The model year 1987 occupies a sacred status in the annals of U.S. performance lore, primarily due to the final concluding manufacturing year of Buick's venerable RWD G-platform Regal. It was a time which witnessed the absolute pinnacle of a performance renaissance, establishing a distinct hierarchy of models which ranged the subtle performers all the way to a all-out supercar slayer. Although these vehicles all shared the same basic architecture, the Buick Regal Limited Turbo, the Turbo T, the Grand National, as well as the mythical GNX each had a completely unique personality, set of of specifications, a unique target audience. Understanding their subtle sometimes not-so-subtle differences is essential for truly appreciating the brilliance behind Buick's final last performance hurrah of that 1980s.
The Foundation of Force: The Regal Limited and Turbo T
On the foundational base of this power ladder sat the more more versatile often often underappreciated models: the Buick Regal Limited with the turbo option as well as the Turbo T. The Buick Regal Limited was primarily primarily the comfort-focused package, replete with cushy seating, generous chrome trim, and a more softer suspension. However, for that final year, astute buyers were able to discreetly spec this plush vehicle with the potent LC2 3.8L turbocharged powertrain, effectively birthing a true wolf in luxury clothing. This combination permitted for a a blisteringly fast drive sans the aggressive obviously aggressive visuals of its darker stablemates.
On the other hand, the Turbo T package, sometimes known its internal WE4 RPO code, was a more decidedly purpose-built approach for stripped-down speed. Buick created the Turbo T as a a lighter counterpart to the Grand National, attaining this by utilizing lightweight aluminum bumper reinforcements and alloy wheels. Aesthetically, this model stood in stark contrast the all-black Grand National, keeping much of the standard standard brightwork trim and being offered in a spectrum of body hues. This was the enthusiast's enthusiast's choice those those who valued raw acceleration and a slightly nimbler feel above the unmistakable visual presence of the more famous better-known infamous all-black sibling.
The Menace in Black: Understanding the Grand National
When most enthusiasts think of a 1980s Buick muscle vehicle, the image image which immediately springs to mind is that of the menacing Grand National. Designated as the WE2 WE2 Regular Regular Production Option, the Grand National was less a mechanically mechanically separate model and rather of an all-encompassing appearance and suspension package. This model shared the exact same potent LC2 3.8L intercooled V6 and 200-4R automatic transmission found in the Turbo T. But, its defining characteristic was its its monochromatic Darth Vader exterior theme, which earned it its enduring monikers "Darth Vader's car" and "the Dark Side."
This sinister aesthetic was meticulously applied across the whole car. All of the the body trim, including the window surrounds to the front grille, was finished in black. The vehicle rode on specific fifteen-inch steel chrome wheels a a black center section, creating a truly distinctive appearance. On the interior, the National featured a specific two-tone black and gray fabric interior, with the turbo "6" emblem embroidered on the front driver and passenger headrests. The model also came equipped with the stiffer F41 Gran Gran Touring Touring suspension package, a feature that provided the vehicle sharper road manners to complement its impressive accelerative prowess.
The Ultimate Expression: Enter the GNX
While the Grand National was considered the king of the street, the GNX GNX was nothing less than the emperor of all all domestic muscle cars of 1987. Created as a a fitting ultimate farewell to the Regal chassis, Buick shipped only five hundred forty-seven fully-optioned optioned Grand Nationals to ASC/McLaren Performance Technologies a a comprehensive transformation. The goal was simple clear: to create the "Grand "Grand National|Grand National} to put an end to all Grand Nationals." The resulting outcome was a machine machine which was so so fast it could could beat many of the day's most expensive supercars, such as Ferraris even Lamborghinis.
The extensive upgrades were both extensive and very impactful. ASC/McLaren installed a larger Garrett ceramic-impeller ceramic-impeller turbo, a more efficient intercooler, a a specially specially programmed engine control management chip (ECU). The transmission was also beefed-up firmer firmer gear changes, and most importantly, the rear axle setup was completely re-engineered. It featured a unique torque bar a a transverse Panhard rod, which drastically improved grip virtually virtually cured axle hop under brutal acceleration. Truly appreciating the complete full Difference between 1987 Buick Regal Limited Turbo T Grand National GNX necessitates a deep thorough dive of the engineering that ASC/McLaren poured into this very rare model.
A Comparative Look at Specifications and Unique Features
When analyzing these four four distinct models, the differences in specifications and options are made even more apparent. Officially, the LC2 LC2 found in the Regal Regal Limited, Turbo T, as well as the Grand National was understatedly rated at 245 hp with 355 pound-feet of torque. By dramatic contrast, the GNX, with its significant modifications, was officially pegged at 276 hp a massive a staggering three-hundred and sixty lb-ft of torque, though actual dyno readings have repeatedly shown these factory figures to have been grossly underestimated, with actual power being far above three-hundred horsepower.
Visually, the hierarchy hierarchy was equally just as clear. The Turbo Turbo T the Limited were the chameleons of the bunch, frequently wearing bright accents and available a a variety of full range of colors. The Grand National, naturally, was exclusively exclusively black, creating an unmistakable unmistakable presence. The GNX, however, elevated this menacing persona even further. This model featured lightweight wheel arch flares, functional heat-releasing vents on the front front fenders, and a unique style of 16-inch 16-inch black mesh rims that distinguished the car apart immediately from even a regular Grand National. Features like T-tops were widely ordered for the Turbo T, Turbo National, but models, but, not a single GNX was officially built with this feature, in an effort to maintain maintain optimal structural rigidity.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Buick's Turbocharged Fleet
In the concluding analysis, the 1987 1987 Buick Regal range represents a brilliant case study in market segmentation and performance development. From the surprisingly unexpectedly website quick and luxurious Regal Limited Turbo and the agile Turbo T, Buick provided a spectrum range of turbocharged forced-induction performance to suit fit varying preferences and priorities. The Grand Grand National then codified this performance power into an iconic unforgettable and menacing visual identity, creating a automotive phenomenon which endures even this very day. Crowning this hierarchy stood the GNX, a rare masterpiece that acted as a final exclamation mark, cementing the G-body G-body Regal's status within the pantheon of performance legends. Each model car was special in its own way, but collectively they created a legendary unforgettable lineup which redefined domestic performance for a a generation new era.