Buick Regal

Buick Regal
Overview
Manufacturer	General Motors
Model years	North America: 1973–2004; 2011–present China: 2003–present
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size
Related	Buick LaCrosse Opel Insignia
Chronology
Successor	Buick LaCrosse (2005)

The Buick Regal is a mid-size car introduced by General Motors for the 1973 model year. North American production ended in 2004, but the model continued in China. For the 2011 model year, Buick introduced an all new Regal for the North American market, positioned as an upscale sport sedan.

For many historical model years, the Regal shared bodies and powertrains with the similar Buick Century.

First generation (1973–1977)

First generation
Overview
Also called	Buick Century Regal
Model years	1973–1977
Assembly	Flint, Michigan, United States Framingham, Massachusetts, United States Fremont, California, United States
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupe 4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout
Platform	A-body
Related	Buick Century Chevrolet El Camino Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Monte Carlo Oldsmobile Cutlass Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Pontiac Grand Am Pontiac Grand Prix
Powertrain
Engine	Template:Auto CID V6 Template:Auto CID V8 Template:Auto CID V8
Transmission	3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic

Buick had been the first GM division to bring a personal luxury car to market with its full-size 1963 Riviera but was otherwise slow to react to the developing lower-priced mid-size personal luxury market, which Pontiac created with the 1969 Grand Prix and Chevrolet with the Monte Carlo the following year, 1970. At the same time Oldsmobile added a formal notchback coupe to its intermediate line, the Cutlass Supreme, in 1970 and that model soon became Olds' best selling intermediate. Wanting a model that could be marketed to compete against the Olds Cutlass Supreme as well as the Grand Prix and Monte Carlo, Buick introduced the Regal for 1973, as a top line special coupe in that division's intermediate A-body line, the Century. The year 1973 also marked the introduction of the first major restyling of GM's intermediate A-body design since 1968.

A highly-trimmed, notchback coupe, the first Regal shared its front and rear styling with its Century parent with distinctions amounting to differing grilles and taillight lenses. The Regal shared the same "Colonnade" pillared hardtop roofline (a hardtop with center pillar but frameless doors unlike a sedan body) and greenhouse (window area) with the Grand Prix, Monte Carlo and Cutlass Supreme as well as the lower-priced Buick Century Luxus coupe. Like its corporate cousins, the Regal (and Luxus) featured the newly fashionable opera windows, which were small fixed rear-side windows surrounded by sheetmetal, instead of the traditional roll-down windows. Only the Colonnade hardtop coupe was offered in the Regal line in 1973, but a new four-door Colonnade sedan (with six-window-greenhouse and frameless door windows) debuted in 1974 and continued through the 1977 model year.

Regal interiors were generally more luxurious than lesser Century models with woodgrain trim on dashboard and door panels, along with door-pull straps and notchback bench seats with center armrests with either cloth, velour or vinyl upholstery. Optionally available throughout the run was a 60/40 split bench seat with armrest. For 1976 and 1977, the Regal coupe was available with the S/R option that included reclining bucket seats with corduroy upholstery. The model lasted five years with minimal changes, although there was a fairly substantial facelift in 1976 (for the coupe only - sedans stayed with original 1973 sheetmetal through 1977), which incorporated the recently legalized square headlights (horizontally-mounted on coupes, and vertically on sedans - much like the mid-1960s Pontiacs).

The Regal was most commonly powered by Buick's 350 in³ V8, which was standard equipment on all models in 1973 and 1974 and optional on coupes but remained standard on sedans from 1975 to 1977, and the larger 455 in³ V8 was optional in 1973 and 1974 only. Starting in 1975, Regal coupes came standard with Buick's resurrected Template:Auto CID V6 engine previously offered on the Skylark from 1964 to 1967; the engine's tooling had been sold to Kaiser Motors for use in Jeep models (Kaiser was purchased by American Motors in 1970 and Jeep became an AMC division) and sold back to GM by AMC in 1974. In 1975 and 1976, the Century and Regal were the only mid-sized cars in America to offer V6 engines. The bolt pattern for this vehicle is 5x120.7.

