We’ve gone on record in saying that the Buick Regal GS is one of the best front-wheel-drive vehicles we have ever had the privilege of driving. Its crisp suspension and steering, coupled by substantial power and big brakes give the Regal GS a driving feel that was unique in the Buick family, standing out as the clear enthusiast’s choice. And for the 2014 model year, the Regal GS will have more to offer enthusiasts in terms of technology, safety, and variety.
Like the 2014 LaCrosse and base Regal models, the Regal GS benefits from a plethora of new technology, but builds on what’s offered with an exclusive and standard eight-inch configurable color instrument panel (IP). The new IP gives the driver freedom to customize the information displayed, which is adjusted through controls on the restyled steering wheel. The new digitized panel even displays a friction bubble, providing feedback on lateral and longitudinal G-force information.
Of course, there’s the new Buick IntelliLink system, and safety enhancements (both of which we discussed in depth in the 2014 LaCrosse reveal). But the big story here is the addition of all-wheel-drive to the Regal GS.
Since the vehicle was released, just about everyone questioned why there was no all-wheel-drive option. Whatever the reason was, it’s no longer the case, as the 2014 Regal GS offers the latest Haldex all-wheel-drive setup. However, the Regal GS will share the same power output as the lesser Regal Turbo, as both now share the same 2.0L turbocharged LTG engine, rated at 259 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque. The difference-maker here, however, is the Regal GS’ sophisticated Hi-Per Strut suspension system, and its GS driving mode, which sharpens the steering, tightens the suspension, and minimizes body roll in ways that cannot be replicated in lesser Regal models. The Regal GS also benefits from larger brakes over the Regal Turbo.
And since the Regal GS comes in all-wheel-drive, it now takes a multi-tiered approach towards appealing to consumers who are looking for more than just a premium sedan. On one end there’s the all-wheel-drive model with a six-speed automatic, but on the other end is the lighter front-wheel-drive model that also happens to be the only Regal with a six-speed manual transmission. Buyers will be able to choose their weapon when the 2014 Regal GS launches this fall.
[nggallery id=517]Horsepower and grip take the win.
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AWD with 6sp auto. FINALLY! Thank you, GM.
Sincerely,
Our Wives
Am I reading this right that you get AWD in the GS now, but no manual w/AWD?
Please sell a reflash kit via dealers. The GS is too slow on the low end. Just got beat by a Ford Focus ST and hand to turn in my man card.
...and it lost 11HP, 5 lb-ft of torque. Sorry for the rant, but it would chap my gluteous maximus if my GS had the same engine specs as the "lesser Regal" regardless of Buick's version of the "M button". Love the AWD, and I can understand sales volume of AT vs. M6, but man that M6 w/AWD would have been fun.
The Haldex AWD system can send 90% of torque to rear wheels and has electronic limited slip diffs, that is fantastic.
Go Regal Go... Very nice... Go Buick... Watched the live intro, those were some nervous presenters...
Yupp, AWD only comes in the auto. Two steps forward, 2 steps back.
I guess you have give them credit for trying to improve/tweak the Regal GS? But will it drive any better? AWD? OK, maybe some folks demand it, but won't it push the curb weight near the 2 ton mark? What about price? $40K? Personally I believe these cars are too expensive and too heavy. If you must have one, shop around for a barely used 2012-13 and save a bundle.
Have you been inside a modern Buick? They are whisper silent. That sound deadening insulation weighs a bunch. The Verano weighs 150-200lbs more than the Cruze because of all the premium addons.
Even with sport suspension, 260hp, and a 6 spd, Buick's are still that middle ground. They aren't a luxury sports car like Cadillac.
As a complete package, the Turbo premium with AWD for $40k new is a pretty solid deal.
I have driven the Regal with and without the turbo, but not the GS. They are fine driving cars and are quiet, but arguably that may be their best attribute? I would rather a car be 300-400 pounds lighter, more fun to drive and have a little more road noise. $40 large for a Regal Turbo AWD premium "is a pretty solid deal" ? It is? Not in my book.
Look at what you're getting for $40k and compare to the competition.
Audi A4 - less power, less options standard, and weighs the same
Volvo S60
Honda Accord - get it close to the GS it'll cost $40k and it still won't have the fit and finish because it is just a done up $20k car
Acura TSX
Volkswagen CC
Infiniti G25
It's the same story, all for $40k.
Buick's biggest thing is the noise cancellation, why would you want to take that away, people aren't going to track Buicks, so an extra 200lbs isn't going to ruin the road going capabilities of it, especially when it has 260hp and a good suspension set up.
Compare the Regal GS (Opel/Vauxhall Insignia OPC/VRX) with Audi RS4, not the regular Audi A4, which does compete in the same class as the regular Buick Regal and Opel/Vauxhall Insignia.
I kinda wished they do some tweaks with the LTG just for the GS so that it differentiates with the regular Regal Turbo
I am glad to see that the Haldex system made it. This is a expensive system so I wonder how much it will add to the cost. Cost is what prevented it from coming from the OPC.
It has been reported that GM is working on several Turbo Upgade kits like the Solstice and HHR SS. These kits will be around $300-400 dollars and will add boost and power. The HHR SS saw up to 290 HP so I suspect the new engine may see similar gains with more torque since it has better transaxle. The Solstice manual got 340 FT LBS vs the SS 315 FT LBS.
I wonder if they may offer a V6 turbo at some point in the 300-350 HP range since the new 3.6 TT is now out.