Modern Buick Regal GNX Rendered
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Nothing can change the demeanor of a vehicle quite like a heaping dose of horsepower. Just take the last Buick Regal GNX.
Originally, the Buick Regal Grand National was offered as a nod to the NASCAR Winston Cup Grand National Series, in which Buick managed to take home the Manufacturers Cup in 1981 and 1982 (with a little help from Darrell Waltrip, of course). In response, the Regal Grand National debuted in 1982, and was eventually transformed into the GNX, or Grand National Experimental, in the late ’80s.
1987 Buick Regal GNX
Highlights of the 1987 Buick Regal GNX included a number of speed upgrades, as executed by McLaren Performance Technologies/ASC, with output upped to a stout 276 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque. However, those claims were actually underrated, with final output actually singing to a tune of 300 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque.
With the murdered-out aesthetic and a surprising amount of go, the Buick Regal GNX is a true enthusiast classic. But what if Buick applied a similar formula to the modern Regal?
To answer that question, we broke out our digital pens and got to work. We recently rendered a few other versions of the Buick Regal, including a Buick Regal Coupe and a Buick Regal Convertible. Like those two renderings, there’s currently no indication that General Motors will produce a new Buick Regal GNX, which means this latest rendering is just for fun.
To note, rumors persisted that Buick was prepping a new Regal GNX back in 2015, but those rumors never actually came to fruition.
Inspired by the Buick Regals of the past, we’ve actually created a few different versions here, including a rendering with a GS grille that keeps the horizontal trim bits (as seen above), plus a blacked-out grille with vertical slats that pays tribute to the previous GNX (as seen below).
As for the greasy bits under the skin, we think a modern Regal GNX would have plenty to draw from with regard to the GM parts bin. For motivation, we’re thinking the twin-turbo 3.6L LF4 V6 engine would fit the bill. This is the same lump as the Cadillac ATS-V, and paired with AWD (the current Regal is front-drive-based), we could definitely see this thing performing to the standards set by its predecessor.
What do you think, dear reader? Are you a fan of our modern Buick Regal GNX rendering? Make sure to post your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to GM Authority for more Buick Regal news, Buick news and 24/7 GM news coverage.
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Again why?
Lame duck cat that is not even built into a coupe and one that depart this market soon.
Spend more time on something at least plausible.
Might look at a TT V6 Alpha as a starting point. Unlikely before production but at least plausible.
Keep dreaming.
This chassis is not meant for a high torque motor in the first place.
The more appropriate analogy would be with the XTS vsport.
A rear wheel drive based (AWD) SUV of the size of the Cadillac xt4 — with a more capable motor — would likely have a broader audience.
A lot broader Audience,
If Mark and friends would have taken half the C8 development money and spent it on a XT4-XT5-XT6 RWD / AWD with the 2.7T as BASE standard equipment the cash would just be pouring into Cadillac in year 3.
Just so you all know, I am NOT advocating for performance SUVs here !!
GM has taken the standard feeling of a GM vehicle backwards from 2013 or so on !!
They say the engines are more powerful and produce more torque, yet the vehicle is a dud, sluggish !!
Take our 2004 Cadillac CTS and our 2005 Cadillac SRX, the CTS has the 3.6 v6 and the SRX had the NorthStar !!
So our 2015 Canyon with the 3.6 spec wise had a more powerful engine than the SRX. I’m not sure how they tested it engine or wheeled dyno but they are full of $hit if you drive the vehicle !!!
Same with our 2014 ATS with a 2.0T. When we bought it the vehicle specs say the 2.0T is a better performer than the 3.6 in our 10 year older CTS. Maybe so in some kind of EPA test, but not the vehicle. Our 2004 CTS will run all over this ATS piece of $hit !!!
So unlike the boomers here or even the older X’s I like the Muscle cars, I have a 1968 Camaro, I am familiar with all of them, my brothers were racers !!
I am not talking GM performance SUVs when I say average GM blah ” Good Enough “. GM does a stupendous job on performance, and performance vehicles !!! Great, Awesome !!, Super !!!
Its GMs average vehicles, whoever thinks GM is in the running with the competition on the average vehicle you are full of $hit.
