Buick Regal GS making a comeback?

There was a time, believe it or not, when Buick had performance models in it's lineup. And we're not just talking about the 60's and 70's, but also the 80's, which saw the venerable GS, and GNX.

Fast forward to today. Every car in the Buick lineup is pretty snore inducing, and the average age of it's owner is in the 60+ range. Buick is aiming to change all that by first bringing back the Regal badge, and now it is showing off the Regal GS at the Detroit Auto Show.

The Regal GS is based directly on the high performance OPC version of the Opel Insignia, but instead of using the 325-horsepower turbocharged V6, Buick is sticking with its four-cylinder-only strategy for the Regal. The GS is powered by a higher output version of the EcoTec four cylinder that is found in many other GM products.

Engine output is a staggering 255hp and 295 pound feet of torque. All this power is routed through a six speed manual transmission (!).

To ensure that the whoa matches the go, 14 inch front Brembo rotors with four piston calipers sit up front, and there are 19 inch wheels all around.

Thankfully, the car is all wheel drive so it won't experience the wonderful torque steer that many highly powered front drive cars have issues with. Recaro seats hug the driver, the driver can use an Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) to select different settings for the throttle response, adaptive damping, steering and shifting (in the automatic version).

GM hasn't officially announced anything yet, as they were quick to point out that this is only a show car. But if you read between the lines, and see how production ready the car appears to be, we think it will be available before long.


Press Release

BUICK UNVEILS REGAL GS SHOW CAR

21st-century successor to Buick's Gran Sport heritage
Bold, sporty design with unique exterior details and an aggressive stance
High-output Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmission
Adaptive all-wheel-drive system and electronic limited-slip rear differential
0-60 in less than 6.0 seconds
Buick's class-exclusive Interactive Drive Control System

DETROIT – With an estimated 255 turbocharged horsepower (190 kW), a six-speed manual transmission and an advanced, adaptive all-wheel-drive system, the Buick Regal GS show car is a high-tech, high-performance version of the brand's newest sport sedan. It was introduced at the 2010 North American International Auto Show.

The mechanical elements were developed with the aim of delivering a driving experience that is sporting, confidence-inspiring and refined. It has a performance-oriented drivetrain, a lowered body and lower center of gravity. Exterior and interior cues include two additional vertical front air intakes; large, forged aluminum 20-inch wheels and performance tires; a racing-inspired sport steering wheel and metal pedals. Recaro high-performance front seats feature four-way lumbar support and cushion extensions.

"We designed the Regal GS to explore the appeal of a high-performance variant of the Regal," said Craig Bierley, product marketing director for Buick. "Like the Regal, the Regal GS is based on the award-winning Opel Insignia, and we believe it will reinvigorate Buick's storied Gran Sport legacy."

The Regal GS exterior is distinguished by vertical air inlets in the front fascia, as well as unique rocker panels, an integrated rear spoiler, dual exhaust outlets, Olympic White paint and satin metallic accents.

"The idea behind the Regal GS was taking the production model in a more aggressive direction to appeal to performance enthusiasts," said John Cafaro, Buick design director. "But along with its aggressive stance, there's sophisticated style in the design that complements the driving experience."

Inside, the Regal GS varies from the standard Regal by featuring a completely jet black interior, including the pillars and headliner, sport shifter for the six-speed manual transmission and a suede-covered, flat-bottom steering wheel reminiscent of those used in international racing series. The instrument panel glows ice blue when the driver engages the sport mode of the Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS).

Turbocharged AWD performance
Power for the Regal GS comes from a high-output 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged engine with direct-injection technology. It is based on the engine that will be offered on Regal CXL models later this summer, but the engine and turbocharger are tuned to deliver greater boost pressure in the GS. The output is estimated at 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400 Nm).

The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission that directs torque to an adaptive all-wheel-drive system calibrated for performance driving. An electronic, limited-slip rear differential helps ensure the engine's power is distributed effectively during cornering.

The high-performance drivetrain is expected to enable the Regal GS to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds. That performance is complemented by a four-wheel-independent suspension, with a unique High Performance Strut (HiPerStrut) design in front. The HiPerStrut system helps reduce torque steer and maintain negative camber during cornering. This improves ultimate grip levels in dry and wet conditions, as well as improves the direct feel of the road, while isolating undesirable feedback. Behind the wheel the driver experiences reduced torque steer, improved grip and increased cornering power, along with crisper handling, steering precision and feedback.

The Regal GS features a high-performance Brembo brake system with 14 x 1.2-inch (355 x 32 mm) cross-drilled rotors; four-piston, high-strength aluminum calipers, and high-performance pads.

