Buick’s Regal GS, unveiled at the North American International Auto Show, is a car based on the Opel Insignia OPC for the United States. It’s the first sport-oriented Buick in quite some time, and a successor to the company’s Gran Sport heritage.
Tag Archives: Buick
General Motors to unveil several new cars at Detroit, leak name for upcoming Cadillac concept
CanadianDriver was invited to a media preview of General Motors’ show display at the Detroit Auto Show, and they can report that quite a few new cars will be unveiled.
Four-cylinder variant of the Buick LaCrosse on the way
Buick has announced that there will be a four-cylinder model of the entry-level Buick LaCrosse CX.
North American Car and Truck of the Year finalists released
The jury for the North American Car and Truck of the Year have announced their finalists for 2010.
Opel Astra Based Buick Debuts in China, Coming to North America
An Opel Astra based Buick has debuted in China. It’s called the Buick Excelle XT.
According to Autoblog, a car just like this was seen in August by the media when General Motors gave the media a tour of its design studios. The only difference is that it was a sedan rather than a hatchback. This presumably is what we’ll be getting instead of this Excelle in North America, as sedans are apparently more popular here. I prefer hatchbacks to be honest, but sadly the marketing department often has the last say. It should still be called the Excelle though.
The North American version should have a 181hp 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine in it. The Chinese version, and the European one, also gets a 138hp 1.8L engine, but chances are we won’t get it. If we do get it, it will probably be paired with a hybrid system.
Here’s the full press release for the Chinese Buick Excelle (In English):
Shanghai GM Introduces Buick Excelle XT
Five-Door Coupé-Like Sedan Offers New Standard for Performance & Refinement
Shanghai – Shanghai GM introduced the new Buick Excelle XT five-door coupé-like sedan today at the Guangzhou Auto Show. The premium compact hatchback was designed, engineered and executed to set a new standard for performance and refinement in its class. It goes on sale across China in 2010.“The Excelle XT is Buick’s first coupé-like sedan in China that is based on GM’s all-new front-wheel-drive compact vehicle architecture,” said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group. “Developed as a collaborative effort by GM’s global team, the model was tailored for the domestic market by GM’s Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) automotive engineering and design facility in Shanghai.”
“The Excelle XT carries the same self-confident air as its sibling, the popular Buick New Regal sedan,” said Shanghai GM Vice President Terry Johnsson. “When people see this car, they’ll notice its presence, stance and proportions. When they get inside, they’ll recognize its craftsmanship and attention to detail. And when they get behind the wheel, they’ll appreciate its responsiveness and excellent handling.”
The Excelle XT incorporates Buick’s new design language and sets a new visual standard for its class, both inside and out.
Stylish ExteriorInspired by the Buick Riviera concept vehicle, the new Excelle XT’s assertive, self-confident exterior is enabled by dynamic lines combined with sophisticated sculptural surfaces. The overall execution clearly speaks to Buick’s new design language, yet provides an expression that is appropriate for the compact segment.
A strong cab-forward silhouette with a deeply raked windshield and falling rear roofline adds excitement to the hatchback format, while also improving ease and versatility of use. Artistry is further reflected in free-flowing forms, such as the prominent but softly styled shoulder line, while precision can be seen in the visual balance of the four-window side graphic.
With a bold new “face” and a hood line that culminates in narrow three-dimensional-effect headlamp units, the Excelle XT looks dynamic and purposeful without being aggressive or brash.
Roomy, Fashionable Interior
The free-flowing forms and contours exhibited on the outside are carried forward inside. The interior is clearly up to Buick’s premium standards, with crafted flowing lines, low-gloss surfaces, and premium appointments throughout.
A signature feature is the wraparound wing-shaped instrument panel that arcs into the top of the door mouldings. It embraces occupants, offering a warm and welcoming ambience.
Four interior trim levels provide a wide choice of decor. The base trim, for example, offers the choice of a red or blue finish for the instrument panel, door panels and seats. The center stack, outer air vents and door grab handles are finished in a piano-black lacquer or grey or matte chrome trim, adding upscale, precision quality to the interior.
The Excelle XT offers a host of innovations and technologies. They include a class-leading choice of infotainment and communication systems, including three audio packages and two on-board navigation systems; Bluetooth wireless connectivity and USB and personal device connectivity; a tire pressure monitoring system; dual-zone electronic climate control; heated front seats; and electronic parking assist.
