The Nevada Open Road Challenge took place on a remote, two-lane, 90-mile-long segment of Nevada State Highway 318 this past weekend. But rather than being another race to see who finishes a course the fastest, the goal for this event was average speed consistency. And entering were a pair of Buick engineers piloting a Regal GS in the 135 mph class — more difficult than the 120 mph class the team entered during the very similar Silver State Classic Challenge last September.
So, how’d they do? With lead development engineer Bill Rietow at the wheel and GS powertrain engineer John Townsend as navigator, the duo managed a second-place finish in the 135-mph class of this month’s Nevada Open Road Challenge, finishing within 0.4 seconds of their 40-minute target time.
Comments
Congratulations to Bill, John and the Buick team. A first and a second in their first two attempts with the Regal GS is great.
Any idea what there direct competition was… How many competitors in this class ect…
Looks like the results are not up yet, but when they are, this is where they will be:
http://www.sscc.us/event_results.aspx
I like this from Buick. Remember, Buick made some pretty muscular cars not too long ago. I think non-enthusiasts forgot that, and now associate Buick with old people. If Buick just adds some mph to their cars like the Verano, just a little bit, they will attract young buyers. It will also help people get over the loss of Pontiac.
I’m pretty sure that I read that Verano gets a turbocharged engine this fall.
Well typical autobahn speed…
Don’t expect GS HP numbers from that turbo Verano.
The 2.0T in the Regal GS is an old block. The new one will debut in the Cadillac ATS, which may not have as high numbers just yet, but we’re told will have a more proficient delivery of power.
This section of the Ely to Las Vegas route is my favorite part of the drive. It is good in a motor home also. My vehicle gets the best mileage from gasoline bought in Ely.