The Regal GS is also equipped with Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) chassis technology (also offered on Regal CXL models with the 2.0L turbo engine). It delivers enhanced vehicle stability and greater driving safety, while also adapting the driving characteristics of the car to the driver's preferences. The driver selects among three operating modes – normal, sport and GS – that change the suspension settings, throttle response, shift pattern and steering sensitivity through the variable-effort steering system.

About Buick
Buick is in the midst of a transformation that started with the Enclave luxury crossover and continues with the completely redesigned LaCrosse luxury sedan and Regal sport sedan. Buick is emerging as a modern, premium brand with vehicles characterized by sculpted designs, personal technologies, luxurious interiors and responsive performance. Future new sedans and crossovers are planned and will continue to expand Buick's portfolio both in North America and China. More information can be found at www.buick.com.

2011 Ford Racing Mustang Boss 302R

There are many legendary Mustang models in the pony car's history, but perhaps none more famous than the Boss 302. This is the car that now only won quite a few Trans Am races in it's day, but also sold quite a few cars at the dealership.

And with the updates to the 2011 Mustang, we also have a new Boss 302R race car. What the FR500CJ is to drag racing, the Boss 302R is to road racing.

The 302R features a racing version of the new 5.0 32-valve Ti-VCT V8, a six-speed manual transmission, roll cage, race seats, five-point belts, data-acquisition equipment, racing shocks and springs, Brembo brakes, and special tires. The turn key price is $79,000.

There is also a Boss M-FR302R1 that's eligible to race in the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge series. It adds a sealed, high-output motor, better cooling, close-ratio transmission, a seam-welded body, Koni dampers, upgraded ABS system, tuned exhaust and a special one-piece drive shaft. The price for the better boss is $129,000.

Ford is only going to build 50 Boss 302R's this year, and they will be available in the third quarter.

Press Release:

Ford Racing Unveils the Next Generation of Racing Mustang in the New Boss 302R

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 28, 2009 – Forty years after its namesake became a road racing legend, the BOSS is back on track for 2010 with a new 5.0-liter V-8 engine.

In honor of the 40th anniversary of Parnelli Jones' 1970 Trans-Am championship in a Mustang BOSS 302 prepared by Bud Moore Engineering, Ford Racing is introducing the BOSS 302R, a factory-built race car ready for track days and road racing in a number of Grand-Am, SCCA and NASA classes.

"To keep pace with consumer demand, the Ford team has built modern versions of the most iconic performance Mustangs over the years," said Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsports. "From Shelbys to Bullitt, Mach and Cobra Jet, it is now time for BOSS to join the list of America's most coveted Mustangs. The original BOSS 302 was a championship-winning legend and the new Mustang BOSS 302R will carry on the tradition. The Mustang was born to race from the start, and this new Mustang is bred to win."

The Mustang BOSS 302R is a serialized off-road-only vehicle ready to race. Each base model will come with a 5.0-liter four-valve engine and a six-speed manual transmission with a roll cage, race seats, safety harness, data acquisition and race dampers/springs, and a Brembo brake and tire package, starting at an MSRP of $79,000.

And, with a special Grand-Am Homologation Package (M-FR500-BOSS R1), it will also be ready to compete in the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge series (formerly known as KONI Challenge), starting with the season-opening race in Daytona on Jan. 29, 2010. As of today, five BOSS 302R race cars will be delivered to customers ready to race in Daytona. MSRP of the BOSS 302R1 is $129,000.

The Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge-ready Mustang BOSS 302R will feature a sealed high-output race engine with an upgraded cooling system, a close-ratio six-speed transmission with integral shifter, a seam-welded body, race suspension/KONI dampers and ABS brake tuning, race performance exhaust and a high-speed balance one-piece driveshaft.

The BOSS 302R follows in the very successful footsteps of its most recent road racing predecessor – the Mustang FR500C from Ford Racing. In 2005, when the Mustang FR500C debuted at Daytona, the first car was delivered on Wednesday of that week and won the KONI Challenge race on Friday.

In five years of competition since then, the Mustang FR500C has won three Triple Crown championships of driver, team and manufacturer's titles in KONI competition including back-to-back (2008 and 2009). The FR500C has also seen success in FIA GT4 competition winning the 2007 and 2008 driver's championships.

"We expect the BOSS 302R to continue the successful tradition of winning with factory-built production-based race cars from Ford Racing," said Allison. "The FR500C and FR500S road racing Mustangs, and the Mustang FR500CJ (Cobra Jet) for drag racing have proven to be great cars for our customers, helping teams win races and championships. We believe that the BOSS 302R will provide that same sort of competitive product for our customers with the tradition you can only get from Ford Racing."