The Century designation was quietly dropped from the Regal in 1975.

Second generation (1978–1987)

Second generation
Overview
Model years	1978–1987
Assembly	Flint, Michigan, United States Arlington, Texas, United States Framingham, Massachusetts, United States Fremont, California, United States Pontiac, Michigan, United States
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupe 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Layout	FR layout
Platform	A-body (1978–1981) G-body (1982–1987)
Related	Buick Century Chevrolet El Camino Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Monte Carlo Oldsmobile Cutlass Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Pontiac Bonneville Pontiac Grand Am Pontiac Grand Prix Pontiac LeMans
Powertrain
Engine	Template:Auto CID Buick V6 Template:Auto CID Buick V6 Template:Auto CID Buick V6 Template:Auto CID Pontiac V8 Template:Auto CID Pontiac V8 Template:Auto CID Chevrolet V8 Template:Auto CID Oldsmobile V8
Transmission	3-speed manual 3-speed THM200 automatic 4-speed THM200-4R automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto in

1978-79 Regal

1981-83 Regal

A downsized Regal appeared for 1978 with Buick's new Template:Auto CID V6 engine as standard equipment and a new version of the venerable Template:Auto CID V6 as an option (which became standard in 1980). Initially a 3-speed manual transmission was standard but this was later replaced by an automatic. This model lasted 9 years and helped give the Regal an unexpected reputation for performance. Nevertheless, it was still hampered (from a performance perspective) by a soft suspension, small wheels and tires and the unavailability of a manual transmission (in later years), largely because the intermediate personal luxury market was the Regal's intended target, not the sports car segment.

The 1978 Regal was noteworthy, as it could be equipped with a 3.8 L Turbocharged V-6 engine with automatic transmission. Versions were offered with either a 2-bbl or a 4-bbl carburetor. The Buick LeSabre was also available with the turbocharged engine. The only other turbocharged cars available in the U.S. market in 1978 were imports from Saab and the Porsche 930. The Turbo Regal also included a firm handling suspension with larger tires and sport wheels.

A major facelift in 1981 gave the Regal a much more aerodynamic profile, helping make it possible for the car to compete on the NASCAR racing circuit. The sloping hood and nose of the car made it the favorite of several NASCAR teams. Richard Petty drove one to victory in the 1981 Daytona 500, and the car won a majority of the 1981 and 1982 seasons races and won the NASCAR manufacturers title in 1981 and 1982. V8s for street use were still available, but had shrunk to Template:Auto CID (1980 and 1981 only, Pontiac built), and the V6 was rapidly gaining popularity. In 1982, a new Century appeared on the front-wheel drive A-body, but the former rear-wheel drive Century sedan and wagon were not discontinued. These models were simply rebadged as Regals, and for the first time the name appeared on a full model lineup. The wagon was discontinued after 1983, and the sedan dropped from the lineup the next year. From 1986 to 1987, the 5.0 L Olds 307 V8 was available as an option. The 3.8 2-bbl V6 was standard. The 200-4R overdrive transmission was an option with either engine.

Grand National, T-Type and GNX

In 1982, the Regal Grand National debuted, which was named for the NASCAR Grand National racing series. Buick had won the Manufacturers Cup in 1981 & 1982, and wanted to capitalize on its success - "What wins on Sunday, sells on Monday". These 1982 cars were not painted black, which may confuse those not familiar with them. All started out as charcoal gray Regals that were shipped off to a subcontractor for finishing.

Originally intended for a run of 100 units, Cars and Concepts of Auburn Hills, Michigan, retrofitted 215 Regals with the GN package. Most obvious was the light silver gray firemist paint added to each side. Red pinstripes and billboard shadow lettering proclaiming "BUICK" were applied. The wheel opening moldings and rocker panel moldings were blacked out using black vinyl tape. Finally, a front air dam and rear spoiler were installed. On the inside, special "Lear-Seigler" seats were installed. These seats are fully adjustable and were covered with silver brandon cloth with black vinyl inserts. The front seat had Buick's "6" emblem embroidered onto them. To finish it off, a special clock delete plate was added to the instrument panel which contained the yellow and orange "6" logo and the words "GRAND NATIONAL BUICK MOTOR DIVISION."

