In his review of the Buick Regal Turbo, GM Authority’s Manoli Katakis wrote that the Interactive Drive Control System is “perhaps the most overlooked” feature of the car. We’re here to shed some light on this marvel of engineering.
On the surface, the Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) offers a choice of different driving experiences. But for the purpose of enthusiasts such as ourselves, IDCS is capable of changing the personality of the Regal based on the piloting mood of the driver.
The Driving Control Module
It all begins with an intricate computer sensing mechanism called the Driving Control Module, which continually monitors driving characteristics and form, including yaw rate, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, steering wheel motion, throttle application, and vehicle speed. Monitoring and analyzing this data in a matter of milliseconds (yes, milliseconds!), the Driving Control Module (DCM) defines the vehicle’s dynamic state, including acceleration, braking, and cornering — all in an effort to optimize chassis reactions and improve driving experience.
The DCM has the ability to electronically control all four dampers and continuously adapt the vehicle’s chassis to differing road conditions, vehicle movements, and driving style. And when the driver selects one of the Regal’s three different operating modes — Normal, Tour, or Sport — the DCM goes on to adjust such settings as throttle response, the shift pattern of the automatic transmission, and steering sensitivity. So what of the three driving modes?
Normal
The Normal mode is just that — the default setting that provides a balanced driving experience optimized for all driving situations. It is primarily used for daily commuting and city traffic and is active when neither of the two following modes is selected.
Tour
Optimized for comfort and a relaxed driving experience on long journeys, Tour mode is the perfect setting for long-distance cruising or rough road conditions. It offers increased comfort and a softer ride. And although most official Regal literature doesn’t mention it, Tour is also great for those in the market for a cushy ride on short trips, not just the lengthy kind.
Sport
Most likely the mode many GM Authority readers will enable on a frequent basis, Sport is optimized for spirited driving. It optimizes the car for dynamic piloting by tightening the suspension, speeding up the reaction of the auto tranny, and tuning the chassis for a firmer ride — all resulting in better road holding ability.
Smart, Safe, Sporty
The IDCS isn’t only about offering preset driving modes, however, as it also applies certain settings to individual driving styles on the fly. For instance, if the driver begins to motor in a more aggressive fashion while in Normal mode, the IDCS will tighten the suspension and increase steering and throttle response. Alternatively, if the system perceives relaxed cruising, it will adjust for smoothness and comfort — all on the fly.
That kind of instantaneous capability allows the Regal to be a safer vehicle in emergency situations, as well. Driving in Tour mode, for example, the sensors comprehend a sudden movement — such as that to avoid another car — and the IDCS will stiffen the dampers within milliseconds, thereby delivering greater control to the driver to make the sudden maneuver.
Did we mention this happens automatically and in a matter of milliseconds? We don’t mean to drool, but we find that to simply be remarkable.
The GM Authority Take
If you haven’t yet experienced the Interactive Drive Control System for yourself, you’re missing out. In fact, we’re of the opinion that all Buick sedans — not just the Regal — should be equipped with IDCS, since the brand seems to be straddling a fine line between performance and comfort. If that is indeed the case, then IDCS certainly goes a long way towards achieving the feat. Oh, and the fact that the Regal GS has its own version of the IDCS makes us giggle that much more frequently.
Comments
I really enjoyed this option when I had the Regular Regal Turbo. I also really appreciated it in the GS when I didn’t exactly want a rock solid ride. It allows you to have a car that can be very sporty on one hand but able to cope to less than perfect road conditions.
Interactive Drive Control System?? About time. Audi has had it for several years all the way down to A4. Audi also includes preprogrammed driver selectable modes or use MMI to choose from 24 separate characteristics. I guess better late than never. Might be helpful if the technology was a “first” to market for a change. Being a follower is a recipe to oblivion.
I think this should also be an option on Malibu
Although it’s certainly possible from a technical perspective, I don’t think Malibu drivers would appreciate such a feature as much as the more up-market Regal drivers.
I just took delivery of our 2012 GS. Is the IDCS using Magnetic Ride technology?
This is one fun car to drive. My other car is a C6 highly modified track day / street Corvette that I run at The Glen and other tracks. I am impressed with the GS.
By the way the Owners Manual does not do the GS’s IDCS justice. The Sport & GS modes are not listed. The GS should have a Owners Manual just for the GS.
Hey Gary — congrats on the GS! Coincidentally, we received a tip from a GS owner (one of the first for the car) who told us the same thing, which prompted us to write up this here article. Hope it served at the least as a useful supplement to the owner’s manual. 🙂
Alex you are probably right with the malibu drivers but all of our cars do contain alot of technology that does help the driver keep control of the car and enhance the driving comfort and the cars capabilities when it comes to driving such as traction control etc. this is an extension of these systems that have evolved over time and are becoming more and more integrated to each other and the car as well as with the driver. Minoli’s comment is right on target. as far as the comment about Audi and their lead in the market with this type of system it just isn’t correct, Audi does have a good system in place but they have been forced to put the systems in place due to their issues that date back to the late 80s and 90s with cars having unintended acceleration and other issues that almost put them out of business, Buick did not have these issues and also at the time were going after a differant demographic and the new Buick is only a few years old and thus you will see a lot of technology used where needed. Just as a fact GM has more patents for safety systems than any other car manufacturer in the world alot of these ideas are being used by other auto builders and paying for that use just like magna ride on the caddy going to ferrari, Alex a good write up on the system.
Thanks JD — that’s good to know!
Regarding Audi, I would also add that they’re at a disadvantage by using FWD-based architectures in a segment (performance lux) dominated by RWD. So they have to compensate using their chassis control system. It’s basically a cheap work-around to bypass the underlying issue — which is the fact that they don’t want to invest the R&D funds to develop RWD platforms. No matter what they say, the difference is undeniable: an Audi is no BMW when it comes to performance and driving dynamics.
Alex
Is the IDCS using Magnetic Ride technology?
Gary
Gary — sorry for my late reply. No, the IDCS doesn’t use Magnetic Ride Control. They’re two different systems.
Can a 2011 Buick Regal be retrofited with an Interactive Drive Control System?
If so, at what cost.
Hal