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Buick's 1998 Regal LS and the sporty, supercharged Regal GS achieve new, higher levels of standard equipment in the midsize sedan market. Regal is designed to meet the needs of an active, on-the-go consumer who desires a midsize sedan with exceptional performance, style, and family accommodations. Launched as the "Official Car of the Supercharged Family," Regal GS has the most power and standard safety features of any car in its class. Even though Regal was introduced as a 1997 1/2 model, a number of refinements and improvements are incorporated in the 1998 model.
ONSTAR SYSTEM - Buy The Regal Here
For 1998, Regal has a significant safety, security and convenience option -- GM OnStar. OnStar is an in-vehicle communications system combining Global Positioning System satellite technology and a hands-free, voice-activated cellular telephone to link drivers to a center where advisers are available to provide many kinds of assistance, such as emergency services and navigational and travel support. OnStar, which is a dealer installed option, provides automatic notification of air bag deployment and stolen vehicle tracking.
ENGINE - Buy The Regal Here
Award-winning 3.8-liter naturally aspirated and supercharged 3800 Series II V-6 engines give Regal both impressive power and excellent fuel economy. Ward's Auto World magazine has rated the naturally aspirated version as among the "10 Best Engines" for the third consecutive year, while the supercharged version has been so honored the past two years. Regal GS is standard with a supercharged 3800 Series II V-6 generating 240 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque at 3600 rpm, the highest horsepower ratings in its class. The supercharged 3800 Series II V-6 engine benefits from a 100,000-mile spark plug design, a progressive throttle body linkage, and a post-converter oxygen sensor for more precise emissions calibrations. Projected EPA fuel economy for the 1998 Regal GS is 17 miles per gallon city and 27 mpg highway. New for 1998, Regal's 3800 Series II V-6 engines are equipped with the Onboard Refueling Vapor Recover System (ORVR), which is designed to recover fuel vapors during vehicle refueling. Both engines are also mounted to a rubber isolated engine cradle and feature a low torque-axis engine mounting system which minimizes engine vibration. Regal LS is powered by a normally aspirated 3800 Series II V-6 producing 195 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 220 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. This base engine has more power and torque than many competitive up-level, performance engines. Projected EPA fuel economy for the 1998 Regal LS is 19 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Both Regal LS and GS sedans are equipped with a 4T65E four-speed automatic overdrive transmission, with an electronically controlled capacity clutch. The 4T65E transmission senses and seamlessly adapts to changes in altitude, barometric pressure and engine load, and electronically interacts with a higher capacity and more efficient powertrain control module (PCM) to create a fully integrated powertrain. The 4T65E adjusts and refines shifts throughout the lifetime of the car, and offers electronic calibration and controls that optimize overall fuel economy. Regal GS is equipped with the heavy duty (HD) version of the 4T65E. Regal ranks among the highest in its class for standard safety features that are either optional or not available on many midsize sedan competitors.
STANDARD AND SAFETY FEATURES - Buy The Regal Here
Standard equipment items include dual ComforTemp air conditioning and air filtration, four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes, traction control, automatic power door locks, PASS-Key II theft-deterrent system, remote keyless entry, rear-window defogger, AM/FM stereo with cassette player, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, adjustable steering column, two-speed variable delay wipers, power heated folding outside rearview mirrors, power windows, and a rear seat pass-through to the trunk. Magnetic variable effort steering is standard equipment on all Regals to provide greater power steering assistance at low speeds and better road feel and control at highway speeds. For 1998, all Buicks feature driver and front passenger Next Generation air bags, which have reduced force. The less aggressive air bags, made possible by a change in federal safety regulations, will improve overall vehicle safety for all occupants. Regal LS also comes with a standard fixed-mast antenna, specially shaped to eliminate antenna whistle. An optional antenna embedded in the rear window glass is standard on the GS. On all up-level radio systems, a 32k microprocessor option enables installation of an optional trunk-mounted, dealer-installed 12-disc CD changer. Front bucket seats, a full-length operating console and leather-covered floor shifter are standard equipment.
EXTERIOR STYLISH FEATURES - Buy The Regal Here
The latest generation front-wheel-drive Regal LS and GS project a fresh Buick brand character and styling philosophy. Distinctive front and rear fascias and grilles immediately define the car as a Regal. Subtle lower body cladding, integrated headlamps and tail lamps, and 16-inch aluminum or steel wheels (chrome is an option) create a sporty appearance. Regal features a rigid, world-class body structure for improved safety, ride comfort, superior handling, noise reduction and build quality. Introduced on 1997 1/2 models, the architecture is designed to provide a robust safety cage for occupant protection. A cross-car beam behind the instrument panel enhances rigidity and serves as a secure mounting point for the instrument panel, steering column and dual Next Generation air bags.
COLORS - Buy The Regal Here
The 1998 Regal has a revised instrument panel and door trim decor with new black accents which will be available soon after start of production. Regal's color palette also has two new exterior colors: Twilight Blue Metallic and Midnight Blue Pearl.
ENGINEERING - Buy The Regal Here
The 1998 Regal is a "spacious" car with its long 109-inch wheelbase. Its overall length of 196.2 inches, and large door openings provide easy entry and egress. Front head room is 39.3 inches. Regal's overall vehicle height is 56.6 inches. Road handling and stability continue to be Regal's forte due to track width measurements of 62 inches up front and 61.3 inches in the rear. Regal's suspension is a balance of competent and secure handling that enhances comfortable ride quality. Regal's suspension features L-shaped front lower control arms with large rubber isolator bushings at each attachment to the engine cradle. The forward attachment uses a soft bushing to absorb bumps. The rear bushing is located near the wheel center to maximize lateral stiffness and provide good handling feel. The Regal independent rear suspension also utilizes an isolated rear crossmember for control without undue harshness or noise.
DESIGN - Buy The Regal Here
Regal is designed to be sporty, while still roomy enough for family use. The sixth-generation Regal has an original, youthful look that is designed to be the most expressive sedan in the Buick line. Regal is contemporary, with stylish cues and sporty brand character -- a true sport sedan for the '90s.
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