NEW FOR 2012: - New eAssist and GS models - New trim lines - Production moves from Germany to Canada For 2012, the Buick Regal expands to four models, with the addition of the eAssist and GS to the Regal and Turbo lines. The eAssist is a “light electrification” system on the 2.4-litre engine that uses an electric motor and lithium-ion battery to supply a power boost when needed, although it cannot run solely on electricity. It is self-charging and does not get plugged in to a wall socket. The GS is a high-performance version of the Turbo model. All models are now built at GM’s factory in Oshawa, Ontario. The Regal is available with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine in the Regal, 2.4-litre four-cylinder with electric motor in the eAssist, turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder in the Turbo, and high-output turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder in the GS. The 2.4-litre models use a six-speed automatic, while the turbocharged models use a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. Trim levels on the Regal are the 1SB, Canadian Comfort, Canadian Comfort Plus, Canadian Comfort Leather and Canadian Comfort Convenience. The eAssist comes as the eAssist and eAssist Leather, while the turbocharged models come as the Turbo, Turbo Sport and GS. Features on the Regal 1SB include 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, OnStar, electric power steering, automatic headlamps, heated mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, cargo net, cruise control, driver information centre, keyless entry, tilt and telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, Bluetooth connectivity, illuminated vanity mirrors, auto up/down front windows, cloth and “leatherette” seats, eight-way power driver’s seat, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input and USB port, and seven speakers. The Canadian Comfort adds dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic defogging, humidity sensor, rear seat heating and cooling ducts, and remote starter. The Canadian Comfort Plus adds fog lights, satellite radio, mirrors with integrated turn signals, and auto-dimming rearview mirror. The Canadian Comfort with Leather adds 18-inch alloy wheels, eight-way power passenger seat, heated leather seats and tire pressure monitoring system. The Canadian Comfort Convenience adds door handles with chrome inserts, E-Z Key passive entry system with pushbutton start, 120-volt power outlet, rear parking assist and garage door opener. The eAssist builds on the Canadian Comfort and adds door handles with chrome inserts, E-Z Key passive entry system with pushbutton start, Eco gauge, fog lights, mirrors with integrated turn signals, auto-dimming rearview mirror, 120-volt power outlet, satellite radio, garage door opener, rear parking assist, and a rear seat that folds on one side only. The eAssist Leather adds heated leather seats and eight-way power passenger seat. The Turbo builds on the Regal Canadian Comfort Convenience and adds bi-xenon headlamps, LED daytime running lights, and variable-effort hydraulic power steering. The Turbo Sport adds 19-inch alloy wheels and continuously variable damping with interactive drive control system. The GS adds heated sport seats, alloy pedals, GS-embroidered floor mats, sport-tuned steering, three-spoke flat-bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel, nine-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system, HiPer front suspension with real-time damping, front and rear parking assist, and GS-specific front and rear fascias, rocker extensions and spoiler.