And since you mentioned the Cadillac XT4, This vehicle is a DUD, Just your Average GM 2.0T 9 speed vehicle, GM even tried to enter it in its own class just to make it sound impressive.
Its the leader of a made up class of one !!!
I have said before GM has good engines today, 2020, GM just can’t figure out what vehicle to put them in !!
And whoever is in charge there should drive a GM vehicle from the 2004 to 2010 timeframe and ignore the engine specs !!
If the transmission can not shift, to get the make believe engine torque, to the road it is $hit !!
Your not driving the engine !!!!!!! Your driving the vehicle !!!!!!!!!!!!
Its a system of parts, you would thing ” they ” would understand this.
Mark Reuss understands it, look at the performance line !!!
The 2.7T should be the smallest engine in a Cadillac, sedan or otherwise, Its a Cadillac !!
Why didn’t Mark put the 2.0T in the Corvette, its in the Camaro ?
It doesn’t belong in either one any more than it belongs in a Cadillac !!
It is just as degrading to the Cadillac line as if GM would have put it in a Vette !!
Speaking for myself as a want vehicle from GM, ( because GM has never asked this 40 year GM owner what I want ) We would have bought the Cadillac XT4 RWD/AWD with the 2.7T or 3.0TT. It needs the new Escalade or should I say Escala dash – interior !!
We would buy a Cadillac Escala sedan the size of the CT5, not some butchered version with blanked out windows, but the Escala, with the 3.0TT or 2.7T, not cheapened out to a Honda !!! or less.
But I guess its just me who want a GM average vehicle with a better feeling of power, but NOT a race car !!
One more time, GM offers NOTHING in the middle, nothing !!
All business and $$$. These car makers have figured out that those in the middle will extend themselves into the $50k, $60k+++ vehicles to get that power and total package they desire.
So, when a Kia Stinger shows up and checks all the boxes in the middle price range, none of us diehards know what to think about it and we are afraid to go try one.
I agree, a fwd based GN/GNX is a crime, plus fwd coupes are dead. Start with an CT5 based sedan slotted above Regal with awd available an exclusive 3.6 tt-v6 in low and high output versions, of course it has to sell internationally so a 2.7 can be available. The base car can be called Avista or Lacrosse.
If they do it right, I’ll be in the front of the line. I have an 87 GN now and would like a new one to go with it.
Theres only one answer here , Build it right fracking now
This is just the car buick needs, they need to make it as a coupe and 4 dr hatchback. So you can be cool and still easily load groceries or whatever. BUILD IT RIGHT NOW.
I just watched a program about letter writing campaigns changing big wigs minds. Maybe there should be one started… Send in matchbox GN cars. One letter writing campaign sent a total of 25000 tons of peanuts to a movie company.
GM/Buick should seriously consider building a modernized Grand National or GNX. With the reported pending death of the Camaro, GM could reclaim some market share with vehicles like this. We were teased with the Acosta while Ford and FCA were building multiple factory hotrods. Loyal GM customers apparently soon only have the Corvette as their performance option. Why? It just doesn’t make sense to me.
Just do the avista concept already
Buick will never do it, they’re building vehicles for a generation that will fade in a few decades and instead of attrac younger buyers and preserve the brand they proudly produce cars to cater to a older generations. So what will happen when that generation is gone? at this pace the brand will fade away within 20 years unless they start selling cars the upcoming kids.
A new GNX is credible and necessary for Buick. The Avista concept was awesome and they should use it as the platform and styling for a new GNX. The new car has to go beyond the 1987’s power and torque with an AWD system. Perhaps take suspension components from the Camaro and CTS, even the new twin turbo V8 developed by Cadillac and make it work seamlessly. An updated navigation system and ultra luxury interior would knock it out the park!
A new Grand National would be awesome, I’d buy it. I would love to see a modern, 2 door Buick hot rod.
If you’re going to revive a muscle car legend you have to set the bar very high, Dodge and Ford have been cleaning up in the muscle car lane, If you’re going to build it, it will have to make head’s turn with the stop an stair effect it cant look like something someone’s wife would take to a Mary Kay get together you GM guys have to show the world the king of muscle cars has woken from it’s long hibernation,. If you build it they will come,?