Each Ford Racing factory-built production-based turnkey race car has won its competition debut.

"Racing has long served as a technical proving grounds for production engines," said Allison. "What's good enough for the streets is now good enough for the racetrack. The 5.0-liter block and architecture in the Mustang BOSS 302R is the same as the 2011 Mustang GT."

"We have a great team on the BOSS 302R project," said Andy Slankard, Ford Racing engineering supervisor and the lead engineer on the BOSS 302R project. "Between our partners at AutoAlliance International, where the Mustang is built, Team Mustang, Multimatic and the entire Ford Racing team, we have once again proven to be a leader in turnkey production-based race cars."

Available through Ford dealers, a total of 50 BOSS 302R Mustangs will be built by Ford Racing. Delivery is anticipated in the third quarter of 2010.

Dodge rolls out Performance Appearance Package for Dodge Challenger

One thing the Dodge Challenger has not been accused of is being an ugly car. It oozes retro more effectively than an other Mopar vehicle and perhaps it's fellow pony car brethren.

For 2010, Mopar has announced a new Performance Appearance Package that ups the ante even more. The package adds a body-color hood with a scoop, a body-color "Go-Wing" rear spoiler and strobe stripe performance graphics.

A separate package for the interior gets you a Mopar-branded T-handle shifter, bright pedal kit, bright door-sill guards, premium carpet floor mats and a vehicle cover.

Pricing for the exterior package is $1,995 and the interior package is $945 for the automatic and $780 for the manual.

Press Release:

Dodge Introduces Performance Appearance Package for Challenger

Mopar Gives Challenger the Scoop, Further Enhances Look of Brand's Iconic Muscle Car

Auburn Hills, Mich., Jan 4, 2010 - Mopar is giving Dodge Challenger even more of a muscular appearance.

"Our mission at Mopar is to add value to all of our brands," said Pietro Gorlier, President and Chief Executive Officer – Mopar Service, Parts and Customer Care, Chrysler Group LLC. "Our 'Moparized' Dodge Challenger is a great example of how we can further enhance the value of all of our Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge Car and Ram Truck vehicles."

Mopar's new exterior appearance package is now available as a factory production option. The exterior includes a unique body-color hood with scoop, body-color rear "Go-Wing" spoiler and strobe stripe performance graphics. An interior appearance package is also available and includes a Mopar-branded T-handle shifter, bright pedal kit (automatic only), bright door-sill guards, premium carpet floor mats and a full vehicle cover to protect this prized possession.

"We worked closely with Mopar to further enhance the appearance of Dodge's modern-day muscle machine," said Ralph Gilles, President and Chief Executive Officer – Dodge Car Brand. "Our additional design cues effectively communicate the vehicle's world-class handling, performance and cutting-edge technology."

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the exterior package is $1,995. The MSRP for the interior package is $945 for the automatic transmission and $780 for the manual transmission. Both options are available on SE and R/T models in the following colors: TorRed, Bright Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black Crystal and Bright White.

Dodge Brand
Dodge is a full line of cars, SUVs and MPVs that are agile, daring, sensible and inventive. The product line includes the Dodge Caliber, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey, Dodge Nitro and Dodge Viper SRT10.

Dodge introduced two new vehicles last year: the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey, the brand's first crossover vehicle and the 2009 Dodge Challenger, a modern-day American muscle car. Dodge also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the minivan during the 2009 model year. With more than 65 minivan-firsts introduced since 1983 and more than 12 million Dodge and Chrysler minivans sold, Chrysler Group LLC has solidified its leadership in the segment. J.D. Power and Associates further acknowledged this leadership by naming the Dodge Grand Caravan the Most Dependable Van for 2009. The 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan continues to set the mark in the minivan segment with unsurpassed fuel economy of 17 city/25 highway mpg and minivan-first innovations including the segment's only Stow 'n Go and Swivel 'n Go seating and storage systems. The 2010 Dodge Avenger, with ESC, also earned the 2009 Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Mopar Brand
Mopar distributes approximately 280,000 parts and accessories in more than 90 countries and is the source for all original equipment parts for Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Car and Ram Truck vehicles. Mopar parts are unique in that they are engineered with the same teams that create factory-authorized vehicle specifications for Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Car and Ram Truck vehicles – a direct connection that no other aftermarket parts company can provide.

More than 70 Years of Mopar
When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929.

Mopar (a simple contraction of the words Motor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It also was widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960s – the muscle-car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready Dodge and Plymouth "package cars" equipped with special high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of "special parts" for super stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use.