different cars using the same basic chassis, compare the new Regal with

the new Buick Century. These two share the same platform (along with the

new Olds Intrigue, Grand Prix, and Chevy Lumina), but aside from dimensions

they're about as much alike as milk and champagne.

We wouldn't call the Regal's new exterior treatment particularly exciting

(though Buick did depart from tradition by substituting a horizontally-barred

grille for the familiar chrome waterfall). But it's clean, nicely proportioned

and free of excessive bright trim. The GS takes this look a bit further

with a body-colored grille.

Thanks to the switch to a new platform, this is a substantially larger

car than its predecessor. The wheelbase is 1.5 inches longer, the front/rear

track is 2.5 and 3.3 inches wider, respectively, with corresponding increases

in body dimensions: 2.3 inches and a surprising 3.3 inches taller. What

this adds up to, of course, is more room inside the car, as well as in

the trunk.

The new model is offered in two models, the basic LS and the sportier

GS, our test subject. Both are sedans; the coupes have been dropped.

Trim and feature differences notwithstanding, the major distinction

between the LS and GS lies beneath the hood. The LS is powered by a normally

aspirated version of GM's uniquitous 3800 Series II V6, rated at 195 horsepower

and 220 pound-feet of torque, the GS by the supercharged edition, with

240 hp and 280 lb.-ft.

Both engines drive the front wheels through four-speed automatic transmission,

though the GS has a heavier-duty version to handle the extra torque of

the supercharged engine. The GS also has 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels

with slightly more aggressive tires and firmer suspension tuning. However,

the 16-inch wheel/tire package can be added to the LS, as can the handling

upgrade, with the Y56 suspension option.

Although the Regal's pricing had not been fixed when we went to press,

we expect the LS to start at about $21,500, the GS at about $23,500 and

a loaded GS to be pretty close to $27,000. Our tester, which had most of

the goodies offered in the Regal lineup, would be right around $26,500.