A couple things about the 2012 Regal GS...

[SimpsonTide985]

I got an e-mail from Buick confirming a few things about some of the STANDARD options to be seen on the Regal GS. Most of this stuff we already know about, but with some of these standards features confirmed, we can probably get a closer feel for an expected price and how many trim levels we can expect from the GS:


PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

• Exclusive Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged and intercooled engine rated at an estimated 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm)
  
• Six-speed manual transmission, with six-speed automatic with Driver Shift Control to be offered later
  
• Four-wheel independent system with HiPerStrut front suspension
  
• High-performance four-wheel disc brake system with Brembo front calipers

STANDARD FEATURES
Passive keyless entry with push-button start

Standard XM Satellite Radio with three-month trial service

Harmon/Kardon premium 320-watt sound system with nine speakers

Bluetooth phone connectivity

Leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel with audio controls

Leather-appointed sport seating

Heated driver and front passenger seats, with 12-way adjustable driver and front passenger seats – including four-way lumbar adjustment

120-volt accessory power outlet

Power windows with express up/down feature in the front and express down in the rear

Front and rear ultrasonic parking assist

Bi-xenon HID headlamps

Interactive Drive Control System with GS mode

Standard 19-inch, 5-Twin Spoke alloy wheels and all-season tire and optional 20-inch, 5-Twin Spoke polished alloy wheels with performance tires.
-------------------------------------------------------

So, we ARE getting push-button start standard! Along with sport seats, a GS mode part of a standard IDCS, HK audio, HID lights, 19" wheels, and all those other things.

Actually, here's a closer look at the push button ignition and the IDCS "GS" and "Sport" buttons:

Not shown in the list from Buick, just from observation, the 2012 Regal GS will also have:

• An upgraded trim on the interior doors
• GS appliques/badging
• Stylized rear diffusers and dual exhausts
• Auxiliary side view mirror lights
• Chrome door handles
• Unique Front Air Intakes & Grille Elements

Currently the Buick Regal CXL Turbo T07 is $35,185.

So, for the Regal GS, based on the above features and what Buick has already said about the pricing, my estimates for the GS are:

• GS1: $35,795 (standard features listed above)
• GS2: $36,795 (GS1 + sunroof)
• GS3: $38,545 (GS2 + Navigation)
• GS4: $38,695 (GS2 + 20" wheels)
• GS5: $40,445 (GS3 + 20" wheels)

One big thing that I'm not sure about yet is if the unique air intakes and exterior stylings will be standard or if they will be part of a separate Appearance Package.

edit: I (admin) had to remove the animated gifs as they were severely slowing down the page-loading process...

 

[mjrchabot]

I'm sorry but all these things are just lead me to believe the GS is no more than an "appearance package" over the CXL Turbo.
Sport seating? That's a joke, the seats are no different the CXL. Had they put the Ricaros in, then I would take their comment of "sport" seating seriously.
Push-to-start is a novelty. Does not add any more convenience or functionality.
The Bi-Xenon headlamps are identical to the ones you can get in the CXL.
I can't believe that the 20s aren't stardard, that's just embarrassing.
I'm picking up my loaded Turbo on Monday, and I can't honestly say any of those upgrades would entice me to spend more. I've got the HK stereo, xenons, SAME leather "sport" seats, IDCS, Nav, etc...
I think that Buick exaggerates the enhancement to the suspension found in the GS compared to the Turbo.
At the Detroit Auto Show, the guy working at the GS station told me he expected a 6,000-8,000 increase in price from the Turbo. I almost laughed at him.
I'll wait for a tune to come out from GMPP to increase the HP and TQ numbers.

 

[SimpsonTide985]

Let me clear up a few things

I'm sorry but all these things are just lead me to believe the GS is no more than an "appearance package" over the CXL Turbo.

That's exactly what I thought...at first--but after looking into it, there are more than just a few changes.

Sport seating? That's a joke, the seats are no different the CXL. Had they put the Ricaros in, then I would take their comment of "sport" seating seriously.

Incorrect. Yes. They took out the Ricaros, but the GS will have sport seating and they will not be the same as the CXL's.

