Buick’s sportiest Regal, the GS, is set to arrive this fall. Now we have word of just how much it will cost. The new GS will set you back $35,310. For that you get a turbocharged, 270hp four cylinder motor hooked up to a traditional 6 speed manual transmission. An automatic will also be available. The GS also sports a more aggressive front fascia, wheels, suspension, and interior appointments. The GS may be the most powerful Regal but it does not seem to be set up for full out track assaults, but to be a competent daily driver.

Buick sees the GS competing with Acura TSX V6’s and Audi A4’s. The only glaring fault is that the GS it is only front wheel drive. So is the TSX, but the Audi is available with all-wheel drive. The GS has more power than the A4, but it will be interesting to see if GM is able to handle the torque steer enough to deliver a luxurious ride. Holding the wheel while it wiggles around in your hands does not give the illusion of class and sophistication. Odder still, the car on which it is based, the Vauxhall Insignia VXR, does come with all-wheel drive, and a 321hp, turbocharged V-6.

The GS is a great value when compared to the Acura TSX, but may not sway people out of their Audi’s without all-wheel drive. A final verdict will have to wait for a test drive, but the GS looks to definitely change the way people view Buick.

Source: Insideline

Bullz-Eye.com reviews the 2011 Buick Regal CXL Turbo.

It seems these days that many of the new hits for American Automakers are coming out of design studios in Europe. The Buick Regal CXL Turbo , which has DNA traced back to the Opel Signia, is no different. It’s not easy reinventing a brand, and getting the new look and feel to stick takes determination. GM had some tough choices a few years back on what the new GM would carry, but we’re very pleased that Buick is still building cars. It appears they are turning a corner with the Regal.

Exterior
Our test model 2011 Buick Regal CXL Turbo was quicksilver metallic with impressive 19-inch alloy wheels, which gave the car a sleek look. That’s right, I said “sleek.” Until you take a good look at the 2011 Regal you won’t realize it’s a Buick. The CXL trim is very sporty and modern with dual bright exhaust tips, aerodynamic and high intensity halogen headlamps with automatic on/off, front fog lamps and an overall appearance of a true sports sedan. The 2011 Buick Regal CXL Turbo has flowing lines and a sculpted hood, which show the Regal is designed not only for looks but efficiency.

Read the full review.

Buick has a long way to go before they will bring in the 30 something crowd. Buick is happy that their average buyer has dropped to 61 yrs of age and that is questionable math. They will never get the Pontiac buyers in the door! They rushed to kill Pontiac which was well positioned to capture the 20 and 30 something generation but instead invested heavily in a brand most car buyers won’t even shop in the U.S.??? Another gift to Ford, Nissan, Mazda and Dodge from the General.

From theTruthAboutCars.com:

Now, 48 is still technically in the fat part of the US population pyramid, and far be it from me to question the youthfulness of folks who reach this age… but the two major premises in the LAT’s headline simply aren’t that true. For one thing, JD Power weighs in on the Buick-buyer-age controversy, telling the LAT that the average three years ago was 64, and that it has since fallen to 61. That contrasts with IIHS’ recent average Buick-buyer age of 65, up from a claimed average of 63 a year ago. Moreover, as the graph after the jump proves, Buick’s sales “surge” is barely perceptible in any context wider than the first quarter of this year.

From the full article here.