The year 1987 occupies a truly special status within the annals of U.S. performance history, primarily thanks to the final concluding manufacturing run of the Buick legendary rear-wheel-drive G-body Regal coupe. It was a time which witnessed the apex of a a surprising performance revival, creating a clear pecking order of models which ranged the subtle sleepers all the way to an all-out asphalt destroyer. While they all were based upon the same basic chassis, the Buick Regal Limited Turbo, the Turbo T-Type, the iconic Grand National, and the GNX each possessed a unique character, set performance metrics, a unique intended buyer. Understanding the subtle and blatant differences remains essential for fully appreciating the brilliance behind Buick's final last performance stand of that 1980s.
The Turbocharged Starting Points: Regal Limited and the Turbo T Package
On the foundational bottom of this power ladder were the more more versatile often frequently underappreciated variants: the Buick Regal Limited equipped with the turbo engine as well as the Turbo T-Type. The Buick Regal Limited was traditionally the brand's comfort-focused package, featuring plush seating, generous chrome accents, a a softer ride. However, in that final year, savvy buyers could quietly option this luxurious comfortable vehicle the addition of the powerful LC2 3.8L turbocharged engine, essentially creating a true predator in luxury attire. This permitted for a blisteringly fast experience sans the overtly menacing styling of its its darker stablemates.
Conversely, the Turbo T package, often known its internal WE4 RPO code RPO code, represented a more decidedly purpose-built approach to lightweight speed. Buick created the Turbo package as a a more agile counterpart for the Grand National, achieving this goal by utilizing lightweight aluminum bumper supports and alloy wheels. Aesthetically, it stood in stark opposition to all-black Grand National, retaining much of the standard standard brightwork trim and being offered in a spectrum of exterior colors. This was essentially the enthusiast's selection those individuals who prioritized raw performance a a slightly nimbler chassis over the iconic unmistakable style statement of the its more infamous monochromatic counterpart.
The Menace in Black: Understanding the Grand National
When many people think of a 1980s Buick muscle vehicle, the image vision which immediately comes to mind is the the Grand National. Coded as the WE2 Regular Production Option Option (RPO), the Grand National was fundamentally less of a mechanically distinct model and more an all-encompassing all-encompassing appearance and suspension upgrade. It utilized the exact exact same potent LC2 3.8L intercooled V6 the 200-4R transmission found in the Turbo T. But, its unmistakable trait was its its single-color Darth Vader paint scheme, which earned the car the famous monikers "Darth Vader's car" and "the Dark Side."
This sinister sinister look was meticulously meticulously enforced across the entire whole vehicle. All of the the exterior body trim, from the window door surrounds and the grille, was finished finished in black. The car car rode upon specific fifteen-inch chrome-plated chrome rims a a black inset, creating a truly very memorable look. Inside, the Grand National came with a dual-color black and gray fabric upholstery, with the signature turbo "6" logo embroidered into the driver and passenger seat headrests. The model also was equipped the the firm-riding firmer F41 Gran Gran Touring Touring suspension, which provided the vehicle better handling to match its straight-line performance.
The Ultimate Expression: Enter the GNX
If the Grand National was considered the king of the boulevard, the GNX GNX was the pinnacle of all all domestic muscle vehicles in 1987. Created as a fitting ultimate farewell for the G-body platform, General Motors sent only five hundred forty-seven fully-optioned optioned Grand Nationals to ASC/McLaren a a radical radical transformation. The goal was clear: to build the "Grand "Grand National|Grand National} that would end all other Grand Nationals." The outcome was a a machine vehicle that was incredibly quick it could beat most of the era's most exotic supercars, such as Ferraris even Lamborghinis.
The extensive upgrades were both comprehensive and very effective. The engineers installed a larger larger Garrett ceramic-impeller hybrid turbocharger, a higher-capacity efficient intercooler, and a specially programmed engine control management unit (ECU). The transmission was also recalibrated for firmer shifts, critically critically, the entire rear suspension was completely re-engineered. This new setup featured a unique longitudinal torque arm a a transverse Panhard rod, a system that dramatically improved traction and virtually eliminated wheel hop under hard launches. Truly appreciating the complete complete Difference between 1987 Buick Regal Limited Turbo T Grand National GNX necessitates a deep deep dive into the bespoke engineering which this partnership invested in this extremely rare vehicle.
A Comparative Look at Specifications and Unique Features
When directly analyzing these four distinct models, the differences differences in specifications and options become even more clear. Officially, the LC2 LC2 engine found in the Regal Limited, Turbo T, and Grand National was conservatively understatedly rated at two-hundred and forty-five hp and 355 lb-ft of torque. In dramatic contrast, the GNX, with its extensive upgrades, was officially rated at two-hundred and seventy-six horsepower a massive a staggering staggering 360 lb-ft of torque, although actual dyno readings have since consistently proven these factory figures to have been grossly conservative, the true true power being far over three-hundred horsepower.
Visually, the progression was equally equally defined. The Turbo Turbo T the Limited were sleepers of the group, frequently sporting chrome bumpers being available a a wide range of exterior paints. The Grand National, of course, was strictly black, projecting an unmistakable intimidating presence. The GNX, however, took this dark theme a step further. It featured composite wheel arch flares, working heat-releasing vents in the front front fenders, a set of a unique set of sixteen-inch black cross-lace rims that distinguished the car apart instantly even from a standard a Grand National. Features like T-tops were widely available for the Limited Limited, Turbo National, and Grand National, but, not a single GNX was officially built the T-top this option, in an effort to maintain preserve maximum chassis stiffness.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Buick's Turbocharged Fleet
In final analysis, the 1987 1987 Buick Regal range stands as a brilliant case study of market tiering the art of brand development. From the surprisingly unexpectedly quick and comfortable Regal Limited to the lightweight agile Turbo T, the brand offered a spectrum range of forced-induction power to suit fit different tastes and budgets. The Grand Grand National subsequently codified this performance performance with an iconic and intimidating style package, creating a cultural phenomenon that persists to this very day. At the very top of it hierarchy was the mighty GNX, a limited-edition rare supercar which acted check here as a a final exclamation mark, solidifying the G-body Buick Regal's platform's place within the pantheon of automotive performance greatness. Each car was special distinct in its own way, yet collectively they created a legendary legendary lineup which defined American muscle for a a generation generation.