The Excelle XT’s design and overall proportions maximize occupant space. The cab-forward windshield and raked center stack add to the roomy feeling. There are ample onboard storage facilities in front and back. The Excelle XT also has a separate under-floor stowage compartment. The three-level moveable Flex-Floor in the rear cargo area puts the deck height at bumper level for the easy loading and unloading of goods.
Choice of Efficient Powertrains
Excelle XT buyers have a choice of three lightweight powertrains that offer high specific power output, low fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions:
– A high-output 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine that delivers 135 kW, a specific power output of 84.4 kW per liter, and 235 Nm of torque between 1,980 and 5,400 rpm. The most powerful series production engine in its displacement class, it was developed for customers whose priority is sporty performance. Its Superboost function can briefly unleash up to 266 Nm of torque for quick and safe overtaking.
– A naturally aspirated 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with a two-stage variable intake manifold that delivers 116 horsepower (85 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 155 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.
– A 1.8-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with double continuous variable cam phasing (DCVCP) that delivers 138 horsepower (103 kW) at 6,300 rpm and 175 Nm of torque at 3,800 rpm.
A six-speed automatic transmission with sporty feature is standard in all models.
Excellent Ride and Handling
The Excelle XT has a fun-to-drive character with high levels of steering precision and ride comfort.
The chassis incorporates the proven McPherson strut layout in front. In back, Buick has applied a new suspension system for the Excelle XT – a compound crank rear axle with a Watts link. The result is greater wheel camber stiffness and compensation in body roll, with a constant track width in jounce. It also adds enhanced lateral stability for both improved handling and greater ride comfort.
The speed-sensitive rack and pinion steering system is electrically powered to save fuel. The electric motor is mounted on the steering rack rather than at the base of the steering column to give improved driver feel when turning the steering wheel. The Excelle XT is also equipped with the dual-circuit braking system, which features three brake disc combinations.
Advanced Safety and Security
With a maximum five-star NCAP safety rating anticipated, the Excelle XT’s body structure along with its restraint systems are designed to exceed crash safety standards around the world.
Its high structural integrity is reflected in its solid, on-the-road feel and the suppression of unwanted noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) inside the cabin.
The Guangzhou Auto Show is open to the public from November 24-30. Shanghai GM is showcasing 26 vehicles from Buick, Chevrolet and Cadillac on its 3,000-square-meter stand.
Shanghai GM is a joint venture between GM and SAIC that was formed in June 1997. It operates vehicle and powertrain manufacturing facilities in Shanghai; Yantai, Shandong; and Shenyang, Liaoning. Shanghai GM builds, imports and sells a comprehensive range of Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and Saab products. In 2008, the joint venture sold domestically 445,709 vehicles. In the first 10 months of 2009, Shanghai GM sold domestically 548,708 vehicles.
Source: Autoblog
Cadillac CTS Coupe Unveiled
General Motors has been on a bit of a roll lately. Corvette ZR1, CTS-V, Regal, and now this. It’s the CTS Coupe, and first thing’s first, a CTS-V Coupe has been confirmed.
Now, a public unveiling isn’t due until the LA Auto Show in about a week, but these are the first official pictures of the production CTS Coupe, and along with them comes a press release with some details.
It will be powered by the same 3.6L V6 that the CTS sedan uses, which puts out 304 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Not too shabby. As for transmissions, you get the option of an Aisin six-speed manual or a Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic with available shift buttons on the steering wheel. The power will be sent through one of those transmissions to either the rear wheels or all four wheels, depending on whether you choose RWD or AWD.
Looks good to me, but I’ll hold off until the V-Series model comes along.
Oh, and here’s the full press release if you want to read through it:
2011 CADILLAC CTS COUPE: NEW SPORTS COUPE IS CADILLAC’S MOST DRAMATIC DESIGN
LOS ANGELES – Cadillac today unveiled the 2011 CTS Coupe, the latest and most dramatic of the brand’s series of new designs to reach production. Slated to arrive in Cadillac showrooms in the spring of 2010, the CTS Coupe is a new luxury sports coupe designed to become the centerpiece of the brand’s revised lineup.
