While we wait for the Grand National and GNX nameplates to reappear, Buick may slap more GS badges across its lineup in an effort to bolster the brand's performance cred. That's according to Ed Welburn, GM's vice president of global design, who actually isn't a huge fan of the final 1987 GNX, the all-black turbo Buick coupe that now commands a hefty premium on the used-car market (we'll let that one pass, Ed). Today's GS models are the hottest turbo Buicks on sale, and by that, we're only talking about the Regal GS, which won its last comparo against the Volvo S60 R-Design.
By our estimation, we could see a Verano GS with the same package of upgraded wheels, brakes, and suspension as the Regal GS—not a huge stretch considering the Verano Turbo comes with a 250-hp four-cylinder and a manual gearbox. Given that the 2014 Regal GS had its 270-hp engine detuned to 259 horses to match the regular Regal Turbo, we wouldn't bet on a power upgrade. A LaCrosse GS—a nod to the bygone supercharged Park Avenue Ultra—could debut with similar upgrades and its 3.6-liter V-6 tweaked to the same naturally aspirated 321 horsepower as found in the Cadillac CTS. Unless the market swings wildly, we'd bet against GS trims hitting the Encore or Enclave. This is Buick, not AMG.
- First Drive: 2014 Buick Regal / Regal GS
- Comparison Test: 2014 Cadillac CTS 3.6 vs. 2014 Audi A6 3.0T, 2014 BMW 535i, 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350
- Comparison Test: 2013 BMW 335i vs. 2013 Cadillac ATS 3.6, 2014 Lexus IS350 F Sport
As GM's middleman—better than a Chevy, not quite a Cadillac—Buick can't afford to get too wild, either. With the ATS sedan in full swing, Buick can't tread on Cadillac's party, even though the brand has no rear-wheel-drive offerings (that is, until the Alpha platform underpins the 2015 GNX). Still, more cushy sedans with stick shifts and stiffer suspensions can't hurt, and if they're as entertaining as the all-wheel-drive Regal GS, they might help Buick break its middle-child syndrome once and for all.
from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com
Put the internet to work for you.
No comments:
Post a Comment