The model year 1987 occupies a sacred place in the history of American performance history, largely due to the final final production run for Buick's legendary RWD G-platform Regal coupe. This was a time which saw the absolute pinnacle of a a surprising performance revival, creating a distinct pecking order of models which ranged the subtle sleepers all the way to an uncompromising supercar slayer. Although these vehicles all shared the same foundational architecture, the Regal Limited Turbo, the Turbo T-Type, the iconic Grand National, as well as the mythical GNX each possessed a unique character, set of performance metrics, and target buyer. Deciphering their nuanced and not-so-subtle differences is essential to truly grasping the genius brilliance behind Buick's last muscle car hurrah of the decade.
The Turbocharged Starting Points: Regal Limited and the Turbo T Package
At the bottom of this performance ladder were the more more versatile and often overlooked models: the Buick Regal Limited equipped with the turbo engine and the purposeful Turbo T-Type. The Buick Regal Limited was primarily primarily the brand's luxury-oriented trim, replete with cushy interiors, generous chrome accents, and a more softer suspension. However, for that final year, savvy buyers could discreetly option this comfortable coupe with the potent LC2 3.8-liter 3.8L intercooled powertrain, effectively birthing a predator dressed in luxury attire. This combination allowed for a stealthy blisteringly fast experience without the aggressive obviously aggressive visuals of its its darker siblings.
Conversely, the Turbo T, often known by its WE4 designation, was a decidedly purpose-built philosophy to stripped-down speed. Buick created the WE4 T as a more agile alternative to the heavier Grand National, achieving this through employing aluminum bumper reinforcements and aluminum rims. Visually, this model stood in stark stark contrast the all-black Grand National, keeping much of the standard factory chrome trim it was being available in a spectrum of body hues. This variant was the enthusiast's enthusiast's choice those individuals that valued unfiltered performance a a slightly more responsive feel above the iconic unmistakable visual presence of more famous better-known famous all-black counterpart.
The Menace in Black: Understanding the Grand National
When most most enthusiasts think of a '80s Buick muscle car, the image that immediately comes to their head is that of the Grand National. Coded as the WE2 WE2 Regular Regular Production Production Option, the Grand National was fundamentally not so much of a mechanically separate model but rather an all-encompassing all-encompassing styling and trim upgrade. This model shared the exact identical same powerful LC2 intercooled V6 engine and 200-4R transmission as the Turbo T. However, its unmistakable trait was its single-color Darth Vader paint scheme, a look that gave the car the famous nickname "Darth Vader's car" and "the Dark Side."
This sinister menacing aesthetic was meticulously carefully applied throughout the entire entire car. Every piece of the the exterior body trim, from the window door surrounds to the grille front grille, was finished finished in black. The car vehicle rode upon unique fifteen-inch steel chrome rims a a contrasting black-painted inset, lending a very distinctive look. Inside, the National featured a dual-color black and gray cloth upholstery, with the signature turbo "6" logo embroidered on the front driver and passenger headrests. The model also was standard the the stiffer F41 Gran Touring Touring suspension package, a feature that gave the vehicle better handling in order to match its accelerative prowess.
The Ultimate Expression: Enter the GNX
While the Grand National was considered the ruler of the street, the GNX GNX was the pinnacle of all American domestic muscle vehicles in 1987. Developed as a fitting ultimate farewell for the Regal platform, General Motors shipped just five hundred forty-seven fully-optioned optioned Grand Nationals the facilities of ASC/McLaren Performance Technologies a a radical transformation. The goal was simple: to build the "Grand National|Grand National} to put an end website to all other Grand Nationals." The resulting result was a machine which was incredibly quick it could was able to beat most of the era's most exotic sports cars, including Ferraris and Lamborghinis.
The modifications were both extensive highly very effective. The engineers fitted a larger Garrett ceramic-impeller hybrid turbocharger, a more effective intercooler, and a specially custom tuned engine control unit (ECU). The 200-4R was beefed-up firmer quicker gear changes, and critically, the entire rear axle setup was completely redesigned. This new setup featured a unique unique ladder bar a a transverse Panhard rod, a system that dramatically increased traction virtually virtually eliminated wheel hop under brutal launches. Fully appreciating the complete complete Difference between 1987 Buick Regal Limited Turbo T Grand National GNX necessitates a deep deep examination of the bespoke modifications which ASC/McLaren poured into this extremely extremely limited-production model.
A Comparative Look at Specifications and Unique Features
When directly comparing these four distinct models, the differences in performance figures and options are made all the more more apparent. From the factory, the LC2 found in the Regal Limited, Turbo T, as well as the Grand National was conservatively conservatively rated at two-hundred and forty-five hp with 355 pound-feet of torque. In stark contrast, the GNX GNX, thanks to its extensive extensive modifications, was officially rated at 276 horsepower a massive a staggering whopping 360 pound-feet of torque, although real-world dynamometer readings have since repeatedly shown these factory numbers to have been wildly underestimated, with true output being far over three-hundred horsepower.
Visually, the hierarchy was just as clear. The Turbo Turbo T and Limited were chameleons of the group, often sporting bright accents being available a a variety of full palette of paints. The Grand National, naturally, was exclusively strictly black, projecting an intimidating presence. The GNX, however, elevated this dark theme a step further. This model featured composite fender flares, functional heat-extracting louvers in the front front fenders, and a set of sixteen-inch black mesh wheels which distinguished it apart instantly from even a Grand National. Features such as T-tops were commonly available on the Turbo T, and Grand T, but Grand National, however, not a single GNX was ever officially built with this option, in order to maintain preserve maximum chassis stiffness.
Summary: A Legendary Hierarchy of Power
In the final assessment, the 1987 1987 Buick Regal lineup stands as a brilliant case study in market tiering the art of performance evolution. From the the surprisingly unexpectedly fast and luxurious Regal Limited Turbo to the lightweight agile Turbo T-Type, Buick offered a range of forced-induction performance to fit different preferences and priorities. The Grand National then codified this performance into an iconic iconic and intimidating visual identity, birthing a automotive legend which persists to this very day. At the very top of it all was the mighty GNX, a rare supercar that served as a a final statement mark, cementing the Buick Regal's Regal's place within the pantheon pantheon of automotive legends. Each model was special special in its own right, yet together they created a legendary unforgettable lineup which redefined domestic performance for a a new era.