“CTS Coupe is the new focal point of Cadillac, expressing both our design and technical capabilities,” said Bryan Nesbitt, Cadillac general manager. “It is intended to appeal to a new generation of car enthusiasts.”
The Coupe joins the CTS Sport Sedan, the 556-horsepower (415 kW) CTS-V and new CTS Sport Wagon as the foundation of Cadillac’s lineup. A high-performance V-Series edition of the Coupe will also be released in 2010.The CTS Coupe’s design carries over virtually unchanged from the concept car that was introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 2008. The Coupe is a classic 2+2 layout bolstered with advanced technology, such as a rear- view camera system and a performance-oriented suspension system coupled to rear- wheel or all-wheel drive.
Design
CTS Coupe emerged as a proposal inside Cadillac’s design studio, where designers have developed and evolved the brand’s Art and Science design philosophy.
“Cadillac has always been an emotional brand – it’s about delivering art regardless of body style,” said Max Wolff, director of exterior design for Cadillac. “With the CTS Coupe, it was about taking something very strong – the CTS Sport Sedan – and extending its potential.”
The coupe has the same wheelbase as the CTS, but an overall height that is approximately two inches (51 mm) lower and an overall length that is two inches (51 mm) shorter.
Although it draws from its sport sedan sister, the CTS Coupe shares only the instrument panel, console, headlamps, front fenders and grille. Key design features include:
Classic hardtop styling, with no conventional B-pillar
Touch-pad operation for the doors removes the need for conventional door handles, creating a technical, clean profile
A windshield laid at a faster angle (62.3 degrees) and a long, nearly horizontal backglass area combine to create a sleek, aerodynamic look
Sculpted lower front fascia with unique brake-cooling vents
Diamond cut-style rear fascia with mesh lower grilles
Center-outlet exhaust with twin dihedral-shaped tips that pass through the rear fascia
Signature vertical lighting, highlighted with LED light pipes
Rear spoiler integrated into the center high-mounted stop lamp
Sculpted roof-mounted antenna for OnStar and XM Satellite Radio.
At first glance, the shape of CTS Coupe is refreshingly simple, yet amplified with intricately carved details. Distinctive and original Cadillac signature cues combine with hand-sculpted forms, artfully articulating the confidence of the chassis. For example, the rear fenders were purposefully developed by hand in Cadillac design studios to visually acknowledge the RWD powertrain. The gestured profile, coupled with Cadillac’s vertical taillamps and pronounced rear centerline, aim to achieve the most visually confident coupe in the segment.
Performance
The CTS Coupe extends Cadillac’s emerging performance credentials. The CTS Coupe’s standard powertrain consists of a direct injected 3.6L V-6 and six-speed manual transmission. Direct injection technology delivers fuel more precisely to increase the efficiency of combustion, enabling more power while maintaining fuel economy and lowering emissions – including a 25-percent drop in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions.
The 3.6L DI engine is rated at 304 horsepower (227 kW) and offers EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg on the highway. It also runs on less expensive regular unleaded gasoline.
The powertrain’s performance is channeled through a chassis that delivers sports car performance without punishment. The hardware includes an independent short/long arm (SLA) front suspension system, with hydraulic control arm front bushings; and a multi-link rear suspension mounted on a fully isolated subframe. Also included are four-wheel disc performance brakes, premium steering and limited-slip differential.
Two suspension-tuning levels are available: a Performance Package with 18-inch wheels and all-season tires (available in both RWD and AWD,) and the Summer Tire Performance Package, with 19-inch tires and wheels and a higher level of road holding capability. StabiliTrak, the advanced electronic chassis control system, is standard.
The 304-horsepower (227 kW) 3.6L V-6 Direct Injection engine will be standard, equipped with a six-speed manual, featuring a revised clutch and dual-mass flywheel that offers better clutch pedal feel and improved engine isolation. A 6-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control (and available steering wheel mounted shift buttons) is optional.
Technology
CTS Coupe blends handcrafted luxury with a contemporary, driver-focused interior that supports the car’s high-performance capabilities. The interior includes hand-sewn accents covering the door, center storage console and instrument panel trim. 14-Way adjustable Recaro sport seats, previously exclusively offered on Cadillac’s V-Series model, will be offered on all CTS Coupe models as an option.
