Segment:
Mid-size Sedan / Sport Sedan
Target Audience:
Consumers seeking a stylish, comfortable, and relatively sporty mid-size sedan with premium features.
Key Competitors:
Acura TSX, Infiniti G37 Sedan, Lexus IS250, Volvo S60, Audi A4, BMW 3 Series (entry-level trims).
Design:
European-inspired styling, sleek profile, refined interior.
Performance:
Available turbocharged engine offering responsive performance, adaptive suspension (HiPer Strut on Turbo models).
Comfort And Refinement:
Quiet cabin, comfortable seating, premium materials, available driver-assist features.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system, lubrication system.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission operation, gear selection, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting.
Chassis:
Suspension system, steering system, braking system (including ABS and Traction Control).
Electrical:
Lighting systems (headlamps, interior), power windows, locks, mirrors, audio system, climate control, dashboard indicators and warning lights.
Body And Interior:
Door operation, seat adjustments, airbag system, interior features, child seat installation (LATCH), and exterior features.
Infotainment:
Buick IntelliLink system operation, radio, CD player, auxiliary inputs, Bluetooth connectivity.
Safety And Security:
Airbag system, seat belts, child restraints, anti-theft system, remote keyless entry, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, driving procedures, parking, using vehicle controls and features.
Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement, battery maintenance.
Troubleshooting:
Understanding dashboard warning lights and messages, basic troubleshooting of common issues.
Emergency:
Vehicle breakdown procedures, jump starting, changing a flat tire, towing information.
Depth:
Covers basic operation, maintenance, and user-level troubleshooting. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic codes typically found in a Service Manual.
Engine Code:
LF1 (2.0L Turbocharged)
Engine Type:
Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve with Turbocharger and Intercooler
Displacement:
1998 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Horsepower:
220 hp @ 5300 rpm
Torque:
259 lb-ft @ 2500-4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Direct Injection (DI) with Turbocharging
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended for optimal performance)
Secondary Engine Code:
A24 (2.4L Naturally Aspirated) - Note: Less common in North America for 2012 Regal.
Secondary Engine Performance
Secondary Horsepower:
182 hp @ 6200 rpm (for A24)
Secondary Torque:
172 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (for A24)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (for models equipped with optional side curtain airbags)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for models meeting specific criteria)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control
Tpms:
Standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Airbags:
Standard front airbags, available front side-impact airbags, available head curtain side-impact airbags.
Seat Belts:
3-point height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, rear 3-point seat belts.
Child Restraints:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system for rear seats.
System Name:
Buick IntelliLink (optional on lower trims, standard on higher trims)
Display Size:
7-inch Color Touchscreen Display
Features:
AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, USB and auxiliary input jacks, Bluetooth for phone and audio streaming, Pandora internet radio integration (requires compatible smartphone).
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional
Parking Assist:
Optional Rear Parking Assist
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Optional Side Blind Zone Alert
Forward Collision Alert:
Optional
Lane Departure Warning:
Optional
Bluetooth:
Standard or Optional, depending on trim and package.
Usb Ports:
Standard or Optional, typically located in the center console.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil. Consult manual for specific oil life monitoring system recommendations.
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Engine Coolant Flush:
Initial flush at 150,000 miles (240,000 km), then every 75,000 miles (120,000 km) or 5 years thereafter.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Typically no scheduled interval; inspect and change as needed based on driving conditions or if fluid shows signs of degradation. Refer to manual for guidance.
Engine Oil Capacity:
5.5 quarts (5.2 Liters) with filter for 2.0L Turbo (LF1)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Full Synthetic (GM spec 9980239 or equivalent API SN)
Coolant Type:
Dex-Cool® Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant (GM P/N 12378515 or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 (GM P/N 12377967 or equivalent)
Common Complaints:
Some owners report occasional turbo lag or hesitation, potential for oil leaks from turbo lines, and minor interior trim rattles. Early models had some electrical glitches, often resolved by software updates.
Maintenance Tips:
Regularly check tire pressures and fluid levels. Keep the turbocharger system clean by using high-quality fuel and adhering to oil change intervals. Address any warning lights promptly.
Brand Legacy:
Buick, founded in 1899, is one of America's oldest automotive brands, known for its emphasis on comfort, quietness, and upscale appointments.
Regal Lineage:
The Regal nameplate has a long history with Buick, dating back to the 1970s, evolving through various generations from personal luxury coupes to sedans.
2012 Generation Context:
The 2012 Regal is part of the seventh generation (second North American generation) introduced for the 2011 model year, based on the global GM Epsilon II platform shared with Opel Insignia.
Manufacturing Location:
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
