Buick’s Regal GS Looks to be an Under-Performer

Just after dogging on Autoblog, I’ll take the crew’s word for this piece of news.  It looks like the Regal GS will be stuck with GM’s Ecotec engine.

The ol’ Eco, a 2.0 L I-4, isn’t a bad engine by any means–it has been used to power the compact Chevy SS line will positive results.  But there was hope GM would venture beyond the little ripper for the upscale Buick compact.  The turbo’d four will put out 250+ hp and 290+ ft.-lbs. of torque, according to the ‘Blog.  The engine will be equipped with a 6-spd. manual-shift, with a manu-matic set to arrive soon after.

The torque number is astonishing, but the horsepower figure is a lot less than the rumor mill was putting out late in the fall.  We gotta say: we’re not dropping jaws here at the office (i.e. the Jack in the Box men’s room off Sunset).  The Regal GS will probably be a fine car, but it’s hardly Lexus material.

We’ll stay settled with our stolen IS-F for now.