The new 1997 Buick Regal was accompanied by a new 1997 Buick Century and the differences between the two models were primarily cosmetic, power options and seating configurations.

The new 1997 Buick Regal was virtually the sportier upmarket version of the 1997 Buick Century, which had ditched the A-platform and now utilized the W-platform.

The 1997 Buick Regal offered fancier trim and larger engines—once again featuring the 3800 engine, although it was a newer variant. The new Regal offered the L36 Series II V6 and the L67 Series II supercharged V6, both displacing 3.8 liters.

The sedan was offered in two models, the LS and the sportier GS.

Other than trim and features, the main difference between the LS and GS was under the hood.

The LS was powered by the naturally aspirated 3800 Series II V6, generating 195 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque. The GS featured the supercharged mill, cranking out 240 hp with a V-8-style 280 pound-feet of torque at just 3600 rpm.

Power was put to the pavement via the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. The GS got the heavier-duty version to compensate for the additional torque of the supercharged engine.

With its Eaton M90 supercharger, the GS utilized the heavy-duty transmission otherwise known as the 4T65-E (HD).