Regal to Have Sport Model, Potentially Named GS

Information from GM Inside News reports possible sport variant for Buick Regal Sedan.

News from Tuesday's GMC-Buick dealership meeting in Detroit is now starting to trickle out in full-force. One of the highlights of the event was the showing of the 2011 Buick Regal to Buick dealerships. For months now GMI has confirmed that the Regal was coming, however yesterday GM made it official. GMI has since obtained further details about the car including the sport variant.

The Regal will be launching with two four-cylinder ECOTEC engines upon launch. The base engine is going to be the 180 HP direct injected 2.4L ECOTEC that debuted this year in the 2010 Equinox and Terrain. The up-level four-cylinder is reportedly the direct injected, turbocharged 2.0L ECOTEC with roughly 220 HP. All Regal's will come with six speed automatics standard and have optional all-wheel drive. No word on if a manual will be available on the four-cylinders.

Possibly the most exciting news about the Regal is that there will be a "sport" model. The sport trim has not yet been named, however GMI is told that "GS" is one of the names on the consideration list. This sport trim will be fitted with the 280 HP 3.6L SIDI V6 from the LaCrosse, 19" wheels and Brembo performance brakes. Like the rest of the Regal's, it will have optional AWD. Another interesting point: we're told the Regal sport trim will have an optional six-speed manual, likely the same unit from the Opel Insignia OPC.

Initial orders of the 2011 Regal will start in about six months, with full production starting in summer 2010. Although no official announcement has been made, it is expected that the car will be produced at the Oshawa, Ontario facility.

[Source: GM Inside News]