Push-to-start is a novelty. Does not add any more convenience or functionality.

In the short term yes, but in the long term--if you care about such things (and trust me, a lot of people do), having to use a key around to start your car will be like having a cell phone with an antenna. It's going to be old technology soon and although I could do without it, I think it looks pretty slick on the console like that.

The Bi-Xenon headlamps are identical to the ones you can get in the CXL.

That's why it's important to realize that the Bi-Xenon are standard on the GS and not optional like with the other trims.

I can't believe that the 20s aren't stardard, that's just embarrassing.

Embarrassing in what way? Almost no other car in its segment even offers 20" wheels, let alone 19" wheels. The 5-spoke 19" wheels that are standard on the GS, you probably can't even get on the CXL Turbo without a $2k premium.

I'm picking up my loaded Turbo on Monday, and I can't honestly say any of those upgrades would entice me to spend more. I've got the HK stereo, xenons, SAME leather "sport" seats, IDCS, Nav, etc... I think that Buick exaggerates the enhancement to the suspension found in the GS compared to the Turbo. At the Detroit Auto Show, the guy working at the GS station told me he expected a 6,000-8,000 increase in price from the Turbo. I almost laughed at him. I'll wait for a tune to come out from GMPP to increase the HP and TQ numbers.

I think that guy was speaking in generality. I mean, the CXL Turbo's package lineup has a price range of $6,000. If you compared a $32k T03 with a loaded GS at $38, I'd say the price would be quite justified.


Regardless of that...You and I--were on the exact same level of thinking. If this was 2 weeks ago, I'd say the same thing.

I've been telling everyone for a while now that I thought the GS just wouldn't be worth the money, but, like most people--we were totally let down after Buick reworked the specs for the GS and after that, a lot of people lost interest. After doing so much research on the Regal, I'm starting to actually hone in on what makes the GS different than a Turbo and those little differences are adding up and turning out not to be quite as small as I thought they would be. I know you're a little on the defensive since you'll be a new Regal Turbo owner soon...Hell, I just test drove my THIRD Regal Turbo last night, so, I won't put that car down at all--as you might've seen in my other thread, I was one step from actually buying one.

Depending on what kind of driver you are, there are plenty of reasons NOT to buy a GS.

However...I think there are enough reasons to wait and see how much the GS will actually run for before we get too erratic about what the old GS should've been. 😛 I'm ready to be surprised and I'd rather have waited and be sure than to get the Turbo now and thinking about the choice I passed up on.

 

[mjrchabot]

I was all about the GS prior to learning the stats about it. My loaded Turbo has an MSRP of $44250 here in Canada. After my GM employee discount it was about $40,000 even.
So the GS is going to cost probably $50,000 in Canada and that's just insane in my books.

 

[2011RegalOwner]

Damn that is insane. $45,000 for a Regal? I have the non turbo RL5. I leased, but I could of bought it and been out the door with taxes paid for $31,800. That was with the GM discount also.

My Mercedes salesman told me he could of had me in a new 2010 C300 Sport with sport wheels, Premium sound, and NAV for $44,000 out the door with taxes.

I have never looked into it, but maybe if you bought your car in the US you could legally just drive it home and license it in Canada?

Also the Canadian dollar is currently trading in currency markets for more than the US dollar. I believe it is somewhere around $1 CAD = $0.90 USD. This would save you around $3,000 to $4,000 on your purchase IF you are even allowed to buy the car in the US and license it Canada.

These prices I am quoting are all for cash purchases. You must either have the cash on hand to purchase the vehicle or obtain your own financing not through a dealer.

 

[SimpsonTide985]

A lot of Canadian Regal owners I keep running into.. 😛

 

[mandy]

SimpsonTide...can you share a few more details on the GS seats. In the few photos I've seen, they do appear quite similar to the CXL. Thanks.

 

[SimpsonTide985]

If the GS ends up with an average price around $37k...on top of all those other additions, if it needs anything to stay competitive in that price range, it's

• Memory Seating
• Paddle Shifters
• Blind Spot Detection

Those three options are relatively inexpensive but highly valued safety and luxury technologies that a lot of people shopping around this price point would possibly expect on a car nowadays. If Buick can't get them on 2012, maybe they'll be standard in the 2013 Regal GS.

