Buick Grand National, an American muscle car?

There's one type of car that I don't have all that much interest in. This also means that my knowledge of them is as extensive as my knowledge of the American civil war. So, since the last post about the Alfa Romeo 4C attracted no interest at all lets talk about American muscle cars.

Buick Grand National in the only colour, jet black.

American muscle cars have a large fan base which is also apparent on this blog, since the highest view counts are on posts about muscle cars. I don't share that passion of American muscle cars, which means that only recently was I introduced to a car which existence surprised me. The car in question is the Buick Grand National. The car is actually a 1980's Buick Regal but with a 3.8 litre turbocharged V6. This in my book is very uncharacteristic for a Buick or for any American car in fact. In the early years of the Grand National the turbo V6 developed a frankly embarrassing 200 HP. But in the last two years of production (1986-87) the improved and now intercooled engine boasted an acceptable 245 HP. This means the Buick is capable to achieve 100 km/h in 5 seconds. That's faster than a Ferrari of that period, the 328 GTB. The top speed though is absolutely appalling at only 200 km/h but you're not likely to ever go that fast on roads anyway so who cares.

Familiar shape from the 80's

That's it on the technology part of the Grand National, as it usually is when it comes to American muscle cars. Large engine = big speed and noise, there's no need for a chassis, suspension or brake upgrade when it comes to American muscle cars.

This particular car had the owners name printed on it.

The Buick Grand National looks quite similar to the basic Regal except the fact that the Grand National was only available in jet black and it has Buick "6" badges. Otherwise it looks like many other American "coupe" from that era. But the jet black body colour, including the grille, does give it a sinister look. The marketing people also recognized this and they made some impressive posters with the Grand National. It looked so evil and malicious it was referred to as Darth Vader's car. I know it's weird, but I quite like it.

And this is the view drivers of muscle cars saw back in the day, and even today.

The Buick Grand National has a presence and a mean attitude. Other cars like the Camaro, Mustang and not to mention Ferrari turned their noses to at the sight of it. And then a couple of seconds later looked at its Buick behind when it went past in a sea of turbo whistle.

In many ways this car is like many other power hungry American muscle cars but then again it isn't. If only it had a Nissan badge to go with that unique engine it would be hailed around the world as one of the great turbocharged cars.

The all important badge. Could any of you tell me who is Troy Spencer?

How to luxury

As we know Rolls Royce has the infinite know how to create a exceptionally posh car. But since the Phantom has become a bit of a mainstream- I'm using this word very loosely - big luxury run about, I think the brand has lost a bit of its exclusivity.

The people at Rolls Royce have noticed this and as a response revived the very exclusive model name from the 30's, the Wraith. The modern Wraith sits on the same floor as the, smaller than Phantom, Ghost. Which in part sits on a modified floor of the BMW 7-series. It's also got the same engine from the Ghost a 6.6 litre twin turbo V12. But some power has been added. A subtle 70 hp more which add up to a hypnotic 632 hp. That ladies and gentlemen is the most powerful Rolls Royce ever made. Rest assured though, this power is imperceptible as the engine makes no noticeable "wroom" and the supreme quality soaks up the wind noise.
What actually makes this car the brand saver of Rolls Royce though, is the hugely impressive design. The massive two door presence of this car is breath taking. The styling is the perfect combination of proper British luxury design and German build quality and attention to detail.

This beast of a thing is so elegant and brilliantly smooth that it captures the essence of true luxury and exclusivity. A title that, as we all can agree on, belongs in the house of Rolls Royce.

And the rear hinged doors add to the presence that this car naturally has.

That long roof line sits so well on those hips.
The two-toned version should look astounding. 

German hot hatches

German hot hatches are the best kind of hot hatches and now there are going to be two more. Last year Mercedes-Benz launched the new A-class and already then there was a rumor going around that the people at AMG would be going to get their hands on it. And they have. So welcome everyone to the cheapest, and in my oppinion the oddest, AMG Merc yet. The Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG.
And directly to the numbers beacuse that's the thing AMG always impresses with. The A45 has a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine developing an astounding 360 horesepower. All that power is going to all four wheels with Merc's 4matic system. And that's why i think it's an odd AMG. No massive V8. No wheel spinning action beacuse of the four wheel drive. It almost seems grown up, until you notice all the traditional AMG aerodymaic lunacy.

The other new german pocket rocket is the new Audi S3. It shares the same body as the new generation Audi A3 but obviously with some flared wheel arches and alot of S3 badges. As for the engine it's also 2.0-litre and turbocharged. But with 300 HP it's obviously a bit less powerful than the hottest small Audi the RS3 but let us not call it slow as it gets from 0-100 kph in a bit over 5 seconds. It also has Audi's Quattro four wheel drive system which is a given. And what about the styling? It hasn't changed much in appearence to the outgoing A3 so it still looks boring and conservitive as a german mid-ranged car should look.

So these two cars are quite evenly matched. The S3 is less expensive than the mad Mercedes but it still packs alot of punch. So? Which one do you want? The accountant or the accountants dog?

Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

Audi S3