Buick Regal

Buick Regal Models

Two Buick Regal models are available. Regal LS and GS.

The major distinction between the LS and GS lies beneath the hood. The LS is powered by a normally aspirated version of GM's ubiquitous 3800 Series II V6, rated at 195 horsepower and 220 pounds-feet of torque. The GS is motivated by the supercharged edition, with 240 horsepower and 280 pounds-feet of torque. GS also comes with a higher level of standard equipment, including a crisper Gran Touring suspension and GM OnStar communications system.

Both engines drive the front wheels through four-speed automatic transmissions, though the GS has a heavy-duty version to handle the extra torque of the supercharged engine. The GS also has 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with slightly more aggressive tires, and firmer suspension tuning. However, the 16-inch wheel/tire package can be added to the LS, as can the handling upgrade, with the Y56 Gran Touring Package.

The Olympic Edition was created to commemorate Buick's support for U.S. Olympic athletes, the Olympic Edition Regal comes only in Gold Metallic, Silver Metallic, or Graphite Metallic, with exclusive Sandrift lower body panels. The Olympic logo on tail lamps and floor mats, and Storm Gray accents for the grille and wheel centers further distinguish this special Regal. Taupe leather will be the only available interior. Olympic LSs are upgraded with OnStar and the Gran Touring suspension, and all Olympic Regals will feature a power sunroof and an eight-speaker Monsoon audio system with steering-wheel-mounted controls.

Olympic Edition colors were chosen by fashion designer Joseph Abboud, and Buick says that more Abboud-designed special editions may appear at mid-year.

Driving the Buick Regal

Thanks to its excellent torque, the 3800 Series II V6 that comes in the Regal LS can haul this big sedan out of the blocks in a hurry. This is an excellent engine and it delivers 200 horsepower. The Series II V6 has stood the test of time, but has also been refined over the years and is widely used by General Motors. Projected fuel economy is 20/29 miles per gallon city/highway.

Though it's a good engine, the normally aspirated 3800 pales next to its supercharged counterpart in the Regal GS. Supercharging adds 40 horsepower to the output of the 3800 V6, but the bigger benefit comes in the form of mass quantities of torque. While the Regal LS comes with 225 pounds-feet of torque at 4000 rpm, the GS boasts 280 pounds-feet at a more useful 3600 rpm. Torque is that force you use to get off and running when the light turns green, or to pull out for a pass on a two-lane highway; the Regal GS performs both of these tasks with gratifying zeal.

This zeal is habit-forming. Because the Buick Regal GS is so quiet, its power means that it requires some extra attention to the speedometer as the supercharged V6 quickly tows the Regal beyond legal speed limits. Punch the throttle from a standstill and the Regal GS will exhibit a bit of torque steer, a gentle tug on the steering wheel at full throttle, but this trait becomes almost transparent after a little familiarization.

Regals are equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission. Both LS and GS come with traction control, although the LS uses only engine modulation to reduce slipping, while the more sophisticated "full-range" system on the GS uses the brakes in addition to engine power controls to reduce loss of traction on slippery surfaces.

Even with its stiffer Gran Touring suspension package, which comes standard on the GS, the Regal isn't quite as athletic as the Grand Prix GTP. On the other hand, its ride quality is distinctly smoother and more compliant. And it does handle well. The Gran Touring suspension includes touring tires for better steering, handling and control. The front springs and front stabilizer are stiffer, while a rear stabilizer bar is added. Rear shock absorbers and front struts are tuned for higher dampening rates for more body control. The Gran Touring package also includes GM's MagnaSteer, the variable-assist power rack-and-pinion steering that provides easier steering at low speeds but increased steering effort at higher speeds for improved steering feel. As a result, the steering is accurate and exceptionally quick.

Likewise, braking performance is a definite cut above, with good control and pedal feel. The Gran Touring package comes with larger front brake rotors to increase braking response.