1997 1/2 Regal Reasserts
Buick's Title To The Road

Article by Bob Storck
Photography by Brenda Priddy

Price: $20,545 to $26,000

Transmission: Electronically-controlled four-speed automatic transmissions

Engine: 3.8- liter 240-horsepower supercharged V6 or 3.8 liter, 195 hp V6 Front Engine/ Front Drive

Safety Features: Driver and passenger side airbags, anti-lock brakes are standard

Fuel Economy: 19 mpg city/30 mpg highway (LS)

Features: Never one for flashy cars, Buick has remained a favorite with its affordable comfort. Now they add sportiness with the Regal to challenge the imports.

Carefree, Arizona--A few years back, ads claimed that the Great American Road belonged to Buick. Buick's all-new 1997 1/2 sporty Regal GS, which features a supercharged 3800 V-6 engine, and Regal LS are determined to prove that statement. They are both highly capable competitors in the hotly contested midsize sedan market.

The all-new Regal is designed to meet the needs of a consumer who desires a mid-size sedan possessing performance, styling and family accommodations. The Regal GS sport sedan is powered by a supercharged 3800 Series II V-6, with 240 horsepower at and more importantly, 280 lb-ft of torque . Even so, it is rated at 18 miles per gallon city and 28 highway. The Regal LS is powered by a normally aspirated V-6, that still produces an admirable 195 horsepower.

The Arizona mountains are well-suited to try out the Regal, especially the excellent electronically-controlled four-speed automatic transmissions which are standard. The transmission senses and seamlessly adapts to changes in altitude, barometric pressure and engine load, and electronically interacts with the engine electronics. These computer controls also adjust and refine shifts throughout the lifetime of the car.