 

[mjrchabot]

Damn that is insane. $45,000 for a Regal? I have the non turbo RL5. I leased, but I could of bought it and been out the door with taxes paid for $31,800. That was with the GM discount also.

My Mercedes salesman told me he could of had me in a new 2010 C300 Sport with sport wheels, Premium sound, and NAV for $44,000 out the door with taxes.

I have never looked into it, but maybe if you bought your car in the US you could legally just drive it home and license it in Canada?

Also the Canadian dollar is currently trading in currency markets for more than the US dollar. I believe it is somewhere around $1 CAD = $0.90 USD. This would save you around $3,000 to $4,000 on your purchase IF you are even allowed to buy the car in the US and license it Canada.

These prices I am quoting are all for cash purchases. You must either have the cash on hand to purchase the vehicle or obtain your own financing not through a dealer.

The Canadian dollar isn't quite that high... it's about $1.0061 USD. We can buy vehicles in the US and bring it back to Canada, but there are certain restrictions on the model years and how old the vehicle is. I don't think a 2011 Regal would qualify.
We pay way too much for cars in Canada, it's a known fact. The best example is the Camaro, it's made 5 and a half hours away from me, yet it cost $8,000-10,000 more in Canada than the USA. BS!

 

[SimpsonTide985]

SimpsonTide...can you share a few more details on the GS seats. In the few photos I've seen, they do appear quite similar to the CXL. Thanks.

I found this video here from an official production model GS from just a couple of months ago.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xFxW0sK41E

They don't seem similar to the CXL seats to me...

 

[ob2s]

I can't believe that the 20s aren't stardard, that's just embarrassing.

The only way you can make this statement is if you live in Abu Dhabi where the roads are all new. There simply is not enough sidewall for real world driving, period. If you're into throw away wheels that can replaced like hub caps, more power to you.

Also the base GS, my wager, is going to be much more than the most expensive 225hp turbo.

 

[SimpsonTide985]

Also the base GS, my wager, is going to be much more than the most expensive 225hp turbo.

Originally, in my estimate, I had the base GS at $36, 495 versus the T07 $35, 185.

I just can't imagine the GS base pricing being $2500+ more than the T07. I know the numbers aren't yet official, but if the pricing ends up being any more than that, the GS better be producing some 0-60 numbers well under 6.8s. A Regal GS should never lose to a Ford Fusion. 😛

Let me rethink this..

According to the GS standard features, you would strip the GS down in comparison to a Regal T05, which is like $32,500.

So, $32,500..

Add maybe $1,550 for the standard wheels, exterior elements and badging...$33750.

Push Button, Special seating, and IDCS enhancements, $1000...$34750.

The actual 255hp engine upgrade....$2700?....$37740 estimated.


So, I'll go out and say, the GS will start between $35,795 and $37,740. 😛

 

[SimpsonTide985]

So the GS is going to cost probably $50,000 in Canada and that's just insane in my books.

Insane in that you might be getting your money's worth, but it's just out of your budget? 😉

 

[KingBuick]

I got an e-mail from Buick confirming a few things about some of the STANDARD options to be seen on the Regal GS. Most of this stuff we already know about, but with some of these standards features confirmed, we can probably get a closer feel for an expected price and how many trim levels we can expect from the GS:


PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

• Exclusive Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged and intercooled engine rated at an estimated 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm)
  
• Six-speed manual transmission, with six-speed automatic with Driver Shift Control to be offered later
  
• Four-wheel independent system with HiPerStrut front suspension
  
• High-performance four-wheel disc brake system with Brembo front calipers

STANDARD FEATURES
Passive keyless entry with push-button start

Standard XM Satellite Radio with three-month trial service

Harmon/Kardon premium 320-watt sound system with nine speakers

Bluetooth phone connectivity

Leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel with audio controls

Leather-appointed sport seating

Heated driver and front passenger seats, with 12-way adjustable driver and front passenger seats – including four-way lumbar adjustment

120-volt accessory power outlet

Power windows with express up/down feature in the front and express down in the rear

Front and rear ultrasonic parking assist

Bi-xenon HID headlamps

Interactive Drive Control System with GS mode

Standard 19-inch, 5-Twin Spoke alloy wheels and all-season tire and optional 20-inch, 5-Twin Spoke polished alloy wheels with performance tires.
-------------------------------------------------------

So, we ARE getting push-button start standard! Along with sport seats, a GS mode part of a standard IDCS, HK audio, HID lights, 19" wheels, and all those other things.

