Buick Grand National GNX - an exclusive version of the Regal model, which became one of the most powerful cars of the 1980s. Thanks to a unique line of turbocharged engines, the last classic muscle car of the 20th century was second only to the motorsport legend Lamborghini Countach in acceleration dynamics .
History of creation
The Grand National modification appeared in 1982 as a special edition of the Buick Regal model. The name migrated from a series of races in which Buick, a subsidiary of General Motors, participated. Most Rigel Grand National cars of the early 1980s did not have turbo engines and did not differ in speed.
At this time, the development of muscle cars (as well as the entire American automobile industry) was at an impasse. Engineers of General Motors, trying to revive the generation of the so-called "street" motors, actively experimented with power plants. As a result, a whole galaxy of unique 6-cylinder engines was born, which in fact turned out to be much more efficient than the 8-cylinder ones, which were equipped with such legendary brands as “Corvette”, “Camaro”, “Mustang” and other “monsters” of roads. An engineering find was the use of turbochargers. It was in Buick GNX engines that combined the best technical solutions that existed in the world at that time.
Development
After a two-year hiatus, the Grand National was reintroduced into the Buick range. The 3.8L V6 Turbo gasoline engine has become standard equipment. He gave out power of 200 liters. with., the torque reached 300 Nm.
In 1986, the Grand National acquired a more powerful turbo engine developing 235 liters. from. at 4400 rpm. The performance improvement was achieved by adding an intercooler (air exchanger) for the turbocharger. The power unit provided a torque of 330 Nm at 2800 rpm.
In connection with the end of production of the family of muscle cars, Buick decided to release the most advanced collector's modification of the Buick Grand National GNX in 1987. The car was created in collaboration with McLaren and received a mechanical intercooler, a turboelastic increased body of the exhaust system and more advanced software. Changes also affected the appearance: the wings above the wheels were expanded, a small spoiler was added, the interior was redesigned.
Design
The appearance of the car Buick GNX demonstrates the seriousness of the brand:
- exclusively black body color;
- chopped facets of the silhouette;
- long wheelbase;
- huge grille;
- a bumper protruding like a jaw of a boxer;
- Exclusive black and white trim in retro style.
The fact that under the hood there is a formidable beast that can “tear” even many sports cars at the start is hinted at by a dual exhaust system, an additional air intake on the hood and a mini spoiler that extends along the edge of the trunk. The two-door layout, a large legroom in front of the front seats and adjustable seats in a wide range of seats with developed lateral support clearly indicate that we are not a family utilitarian sedan, but a car for the soul - a “muscular" muscle car.
Technical stuffing
The Buick GNX features look impressive today. According to official figures, the power of the turbocharged V6 reaches 276 liters. from. at 5000 rpm and produces 488 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm. By the way, for some reason, the manufacturer indicated underestimated values. Actual figures are 300 liters. from. and 569 Nm. The maximum speed is limited to 200 km / h, but enthusiasts forced the GNX to much higher speeds, turning the car into a “bullet” of Street Legal class.
It was also possible to order a version of the carburetor engine V8 5.7L, developing 305 liters. from. and 280 Nm. Modifications with this type of engine have received the GNX-R classification.
Buick GNX is the most powerful car in the American automobile market in the second half of the 1980s. The actual acceleration time to 100 km / h is only 4.6 seconds, which is an impressive indicator for a large one and a half ton car. The secret of success lies in the unique lighter Garrett turbocharger with a ceramic impeller, which has low inertia and is less affected by the effect of the so-called turbojet.
Also special were the connecting rods, valve mechanisms, differential covers, the Turbo Hydramatic 200-4R transmission with a torque converter and cooler, intercoolers. The latter were equipped with a Cermatel ceramic-aluminum tube connecting the intercooler to the engine. The model has a function to change the geometry of the suspension, which allows you to raise the front of the body to increase traction. The rigidity of the body was increased, the suspension was improved, and McLaren experts wrote a program for electronic engine control.
Output
As a result of engineering searches, Buick GNX was born, which became the pinnacle of the evolution of the American company. It is no coincidence that the GNX is recognized as one of the most sought-after “muscular” cars in the United States.
In fact, Buick reinvented the muscle car, which was distinguished by both technical stuffing and concise, moderately brutal design. Thanks to the new, more economical and more efficient engine technology, the generation of “shock” class V8 motors is a thing of the past.
By the way, a total of 547 copies were released, which are in high demand among collectors. Today, cars in good condition are asked for at least $ 50,000 (3 million rubles), despite the fact that the cost of new cars started from $ 29,900 (1.8 million rubles). At one of the auctions, a car with a mileage of 109 km was valued at a record $ 250,000 (15.3 million rubles).