2012 Buick GS and Buick eAssist

This fall will see Buick adding two more offerings to its Regal range, namely the performance orientated GS that's powered by a turbocharged four, and the fuel efficient eAssist featuring a "light" hybrid powertrain.

Pricing for the 2012 Regal GS starts at $35,310 while the 2012 Regal eAssist at $29,530 , with both prices including $860 in destination charges.

The Regal GS comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 270 horsepower (201kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400Nm). Power is transferred to the front-wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, with a six-speed automatic to be available later in the year. The Regal GS returns an estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg on the highway.

Standard features include 19-inch rims, push-button start; a leather-wrapped, flat-bottom sport steering wheel with audio controls; metal sport pedals; leather-appointed, heated and 12-way adjustable sport seats and a Harman Kardon sound system with nine speakers.

The Regal eAssist features a belt-driven, liquid-cooled electric motor/generator in place of the alternator that provides15HP (11 kW) and 79 lb-ft of assistance for the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.

The system allows the Regal eAssist to deliver an EPA-rated 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

Buick said the eAssist system is a $2,000 option on the Regal base model which will continue to be offered as a standalone model with the 2.4-liter gasoline engine.