Actually, here's a closer look at the push button ignition and the IDCS "GS" and "Sport" buttons:

Not shown in the list from Buick, just from observation, the 2012 Regal GS will also have:

• An upgraded trim on the interior doors
• GS appliques/badging
• Stylized rear diffusers and dual exhausts
• Auxiliary side view mirror lights
• Chrome door handles
• Unique Front Air Intakes & Grille Elements

Currently the Buick Regal CXL Turbo T07 is $35,185.

So, for the Regal GS, based on the above features and what Buick has already said about the pricing, my estimates for the GS are:

• GS1: $35,795 (standard features listed above)
• GS2: $36,795 (GS1 + sunroof)
• GS3: $38,545 (GS2 + Navigation)
• GS4: $38,695 (GS2 + 20" wheels)
• GS5: $40,445 (GS3 + 20" wheels)

One big thing that I'm not sure about yet is if the unique air intakes and exterior stylings will be standard or if they will be part of a separate Appearance Package.[/QUOTE]

Great photos and information! Thanks for sharing.

Wow. The GS is an expensive model. Then again, I think it's meant to be that way.

I bet that the LaCrosse GS mule spotted a few months ago will be priced above a fully loaded CXS (US$40-41K). Maybe it'll even be above the Lucerne Super in terms of pricing!

If only there were a Verano GS. I saw the Turbo model at the Auto Show last Friday, and it was nice! Probably my future Buick... 🙂

KingBuick.

 

[SimpsonTide985]

People just can't stop complaining about the price about the Buick GS...yet, no price has been confirmed.

I mean, it's up against the likes of the $36k Volkswagen CC Plus Limited and $38k Acura TSX V6. At 0-60 well under 7 seconds, the GS will definitely have V6 power, nothing wrong there, but for some reason, people were expecting some kind of CTS-V supercar at a bargain price or something...

Expectations way too high perhaps?

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Nobody was expecting a Cadillac CTS-V but people were expecting something competitive with the Infiniti G37. Not really all that much to ask for.

People just can't stop complaining about the price about the Buick GS...yet, no price has been confirmed.

I mean, it's up against the likes of the $36k Volkswagen CC Plus Limited and $38k Acura TSX V6. At 0-60 well under 7 seconds, the GS will definitely have V6 power, nothing wrong there, but for some reason, people were expecting some kind of CTS-V supercar at a bargain price or something...

Expectations way too high perhaps?

 

[the gamper]

I am a brand new member, but I just wanted to add my two cents to this thread in the hopes that GM is listening.

First, I love the new Regal and wanted the Opel Insignia all the way back to when I thought it would be branded a Saturn. Beautiful car. 2.0 is an excellent mid level engine option. I am also eternally grateful to GM for offering it with a 6 MT even though finding one on a dealer lot will probably be next to impossible.

As for the GS, I have two major gripes. First: No AWD. 300 lb ft of torque is wasted on this car in FWD guise. I currently own a Mazdaspeed6 which I love and hate. I love the performance, hate the ride and noise. I really want a GS with AWD and 6 MT but would not buy it at any price if that engine is only powering the front wheels. Second, I believe I saw this in an official GM release that the FWD GS will only achieve 24 mpg highway. That isnt great by any stretch and borders on horrible. Makes me think that AWD will not be offered simply to save that 1-2 mpg in the EPA Estimate.

Of course there arent a great deal of engines to make an apples to apples comparison in the case of the GS, but one could look to the Sonata turbo offering slightly less power but with much greater economy. Without checking the numbers, my recollection is that an AWD Ecoboosted Ford Flex putting out significantly more power is essentially on par with the FWD Regal's economy even though the Flex is hampered with considerably more heft. Taurus SHO makes the GS look even worse in comparison.

