GS

Tags: 2012 Buick Regal GS, Performance Tech, User Friendly
Posted in Automakers, Buick | Comments Off

2012 Buick Verano MSRP

Wednesday, September 7th, 2011

2012 Buick Verano

The all-new 2012 Buick Verano luxury sedan, which goes on sale later this year, will have a starting price of $23,470 including $885 in destination charges.

The Verano offers more passenger and cargo volume than the Acura TSX sedan or Lexus IS 250.

“Verano is a great new addition to Buick because it expands the brand’s reach,” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing. “With Verano, we’re inviting new customers into the Buick family, giving us the opportunity and privilege of building longtime Buick loyalty.”

Verano is Buick’s third all-new model in the past three years and the first in the compact segment, delivering the premium features and luxury characteristics that have helped make Buick one of the fastest-growing automotive brands in North America.

The car will be offered in three models, with the top model carrying a suggested retail price of $26,850, including destination charge. All models are powered by a fuel-efficient 2.4L four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that delivers 180 hp at 6,700 rpm with 171 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,900 rpm.

The Verano’s exterior is distinguished by sleek lines, blue translucent projector beam headlamps and standard fog lamps and 18-inch multi-spoke, forged alloy, silver-finish wheels, with a premium 18-inch split spoke wheel design available on certain models.

The Verano interior is designed for exceptional seat comfort and support, and contains Buick’s signature acoustic refinement and premium soft-touch materials inspired by the award-winning Buick LaCrosse. A dozen noise-reducing and noise-cancelling technologies are used in more than 50 areas of Verano’s body structure for increased cabin isolation and quietness.

“Rich leather appointments, warm wood tones, metallic accents, soft ambient lighting and intelligent technologies make the cabin an inviting environment,” said David Lyon, executive director of Verano’s design.

Verano standard features include leatherette seating, high-resolution 7-inch diagonal LED backlit color-touch radio display with IntelliLink technology and 10 standard air bags. Automatic climate control, remote start, power windows and steering wheel radio controls are also standard.

The up-level model features the same leather materials used in the LaCrosse. The Verano’s seat heaters automatically activate in temperatures below 45 F (7 C) when using the remote start function, along with rear defogger on all models and heated outside mirrors. Verano also features an available heated steering wheel – an option not found vehicles like the Lexus IS250 or Infiniti G25. Push-button engine start is available on lower-level models, and is standard on the up-level model.

The standard all-new Buick IntelliLink system uses Bluetooth or USB to connect a driver’s smartphone to the touch-screen display radio. IntelliLink expands on Buick’s current Bluetooth and USB capabilities to allow smartphone control via voice activation and steering wheel-mounted controls. It also enables streaming stereo audio from the phone through services like PANDORA® Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio®. Full functionality requires a compatible Smartphone and data plan rates apply.

In addition to Buick IntelliLink, a nine-speaker Bose sound system specifically engineered for the Verano’s interior is available on all trim levels.

OnStar is standard for six months on all Verano models. It uses GPS and cellular phone technology to call for help in the event of a collision. OnStar subscribers also can use the service to send help to other motorists and to call for help in other non-collision emergencies.

: 2012 Buick Verano

: 2012 Buick Verano

: 2012 Buick Verano

2012 Buick Verano

Tags: 2012 Buick Verano, MSRP
Posted in Automakers, Buick | Comments Off

2012 Buick Regal eAssist and GS MSRP

Friday, August 5th, 2011

2012 Buick Regal

Buick’s Regal offerings will double this fall, with the arrival of the new technologically advanced 2012 Regal with eAssist and the performance-oriented 2012 Regal GS, which are expected to broaden the appeal of the hot-selling midsize luxury sport sedan.

Regal with eAssist will start at $29,530, and Regal GS will start at $35,310; both prices include $860 in destination charges. The eAssist system is a $2,000 option on the Regal base model, mated to a 2.4L Ecotec engine. Buick will continue to offer the base model without eAssist as well as the 2.0L turbo.

“Regal with eAssist and Regal GS offer distinct advantages to midsize luxury sport sedan customers,” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing. “The eAssist’s advanced technology delivers the most fuel-efficient option, while the high-output GS is the sportiest expression of Regal to date.”

Regal with eAssist uses a variety of advanced technologies and body enhancements to deliver an EPA-rated 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, the latter being unsurpassed by the higher-priced Lexus HS Hybrid and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. With gas prices near $4 a gallon, the option on Regal should pay for itself in about 3 1/2 years.

The fuel economy boost that Regal with eAssist offers comes from pairing the direct-injected 2.4L four-cylinder Ecotec engine with a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery system and electric motor-generator that enables regenerative braking capability. This “light electrification” system also is available on the 2012 Buick LaCrosse.

Standard features with the eAssist system include driver-selectable, fuel economy-optimizing mode for the air conditioning system, enabling more frequent and longer-duration engine stop periods; ECO gauge on the instrument panel that continuously responds to driving behavior, enabling the driver to drive with greater efficiency; and powerflow readout in the color infotainment or driver information center that shows the flow of energy through the electric assist system, such as battery charging from regeneration and electric power directed to the engine.

Regal GS has been SAE-certified to deliver 270 horsepower (201kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400Nm). Its exclusive Ecotec 2.0L direct-injected turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers more torque than Acura TSX V-6, Audi A4 Sport, Lexus IS 250 and Volvo S60 T5. Torque is the twisting force that gets a vehicle moving and what the driver feels when accelerating.

The GS’s engine is mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission, and gets an estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg on the highway. A six-speed automatic transmission will be available later in the model year. The GS powertrain is covered by a five-year, 100,000-mile warranty.

Regal GS also features push-button start; a leather-wrapped, flat-bottom sport steering wheel with audio controls; metal sport pedals; and leather-appointed, heated and 12-way adjustable sport seating. A Harman Kardon premium 336-watt, 5.1 Matrix Surround Sound system with nine speakers is also standard.

Regal GS is also equipped with an Interactive Drive Control System, which adapts damping and other driving functions that allows the driver to choose a standard adaptive setting, a Sport mode, and a GS mode, which is tuned for those who enjoy a higher level of ride and handling performance.

Other standard features on Regal GS include front and rear ultrasonic parking assist, a 120-volt accessory power outlet, Bi-Xenon HID headlamps, and 19-inch alloy wheels; 20-inch polished alloys with summer-only performance tires are available.

Later in the year, Regal GS and Regal with eAssist both will come with standard Buick IntelliLink, which uses Bluetooth or USB to connect the driver’s smartphone to a new 7-inch, high-resolution, full-color touch screen display radio. IntelliLink expands on Buick’s current Bluetooth and USB capabilities to allow smartphone control via voice activation and steering wheel-mounted controls. It also enables streaming stereo audio from the phone through services like PANDORA® Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio®.

Most important, Buick IntelliLink enables seamless integration of stowed portable devices with each vehicle’s infotainment system, allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

“As is the case on 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,” DiSalle said.