The automotive world was set ablaze this week as Ringbrothers, the renowned custom car builder, unveiled their latest creation at the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The star of their showcase was a meticulously modified 1987 Buick Grand National, aptly named "INVADR," boasting an astonishing 1,246 horsepower. This reveal has sent shockwaves through the automotive community, redefining the boundaries of what's possible in the world of restomods and custom builds.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Base Model | 1987 Buick Grand National |
| Engine | Twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 1,246 hp |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Build Time | Approximately 5,000 hours |
The Resurrection of an Icon: From Stock to Shock
The 1987 Buick Grand National holds a special place in automotive history. Originally equipped with a turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine producing around 245 horsepower, it was considered a formidable performer of its time. However, Ringbrothers saw the potential to transform this classic into something truly extraordinary.
Jim Ring, co-owner of Ringbrothers, explained their vision:
"This car is all about presence. The bodywork is subtle at a glance, but the ferocity of what's under the hood begins to materialize on second viewing. And then you drive it."[1]
The transformation process was nothing short of miraculous. Ringbrothers invested nearly 5,000 hours into this build, meticulously refining every aspect of the vehicle. The result is a masterpiece that pays homage to the original while pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering.
Engine: The Heart of the Beast
At the core of the INVADR is a completely rebuilt 3.8-liter V6 engine, courtesy of Duttweiler Performance. This isn't just any engine upgrade; it's a complete reimagining of what's possible with the Grand National's powerplant.
Key engine modifications include:
- Twin Precision 62mm turbochargers
- 32 pounds of boost pressure
- Hand-ported aluminum cylinder heads
- Custom intake manifold
- All-aluminum block
The result is a staggering 1,246 horsepower – over five times the output of the original engine. This monumental increase in power transforms the INVADR from a classic muscle car into a modern hypercar competitor.
Transmission and Drivetrain: Harnessing the Power
To handle this immense power, Ringbrothers opted for a six-speed manual transmission. This choice not only adds to the driver engagement but also showcases the confidence in the build's ability to manage such extreme forces.
Other drivetrain enhancements include:
- Carbon fiber driveshaft
- Strange Engineering Ford 9-inch rear end
- Custom exhaust system built in-house
These upgrades ensure that every bit of the engine's power is efficiently transferred to the road, making the INVADR not just powerful, but also drivable.
Chassis and Suspension: Balancing Power with Control
With great power comes great responsibility, and Ringbrothers took this to heart when redesigning the INVADR's chassis and suspension. The stock Grand National was never designed to handle over 1,200 horsepower, so a complete overhaul was necessary.
Custom Chassis
The INVADR sits on a custom Roadster Shop chassis, specifically designed to handle the extreme forces generated by the upgraded powertrain. This bespoke frame provides the necessary rigidity and strength to keep the car stable under acceleration, braking, and cornering.
Suspension Upgrades
The suspension system received equally impressive attention:
- Penske three-way adjustable dampers
- Widened track for improved stability
- 1.25-inch splined front sway bar
- Custom-designed control arms
These modifications work in harmony to provide a balance between the comfort expected from a Grand National and the performance demanded by its newfound power.
Braking System
To reign in all this power, Ringbrothers turned to proven performance parts:
- Brakes from a C6 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
- Six-piston Brembo calipers
- Massive ceramic brake discs
This braking setup ensures that the INVADR can stop as impressively as it accelerates, providing the driver with confidence at any speed.
Exterior: Subtle Aggression
While the mechanical upgrades are revolutionary, Ringbrothers took a more evolutionary approach to the exterior. The goal was to enhance the Grand National's iconic silhouette without losing its identity.
Key exterior modifications include:
- Custom hood scoop for improved engine cooling
- Stainless steel bumpers replacing the original plastic ones
- Aluminum bumper guards
- Reprofiled wheel arches to accommodate larger wheels
- Custom chin spoiler and decklid spoiler
- Carbon fiber mirrors
The car is finished in a color aptly named "Dark Vader Gray," paying homage to the Grand National's original sinister appearance while adding a modern twist.
