Buick Grand National With 1,600 Horsepower Was Put Through Its Paces

Many people in the automotive community would be thrilled to see Buick bring back the Regal Grand National. Shawn, host of AutotopiaLA, traveled to Illinois to meet Jeremy Gerber and put the Grand National through its paces.

In an effort to surpass the already impressive performance of the turbo V6 in the Regal Grand National, Gerber's Roadster Shop chose to conduct an LS swap. The Grand National showed off its versatility by demonstrating how it could be driven with restraint and excitement to a slow, 1,100-horsepower tune. On the other hand, the aggressive 1,600-horsepower tuning may let it loose. 

Wagner Motorsport constructed a V8 LS7 monster engine capable of producing 1,600 horsepower. The power was sent through a Bowler 4L80E transmission with a manual valve body and a sturdy 9-inch rear axle. The front tires are Michelin Pilot Sport tires, while the rear tires are Nitto NT555s; both sets of tires are mounted on bespoke 18" x 19" wheels.

The Grand National's already impressive handling and stopping power have been further elevated with the installation of Fox coil-over shock absorbers and Baer six-piston brake calipers. The shop couldn't help but add their signature touches, such as lower front spoilers, broader wheel flares, and a larger 3D-printed spoiler, all of which serve to improve the car's aesthetics while paying tribute to the model's legendary history.

When one enters this automotive marvel, they will see a layout that is familiar, with the exception of a roll cage that has been added to improve safety and performance. The Roadster Shop's dedication to quality is on full display in the dashboard's careful hand reworking and the door panels' 3D-printed components. The dashboard and controls, however, were a model of modernity and dynamism. The center stack screen allowed for complete command of all vehicle operations, but the lightning rod shifter system and retro-styled digital display added a touch of nostalgia.