Buick To Revive Legendary Grand National

Buick is on the verge of reviving the legacy of the long-departed Buick Grand National performance car. An article published by Edmunds Inside Line claims that the premium brand will be bringing back not just the Grand National, but also the T-Type and GNX to its current lineup.

Fortunately for fans of fast Buicks, it appears that the automaker isn't simply going to make use of these once-legendary nameplates as trim levels on existing cars. Buick will be borrowing the rear-wheel drive Alpha platform that is currently in use by the Cadillac ATS in order to give life to these sport sedans. As with their predecessors, the trio will offering ascending performance and exclusivity, with the GNX sitting at the apex of the group. The Grand National model will also come exclusively in black, just like its namesake.

Drivetrain choices have yet to be nailed down, but the front runners are a twin-turbo version of the 3.6-liter V-6 engine that has made the rounds of much of GM's portfolio in naturally aspirated form, or the recently-introduced LT V-8. Power output is set to hover in the 350 horsepower to 400 horsepower range, with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions handling the gear shifting duties.

Buick has not been shying about mining its past in order to introduce hot rod versions of existing products. The most recent example is the Buick Regal GS, which features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine as well as a six-speed manual transmission option for enthusiasts.