Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

SLP says it is developing new GNX and Grand National Buicks

As you might remember, we were left unfulfilled by the 2012 Buick Regal GS. Buick just didn't go far enough, in our estimation, which is why when we read about the possibility of a tuner version of the GS from SLP Performance Parts on Inside Line, we got on the phone posthaste.

SLP is best known for building the Firehawk and SS versions of fourth-generation F-body Pontiac Firebirds and Chevrolet Camaros for General Motors, and owning the "ZL" trademark that both it and GM have used on the current-gen Camaro. But the company is also the rights holder of fabled Buick monikers "Grand National" and "GNX," names that it intends to put back into play.

An SLP spokesman confirmed the report that a 300-plus-horsepower Buick GNX based on the GS is in development, saying that it should have a final mock-up based on the above sketch by the middle of this month. But SLP also told us that it has plans to revive the Grand National name, which would presumably fall somewhere between the GS and the GNX on the performance scale.

But before we get too lathered up about this, remember that SLP has dipped its toes in the performance Buick game before, with middling results. The company rolled out a Buick GSX back in the early part of last decade, based on the supercharged, 3800 V6-powered Regal GS. This dealer-installed kit was a good idea applied to the wrong car, as the front-drive, fourth-generation Regal just wasn't enough of a performance machine out of the box to bother with.

The current GS, on the other hand, offers a much more intriguing proposition for a little bit of aftermarket improvement. As long as SLP does the full-blackout treatment that was a hallmark of the original GNX, we'd be willing to take it for a spin.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/02/s...tional-buicks/

speedflex

OK by me. I used to LOVE the Grand Nation and GNX back in the day.

Fizzboy7

I waste. Leave it in the past and invest in the next new thing like most other manufacturers do. The world has moved on from the 80's.

speedflex

Hmmm. Let's see. We have retro Mustangs, Camaros, Challengers. I don't think so.

The old Grand National was a Regal tuned-up skunk works style to be one of the baddest rods in its day. I see nothing wrong with resurrecting a legend.

Fizzboy7

The two doors seem to work. The four doors haven't been as lucky. Buick has worked tirelessly trying to build up their repuation as affordable luxury (up from Chevy). The GNX doesn't mesh with the effort.

speedflex

I can see some of your point but I think Buick has not only been trying to compete seriously on the luxury level but also attract a younger customer.

GQD_GS4

I loved the old Grand Nationals and GNX. Those cars are icons. I think Buick should leave those holy names alone unless they do a retro redesign like what Dodge did with the Challenger.

LexBob2

As much as I like the Grand Nationals I think they should leave it alone. The Buicks don't have nearly the following and name recognition as Camaros, Challengers and Mustangs. A very limited market for them.