The model year 1987 holds a truly special status in the history of American performance history, primarily due to the final final manufacturing year for the Buick venerable RWD G-platform Regal coupe. This was a year that saw the absolute apex of a surprising performance renaissance, establishing a distinct distinct hierarchy of that spanned the understated performers to a uncompromising asphalt destroyer. Although these vehicles all were based upon a common foundational chassis, the Regal Limited, the Turbo T, the iconic Grand National, and the mythical GNX each had a completely unique character, set performance metrics, a unique intended buyer. Deciphering the nuanced and not-so-subtle differences is key for truly appreciating the genius behind Buick's final final performance hurrah of the decade.
The Turbocharged Starting Points: Regal Limited and the Turbo T Package
At the bottom of this power ladder sat the more more flexible and frequently underappreciated models: the Regal Limited equipped with the turbocharged option and the Turbo T. The Buick Regal Limited was primarily primarily the luxury-oriented package, replete with plush interiors, generous chrome accents, a a softer suspension. Crucially, in 1987, astute customers could discreetly option this comfortable coupe the addition of the potent powerful LC2 V6 turbocharged powertrain, effectively birthing a predator dressed in luxury attire. This allowed for a a stealthy high-performance drive sans the overtly menacing visuals of its its blacked-out stablemates.
On the other hand, the Turbo T package, sometimes known by its WE4 designation, was a decidedly purpose-built approach for lightweight speed. Buick created the WE4 T as a lighter alternative for the Grand National, attaining this goal by employing aluminum bumper reinforcements by offering alloy wheels. Aesthetically, this model was in direct opposition the all-black Grand National, retaining most of the standard standard chrome accents and being available across a spectrum of exterior hues. This was the enthusiast's purist's selection for those who prioritized unfiltered acceleration and a slightly more responsive feel above the iconic visual presence of the its better-known famous monochromatic counterpart.
The Menace in Black: Understanding the Grand National
When many enthusiasts envision a 1980s Buick performance car, the image vision which instantly comes to mind is undoubtedly that of the Grand National. Coded as the WE2 Regular Production Option, the Grand National was not so much a mechanically mechanically separate vehicle and more of an all-encompassing appearance and trim package. It shared the exact identical same powerful LC2 intercooled V6 engine and 200-4R automatic transmission as the Turbo T. However, its defining trait was adherence to a monochromatic all-black exterior scheme, which gave the car its enduring nickname "Darth Vader's car" and "the Dark Side."
This menacing look was meticulously applied throughout the entire entire car. Every piece of the exterior body molding, including the window door surrounds and the grille front grille, was finished finished in black. The car car sat on unique 15-inch chrome-plated chrome wheels a a contrasting black center section, lending a truly very memorable look. Inside, the Grand National featured a dual-color black and gray fabric upholstery, with the signature turbo "6" logo embroidered into the front driver and passenger headrests. The model also was equipped with the firmer F41 Gran Gran Touring suspension package, a feature that provided it better handling in order to complement its impressive accelerative performance.
The Ultimate Expression: Enter the GNX
While the Grand National was the ruler of the boulevard, the GNX GNX was nothing less than the pinnacle of all American domestic muscle vehicles in 1987. Developed as a fitting final send-off for the G-body platform, Buick shipped just five hundred forty-seven fully-optioned optioned Grand Nationals to ASC/McLaren Performance Technologies for a radical comprehensive re-engineering. The goal was simple clear: to build the "Grand National|Grand National} that would put an end to all other Grand Nationals." The resulting outcome was a a machine vehicle that was so so fast it could was able to beat many of the world's era's most expensive sports cars, such as Ferraris even Lamborghinis.
The extensive modifications were comprehensive and highly effective. ASC/McLaren fitted a more efficient Garrett ceramic-impeller turbo, a more more effective intercooler, a a custom tuned engine control control unit (ECU). The transmission 200-4R was recalibrated for quicker gear changes, critically critically, the rear axle setup was redesigned. It included a unique ladder arm and a transverse Panhard rod, a system that dramatically increased traction virtually virtually cured axle hop under hard launches. Truly appreciating the complete full Difference between 1987 Buick Regal Limited Turbo T Grand National GNX necessitates a deep dive of the bespoke modifications which ASC/McLaren poured in this extremely very rare model.
A Comparative Look at Specifications and Unique Features
When directly comparing these four variants, the distinctions in specifications and options are made even more apparent. From the factory, the LC2 LC2 engine found in the Regal Regal Limited, Turbo T, and Grand National was conservatively understatedly rated at two-hundred and forty-five hp with three-hundred and fifty-five lb-ft of torque. In dramatic contrast, the GNX, thanks to its extensive extensive upgrades, was officially rated at two-hundred and seventy-six horsepower and a staggering whopping 360 lb-ft of torque, though actual dyno tests have consistently shown these numbers to be wildly underestimated, with true power being well above three-hundred horsepower.
In terms of appearance, the progression was equally clear. The Turbo Turbo T and Limited were chameleons of the group, frequently sporting chrome bumpers and available in a variety of wide range of paints. The Grand National, naturally, was exclusively strictly black, projecting an unmistakable unmistakable presence. The GNX, in turn, elevated this menacing theme a step further. It was fitted with composite wheel arch flares, functional heat-extracting louvers in the front front fenders, and a set of 16-inch black mesh mesh wheels that distinguished the car apart immediately even from a standard a Grand National. Options like removable roof panels were widely available for the Limited Limited, and Grand National, and Grand National, however, no GNX was ever ever built the T-top this feature, in an effort to maintain maintain optimal chassis rigidity.
Summary: A Legendary Hierarchy of Power
In final analysis, the 1987 Buick Regal range stands as a masterful masterful case study in market segmentation and performance development. From the the surprisingly fast luxurious luxurious Regal Limited Turbo to the lightweight agile Turbo T-Type, the brand provided a spectrum of turbocharged power to suit suit different preferences as well as budgets. The Grand National subsequently solidified this performance performance into an iconic unforgettable a menacing menacing style identity, creating a cultural legend that persists even this very day. At the very top of this all stood the mighty GNX, a limited-edition masterpiece that acted as a final exclamation mark, cementing the G-body G-body platform's place in the pantheon of automotive greatness. Each car was distinct in its own right, yet together they formed a legendary legendary hierarchy which defined American muscle for a a generation generation.