Buick’s GNX is one of those icons which are instantly-recognizable, they have a hardcore fan base, and of course, in the event of a comeback there is considerable risk of a backlash if things go wrong.
Not so with this render of the modern-day 2023 Buick GNX by HotCars artist Rostislav Prokop, who uses existing current designs as a jumping-off point to pull an American classic out of the 80s and straight into the here and the now.
Buick’s Regal had a sibling called the Grand National, but it was the GNX that stole the hearts of many due to its power and exclusivity.
In the event it returns today to bring speed and style to old and new fans alike, it could do worse than arrive with a svelte silhouette similar to the one you see before you.
The Modern Buick GNX Concept Looks Like An Iconic Muscle Car In The Making
The second coming of the Buick GNX would necessarily look different to the old one, just look at how much crash regulations, aerodynamics and pedestrian safety have made their mark on modern designs.
For the new GNX, the Buick Regal, which finished in its sixth generation would perhaps be a good base for the new car, especially as the GS model already came with a 3.6-liter V6 and all-wheel-drive.
This muscle car comes in a big, Lexus LFA-inspired coupe shape, and has clear signs of the Buick Regal it evolves from with some key differences that set it apart as a rival to the Dodge Challenger, although it features its fair share of Challenger-esque ideas, too.
Up front, the grille, although shaped more like the Regal with a hint of the Chrysler 300, is a nod to the GNX’s showpiece, and the lights get curved around like the Regal – the orange fog lights or DRLs at the bottom are of course inspired by the Buick GNX as well.
How To Create A Modern Buick GNX For 2023 With Help From A Computer
With the power of Paintshop and many other tools, the prolific designer endows the imaginary GNX with the rear and angular waistline from a Dodge Challenger, while looking at its flanks reveals the rims that look like the ones on the 1987 Buick GNX sports car.
In case you also miss the engine scoops on the front quarter panel, the rear of the modern GNX will have you remembering the old muscle car thanks to the double-level rear lights and subtle rear spoiler lip.
The 1987 Buick GNX featured a turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine with an underrated 276 hp and 360 lb-ft, the figures were considerably higher and the car was quick for the time with a sub-5-second 0-60 mph time.
Nowadays, the powertrain for this 2023 Buick GNX would probably be a hybrid, but let’s imagine for a moment that it could harness the power of the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1; a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 650 hp.
Or, better yet, the V8 from a 10.4-liter Chevy COPO Camaro with 1000 hp to make sure it doesn’t look inferior to the Dodge SRT Challenger Hellcat Redeye.