If anyone remembers 1987 Grand National, faster in the quarter mile that the Corvette, faster street light to street light. RWD…..
GM please stop rehashing badges on a much lesser car. FWD ???
Is it cool to dream about this, sure. But it won’t happen. GM doesn’t want to waste their time on a low volume car that only enthusiasts want. We say we want it, but how many people are serious enough to put their money where their mouths are? Very few if I were a betting man. And GM will charge a ridiculous amount that puts it up against models from the Germans that will actually have the balls to be worth it. Besides GM tried to make the Chevy SS a modern day muscle car and we all saw what happened there. Cool car, good power, RWD…but too expensive, cheap materials, and plenty of other vehicles to compare to and win.
The other main point here is that GM wouldn’t do such a famous nameplate justice. They’d turn this into a trim package at best with ZERO performance to back it up…pretty much like many of their other offerings these days (anyone read about the Trailblazer “performance” model). What a joke. Or the entire Redline series…you missed an opportunity and the target there GM. SUVs are huge sellers, you’re getting out of sedans, geezus at least start giving is some performance models to choose from (*ahem–Jeep Grand Cherokee and Durango SRT8).
Excellent comment. Nailed everything.
Yep !!
I would not buy this Buick GN !!
I would however buy a Cadillac in this, but not a V series !! I do not need a racecar.
Just a midsized Cadillac sedan or SUV with MORE !!
Not a race car MORE, Just a Cadillac that is better than ANY Chevrolet offered MORE.
You see, I am not an enthusiasts, in love with Buick from my youth, Pontiac from my youth, Chevrolet, from my youth, GMC from my youth, or even Cadillac from my youth !!
I would like to buy a GM vehicle, I want one, I WILL buy one !!
But there aren’t ANY midsized GM vehicles with enough power, if loaded to GM spec, that aren’t just DUDS !!
Sure ” Good Enough ” but still DUDS !!
And there are plenty out there, Jason S listed a couple, BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Porsche, even Ford now or soon will have some.
Yet GM ZIP, NOPE !!
Soon you will able to get a full sized GM SUV with more than average GM blah.
But where is the midsized ? The highest number of vehicles sold in the world, midsized !!!
But just opinion
GNX Grand National an Icon in the automotive industry. Even today we look around for that Holy Grail of 80’s classic looks and proformance. If you plan on bringing back this beautiful car. Make it right, don’t use what you have. Build a fresh old GNX with the style and proformance. Just more of it. Just do right.
. build it and make it AWD
GM please do what you are capable of..
Tom
As the owner of a 1987 GN, I would be thrilled if they built it. Alas, they will not, so the world will continue rotating at its current speed. What a shame.
Look this is a car GM is not really even building since the plant was sold to PSA.
Second it is not selling well as it is. A more expensive FWD based sedan painted black is not a GNX nor will sell any better at a higher price point.
Finally there is no and will not be any coupe.
Right now coupe sales are dying not just at GM but everywhere as most sell way below the 100k they really need to keep the price to a reasonable amount. Many of you already complain the Camaro is too much now.
Like it or not but the majority of post boomers are rejecting performance and have embraced the CUV.
GM is only going to build what makes money and what sells. If you want to blame anyone it is the general buying public that earns your wrath.
Second the GNX was one of the best cars of the era but today pales to many cars today.
Might want to check out what a Lingenfelter just built. They just showed a 450 hp Blazer AWD. The supercharger is estimated at $7000 over tg3 vehicle price if they offer it.
Sorry that is reality.
Yep, all you said yet GM built the C8 performance coupe ?
Are not these your exact words as reality :
Right now coupe sales are dying not just at GM but everywhere as most sell way below the 100k they really need to keep the price to a reasonable amount. Many of you already complain the Camaro is too much now.
Like it or not but the majority of post boomers are rejecting performance and have embraced the CUV.
GM is only going to build what makes money and what sells. If you want to blame anyone it is the general buying public that earns your wrath.
How again was this C8 justified ?
Can you say it ? is it impossible for you ?
There are no numbers that would allow GM to spend the time and money on the C8, YOU said it C8.R !!
The Corvette sales numbers are low, lower than many vehicles GM has cancelled, right ?
