This turbocharged demon packing 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque with a six-speed manual transmission and a host of performance enhancements reportedly was approved. The Detroit News, citing an interview with General Motors vice chairman Tom Stephens, said the car has been given the green light.

Buick was mum when contacted by AutoWeek.

“We have not made any announcements at all on the Buick Regal Gran Sport production plans,” spokeswoman Dayna Hart said. “We’re just saying stay tuned at this time.”

GS, or Gran Sport, channels Buick’s heritage of sporting drives going back to the 1960s. The Riviera, the Wildcat, the Skylark and the Regal have all worn the badge.

The car at the Detroit auto show had all-wheel drive, two more vertical front air intakes, forged aluminum 20-inch wheels, a sport steering wheel and Recaro seats.

Though called a show car, the Regal GS was a gussied-up production Regal. With another turbo version making 220 hp from the same Ecotec four-cylinder due this summer, it’s not hard to fathom Buick adding another, more muscular Regal variant.