2018 Buick Regal GS images leaked

Images of the 2018 Buick Regal GS have leaked overnight courtesy of Russian website Kolesa.

We’re not usually particularly interested in Buicks given their limited relevance to the Australian market, however the 2018 Buick Regal will also be known as the Holden Commodore when it lands in local showrooms in early 2018.

The leaked images are of the Chinese market Regal GS sports model, providing potential hints as to the styling details that will be incorporated into Holden’s next sports Commodore.

Just what that model will be called is currently unclear. All we know is that it won’t be ‘Commodore SS’ as that iconic nameplate will be retired with the V8; our money would be Commodore VXR, building on the equity built by Holden’s imported Insignia and Astra sports models.

Tweaks are limited to more aggressive front and rear bumpers with wider air intakes, a new wheel design (wearing Continental tyres) and red brake calipers, matched inside by contrasting red stitching.

Under the bonnet will be a new 230kW/370Nm 3.6-litre V6 matched to a nine-speed automatic, resulting in 0-100km/h in around six seconds. This range-topper will a Twinster-style all-wheel drive system, similar to that in the Ford Focus RS, which can send up to 50 per cent of the power to the rear wheels and apportion it left or right to improve cornering.

Holden was contacted by MOTOR but had no comment on the leaked images or the potential likeness to the next sports Commodore. We’ll bring you more information as it comes to hand.