10 Things We Want From A Modern Buick Grand National

Mar 15, 2023

Gearheads would welcome the return of some legendary muscle, in the form of the Buick Grand National, with some modern design twists.

By January 2024, the Ford Mustang will be the last of the Big Three muscle cars in production—GM's Camaro and the Dodge Challenger are in their last model year. These muscle cars cultivated a community of automotive enthusiasts, and, unfortunately, there isn't a clear successor to carry on the tradition. Right now, enthusiasts could welcome a return of some legendary classic muscle car nameplates like the Buick Grand National.

RELATED: Proving The 1987 Buick Grand National Can Compete With Classic Italian Supercars

The Buick Grand National was one of the best muscle cars of the 1980s. In its final years of production, it featured an upgraded turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine pushing a conservatively rated 276 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque, making it one of that era's fastest American production cars. The combination of its powerful engine, sleek design, and aggressive stance contributed to its reputation as a formidable muscle car, and today, it is a valuable classic car with an average price of about $46,180, with the highest sale fetching $550,000 at a Barrett-Jackson auction in 2022. What if General Motors brought back the Grand National for one last dance? Digital artist Rostislav Prokop created an exclusive concept of a modern Buick Grand National for HotCars, and here's what we would love to see from such a project.

An aggressive exterior styling would be desirable for a modern Buick Grand National. The design should capture the spirit of the original Grand National while incorporating contemporary elements to give it a distinctive and bold appearance. Sharp lines, a muscular stance, and aerodynamic enhancements would contribute to the car's aggressive look.

Features such as a prominent blacked-out grille, sleek headlights, sculpted body panels, and unique badging would further enhance its visual appeal. This aggressive exterior styling would reflect its high-performance capabilities and make a bold statement on the road while capturing the spirit of the original Grand National.

The original Grand National featured Buick's legendary 3.8-liter V6 engine, one of the most legendary V6s ever built that proved you don't need a V8 to be a true muscle car. The turbocharged 1987 Buick Regal Grand National GNX was once America's quickest automobile, with 300 hp on tap. A modern Grand National should have a powerful engine that delivers equally exhilarating performance.

A turbocharged V6 or V8 engine designed to optimize performance while maintaining efficiency would be ideal. With ample horsepower and torque, the engine would enable the car to achieve exceptional acceleration and top speeds. For a more future-proof approach, GM can adopt a hybrid powertrain that will improve fuel efficiency, enhance performance, and offer regenerative braking while being environmentally friendly.

Incorporating an all-wheel drive system would be a desirable feature that will help effectively handle the power of a modern Buick Grand National. AWD distributes power to all four wheels, enhancing traction and stability, especially during aggressive acceleration or when driving on slippery or uneven surfaces.

RELATED: These Are The 10 Best AWD Sports Cars On The Market Right Now

By sending power to each wheel, an AWD system maximizes grip and helps the vehicle maintain control—this ensures effective translation of engine power to the road, which is vital in a high-performance car. AWD will make the modern Grand National quicker off the line thanks to the immense grip level from all wheels while providing greater traction on terrains like loose gravel and dirt. It will also improve the overall handling dynamics of the car, providing a confident and balanced driving experience.

A modern Buick Grand National should have an advanced suspension system to deliver an optimal driving experience. This system would aim to balance sporty handling and a comfortable ride, providing the driver with precise control and a smooth driving experience. Adjustable dampers would allow the driver to adjust the firmness or softness of the suspension, adapting it to different road conditions or personal preferences.

Another option could be an adaptive suspension system that utilizes sensors to monitor various factors, such as vehicle speed, steering input, and road conditions, and automatically adjusts the suspension settings in real time. Furthermore, technologies like active roll stabilization or suspension management could help turn a modern Grand National into more than a drag-racing-only muscle car.

A modern Grand National should feature an interior that blends luxury and sportiness. Upscale materials such as soft-touch surfaces, genuine leather upholstery, and brushed aluminum or carbon fiber accents would enhance the tactile experience and elevate the overall interior quality. Comfortable and supportive seats should be a priority, with the option for additional bolstering to provide extra support during spirited driving. The seats could be power-adjustable with memory functions, allowing for personalized settings for multiple drivers.

Additional, advanced technology features which weren't around in the times of the original Grand National, like a digital instrument cluster, a large infotainment display, and connectivity options, would create a contemporary and enjoyable cabin.

A driver-focused cockpit would be a highly desirable feature in a modern Buick Grand National, emphasizing the car's performance-oriented nature and enhancing the driver's connection with the vehicle. It would prioritize ergonomics, accessibility, and an immersive driving experience, putting the driver at the center of the action while ensuring optimal control and comfort throughout every journey.

Highlights include a sporty, ergonomic steering wheel with a thick grip, well-placed controls, a clear instrument cluster, a heads-up display, and sporty pedals. It should also come with supportive and contoured seats that hold the driver in place during aggressive maneuvers while reducing fatigue on long drives.

Safety features available in the 1980s were not as advanced or comprehensive as those found in modern vehicles, so a modern take on the Buick Grand National could benefit from enhanced safety features to prioritize the well-being of its occupants.

Some essential safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, rearview and surround-view cameras, and an advanced airbag system. Considering the car's high outputs, traction, and stability control could help during acceleration, braking, and cornering by managing power delivery and braking to individual wheels as needed.

Exhaust sound is an integral part of the appeal of muscle cars. The deep, rumbling, and the aggressive exhaust note is often associated with the power and performance that muscle cars represent. A modern Buick Grand National should feature a performance exhaust system to enhance its driving experience and provide an exhilarating sound. It will help improve engine efficiency and throttle response and optimize power output by allowing the engine to breathe more efficiently.

A performance exhaust system will contribute to the Grand National's aesthetic appeal and create an auditory experience by delivering a distinct, throaty tone reflecting the car's sporty nature and high-performance capabilities.

Offering limited and special edition trims of a modern Buick Grand National would be a fantastic way to enhance its appeal and provide unique options for enthusiasts. These exclusive trims could commemorate significant milestones, pay homage to the car's heritage, or showcase special features and design elements.

RELATED: This 450 HP Retro-Modified Buick Grand National Is Ready To Slay A Ferrari

Available in limited quantities, these limited editions would create a sense of exclusivity and desirability among collectors and enthusiasts. They could feature distinctive exterior and interior styling cues, unique badging, special paint options, and upgraded materials.

When the original Buick Regal Grand National debuted in 1982, it was competitively priced compared to other performance cars of its time, positioning itself as a more affordable alternative to some of the high-performance cars offered by other manufacturers. Setting a competitive price point in relation to other vehicles in the muscle car segment would attract potential buyers and position the Grand National favorably in the market.

We still don't know what car GM plans to replace the outgoing Chevy Camaro with, so a modern Grand National can easily slot in and adopt friendlier pricing.

Sources: Classic, Hemmings

Bryan is a content marketer who works as a staff writer for HotCars.com where he covers a variety of topics, from the first Motorwagen to the latest Electric vehicles. A writer by day and a programmer by night. When he is not writing about cars, catch him tinkering with his old motorcycle.