The '82 GN came with a naturally aspirated 4.1 L V6 engine with 125 hp (93 kW) at 4000 rpm and 205 lb⋅ft (278 N⋅m) of torque at 2000 rpm. Of the 215 Regal Grand Nationals produced in 1982, a handful were based on the Buick Regal Sport Coupe package with the turbocharged 3.8 V6 engine with 175 hp (130 kW) at 4000 rpm and 275 lb⋅ft (373 N⋅m) of torque at 2600 rpm. There were only 2022 Sport Coupes produced in 1982, and the number of cars with both the GN and Sport Coupe packages is estimated to be less than 50.

For 1983, there was no Grand National. The Sport Coupe model was renamed the T-Type; 3732 were produced (190 hp (140 kW) at 1600 rpm and 280 lb⋅ft (380 N⋅m) of torque at 2400 rpm). The T-Type had been used on other Buicks, starting with the Riviera in 1981 (in 1979 and 1980, it was the S Type). The 1983 Regal T-Type featured tube headers, Hydro-Boost II brakes, 200-4R 4-speed overdrive trans and 3.42 rear axle (7.5").

In 1984 the Grand National returned in all black paint. The turbocharged 3.8 L became standard and was refined with sequential fuel injection, distributor-less computer controlled ignition, and boosted 200 hp (150 kW) at 4400 rpm and 300 lb⋅ft (407 N⋅m) of torque at 2400 rpm. Only 5,204 Turbo Regals were produced that year, only 2000 of which were Grand Nationals. Because this was the first year production of the computer controlled Sequential Fuel Injection and Distributor-less ignition, this is often considered the year/model that started the development of the legendary intercooled Grand Nationals. The performance of this package was well ahead of its time and the “Little V6” easily matched that of the bigger V8’s. Quarter mile performance was listed at 15.9 seconds at stock boost levels of 10 PSI, while for the same year, the Chevrolet Camaro was listed at 17.0 and the Chevrolet Corvette at 15.1 seconds. Soon, performance enthusiast figured out determined the modifications that worked and the Grand Nationals easily broke into the 13 second territory. All Grand Nationals for this year had the Lear Siegler-made cloth/leather interior which was only available for this year. An estimated 425 of the 1984 Grand Nationals were produced with the T-Top option which makes these one of the rarest of the Grand Nationals.

In 1986, a modified engine design with intercooling boosted the performance even further; in 1987 it reached 245 hp (183 kW) and 355 lb⋅ft (481 N⋅m) of torque. Buick dropped the T-Type package for Regal in 1987. There were only 7,896 Turbo Regals produced in 1986. In 1987, when Turbo Regals reached their peak in popularity, a total of 27,590 Turbo Regals were produced through December.

In 1987, a lightweight WE4 (Turbo T) option was offered. Only 1,547 of this variant were produced. They were painted black and treated to the same blackout package as the Grand National, including bumpers, grille, headlight and taillight trim. The differences between a WE4 and the Grand National were the interior trim package, wheels, exterior badging, aluminum bumper supports, and aluminum rear brake drums as opposed to the Grand National's cast iron. The rear spoiler was only available as a dealer installed option. 1987 was the only year that the LC2 Turbo option was available on any Regal, making it possible to even see a Limited with a vinyl landau roof and a power bulge turbo hood. The 1987 model would be the end of the manufacture of the RWD "G-Body" Regal, but GM had to extend the build of the Grand National to meet customer demand.