You HAVE TO OFFER THIS IN AWD.....period, even if it means shitty fuel economy. Failing to do so is dooming the GS to being an also ran when it could be a true high performance machine that can hold its head high next to any realistic competitor.

I will still consider the Regal, but would only consider the base turbo. More likely to shop Audi or perhaps even a Subaru Legacy GT.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

I am a brand new member, but I just wanted to add my two cents to this thread in the hopes that GM is listening.

First, I love the new Regal and wanted the Opel Insignia all the way back to when I thought it would be branded a Saturn. Beautiful car. 2.0 is an excellent mid level engine option. I am also eternally grateful to GM for offering it with a 6 MT even though finding one on a dealer lot will probably be next to impossible.

As for the GS, I have two major gripes. First: No AWD. 300 lb ft of torque is wasted on this car in FWD guise. I currently own a Mazdaspeed6 which I love and hate. I love the performance, hate the ride and noise. I really want a GS with AWD and 6 MT but would not buy it at any price if that engine is only powering the front wheels. Second, I believe I saw this in an official GM release that the FWD GS will only achieve 24 mpg highway. That isnt great by any stretch and borders on horrible. Makes me think that AWD will not be offered simply to save that 1-2 mpg in the EPA Estimate.

Of course there arent a great deal of engines to make an apples to apples comparison in the case of the GS, but one could look to the Sonata turbo offering slightly less power but with much greater economy. Without checking the numbers, my recollection is that an AWD Ecoboosted Ford Flex putting out significantly more power is essentially on par with the FWD Regal's economy even though the Flex is hampered with considerably more heft. Taurus SHO makes the GS look even worse in comparison.

You HAVE TO OFFER THIS IN AWD.....period, even if it means shitty fuel economy. Failing to do so is dooming the GS to being an also ran when it could be a true high performance machine that can hold its head high next to any realistic competitor.

I will still consider the Regal, but would only consider the base turbo. More likely to shop Audi or perhaps even a Subaru Legacy GT.

Welcome aboard, Gamper. And thank you for signing up. GM is DEFINITELY listening here...

I have a feeling we're going to see some major changes to the second generation of Buick Regal - especially with the GS. They really should have simply brought the Opel's drivertrain over with the Regal. I'm not sure why they didn't.. In any event, they've been hearing about the performance issues for a while now - and most GM executives seem to agree.. I think a lot depends on how this car sells. I'm sure it's going to sell nicely as most people aren't concerned with performance.. Once Buick makes money on the first generation, they'll have more reasons to being us what we want with the second. I know isn't going to work for us enthusiasts "right now" - but it's going to make Buick money "right now" - which is really important for GM..

 

[SimpsonTide985]

I'm hoping everyone here is wrong on their hate on the Regal GS...To me, it's all bordering on downright nitpicking, but we can't hold onto our arguments until this damn car gets a damn price and some track results.

Wait, since when is 24 mpg on the highway horrible for a premium car? That sounds like the average to me...

 

[KingBuick]

People just can't stop complaining about the price about the Buick GS...yet, no price has been confirmed.

I mean, it's up against the likes of the $36k Volkswagen CC Plus Limited and $38k Acura TSX V6. At 0-60 well under 7 seconds, the GS will definitely have V6 power, nothing wrong there, but for some reason, people were expecting some kind of CTS-V supercar at a bargain price or something...

Expectations way too high perhaps?

Nobody was expecting a Cadillac CTS-V but people were expecting something competitive with the Infiniti G37. Not really all that much to ask for.

@SimpsonTide985: It could be true that people expect too much of cars that they think are like and might become like the CTS-V. But it would be nice, in my opinion, if the GS lineup for Buick was like that.

@Sal: Sure, no one asked for a CTS-V, but they got it, and it's a BEAST of a car! S'chraged V8 used from the 'Vette ZR1, and it 3 configurations: a sedan/saloon, coupe, and a wagon.

KingBuick.