2014 Buick Regal boasts more power, greater efficiency

2014 Buick Regal The revamped 2014 Buick Regal now arriving in dealerships features the sport sedan’s most powerful standard engine ever – and increased fuel efficiency. Producing an SAE-rated 259 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque from just two liters of displacement, the Regal has more standard horsepower and torque than the Acura TSX, Audi A4, Lexus IS 250, Mercedes-Benz CLA 250, Volkswagen CC, and Volvo S60. The new turbo four-cylinder engine incorporates an improved twin-scroll turbocharger and a host of other advancements that result in a smoother, quieter engine with improved power and efficiency.
When compared with the 2013 Regal Turbo, the new 2.0L Turbo produces 18 percent more horsepower and 13 percent more torque while delivering more miles per gallon. Equipped with its six-speed automatic transmission, the 2014 Regal gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, an increase of 3 mpg or 17 percent city economy over the 2013 Regal Turbo.
“Power and fuel efficiency are typically mutually exclusive,” said Mike Katerberg, chief powertrain engineer. “But with our new 2.0L Turbo, we were able to increase both and create one of the most torque rich and fuel efficient combinations on the market.”
A Ward’s 10 Best Engine, debuting in the Cadillac ATS, the new 2.0L Turbo is comprised of about 95 percent new parts compared to the outgoing engine. Both powertrains use a cast aluminum cylinder block and direct fuel injection, but enhanced driving refinement was the goal of the second-generation 2.0L Turbo.
New design elements and components work harmoniously to enrich performance, efficiency, acoustics and durability. Changes to the new 2.0L Turbo include:
Relocated balance shafts inside of the oil pan help reduce noise
A two-stage, variable displacement oil pump now located inside the oil pan contributes to greater fuel efficiency and reduced noise
A new two-piece oil pan is constructed of aluminum in the upper section to promote structural rigidity and stamped steel in the lower for its acoustic dampening
A new cylinder head design that relocates the intake system/throttle body to the firewall side of the engine compartment and positions the exhaust ports on the forward-facing section of the engine
Proprietary computational fluid dynamics analysis techniques were used to develop an all-new combustion system with a higher compression ratio, which also helped boost efficiency
Dual continuously variable cam phasing with increased authority to maximize low-speed torque and fuel efficiency
An acoustic intake manifold cover with integrated sound-absorbing blanket for improved noise isolation
Structural front engine and camshaft covers are stiffer and more rigid, contributing to lower engine noise
Premium features including a forged steel crankshaft and an inverted-tooth camshaft drive chain that enhance durability and reduce noise
“We really strived to not only give the customer great performance, but also a smoother, quieter, and more refined engine, all essential elements in a Buick,” said Katerberg.
In addition to the new standard turbocharged engine, the 2014 Regal turbo models now offer an available advanced all-wheel-drive system with electronic limited-slip differential and HiPer Strut front suspension for added performance and drivability in all types of road conditions.
The new Regal sport sedan also features refreshed exterior and interior styling. It now comes standard with next-generation IntelliLink connectivity including eight-inch color touch display, leather-appointed seating surfaces with heated front seats, rear vision camera, and 18-inch alloy wheels. A suite of active safety technologies including full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Change Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert is available.
Source: GM