• The Buick Grand National GNX is a rare high-performance version of the Buick Regal produced only for the model year 1987. With production and sales pegged at only 547 units, today the car is much sought-after by car collectors and performance junkies alike. It not only featured the highest overall performance by a Buick model to date but had a distinctive exterior to differentiate it from lesser 1987 Regals.
  
  

Engine

• The 1987 GNX used an upgraded Grand National engine completely reworked and built on by British engine tuner McLaren. Internal components were upgraded, with both the turbocharger and intercooler enlarged and more boost added. The 3.8-liter 12-valve cast-iron V-6 measured a bore and stroke of 3.8 inches by 3.4 inches with a compression ratio of 8.0 to 1. The motor produces 276 horsepower at 4,400 rpm and 360 pound-feet of torque at 3,000 rpm.
  
  

Drivetrain and Chassis

• The Grand National GNX uses a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout. It was only offered with a four-speed automatic transmission, which was also upgraded by McLaren to handle the increased power coaxed out of the Regal Grand National engine. An upgraded rear suspension uses a ladder bar and panhard rod system, taking out the previous year's Grand National four-link rear suspension. Body roll was kept to a minimum for the Regal's large and heavy chassis. Unique 16-inch spoke alloy wheels house 245/50/16 front and 255/50/16 rear tires.
  
  

Exterior and Interior

• The GNX rides on a 108.1-inch wheelbase and tips the scales at 3,474 lbs. Though it has only two doors, the car is as large as many full-size sedans at 200.6 inches long, 75.5 inches wide and 54.6 inches tall. Exterior touches over lesser Regals include more aggressive front and rear fascias, flared fenders, chromed louvers on the front fenders and a larger exhaust. The interior seats five and has two-tone seats, a three-spoke steering wheel and monotone gray trim for a clean, modern look.
  
  

Performance

• The GNX out-accelerated the Chevrolet Corvette from the same model year. In Road & Track testing the Grand National GNX accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in as low as 5.6 seconds, running through the quarter mile in 13.8 seconds. These figures were a little higher than Buick's official performance 5.4 and 13.4-second numbers. Top speed is limited to 124 mph, set by Buick mostly to stay within the limits of the car's tires. On the skidpad a GNX has been tested at 0.88 g.