Buick Regal offers three driving experiences

(January 2, 2011) DETROIT — Imagine racing up a twisting mountain road, taking each turn as confidently as a rally champ, and then cruising comfortably down a suburban boulevard, ensconced in luxury without ever changing vehicles. Too much to ask of one car? Not if that car is the all-new 2011 Buick Regal CXL Turbo.

Regal Turbo offers not one, not two, but three unique driving experiences, each selectable by a push of a button. The 2.0L turbocharged sedan features an exclusive chassis technology that allows the driver to choose between standard, touring and sport driving styles.

The Interactive Drive Control System, much like systems found in high-end cars, changes the Regal Turbo’s driving dynamics by altering suspension, shift pattern and steering sensitivity through the variable effort steering system. The touring setting offers a comfortable, relaxed driving experience for long journeys. The sport setting enhances road-holding capability. And the standard, or default, setting is optimized for all driving situations.

“Interactive Drive Control links vehicle systems together, changing perceivable vehicle characteristics as it adapts to driver inputs,” said Bill Rietow, GM lead development engineer. “The driver can really feel the difference.”

The driver also can personalize the sport setting through the vehicle’s radio configuration menu to allow or disallow for any combination of the three features: steering, suspension or powertrain. If a driver likes the added steering effort but not the firmness of the suspension, he or she can simply turn off the suspension portion.

The other major benefit of Interactive Drive Control is that it intuitively adapts the vehicle’s performance settings to individual driving styles. When a driver begins to drive more aggressively it will automatically tighten the suspension and increase steering effort. When the vehicle senses that the driver is cruising, it adjusts settings for rolling smoothness and comfort.

The system also offers enhanced vehicle stability and greater driving safety. All four dampers are electronically controlled and continuously adapt within milliseconds to the prevailing road conditions, vehicle movements and individual driving style. If an obstacle must be avoided when the car is in touring mode, various chassis sensors convey this to the driving mode control and the dampers are stiffened within milliseconds, delivering greater body control.