2014 Buick Regal First Look

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Like the 2014 Buick LaCrosse, the midsize Buick Regal will undergo a face-lift and technology infusion for the 2014 model year. Additionally, the Regal GS and Regal Sport will feature a more powerful turbocharged engine and an upgraded all-wheel-drive system. Both the 2014 Buick Regal and 2014 Buick LaCrosse debut at the New York auto show this week. The refreshed Regal replaces its front and rear fascias, tweaking its headlights and adding new daytime running LEDs. Those light emitting diodes also go to the rear of the car, where "wing shaped" taillights make the 2014 Regal more recognizable. The interior adds a new center stack console, bringing this European Buick -- it began life as an Opel Insignia -- in line with other Buicks with the next-generation IntelliLink infotainment system, which centers around an 8-inch touch screen. The system also promises to be easier to use, as Buick cut back the number of buttons on the center stack from 17 to just seven. The Regal also swaps out its instrument panel, adding a 4.2-inch color screen between the speedometer and tachometer. This screen provides vehicle information, navigation, phone and other features for quick glances as a driver can toggle through screens with steering wheel controls. The new Regal GS will use a configurable 8-inch digital screen for its instrument cluster. Like the LaCrosse, the 2014 Regal will also receive a significant technology upgrade, offering radar-based adaptive cruise control which will operate even in stop-and-go traffic. The Regal also adds camera-based systems such as Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems.

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The performance GS model will arrive with a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The engine will create 259 hp - up 18 percent over the Regal Turbo's old 220 hp rating but down 11 hp from last year's GS model -- and 295 lb-ft of torque. Ninety percent of that torque (260 lb-ft) will be available from 1700 to 5500 rpm. Engineers also added a number of performance enhancements for the 2014 Regal GS such as a forged steel crankshaft, balance shafts in the oil pan, structural engine covers and other improvements that will cut vibrations and interior noise. The base-model Regal will continue to come with Buick's mild-hybrid system that features GM's 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a small electric motor. The new all-wheel-drive system uses an electronic limited slip differential and a slew of sensors to determine what traction is needed for any given situation. It can shift as much as 90 percent of the vehicle's torque to the rear axle. Under normal driving conditions, most of the power remains in the front axle. The Regal adds HiPer strut front suspension that will improve steering feel as well as isolate road inputs. While the new Regal may not look significantly different than the previous model, the significant upgrades to its turbo 2.0-liter, changes to the all-wheel-drive system and technology improvements move this brand into the 21st Century. Buick is not just for China anymore.

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