Cadillac Continuously Variable Real Time Damping

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GS - real time dampening or not?

  • Thread author msera1
  • Start date
  • #1
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Buick
Hello, Very interested in getting a 2014 GS leftover withe the 19's. Love the Hiper strut idea and and in need of an explanation on the other aspects of the suspension as I dislike a hard ride and wonder if the GS is right for me with some of the roads in N.J. I am just turning the big 5-0 and cant see myself in the Lacrosse but am sure I would love it. Now back to the GS, I understand the capability to change shock valving and such based on the default, sport and GS modes that Buick calls " interactive drive control system. I do not think this system is the same as active suspension or what Buick calls Continuously Variable Real-Time Damping in the lacrosse and the Cadillac XTS. For those in the Know please help me understand is it real time or not in the GS. Also, the online you tube reviewers state the car is very livable for day to day and not extreme ride at all but needs your feedback on this as well.

Thanks Much

  • #2
Taken from the '14 Buick Regal Press Release.

A four-link independent rear suspension on FWD models is designed to minimize unwanted toe
and camber effects during spirited driving maneuvers, enhancing vehicle stability. Both front and
rear dampers incorporate active Computer Damping Control, continuously changing damper
characteristics that optimize ride comfort and handling capabilities over varying road surfaces
and profiles. More aggressive, performance-oriented damping characteristics can also be
selected by the driver through the Interactive Driver Control system.

NJ roads are hit or miss depending on where you live. My commute is not too bad with a couple of problem areas that I have learned to avoid. BTW, I have the 20" wheels and thoroughly enjoy the firm, controlled ride.

If you are local I would let you drive my car to decide for yourself.

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  • #3
392
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Buick Ownership
2013 Regal GS, Crystal Red Tint Coat, Aisin AF40
The GS suspension is far from harsh, even in GS mode.

I live in PA, and our roads are the same if not worse than NJ.

I came from a lowered Cobalt SS to the GS, so I know what harsh can be.

  • #4
I actually find the suspension on the GS to be too soft for a sports sedan. The GS mode does tighten up a little bit but I wouldn't describe any of the modes to be harsh.
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  • #5
563
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Buick Ownership
2012 Buick Regal GS
Funny, back in the 90's NJ roads were always well taken care of and friend from there used to say how much he loved driving there over the NY roads at college. Those days have ended.

I live in CT and roads can be pretty bad. Suspension in normal mode is firm, but far from harsh. In GS it can get very firm to the point of feeling slight dips in the road joints etc....so rarely use since normal is fine for driving around. Should say I've installed Bilstein HD's on a bunch of cars.......and GS mode isn't as firm from memory.

  • #6
159
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Buick Ownership
2013 Regal GS
have a 13 GS and I live in the Chicago area never use the GS mode as the car rides to hard . I should say never as I will use it on the highways or freshly done roads in default it has a great ride . but chicago roads suck !
  • #7
ken4
199
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2016 Regal Turbo Premium 2 FWD
Roads stink around here in up state NY. Almost need a truck anymore just for in town!
  • Thread author
  • #8
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Great feedback guys. I've read so many reviews and you tube videos on the car its driving me crazy. However, It is always said to be pleasant as a daily driver in almost every review and not harsh as you have said . Just have to give it a good test drive at this point. I hope its a better 6 speed auto than in my GMC Terrain which is poor. Also would you believe there are still some 2014 GS available ....
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  • #9
392
11
0
Buick Ownership
2013 Regal GS, Crystal Red Tint Coat, Aisin AF40
Great feedback guys. I've read so many reviews and you tube videos on the car its driving me crazy. However, It is always said to be pleasant as a daily driver in almost every review and not harsh as you have said . Just have to give it a good test drive at this point. I hope its a better 6 speed auto than in my GMC Terrain which is poor. Also would you believe there are still some 2014 GS available ....

The AF40 in my 2013 GS is a wonderful automatic. Shifts so crisp.

I came from a manual car, so it's nice having a decent automatic to keep me happy.