The car offers a host of advanced technologies, including:
Integrated iPod/MP3 capability
40-gig hard drive, including the ability to store music and pause-and-replay live radio
Pop-up navigation system
Adaptive forward lighting system
Bluetooth connectivity
Standard Keyless Access and Smart Remote Start
Rear Camera system
Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround audio system
As with other Cadillac models, the CTS Coupe comes standard with OnStar with Turn- by-Turn Navigation, the first factory-installed, fully integrated GPS navigation system from OnStar.
About Cadillac
Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent years, Cadillac has engineered a historic renaissance led by dramatic new designs and global expansion. More information on Cadillac can be found at media.cadillac.com.
Source: Jalopnik
P.S: Slight formatting issue at the top, 2 lines before the article actually begins, I’m trying to work that out. Problem solved
Manual Transmission Confirmed for Buick Regal
During a ride-and-drive press event, Jim Frederico, chief engineer for Buick, told journalists that the Buick Regal would get a manual transmission as an optional extra.
This transmission is presumably the same one as in the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, a six-speed. The optional extra will be added shortly after the launch of the car.
I think this is brilliant news. There hasn’t been a manual Buick in ages, and the Regal seems like a fitting car to finally revive the manual with. Hopefully the range-topper under consideration will receive the manual option as well (Providing that it makes it into production in the first place).
Source: Jalopnik
Upcoming Models of the Buick Regal
During the unveiling of the 2011 Buick Regal in Hollywood, Car and Driver had a talk with Bob Lutz and found out the following from him.
A manual-transmission model (Did I mention that it’s snowing in hell?) and all-wheel drive are being considered, as well as a 335hp, AWD range topper. This, presumably, is the rumoured sports model. The Regal name was chosen because of its sporting credentials, and so this range topping sports model seems fitting. The Opel Insignia OPC/Vauxhall Insignia VXR has roughly the same specs as this range topper should have, so presumably it will be based on the sports model of the Insignia (OPC/VXR).
Also under consideration is a Regal Sport Wagon, a station wagon/estate car. A Buick version of the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer was planned from the beginning, until the recession hit, so now that GM is recovering, it is a possibility. This model may come in sports trim as well.
I’m looking forward to this, I liked the idea of a sports Regal ever since the first rumours.
Source: Car and Driver
North American Buick Regal Officially Unveiled
The North American version of the Buick Regal has finally been unveiled.
It is essentially a re-badged Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, but that isn’t by any means a bad thing, as the Insignia is a fine car. It will be offered with a 4-cylinder Ecotec engine, in 2.4L naturally aspirated and 2.0L turbocharged form. The 2.4L version will produce 182hp and get 30MPG on the highway, while the 2.0L version will produce 220hp and get 29MPG on the highway. Both engines will be hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission. Sadly, there’s no manual option mentioned, though the press release mentions something about driver controlled shifting, perhaps a flappy-paddle gearbox. The 2.0L version will also come with “Interactive Drive Control System”, which will allow the driver to choose between four different suspension settings.
Looks brilliant to me, and hopefully the rumours of a sports version will become a reality, as well as my hopes for a manual transmission.
Press Release:
The 2011 Regal: A Buick Bred On The Autobahn Sport Sedan Blends Sleek Design with European Road Manners for Great Driving
QUICK FACTS
* A new midsize Buick sport sedan with a European-bred driving experience
* On sale in the second quarter of 2010
* Based on the award-winning Opel Insignia and available now as a Regal in China
* Modern, sleek design with great attention to detail and excellent build quality
* Efficient, four-cylinder/six-speed powertrain with 30 mpg (est.)
* Turbocharged model available in summer 2010
* Driver-selectable Interactive Drive Control System available in summer 2010
* Available rear-seat thorax air bags
* Standard 18-inch wheels, leather and heated front seats, XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth and OnStar.LOS ANGELES – On Thursday Buick will reveal the 2011 Regal sport sedan to customers in the L.A. area. Armed with turbocharged horsepower, a driver-selectable suspension system and a firm, European-tuned chassis, it delivers a driving experience that rivals the best import sport sedans in the segment.
“The 2011 Buick Regal is like nothing you’ve ever experienced from this brand,” said Susan Docherty, general manager of Buick GMC. “The Regal is the next chapter in Buick’s transformation and will expand the portfolio to include a sport sedan.”
