The Buick Regal GS of yore reigns as a sedate midsize sedan. That bygone time? The 2017 model year when the car released 259 horsepower from a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The 2018 Regal GS notches up the sporty attitude with a V6 producing 310 horsepower, a 51 horsepower increase over the prior model. Regal GS-specific front seats have adjustable lumbar and thigh bolsters, heating/cooling, and a massage feature. Other sporty Regal GS overtures include a flat-bottom, heated steering wheel and standard Brembo brakes that flank standard 19-inch wheels. The Regal GS-specific exterior visuals include side skirts and a rear spoiler.

Powering the 2018 sport sedan is a 3.6-liter V6 that releases 310 horsepower at 6800 rpm and 282 pounds-feet of torque at 5200 rpm. (The prior model was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder producing 259 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 295 pounds-feet of toque from 2500-4000 rpm.) The V6 mates to a 9-speed automatic transmission. (The 4-cylinder mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.) Regal also increases its wheelbase to 111.4-inches from the prior 107.8 inches. The tested 2018 Buck Regal GS AWD collects estimated mpg of 19 city/27 highway and carries a base MSRP of $39,070.