  • #10
FWIW I test drove a 2013 a few months ago and then the 2015 that I ended up getting. They honestly felt like different cars. The steering and suspension felt different on both. They may not have been, it could have just been that the 2013 was a few years older (though mileage was only 21k) and worn a little more making it feel different. But I noticed a much greater difference in the Sport and GS modes on the 2013 than on my 2015, especially with the suspension and steering. The steering on the 2013 felt really loose and felt like there was additional play in the wheel when in normal mode, and normal on my 2015 already feels nice and solid and responsive. I almost pulled the trigger on a 2014 manual in between times but it didn't have a sunroof, something that I just have to have now since I've had them for so long I can't live without one.
  • #11
392
11
0
Buick Ownership
2013 Regal GS, Crystal Red Tint Coat, Aisin AF40
FWIW I test drove a 2013 a few months ago and then the 2015 that I ended up getting. They honestly felt like different cars. The steering and suspension felt different on both. They may not have been, it could have just been that the 2013 was a few years older (though mileage was only 21k) and worn a little more making it feel different. But I noticed a much greater difference in the Sport and GS modes on the 2013 than on my 2015, especially with the suspension and steering. The steering on the 2013 felt really loose and felt like there was additional play in the wheel when in normal mode, and normal on my 2015 already feels nice and solid and responsive. I almost pulled the trigger on a 2014 manual in between times but it didn't have a sunroof, something that I just have to have now since I've had them for so long I can't live without one.

There is a very noticeable difference going from normal mode to GS mode on my 2013. I agree with you on that.

Normal mode feels like a real Buick. Loose steering, pillow soft suspension. I always leave mine in GS mode though.

Just for reference, my car only has 18k miles on it, and it is exactly as you described. Def not worn though, cuz the car feels brand new to me.

  • #12
The AF40 in my 2013 GS is a wonderful automatic. Shifts so crisp.
2014 and up turbo cars use the GM 6T70 six speed auto.

It's a decent transmission but I feel it rushes the shifts too much. I would like it to hold first gear longer.

I find myself holding first manually and pushing the selector to second, because if it senses ANY wheelspin (FWD) it will upshift. Wheel hop is really bad BTW.

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  • #13
563
19
18
Buick Ownership
2012 Buick Regal GS
Normal mode feels like a real Buick. Loose steering, pillow soft suspension. I always leave mine in GS mode though.

You must be pretty young if you think normal mode is "pillow soft." Compared to some cars I've been in, that's rock hard.

Even in normal mode the adjustable shocks are constantly working. I've thrown the car into a slide and it stayed a lot flatter than I expected.

  • #14
392
11
0
Buick Ownership
2013 Regal GS, Crystal Red Tint Coat, Aisin AF40
2014 and up turbo cars use the GM 6T70 six speed auto.

It's a decent transmission but I feel it rushes the shifts too much. I would like it to hold first gear longer.

I find myself holding first manually and pushing the selector to second, because if it senses ANY wheelspin (FWD) it will upshift. Wheel hop is really bad BTW.


Correct. Just giving my 2 cents on the experience with my car.

I never drove a 2014 and up so I can't compare the two automatics.

I never get wheel hop in my car, that's where the hi per strut system is supposed to help.

My old car wheel hopped terribly until John Powell from Powell Raceshop designed rotated trans mounts to help re align the axles.

  • #15
392
11
0
Buick Ownership
2013 Regal GS, Crystal Red Tint Coat, Aisin AF40
You must be pretty young if you think normal mode is "pillow soft." Compared to some cars I've been in, that's rock hard.

Even in normal mode the adjustable shocks are constantly working. I've thrown the car into a slide and it stayed a lot flatter than I expected.


I'm 33 not really that young.... You must be an old geezer (lol ;)) if you think normal mode is in anyway shape or form stiff.

I came from cars that were lowered and built to run road courses, so yeah, I think the GS is far from harsh or stiff in any mode.

But I'm happy it isn't harsh, because I'm over driving a car with an overly stiff suspension.

  • #16
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Buick Ownership
Buick
Ride is so subjective, but I'll say that I moved to the Regal GS due to the more compliant ride. I think it rides very well for having rubber band tires (mine's a 2012 with factory 20's). There are cars that ride better, yes, but they typically have tires with taller sidewalls. Any harshness in normal mode I think comes from the skinny tires not able to handle road imperfections. I only use sport/GS mode when I'm feeling spirited. Even on the highways here in Colorado those modes get old after awhile, but these modes are great for spirited mountain driving and on ramps. Definitely something you should try for yourself, but across the bmw's, mercedes, and cadillac I drove, I felt the GS had as good or the best ride of them.
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  • #17
I have found that if one goes into "Config" the Sport mode on my 2013 Turbo Regal can be edited. I set mine for standard ride and only check the engine/transmission recalibration. That way its acts like a 'tuner' car, but retains the more compliant old school ride and handling.

Larry A

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