Test Drive Buick Regal GNX 1987 | Forza Horizon 5

The 1987 Buick Regal GNX (Grand National Experimental) is one of the most legendary American performance cars of the 1980s. Built as the ultimate version of the Buick Grand National, the GNX was a limited-production, high-performance coupe that shocked the muscle car world. With its turbocharged V6 engine and stealthy blacked-out design, the GNX became a feared street racer and remains a highly sought-after collector’s car today.
A Bold and Stealthy Design
The Buick GNX was based on the 1987 Buick Grand National, but with a more aggressive and refined appearance. It featured:
✅ Blacked-out trim and grille, giving it a sinister, intimidating look
✅ Unique 16-inch aluminum wheels designed to improve grip and handling
✅ Functional fender vents to help with engine cooling
✅ A sleek, understated body that made it the ultimate "sleeper car"-fast but unassuming
Inside, the GNX retained the Grand National’s sporty interior, featuring:
✅ Bucket seats with “GNX” badging
✅ Analog gauges with a special Stewart-Warner boost gauge
✅ Turbine-style shift indicator, reminding drivers they were in something special
A Turbocharged Monster Under the Hood
What made the 1987 GNX legendary wasn’t just its looks-it was the engine. Instead of a traditional big-block V8, Buick engineers pushed the boundaries with a turbocharged 3.8L V6, which produced:
🔥 276 horsepower (though real-world tests suggest it made closer to 300+ hp)
🔥 360 lb-ft of torque, delivering brutal acceleration
The GNX featured several performance upgrades over the regular Grand National, including:
✅ A larger Garrett T3 turbocharger for more boost
✅ An upgraded intercooler to keep intake temperatures down
✅ A reprogrammed ECU for improved fuel and ignition timing
✅ A unique transmission with a performance shift calibration
Thanks to these upgrades, the GNX could launch from 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds and complete the quarter-mile in 13.5 seconds-numbers that embarrassed even some Corvettes and Ferraris of the era.
The King of 1980s Muscle Cars
In an era when American muscle cars were struggling due to emissions regulations, the Buick GNX proved that turbo technology could deliver serious power. With only 547 units ever produced, the GNX became an instant collectible.
Today, mint-condition GNXs sell for six-figure prices, and they are still considered one of the fastest and most legendary cars of the 1980s.
Conclusion
The 1987 Buick Regal GNX was more than just a muscle car-it was a revolution. Combining turbocharged power with sleek styling, it proved that V6 engines could dominate the streets. With its limited production, incredible performance, and stealthy design, the GNX remains one of the most iconic American cars ever built. Whether on the drag strip or in a collector’s garage, the Buick GNX will forever be remembered as the ultimate sleeper muscle car.
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