The new Regal arrives in the second quarter of 2010, with its sights aimed squarely on competitors like the Acura TSX and Volvo S60. It has a longer wheelbase and greater trunk volume than those vehicles, along with standard features – including a six-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch wheels and OnStar – that aren’t offered standard on either competitor.
The Regal’s development is rooted in Germany, where the globally led engineering team created the award-winning Opel Insignia – the 2009 European Car of the Year. The Insignia has garnered more than 31 prestigious awards and is the best-selling midsize sedan in Europe. Regal will bring all of Insignia’s award-winning design, technology and European-inspired performance capabilities to the American market.
The Regal has already been a success on another continent, in China. It went on sale in December 2008 and more than 64,000 Regals have been sold there. Enthusiastic customers cite its sculpted, flowing design and responsive performance as the top reasons for purchase.
Regal at a glance
Regal will initially be offered in premium CXL trim only, with additional trim levels to be offered in the 2012 model year. The well-equipped Regal CXL includes the following as standard or available equipment:
* Standard 2.4L Ecotec direct injected engine rated at an estimated 182 horsepower (136 kW)
* Available 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged and direct injected engine rated at an estimated 220 horsepower (164 kW) – available late-summer 2010
* Both engines have a six-speed automatic transmission standard with driver-shifting control
* Estimated 30 mpg on the highway with the 2.4L and 29 mpg highway with the 2.0L turbo engine
* MacPherson strut front suspension and four-link independent rear suspension
* All-new Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) available with the 2.0L turbo, offering driver-selectable suspension settings and automatic driver suspension setting adaptability
* Four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel anti-lock braking system, brake assist and electronic parking brake
* Standard StabiliTrak stability control system and full-function traction control
* Standard dual-stage frontal air bags, side-curtain air bags and pedal-release system; rear-seat thorax air bags available
* Available navigation system, Harmon Kardon sound system, internal flash drive (1GB), hard drive with 10GB for music and USB port
* Standard 18-inch wheels (19-inch wheels standard with IDCS)
* Standard 12-way power, leather and heated driver seat; leather and heated passenger front seat; Bluetooth capability; XM Satellite Radio and OnStar.Design story
The Regal’s sleek design blends the sweeping silhouette and proportions of a coupe in a progressive package that suggests motion from all angles. Great attention to detail complements that aggressive styling, with tailored applications of Buick’s signature design cues, such as the waterfall grille, select use of chrome trim and superior fit and finish of the exterior panels.
“Regal is all about great proportions,” said John Cafaro, design director, passenger car. “For example, with the fenders flared to wrap around the tires. It’s an aggressive stance that people aren’t used to seeing in recent Buicks.”
The car’s performance-oriented spirit is also conveyed in sleek, sculpted body-side detail and aggressive headlamps that further suggest motion. At the rear, an abbreviated deck and tucked-in body panels are the hallmarks of a contemporary sport sedan, with bold taillamps and their intricate lighting elements reinforcing Regal’s attention to detail. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard.
The sweeping design motif carries over to the interior, where the side panels flow uninterrupted into the instrument panel. The instruments have the look of expensive sport timepieces and are lit with ice-blue LED lights. The center stack, housing the climate and “infotainment” controls, was designed to allow for a lower, driver-centric instrument panel profile. Features such as a thick-rimmed, leather-wrapped steering wheel and firm, highly bolstered and leather-covered seats also support the sport-oriented driving experience.
“There is great design harmony between the exterior and interior,” said Cafaro. “The feeling of flow and motion carries through in an engaging manner that makes you want to take the Regal out to your favorite twisting road to see what it can do.”
A breakthrough interior
The Regal’s finely crafted, sporty and well-appointed interior builds on the exceptional attention to detail found in the Enclave and LaCrosse, blending signature styling cues with contemporary sport sedan aesthetics.
Regal’s firm, highly bolstered seats were benchmarked against the top import competitors for comfort and support, while a standard flow-through center console offers plenty of storage for passengers in the front and back.
Smart applications of technology are also hallmarks of the Regal, including details such as a multi-function controller on the center console for operation of the audio system, navigation system and the Bluetooth phone. The faceplate for the “infotainment” screen is set at a 30-degree angle to contribute to the car’s flowing interior design.