For the final year, 1987, Buick introduced the GNX at $29,000. Produced by McLaren Performance Technologies/ASC, Buick underrated the GNX at 276 hp (206 kW) and a very substantial 360 lb⋅ft (488 N⋅m) of torque. This was created to be the "Grand National to end all Grand Nationals." Changes made included a special Garrett turbocharger with a ceramic-impeller blowing through a more efficient intercooler and a "CERMATEL (Ceramic/Aluminum) coated" pipe connecting the intercooler to the engine. A GNX specific EEPROM, low-restriction exhaust with dual mufflers, reprogrammed Turbo Hydramatic 200-4R transmission with a custom torque converter and transmission cooler, and unique differential cover/panhard bar included more of the performance modifications. Exterior styling changes include vents located on each front fender, 16 inch black mesh style wheels with VR-speed rated tires, and deletion of the hood and fender emblems. The interior changes of the GNX included a serial number on the dash plaque and a revised instrument cluster providing analog Stewart-Warner gauges, including an analog turbo boost gauge. GNX #001 is the 1986 prototype currently owned by Buick and sometimes makes appearances at car shows around the US. The GNX had a ladder bar that ran from the mid-section of the car to the rear axle, so as to increase traction. This is also the reason why a GNX will actually lift the rear end up when the car is about to launch heavily.

• 
  1987 Buick Regal Grand National
• 
  1987 Buick Turbo Regal "WE4 package"
• 
  G-body Buick Regal
• 1980 Buick Regal
  1980 Buick Regal

The stealthy appearance of the all-black GNX and Grand National, coupled with the fact that the Grand National was initially released during the height of Star Wars fever, earned it the title Darth Vader's Car (Car and Driver covered the GNX model's introduction with the headline "Lord Vader, your car is ready," a phrase more recently attributed to the Maybach Exelero). The line was also used with the 1994 Chevrolet Impala SS years after the GNX was discontinued.

Third generation (1988–1996)

Third generation
Overview
Model years	1988–1996
Assembly	Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupe 4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Platform	W-body
Related	Chevrolet Lumina Chevrolet Monte Carlo Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Pontiac Grand Prix
Powertrain
Engine	2.8 L X V6 3.1 L X V6 3.8 L Buick V6
Transmission	4-speed automatic 1988–92: 4T60 1993–96: 4T60-E
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto in
Length	1988–89 2dr: Template:Auto in 1990–91 2dr: Template:Auto in 1992–94 2dr: Template:Auto in 1995–96 2dr: Template:Auto in 1990–91 4dr: Template:Auto in 1992–94 Custom & GS 4dr: Template:Auto in 1992–94 Limited 4dr: Template:Auto in 1995 4dr: Template:Auto in 1996 4dr: Template:Auto in
Width	Template:Auto in
Height	Sedan: Template:Auto in Coupe: Template:Auto in

1988–1989 Regal GS

1995–1996 Regal coupe

1996 Regal sedan

A new Regal appeared in 1988 on the GM W platform. This version both departed from and returned to Regal tradition. It was a departure in being the first front-wheel drive model, and in having no serious performance option or edition; there was no V8 engine and the V6 no longer offered a turbocharger. It did return to the original concept, however, in being offered as a coupe only, aimed once again squarely at the personal luxury buyer. The decline in that market, though, was becoming noticeable to all the manufacturers, and in 1990 the Regal again had a four-door sedan version (as did the Cutlass Supreme and Grand Prix the same year). This generation ran with few changes for nine years.

The Regal was offered in base Custom, upscale Limited, and Gran Sport trim lines. The Gran Sport option came standard with Buick's 3.8 L 3800 Series I V6 rated at 170 hp (130 kW) (from 1991 on), aluminum wheels, body side cladding, full instrumentation, and a console mounted shifter attached to a 4-speed automatic. The 3.8 L V6 was unique to the Regal, giving the car some performance to differentiate it from the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme and Pontiac Grand Prix, with which it shared many of its components. Anti-lock brakes were made standard on all but the base Custom cars in 1992, and the grille was redesigned again for 1993. Along with the new look came an electronically-controlled automatic transmission and LeSabre-like rear lights and bumper.

A driver's side airbag was added for 1994. Other changes that year included the deletion of the Limited coupe, standard ABS on all models, standard power windows, and 20 hp (15 kW) more in the base engine due to a revised intake manifold and cylinder head. Dual airbags were new for 1995 along with a new interior. The larger 3.8 L V6 engine gained 35 hp (26 kW) for 1996, and only the Custom and Gran Sport (GS) coupes remained. Although 1996 was the last year of this model, production continued into 1997 as the replacement model was late.

