Buick Grand National to Return as Regal GNX by SLP
Street Legal Performance (SLP), the boys known for beefing up muscle cars, are hatching a plan to bring the Grand National nameplate back to Buick.
SLP recently acquired the rights to “GNX”, a Buick name that carries with it quite a bit of power. SLP plans to use it on a sports performance tuned Regal GS. While the Regal GS did provide a decent amount of torque and performance, most would agree that it would benefit from more brawn, and meaner styling. The early sketch (shown above) from SLP of the GNX concept looks like what Buick should have done with the Regal GS in the first place.
The concept is said to top 300 horsepower, giving hope that it will live up to the GNX nameplate. With only 500 being produced, this will be a rare and powerful sight.
One thing is certain, reviving the GNX evokes powerful memories. The car became a performance icon in the mid ’80s when Buick made the car into a performance legend. In 1982 the Grand National came with a 4.1-liter V6 making 125 horsepower. It evolved by 1987 into a V8 killer with a 3.8-liter turbocharged V6 making 276 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque.
It wasn’t long before gearheads realized their dollars were better spent on the GNX than a Corvette, which only made 240 hp at the time with a 350 cubic-inch V8.
History aside, SLP had better pay proper tribute to this piece of American car lore, lest the fans feel sorely disappointed.
[Source: Inside Line]
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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It better be a two door and not a 4 door
This name and platform should be left alone. There is no way it will match the adoration of the originals in the 80's. They are still to this day, not to be tested. Like the tail lights say, UD LOSE