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The phrases “turbocharged” and “V6” are usually not usually synonymous with American muscle automobiles, however the 3.8-liter turbocharged Buick Grand National was, and nonetheless is, one of many coolest American muscle automobiles of all time. From its torquey turbocharged V6 that made V8 energy, to its all-black sinister look, the Grand Nationwide was the most popular muscle automotive of its time. For its ultimate send-off, Buick launched the last word model of the Grand National, the GNX.
The GNX not solely had a rise in energy and torque, however dealing with was vastly improved as properly; the GNX was extra than simply the last word Grand Nationwide, it was the last word American efficiency automotive. Quick-forward to the start of the beginning of the brand new millennium, Buick had shed itself of it muscle automotive picture, and the model was focused on its target market, the geriatric. Although Buick was centered on making comfortable sedans for Grandma and Grandpa, GM needed to discover creating one other performance-oriented Regal that may appeal to youthful patrons.
The Buick Grand Nationwide GNX: The Corvette Killer
The engineering staff behind the Grand Nationwide needed to provide the automotive a particular send-off in its ultimate manufacturing 12 months. With the objective of making the last word Grand Nationwide, the staff behind the Grand Nationwide regarded to exterior assist by ASC/McLaren.
The engine was tuned by permitting the consumption and exhaust to breathe simpler and in upgrading the Garrett turbocharger. The upgrades resulted in 276 horses and 360 lb-ft of torque which propels the Regal GNX to 60 mph in beneath 5 seconds, surpassing the Corvette’s efficiency. Blasphemy!
The 2000 Buick Regal GNX Idea: Stunning Catastrophe That Was GM’s W-Platform
The 4th-generation Buick Regal was based mostly on the 2nd-generation W-platform, GM North America’s FWD platform of which was the idea for its mid-size and full-size automobiles. For these not conversant in the historical past, the GM W-platform was plagued with points from its early phases. The venture began in 1982 and struggled to execute milestones from day 1, and simply two years later, GM’s 1984 company restructuring solely added to this system’s challenges.
The W-platform improvement prices had been extraordinarily costly at $7 billion (roughly $19 billion in 2022), and by the point the primary automobiles rolled off the manufacturing line in 1988, GM was dropping roughly $2,000 per automotive. The sedans would finally seem on the seller heaps two years later, however they might be competing with GM’s personal A-platform automobiles till they might lastly be discontinued in 1996.
GM Unintentionally Makes A Sleeper
Regardless of the delayed and costly launch of GM’s W-platform, the 4th-generation Buick Regal was a stable automotive, and unbeknownst to patrons, a sleeper! In contrast to automobiles such because the Ford Taurus SHO, marketed as a performance-oriented sedan, the 1997-2004 Regal GS was seen because the fully-optioned mannequin. With the Regal GS being the highest trim mannequin, Buick naturally fitted it with the very best performing engine, the Supercharged 3800 Sequence II L67 V6.
In its inventory type, the 1997-2004 Regal GS produced 240 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. When in comparison with the V8-powered Third-generation SHO, the Regal GS made extra energy, extra torque, and undercut the SHO’s MSRP by $3,000. The place Ford went out of its option to make the Taurus SHO look extra distinctive and sporty, it was troublesome to select the GS from the opposite Regal trim ranges.
Reviving The GNX Title
In 2000, the tuner scene was gaining momentum, and the primary film of the Quick & Livid franchise was nonetheless a 12 months away. With the hyped curiosity in tuning, Buick needed to get in on the motion to see if it will be attainable to succeed in the youthful viewers with their Regal GNX concept. The duty was given to GM’s Particular Automobiles staff, the identical staff that created the 1992 Impala SS idea that later went into manufacturing.
Hoping to tug the identical trick that was completed with the Impala, the aesthetics had been the primary to be addressed. New aggressive floor results had been put in together with a two-tone paint job, customized 18-inch HRE wheels, and a nameplate calling again to the legendary 1987 GNX.
The 2000 Buick Regal GNX Idea: Squeezing Efficiency From The Supercharged 3800 Sequence II
Buick took the inventory L67 from the 2000 Regal GS, and added an intercooler, customized cold-air-intake system, upgraded headers, and free-flowing stainless-steel exhaust paired to Borla mufflers. The consequence was elevated horsepower from the 240 hp to 300 hp, and torque benefited because it too elevated from 280 lb-ft to 300 lb-ft. Brakes had been upgraded Baer rotors and 4-piston calipers, and experience peak was lowered by 1.5 inches; not solely was dealing with improved, however the Regal GNX idea now had a extra sporty stance.
The 2000 Buick Regal GNX Idea: Ceaselessly A Idea, However Proved A Level
After the automotive made its debut on the 2000 SEMA present, it is not clear what sort of response it acquired from the general public. Apparently, the gang was not stoked for a overrated four-door Buick Regal. In contrast to GM’s 1992 Impala SS idea, a overrated model of the Chevrolet Caprice, the 2000 Buick Regal GNX lived and died an idea. In 2009, the Buick Regal GNX concept car was auctioned at Barrett-Jackson as a part of GM’s home cleansing train, and has since resurfaced.
Whether or not the general public favored the 2000 Regal GNX, it proved the tuning potential of the 3800 S11 L67. Beneath the aged guise, lurked untapped efficiency. At present, even with an upgraded pulley, shorter belt, and a cold-air-intake, homeowners can and have achieved +300 hp. The 1997-2004 Regal GS is a implausible choice for an inexpensive sleeper; the aftermarket neighborhood is robust, and the automobiles might be had for tremendous low costs. Hurry, earlier than folks catch on!
Sources: Barrett-Jackson.com, trishield.com
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