2014 Buick Regal Offers All-Weather All-Wheel Drive

The driving enthusiast who wants to enjoy both sports performance and Buick luxury may want to look at the new turbocharged, all-wheel drive 2014 Buick Regal GS. Buick has further expanded its all-wheel drive lineup by now offering this AWD Regal. It will come with a 2.0-liter turbo-charged engine that is capable of a maximum 259 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The AWD Regal joins three other AWD Buick models: the Encore, the Enclave and the LaCrosse.

Buick engineers emphasize both the utility and performance that the on-demand AWD system promises in a wide variety of conditions. The advanced system is capable of distributing power to the wheels from front-to-rear and from side-to-side. As an AWD Regal proceeds forward, torque is initially split about 50/50 between wheels in the front and the rear. Then the system automatically re-calculates ideal torque distribution between the four wheels.

Plus, the driver can exert a degree of control over the system. That is, the motorist can enhance his or her driving experience by making choices that impact the functioning of the AWD system. For example, the selection of “Sport” mode will shift as much as 15 percent more torque back to the rear wheels. This will enhance stability and traction during times of performance driving.

James Walter, a Regal AWD engineer, highlights the advantages of the advanced system when he says, “With power going to all four wheels and the ability to transfer power to the wheel with the most grip, we’ve helped enable the driver to have maximum control on all surfaces.” Walter specifically speaks to safety enhancement when he further states, “This system is constantly monitoring several inputs and anticipating action. It can be very beneficial in keeping the rear of the car balanced during an emergency maneuver.”

Torque to the rear wheels is specifically directed by an active Haldex module that makes use of eLSD, or electronic limited slip differential. The module can very rapidly shift torque between the rear wheels to optimize both cornering and stability. Another advantage is the maximizing of acceleration, handling, and cornering in performance driving. Also, the new Regal AWD system has been engineered to combine with the advanced HiPer Strut front suspension to reduce torque steer and under steer when excellent traction is a must, such as when briskly exiting a corner.

Traditionally, thoughts of AWD turned to the promise of improved handling and traction in snowy and icy conditions. However, the engineering of the new Regal all-wheel-drive concept also optimizes control in a host of other situations. Engineers also promise enhanced performance on dry surfaces, in emergency maneuvers and in performance driving.