Engines

• 1988-1989 2.8 L (170 in³) Chevrolet LB6 MFI V6, 125 hp (93 kW) and 160 lb⋅ft (220 N⋅m)
• 1989-1993 3.1 L (191 in³) Chevrolet LH0 MFI V6, 140 hp (104 kW) and 180 lb⋅ft (240 N⋅m)
• 1994-1996 3.1 L (191 in³) Chevrolet L82 SFI V6, 160 hp (119 kW) and 185 lb⋅ft (251 N⋅m)
• 1990-1996 3.8 L (231 in³) Buick L27 V6, 170 hp (127 kW) and 210 lb⋅ft (280 N⋅m)

Fourth generation (1997–2004)

Fourth generation
Overview
Also called	Chevrolet Lumina (Philippines)
Model years	North America: 1997–2004 China: 2003–2008
Assembly	Oshawa, Ontario, Canada Shanghai, China
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Platform	W-body 2nd Gen
Related	Buick Century Chevrolet Impala Chevrolet Monte Carlo Oldsmobile Intrigue Pontiac Grand Prix
Powertrain
Engine	3.8 L 3800 Series II V6
Transmission	4-speed 4T65-E automatic 4-speed 4T65-E HD automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto in
Length	Template:Auto in
Width	Template:Auto in
Height	Template:Auto in

In 1997, the Century and the Regal once again became versions of the same car, only offered as a four-door sedan, and sitting on a revised W platform that was shared with the Oldsmobile Intrigue, the Pontiac Grand Prix, and the Chevrolet Impala. Differences between the Regal and Century were mostly cosmetic. As the upmarket version, the Regal offered larger engines and fancier trim, and once again boasted a newer version of the 3.8 L V6. While the Century was mainly a reliable, economy-minded car based upon the W-body, the Regal was fitted with many amenities, including heated leather seats (optional on the Century), a Monsoon 8-speaker surround sound system, dual climate control, and expansive interior space. Few changes occurred during this version's seven-year run. It offered 5-passenger seating on all trim levels like the Pontiac Grand Prix and Oldsmobile Intrigue (formerly Cutlass Supreme), unlike their predecessors that had optional 6-passenger seating and the Buick Century (formerly built on the A platform) which had standard 6-passenger seating.

This period held the fastest Buick since the days of the Grand National, the Buick Regal GS. This car was now supercharged instead of turbocharged, and produced 240 hp (180 kW) and 280 lb⋅ft (380 N⋅m) of torque. When introduced in 1997, Buick advertised the Regal as the "car for the supercharged family". Buick also released two other model types, the LSE and the GSE. The LSE stayed with the 200 hp (150 kW) engine with upgrades and the GSE stayed with the 240 hp (180 kW) supercharged engine with upgrades. Also, in 2000 Buick came out with a concept GNX that had an intercooled 3.8 L, but was supercharged rather than turbocharged. It had 300 hp (220 kW) unlike the original that had 276 hp (206 kW).

Engines

• 1997-2004 3.8 L L36 Series II V6
• 1997-2004 3.8 L L67 Series II supercharged V6

Regal LS and GS performance

The 3800 Series II L67 Supercharged engine in a 1998 GS.

The Regal LS from the factory had a 1/4 mile (~400 m) elapsed time (ET) of 15.8 seconds and could do 0-60 mph in under 8 seconds. The supercharged Regal GS had a 1/4 mile ET of 14.7 seconds, and acceleration to 60 mph (100 km/h) took only 6.6 seconds. The Regal GS, equipped with the supercharged 3.8 liter V6 engine (L67) produced 240 hp (180 kW) & 280 ft⋅lbf (380 N⋅m) of torque. The Regal GS's PCM has programming that activates torque management to reduce wheel spin at launch.

