Lamar

I'm inclined to agree more here.

With Cadillac talking about a $150K premium model sedan there needs to be more then three sedans to take up the range. I see my ULS as a Sixteen type of model that would be built to order and very limited. Perhaps bring on a modern A&S version of tail fins on this long and elegant model! The return of the larger then life Cadillac! No problem. I was confused, though, because you have the ULS priced so low (starting at 65k).

I know Lexus does it, but that's because the ES is the weird one in the group and is positioned below the "entry-level" IS. The way I see it, the XTS will end up being the weird one in the Cadillac stable if that happens. But as Carguy had posted, his lineup consisted of 4 RWD sedans. Positioning seems weird that way, with STS and ULS both essentially occupying the top spot.

Four sedan lines, Carguy?

What you propose as a GS, Dwight, sounds a lot like the GSX package that they used to offer on the last W-body Regal (sans AWD back then, of course). And there's still room for that and would happen if they could make a business case for bringing the OPC Insignia over (or tooling up for it here).

323 HP through only the front wheels is also the answer to a question that nobody asked. And, as we've said many times here, the problem with the car's performance and FE has nothing to do with what's powering it and everything to do with it being on the chubby side.

I've been trying to find out how much the L32 weighed but can't find numbers anywhere. Since the fully-dressed LNF isn't that much lighter than the LLT, I'd think that it was actually somewhat heavier than the L32.

Just 'cause I had a minute (ok, I'm procrastinating on an assignment ), I decided to compare this new GS to the previous one. 2004 Regal GS: 3.8L V6S, 240 HP, 280 lb-ft 0-60 in 6.6 sec (ModernRacer.com) 1/4 mile in 15.2 sec @ 95.6 mph EPA 16/26 (fueleconomy.gov), with 4AT 3543 lb 2012 Regal GS: 2.0L I4T, 270 HP, 295 lb-ft 0-60 in 6.7 sec (mfr est) 1/4 mile unknown EPA ??/28 (mfr est), with 6MT 3710 lb

Ah, yes, sound deadening. We'll have to keep an eye on the weights of the next Malibu and Impala, which will ostensibly be less soundproofed than their Buick platform-mates. As far as wiring in cars... do HIDs require thicker wire than halogen setups? And I figure that all the LEDs are wired in parallel, which can also add up...

My dad taught me the value of perseverance. And integrity. And the value of having diversified interests. And how to do pretty much anything related to at-home car maintenance.

I mentioned that in my first post in this thread. Quite true. My wife's Maxima can do it in the 6-sec range as well... I think it's 6.6 for the auto. Again, we come to weight... both your GTP (3400-ish?) and our Maxima (3001) are at least two people lighter than the Regal.

Because of two upscale entries, none over three years old, that currently barely sell, Hyundai should be considered more premium than Buick? (notice I'm referring to market position, not brand image... different matter) No. Because for the Genesis and Equus that elevate it, Hyundai still has the Accent and Elantra that negate whatever cache those two cars bring. AND the reputation for building nothing but econoboxes, which still persists even through the current generation of cars.

Spend another grand and get a 6MT and quattro.

I bet if one automaker figures out how to drastically cut weight in those areas, they'll patent their idea and leave the others scrambling. Competitive edge, or something like that.

My wheels were alloy, Camino. To your point, though, few want steelies anymore. Many take them along with the value-leader car they buy.

My first question is this: How much do these newer airbag modules weigh? I remember when driver and passenger airbags just became required. But now with knee, thoracic, and curtain airbags (and whatever else), the weight they carry, as well as their propulsion systems, has to have been the largest culprit. My second observation: Standard wheels on cars have grown across the board too. Remember when midsize SUVs used to ride on 15s? I know I do... mine did.

Agreed. This IS the government we're talking about here... but so as not to completely derail discussion of the Regal, I'll continue with my thoughts over there. I have questions myself.

Premium cache. Buick still has a smidgen of it. Hyundai never has. Also, good luck finding a Sonata 2.0T with a manual.

It would be a start. Can't get away from the safety systems mandated by the feds, though, so reduction in the weight of chassis and body components ends up being the way to go. Some of the more upscale marques (Audi, Jaguar) have already shown progress on that. Others have plans to in the future. GM could stand to add some lightness company-wide, and not just to Buick.

Even the non-GS Regal's MPG are somewhat lower than we'd expect... 19/30 for the 2.4, 18/28 for the Turbo. Turbo-4, non-turbo-4, the fact remains that the Regal outweighs all its competitors. Not even the 3.6 (about 20 pounds heavier than the LNF) could make up for that shortcoming,

Maybe the shortcomings of the car have nothing to do with the engine...

Being smaller, and being geared solely toward going fast, they should be. But to counter Camino's other point (high powered 4s have a mission of providing performance while maintaining MPG), I provided those examples to show that either all those cars fail as high-powered four-bangers... or that his expectations are misguided. In theory, the smaller-displacement-plus-turbo idea should work. In practice, however, we wouldn't know unless we saw two cars on the same platform using both engines. There are no LWB EpII cars using the turbo 4, and there are no SWB cars using the 3.6...

For comparison's sake again: Subaru Impreza WRX STI*: 17/23, 305 hp Mitsubishi Lancer Evo*: 17/23, 291 hp Honda S2000: 18/24, 232 hp Dodge Caliber SRT4: 19/27, 285 hp MAZDASPEED3: 18/26, 263 hp Regal GS: ??/28, 270 hp ... and I'd venture that the Regal GS is more liveable day-to-day than any of these five cars... and not just because it's a size class or two bigger, either. * - yes, they have AWD. But yes, they're still lighter than the Regal.

If the orthopedic shoe fits...

An even better example of why I'm critical of the GS. And one that's more readily acceptable than the anecdotal LS1 evidence... (and I'm pretty sure the Regal could achieve 35 MPG highway if driven like a little old lady)