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Why I Want This In Gran Turismo: It was the first turbocharged Regal, it set the blueprint for the Grand National and GNX, and it featured a decent for it's time 170 HP. It is my favorite American car from the late 1970s (even better than the Trans Am, IMO), and it is one of the standout cars of the malaise era of cars.
From Wikipedia: A downsized Regal appeared for 1978 with Buick's new 196 cu in (3.2 L) V6 engine as standard equipment and a new version of the venerable 231 cu in (3.8 L) V6 as an option (which became standard in 1980). Initially a 3-speed manual transmission was standard but this was later replaced by an automatic. This model lasted 10 years. The base model was equipped with softer-riding luxury suspension, and did not offer a manual transmission in later years. The 1978 Regal could be equipped with a 3.8 L Turbocharged V-6 engine with automatic transmission and the sedan model was dropped, once again leaving Regals exclusively as coupes with the Century nameplate applied to bread-and-butter sedans and station wagons. Non-turbo versions were offered with either a 2-bbl or a 4-bbl carburetor. The Buick LeSabre was also available with the turbocharged engine. The only other turbocharged cars available in the U.S. market in 1978 were imports from Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Saab. The Turbo Regal also included a firm handling suspension with larger tires and sport wheels.
Specifications:
Engine: turbocharged 3.8L Buick V6
Power: 170 HP
Torque: 265 lb-ft
Drivetrain: FR
Weight: 1,507 kg
Transmission: 3-speed automatic
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