A new era in Buick design is also seen in the satin metallic, piano black and new, Kibo-patterned interior trim materials. Kibo is a rich, dark, progressively grained wood that lends an international flair to the Regal.
Under the hood
Unique with its all-four-cylinder powertrain, the Regal relies on the excellent horsepower-per-liter ratio of the Ecotec engine family to deliver smart, on-demand performance that is also very efficient.
Both the standard 2.4L engine and the available 2.0L turbo use direct injection technology to optimize performance, reduce emissions and maximize fuel efficiency. The 2.4L is the same engine offered in the Buick LaCrosse, but in the smaller, lighter Regal, it delivers more agile performance. The 2.0L turbo cements the sport sedan credibility of the Regal, with on-demand power comparable to a V-6, but the inherent efficiency of a four-cylinder. To ensure responsive power across the rpm range, the 2.0L turbo uses a twin-scroll turbocharger that builds power quickly at lower rpm.
Distinct, uniquely calibrated six-speed automatic transmissions are paired with each engine. Both offer driver shift control that enhances the sporty driving feel of the Regal.
Driving experience
The chassis and structural systems were developed in Germany and give the Regal the handling and dynamics of a premium European sport sedan, as well as the quiet, refined ride and road manners expected of a Buick. The body structure is one of the most rigid in the segment, which is approximately 25-percent stiffer than the previous Regal. This solid structure supports more precise suspension tuning and a quieter ride.
A relatively long wheelbase of 107.8 inches (2738 mm) gives the Regal refined, well-balanced vehicle dynamics and supports comfortable ride tuning. Additionally, an independent MacPherson strut-type front suspension with single-path mountings and hydraulic ride bushings; a four-link independent rear suspension; hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering; and optimized four-wheel disc brakes are optimized to the capability of the individual powertrains and tailored to the expected use by drivers. Models equipped with the 2.0L turbo engine, for example, feature larger brakes.
Latest-generation electronic stability control (ESC or StabiliTrak), anti-lock brake system (ABS), and traction control system (TCS) are standard with Buick’s innovative, Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) real-time damping system offered on models equipped with the 2.0L turbo powertrain.
Interactive Drive Control System
Regal’s Interactive Drive Control System chassis technology (available on models with the available 2.0L turbo engine) offers enhanced vehicle stability and greater driving safety. It is designed to change the personality of the car based on the personality of the driver. A sophisticated driving mode control module continually monitors driving style utilizing yaw rate, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, steering wheel, throttle and vehicle speed. It defines the dynamic vehicle state, including acceleration, braking and cornering, to optimize chassis reactions. It also executes all of the IDCS driver selections.
All four dampers are electronically controlled and continuously adapt within milliseconds to the prevailing road conditions, vehicle movements and individual driving style. Chassis settings are adjustable by the driver, with Normal, Tour and Sport settings.
IDCS allows the driver to choose between three different operating modes that change the suspension settings, throttle response, shift pattern and steering sensitivity through the variable effort steering system. The three modes deliver three types of experiences:
* Normal – balanced and optimized for all driving situations
* Tour – optimized for comfort and relaxed driving on long journeys
* Sport – optimized for road holding; enthusiast driving .Selecting “Sport” mode optimizes the car for dynamic driving, tightening the suspension and steering response and speeding up the reaction of the automatic transmission. The “Tour” mode is optimal for long-distance cruising or rough road conditions, providing an increase in comfort. “Normal” or Default Mode is the perfect all-around setting for daily commuting and city traffic. The other major benefit of Interactive Drive Control is that it automatically adapts Regal’s performance settings to individual driving styles. When a driver begins to drive more aggressively it will tighten the suspension and increase steering effort and change to a more aggressive throttle response. When the vehicle senses that the driver is doing relaxed cruising, it adjusts settings for rolling smoothness and comfort.
Apart from a more rewarding driving experience, IDCS also offers safety benefits in emergency situations. For example, if an obstacle must be avoided when the car is in Tour mode, various chassis sensors convey this to the DMC and the dampers are stiffened within milliseconds, delivering greater body control.
Source: Jalopnik
GM reveals details on Regal to dealers, sports model may be coming
Now that the Buick Regal is official, GM has been telling dealers details about the car.