New for model-year 2012 is the Regal eAssist, which draws its name from the electric-motor assist it lends the gas engine. The small electric motor delivers 15 horsepower and 79 pound-feet of torque to augment the 2.4-liter four-cylinder during rapid acceleration or on demanding inclines. The motor is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack charged through regenerative braking and energy captured during deceleration. The pack is stored in the trunk and reduces cargo volume by 3.2 cubic feet; it also renders stationary one side of Regal’s split/folding rear seatback.

Unlike full hybrids, the eAssist system can’t propel the car on electricity alone. Its principal function is to ease loads on the gas engine, thereby reducing fuel consumption. Buick also offers an eAssist version of the LaCrosse and the system will be available on the redesigned 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The eAssist system does not alter the 2.4-liter powertrain’s output ratings, which remain 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque.

Also new to the 2012 Regal lineup, the GS model gets a performance-tuned version of the CXL Turbo’s 2.0-liter. It’s rated at 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This output is equivalent to the performance-engine applications in a host of potential GS rivals, some of which rely on six-cylinder engines for this level of power. In addition to its handling-tuned suspension, the GS comes with Brembo-brand front-brake calipers and is available with performance-tread 20-inch summer tires.

Two transmissions are available on the 2012 Regal. The CXL and eAssist come only with a six-speed automatic. The automatic is optional on the CXL Turbo in place of a six-speed manual transmission. The 2012 Regal GS debuts only with the six-speed manual, though Buick says the six-speed automatic will be available at a future date. Regal’s automatic transmission is calibrated to the individual power characteristics of the engine it’s match with and uses a console-mounted floor lever than can be toggled to replicate manual-type shifting.

The expanded engine lineup gives the 2012 Regal a nice powertrain resume, one it’ll need to offset the potential handling deficit imposed by its front-wheel-drive layout. Front-wheel drive masses the weight of the engine and transmission over the wheels that also propel and steer the car. Sports sedans like the BMW 3-Series and Infiniti G37 are based on the classic rear-wheel drive layout that more equitably distributes weight front-to-rear – and doesn’t require the front tires do both steer and deliver power. The initial Regal GS auto-show concept addressed the “stigma” of front-wheel drive by using all-wheel drive to spread power more evenly. The cost and weight of the AWD system eliminated it from the production 2012 GS, however.

Buick relies instead on its high-tech Interactive Drive Control System (IDSC) to provide the sportiest Regals with top-notch road manners. Optional on the CXL Turbo and standard on the Regal GS, IDSC continually modifies chassis reactions based on driving style and road conditions. It also provides three driver-selectable suspension settings: Normal for a balance of ride and handling; Touring to emphasize comfort; and Sport to tighten the suspension, sharpen steering response, and quicken transmission shifts. Ordering IDSC on the Regal CXL Turbo adds the 19-inch wheels and tires.

Features: Buick pitches the 2012 Regal as an upscale sedan and follows through with a list of standard and optional features befitting the billing. Standard on every 2012 Regal is leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated power front seats (with driver’s power lumbar), and remote keyless entry. Also included is a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls as well as buttons for the standard cruise-control system and for the standard Bluetooth hands-free mobile-phone link.

A USB iPod interface also is included, as is XM satellite radio and GM’s OnStar security, directions, and concierge service with six months free subscription. Instruments and controls have ice-blue LED lighting and the cabin has a plethora of padded surfaces; most of its plastic panels have a satin-metallic or piano-black finish.

Among standard features on the 2012 Regal GS are bi-xenon headlamps, front and rear audible parking assist, and keyless entry with pushbutton ignition. The GS also gets an upgraded leather interior with heated sport-bolstered front seats with additional power adjustments, plus a leather wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel.

Optional on the Regal CXL and standard on the CXL Turbo are rear parking assist and a household-type 120-volt power outlet. Other available 2012 Regal features include a navigation system, power sunroof, and a 320-watt premium harmon/kardon sound system with nine speakers and a hard drive with 10 gigabytes of music storage.

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