The year 1987 occupies a sacred status in the history of U.S. muscle car history, primarily due to the final final production year of Buick's legendary rear-wheel-drive G-body Regal. It was a time that witnessed the absolute pinnacle of a performance renaissance, establishing a distinct pecking order of that ranged the understated sleepers all the way to a uncompromising asphalt destroyer. While these vehicles all were based upon the same foundational chassis, the Regal Limited, the Turbo T-Type, the Grand National, and the GNX each had a completely distinct character, set of performance metrics, and intended buyer. Understanding the subtle and not-so-subtle distinctions is essential for fully appreciating the genius of Buick's final last muscle car hurrah of that decade.
The Turbocharged Starting Points: Regal Limited and the Turbo T Package
On the foundational base of this performance ladder were the more surprisingly flexible and often overlooked variants: the Regal Limited equipped with the turbocharged engine and the purposeful Turbo T-Type. The Regal Limited was primarily the comfort-focused package, featuring cushy interiors, ample brightwork trim, a a more softer suspension. However, in that final year, savvy buyers could quietly option this luxurious comfortable coupe with the powerful LC2 3.8-liter 3.8L intercooled engine, essentially birthing a true wolf dressed in sheep's clothing. This combination allowed for a a high-performance experience without the obviously aggressive visuals of more famous darker siblings.
Conversely, the Turbo T, sometimes known its internal WE4 designation, was a more more focused philosophy for lightweight speed. The manufacturer designed the WE4 T as a a more agile alternative for the heavier Grand National, achieving this goal through utilizing aluminum bumper supports and aluminum wheels. Aesthetically, this model stood in stark direct contrast to all-black Grand National, retaining most of the standard standard brightwork trim it was being offered in a spectrum factory body colors. This variant was essentially the purist's selection for those that valued raw performance a a slightly nimbler feel over the iconic iconic visual presence of more famous more famous all-black counterpart.
The Dark Icon: The Grand National (WE2)
When most enthusiasts envision a 1980s '80s Buick muscle car, the image which immediately comes to mind is undoubtedly that of the menacing Grand National. Designated as the WE2 WE2 Regular Production Option Option, the '87 Grand National was fundamentally not so much of a mechanically distinct vehicle but rather of an iconic appearance and suspension upgrade. This model utilized the identical same powerful LC2 turbocharged V6 the 200-4R transmission as the Turbo T. But, its unmistakable characteristic was its its single-color all-black paint scheme, which earned it its famous monikers "Darth Vader's car" and "the Dark Side."
This sinister menacing look was meticulously carefully enforced throughout the whole vehicle. All of the the body molding, including the window window frames and the grille front grille, was finished in black. The car car rode upon unique 15-inch steel chrome rims with a black inset, lending a truly truly distinctive look. Inside, the Grand Grand National came with a two-tone black and gray fabric interior, the addition of the signature turbo six emblem stitched on the front driver and passenger seat headrests. The model also came equipped with the stiffer F41 Gran Touring suspension package, a feature that provided the vehicle sharper handling to complement its accelerative performance.
The Ultimate Expression: Enter the GNX
While the Grand National was the king of the boulevard, the Grand National Experimental was nothing less than the emperor pinnacle of American American performance vehicles of 1987. Developed as a a final send-off to the G-body platform, Buick sent only 547 fully loaded Grand Nationals the facilities of ASC/McLaren Performance Technologies a a radical comprehensive transformation. The goal was simple: to create the "Grand "Grand National|Grand National} to put an end to all other Grand Nationals." The resulting outcome was a machine that was so quick it could could out-accelerate many of the day's most exotic supercars, including Ferraris even Lamborghinis.
The modifications were both extensive highly very effective. The engineers fitted a more efficient Garrett ceramic-impeller ceramic-impeller turbo, a more more efficient intercooler, and a specially specially tuned engine control unit (ECU). The transmission 200-4R was beefed-up firmer firmer shifts, critically most importantly, the entire rear axle setup was redesigned. This here new setup featured a longitudinal torque bar and a transverse Panhard rod, which dramatically increased grip and completely eliminated wheel hop during brutal launches. Fully understanding the complete complete Difference between 1987 Buick Regal Limited Turbo T Grand National GNX necessitates a thorough dive into the engineering which ASC/McLaren poured in this extremely extremely rare model.
Breaking Down the Specs, Options, and Visual Cues
When comparing these four variants, the differences their specifications and features are made all the more more apparent. Officially, the LC2 found in the Limited, Turbo T, as well as the Grand National was conservatively rated at two-hundred and forty-five hp and three-hundred and fifty-five lb-ft of torque. In dramatic comparison, the GNX GNX, with its extensive extensive modifications, was officially rated at 276 hp and a staggering staggering three-hundred and sixty pound-feet of torque, though real-world dynamometer readings have consistently proven these factory figures to have been grossly underestimated, with actual power being far over 300 horsepower.
In terms of appearance, the hierarchy was equally just as defined. The Turbo T the Limited were chameleons of the group, frequently sporting bright bumpers being available a a wide range of colors. The Grand National, of course, was exclusively strictly black, creating an unmistakable presence. The GNX, however, took this dark menacing persona a step further. It featured lightweight fender flares, working heat-releasing vents in the front front fenders, and a set of 16-inch black mesh mesh wheels that set the car apart immediately even from a standard a Grand National. Features such as removable roof panels were commonly available for the Turbo T, Turbo National, and Grand National, but, not a single GNX was officially produced with this option, in an effort to maintain preserve maximum chassis rigidity.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Buick's Turbocharged Fleet
In concluding analysis, the 1987 1987 Buick Regal range stands as a masterful case study in market segmentation and performance development. From the the surprisingly quick luxurious luxurious Regal Limited Turbo to the lightweight lightweight Turbo T-Type, Buick offered a spectrum spectrum of forced-induction power to suit fit varying tastes and budgets. The Grand Grand National then codified this performance performance into an unforgettable and intimidating visual identity, creating a cultural cultural phenomenon that endures even this very day. Crowning it all stood the mighty GNX, a limited-edition rare masterpiece that acted as a definitive definitive statement mark, cementing the G-body G-body platform's place within the pantheon of automotive automotive legends. Each model car was special distinct in its own right, yet together they created a legendary unforgettable lineup which defined domestic performance for a a generation.