While we prefer the stick — especially in an athletic vehicle like the Regal GS — we know there are those who wouldn’t drive anything but an automatic. So for the 2013 2012 model year, the Tri Shield brand will offer a six-speed auto with Driver Shift Control as a no-cost option, right alongside the stick.
The new Aisin AF40 self-shifting gearbox is adjusted specifically for the Regal GS, providing firmer shifts when the car’s Interactive Drive Control system is set to GS mode. The auto allows the GS to sprint to 60 miles-per-hour in 6.7 seconds. Not too shabby.
The GM Authority Take
Buick justifies offering the automatic on the GS by saying that it brings the vehicle’s spirited performance to more people. U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing Tony DiSalle stated that, “Adding an automatic simply makes the performance of the GS even more accessible.”
If offering an automatic is what it takes to sell more copies of the Regal GS, we’re all for it… as long as the row-it-yourself gearbox is offered right alongside the auto.
In other news, the 2013 Buick Regal will drop the base 2.4 liter engine and offer eAssist in its place.
Update: this article initially mentioned 2013 as the first year of availability for the automatic transmission. This is not the case, as the gearbox will be offered on the Buick Regal GS for the 2012 model year.
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Comments
It doesn’t surprise me since China offers the Regal GS as Automatic Only.
What about All-Wheel-Drive! grrrr
Good question!
I doubt it will come with it not unless it comes with a V6
I don’t see a reason for limiting all-wheel drive to only six-cylinder engines…
Cadillac is going to offer the 4-cylinder with the BorgWarner all-wheel-drive system so why not sell the Regal GS with it as well eh! 🙂
Good call. At that point, why offer the Regal in the first place?
What say you Alex haha. Ok i can think of two things Cost. You would think the Buick would cost less? and some people like Front Wheel Drive cars. Yea I know it hurts me every time i say that hahah 🙂
Oh boy. Here we go talking about brands again 🙂 Silent Electrician couldn’t keep his mouth shut!
Ok I had a few minutes to think about this.
I think In the GM universe both these cars can exist and succeed.
The Cadillac ATS all-wheel-drive would complete against the BMW 3 Sears / Mercedes-Benz C-Class / Infiniti G35 / Lexus IS.
The Buick Regal all-wheel-drive would complete against the Acura TSX / Audi A4.
Do you think the TSX and A4 even need competing with? As in, is it worth the effort? They’ve been sales laggards since day 1… and I don’t see this changing any time soon.
To be honest with you I put them in a filler LOL sorry 🙂