The Corvette IS a coupe, right ?
The Corvette IS performance, Right ?
Did you not just say above that REALITY is there is no and will not be any coupe ?
Did you not just say above that post boomers are rejecting performance ?
Yet, just one more time, what has GM spent the most time and money on ?
A performance coupe, motor trend car of the year, the best vehicle GM has ever made !!!
Yet you just said GM would never do it !!
Anything ?
Just more useless C8.R commenting that really means nothing, and he said it himself, yet doesn’t even here what he is saying !!
Can you say it C8.R. GM builds what GM wants, it does not matter what the buying public wants Boomer or post boomer.
Its a Mark Reuss ego vehicle, plain and simple, and I can’t believe Mary let him get rid of JDN and build it.
For long term profit sake !!
In ten years JDN would have brought in loads more beloved GM cash with Cadillac than Mark with this C8.
Don’t worry, I’ll be here in the 5 years and am preparing to eat your crow !!
What was it 2019 minivan sales of 400,000 and 2024 C8 sales of 400,000, those are your numbers right ?
OK its me again , OK I love this GNX idea , as I previously said you need a 2 door coupe or coupe with a hatchback and a
4 door hatchback model ,
2 versions , one with a 360-400 hp twin turbo v6 and cadillac has just introduced a 3.0L twin turbo with 360 bhp, little bit of tweaking and you got 400 plus HP there , heres what I just considered , a super GNX with the 500 bhp cadillac twin turbo
blackstar v8 ,
could be a coupe only to chase Challengers and Mustangs .
I drive a V6 Accord coupe, so FWD doesn’t bother me like it would bother “enthusiasts”. I like the idea a lot. I’d even take it with four dours. The problem would be getting the power to the asphalt. At a certain point, the horsepower would beat out the drivetrain. They would need to focus super hard on balance. Less vroom vroom and more zoom zoom.
If this was built, and built as a true rebirth of an icon, I would be the first in line to buy one. But in reality, we all know it would be a pig wearing lipstick and false eye lashes. A tribute to the original in looks, but not in performance. And plastidipped clones with fake badges would be more common than the real deal, as is now with the Grand National of years gone by.
Now I need to go out to the garage and look at the empty stall where my ’87 was supposed to be parked, and cry.
Thank you writers, for the false hope, and sudden sadness.
I stood next to the Buick Avista concept car at NAIAS 2016, thoroughly admiring the vehicle. As I read the spec sheet posted at its turntable–V6, turbocharged, rear wheel drive– it became apparent that a number of other admirers had gathered ’round, all thoroughly approving of the vehicle before them. I looked at all of them with a smirk on my face and asked “Do you know what you’re looking at?” With the Buick Avista nameplate plastered all over the display, they looked bewildered… until I stated matter-of-factly “You’re looking at the next Grand National.” Everyone smiled and nodded.
Problem was the Avista was just a concept car that really was not close to production. Note no real road test.
The other problem is that Coupe sales are tanking. Yes it sucks but mags are not going to invest in coupes that can’t sell near 100k units.
The real question is with the coupes we have now how long will they hold on in decline?
One thing I noticed on the sales profit shares for suv’s For the Chevy blazer GMC Acadia and Chevy traverse.combine the three and GM won the profit shares over the rest. The idea here is get more from the alpha platform which is a great platform.camaro sales should be better, but it’s hard to see out of some people complain. So fix it with the Buick version, and maybe make it a little more practical. I’d be fine with same engine options too 2 liter turbo, 3.6, and the LF4 or the 3.0 turbo. Rwd base with awd option.this would also end the regal production overseas and have it build here in USA with camaro. I feel it should of happened already so it probably won’t with the likely end of the production of camaro in 2022 and the end of that platform
But haven’t you seen the “That’s a Buick??” Commercial?
They’ve been making that ad for 40 years. Yawn.
It’s a bit of stretch but look Buicks entire lineup is pretty horrendous. Maybe it should be a separate model entirely. Like just “Grand National” or whatever something significant to it’s predessecor. Just keeping it simple here, definitely no four door or hatchback. Just a two door, lights and body lines resembling the iconic car. As far as performance they need to bring back the 3800 supercharged