Buick to add more GS models?

Athletic and svelte, the 2014 Buick Regal GS is a racier package for those who love to drive. Yet the Regal is the only Buick that enjoys such an upgrade. This feature is a favorite among driving enthusiasts, and it could be added to such models as the LaCrosse and the Verano. It would make even more sense to add GS capability to the Enclave or the Encore, Buick’s powerful crossovers.

The rumor mill has it that the Buick dynasty may bring back some older names that imply GS performance. These include the Grand National and the GNX. Chances are that they would get a twin-turbocharged V6. We would expect this 3.6 liter engine to crank out 400 horsepower. Of course, simply adding GS capability to the existing brands would provide an important option for driving enthusiasts.

The initials GS on the current Buick Regal indicates that this is a machine to challenge the road. Regal GS takes the 259 horsepower engine and adds an Interactive Drive Control. IDC lets drivers pick Sport or GS modes. In Sport and GS modes, the suspension becomes tighter and tighter to respond accurately to increased driving requirements. The steering response is customized, too, to help the driver stick to the lane and to hug the tightest curve. This means greater control at higher speeds. The GS model also comes with Brembo brakes that can slow and stop a GS even at its high rate of speed. These features make over the GS model into a race car’s image.

Of course, GS technology can’t provide true race car performance with this horsepower, but by tuning everything possible to provide race car handling, GS is an exciting way to drive. It would be fun if Buick extends GS to include the other models. Perhaps it will be even more fun if Buick brings back its line of performance cars. With the new turbo engines, it matters less if it’s a V4, V6 or V8. The GS tuning can take even a larger car or SUV into the race car realm.