WorldCarFans reports that Buick may have some more decency up its sleeve as word is that the performance-oriented Grand National and GNX models will be making a comeback.
Buick fans have long suffered from the lack of any sort of truly serious performance considerations after the brand surrendered their muscle car macho to slush-mobile galore when the original Grand National and GNX were axed in 1987.
Buick has reattempted to reinvigorate some of their performance roots with the recent Regal GS, which is by all means a very pleasant thing to drive. But with its European roots (the Opel Insignia) and its turbocharged Ecotec four-banger, the Regal GS is far from a spiritual successor to your old man’s Gran Sport from the 1970s and above all, the original Regal based Grand National and GNX.
The report states that these Grand National and GNX models will be ready as early as 2015 and will use the Cadillac ATS’s Alpha rear-wheel drive platform. And that’s a great start already as the Regal GS is a well-toned front-wheel drive sedan and the ATS has been applauded for its excellent handling.
Additionally, the ATS’s powerplants are also expected to carry over, including the base ATS’s 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder good for 272hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, which will be the basis for the Grand National. The 3.6L V6 will be destined for a faster Grand National upgrade, worthy of 321hp and 274 lb-ft of torque. The balls-out GNX model will reportedly receive a twin-turbo 3.6L V6 good for 400hp and will be decked out in all black, much like the last GNX ever made.
But with that all said, what remains to be determined is what it will look like and most of all, will it be a two-door or a four door. Will the new Grand National and GNX go the way of the Dodge Charger and grow a set of doors for its revival? Or will it be spawned the much-anticipated Cadillac ATS Coupe’s two-door setup and return as a coupe, the way it should be?
Much to be pondered about. Let us know what you think in the comment section below.
- By: Chris Chin
Source: WorldCarFans
