What is it?
In almost every respect but one, the Buick Regal GS is a
Vauxhall Insignia VXR. The one area where the two cars differ is, crucially, under the bonnet, where the Buick has a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit in place of the Vauxhall's 2.8-litre V6. Power for the Buick comes in at 252bhp to the VXR's 321bhp, but Buick says the Regal GS will still go from 0-60mph in less than six seconds.
Why's it here?
The Regal GS is at Detroit to help rejuvenate the Buick brand in customers' minds and introduce a performance model to the firm's range for the first time in two decades. With standard four-wheel drive and the 2.0-litre turbo engine's power - plus switchable settings for the throttle, suspension and steering - the Regal GS brings European sports saloon thinking to American buyers with the added attraction of an economical engine.
Show stopper or floor filler?
To our European eyes, the Buick Regal GS may look like a glitzy Insignia VXR, but for US buyers this is big news. It's the first sporty Buick in 20 years and it's a cracker featuring four-wheel drive, 252bhp turbocharged engine and six-speed manual gearbox. The Regal GS is set to go on sale in the USA towards the end of 2010, though Buick is remaining tight-lipped about production dates at present.
Full 2010 Detroit Auto Show report.
Alisdair Suttie - 12 Jan 2010