Regal GSX (SLP Performance)

Available as a dealer-installed option was the GSX SLP Performance Package for the Buick Regal GS. This package included updated emblems replacing "GS" with "GSX," dual-exhaust, an upgraded cold-air intake, smaller supercharger pulley, performance PCM and wider wheels/tires. Power output was up to 270 hp (200 kW) and 312 ft⋅lbf (423 N⋅m) of torque.

End of North American production

The North American Regal was replaced in 2005 by the Buick LaCrosse, also built on the W platform. The final 2004 Buick Regal rolled off the assembly line on June 1, 2004.

China

Beginning on December 26, 2002, the Regal was the fourth Buick model to be assembled in China by GM Shanghai. It has generated considerable sales in that market as a large, relatively luxurious model, despite being more expensive than the American version. It replaced the Century in Buick's Chinese lineup and has slightly different frontal sheetmetal from the American models. Engine choices are also very different: a 2.0 L four-cylinder and a 2.5 L V6 power the Chinese Regal. This model was also exported to the Philippines as the Chevrolet Lumina.

Chinese production of this generation continued through the 2008 model year.

Fifth generation (2009–present)

Fifth generation
Overview
Model years	China: 2009–present North America: 2011–present
Assembly	Shanghai, China Rüsselsheim, Germany Oshawa, Ontario, Canada (2011)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Platform	GM Epsilon II platform
Related	Buick LaCrosse Buick Allure Opel Insignia Vauxhall Insignia Daewoo Alpheon
Powertrain
Engine	2.4 L LAF Ecotec I4 2.0 L turbo Ecotec I4 (fall 2010)
Transmission	6-speed automatic 6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto in
Length	Template:Auto in
Width	Template:Auto in
Height	Template:Auto in

See also: Opel Insignia

A new Buick Regal was launched in China in November 2008 as a rebadged Opel Insignia.

In November 2009, in Los Angeles, GM revealed the model to the North American market, with a launch date of 2nd quarter 2010. In North America, the new Regal will slot just below the LaCrosse, and compete with upscale sedans such as the Acura TSX and Volvo S60. It will debut with just one engine, the 2.4L Ecotec I4 rated at 182 hp. A turbocharged 2.0L Ecotec I4 rated at an estimated 220 hp will be available later in 2010. Both will come with 6-speed automatic transmission. Jim Frederico, chief engineer for Buick, announced that a 6-speed manual will be available shortly after launch. A hybrid variant will soon follow. The 2011 Regal will be offered only in CXL trim, with other trim levels expected for 2012.

The CXL trim starts at $26,995 USD, with the CXL Turbo trim starting at $29,495. An entry-level CX trim will be available in 2012. Pricing for the CX model has not yet been confirmed, as of July 31st, 2010.

The North American-market Buick Regal is assembled alongside the Opel Insignia in Rüsselsheim, Germany. It was previously reported in Canada's National Post that GM would build this Epsilon II-based model at its Oshawa, Ontario, plant, as a way to convince the Canadian government to grant the struggling automaker $2.4 billion in financial aid. GM has since confirmed that production of the Regal in Oshawa will begin in the first quarter of 2011.

Buick Regal GS concept

At the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, GM showed a concept GS version of the Regal, based on the Opel Insignia OPC, with a 255 hp (190 kW) high-output turbo I4, manual transmission, and all-wheel drive. GM Vice Chairman of Global Product Development, Tom Stephens, confirmed that the Regal GS is approved for production and will arrive in showrooms in April 2011.

External links

• Buick Regal GS on MotorImpress.com
• GNXRegistry.ORG - The Official Registry of the Buick GNX
• nos4gn.com dedicated to the restoration of Turbo Regals Grand Nationals and GNX vehicles
• Article on a first generation Regal
• Turbo Regal Website gnttype.org -Original Turbo Regal Resource
• BEFORE BLACK for the 1982 Buick Regal Grand National and 1978-83 Buick Turbo V6
• Muscle Car Club Grand National page
• Consumer Guide on the last Regals
• RegalGS.org - Supercharged Regal site
• Information about the 1987 Buick GNX
• Buick Regal in television and film