Wheels and Tires
The INVADR sits on a set of custom HRE wheels, measuring:
- 19x10.5 inches in the front
- 20x13 inches in the rear
These wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, providing the necessary grip to handle the car's immense power.
Interior: Modern Comfort Meets Retro Charm
Inside the INVADR, Ringbrothers aimed to create an interior that respects the Grand National's heritage while incorporating modern amenities and performance-oriented features.
Notable interior upgrades include:
- Hand-fabricated seats
- Digital instrument cluster
- Carbon fiber steering wheel
- Integrated roll cage for safety and chassis rigidity
- Reconfigured floor pans for improved interior comfort
"We wanted to ensure the cabin maintained a period design while still incorporating modern elements," explained Mike Ring. "It's a delicate balance between nostalgia and contemporary functionality."[2]
Performance and Driving Experience
While official performance figures haven't been released, the potential of the INVADR is mind-boggling. With 1,246 horsepower on tap and a curb weight likely similar to the original Grand National (around 3,500 lbs), the power-to-weight ratio puts this creation in the realm of modern hypercars.
Mike Ring didn't mince words when describing the driving experience:
"The acceleration of this car is nothing short of violent. This may well be the fastest car we've built to date."[1]
Experts speculate that the INVADR could potentially achieve:
- 0-60 mph in under 2.5 seconds
- Quarter-mile times in the low 9-second range
- Top speeds exceeding 200 mph
However, it's important to note that the INVADR isn't just about straight-line speed. The comprehensive chassis and suspension upgrades ensure that this Grand National can handle corners with precision, making it a true all-round performance machine.
Impact on the Automotive Industry
The unveiling of the INVADR at SEMA 2024 has sent ripples through the automotive world, impacting various sectors of the industry.
Restomod Market
The INVADR sets a new benchmark in the restomod market, showcasing what's possible when classic design meets cutting-edge technology. This build is likely to inspire a new wave of high-performance restomods, pushing other builders to elevate their game.
Aftermarket Parts Industry
The success of the INVADR could lead to increased demand for high-performance parts for the Buick Grand National and other G-body platforms. Ringbrothers has already announced that they will be offering many individual parts used in this build for sale, potentially opening up new revenue streams for aftermarket manufacturers.
Collector Car Market
The spotlight on the Grand National could reignite interest in these vehicles among collectors. We might see an uptick in prices for original, unmodified Grand Nationals as enthusiasts seek out clean examples for their own projects.
Automotive Engineering
The INVADR showcases innovative solutions for fitting modern, high-performance components into a classic car platform. These engineering feats could influence future restomod projects and even OEM special editions.
Challenges and Controversies
While the INVADR has been met with overwhelming praise, it's not without its controversies and challenges.
Purist Concerns
Some purists argue that such extensive modifications detract from the Grand National's original character. There are concerns that builds like the INVADR might encourage the modification of rare, original-condition Grand Nationals, potentially reducing the number of stock examples.
Drivability and Practicality
With such extreme performance figures, questions arise about the INVADR's practicality as a road-going vehicle. Critics argue that while impressive on paper, such power might be unusable in real-world conditions.
Cost and Accessibility
The extensive modifications and premium components used in the INVADR put it out of reach for most enthusiasts. This exclusivity has led to debates about the direction of the custom car scene and whether it's becoming too focused on ultra-high-end builds.
Future Implications
The INVADR isn't just a one-off showpiece; it's a glimpse into the future of custom car building and performance engineering.
Electrification in Restomods
While the INVADR sticks with internal combustion, its extreme performance might accelerate the adoption of electric powertrains in future restomod projects. The instant torque and power potential of electric motors could be the next frontier for builders looking to push the envelope.
Advanced Materials and Manufacturing
The use of carbon fiber and other lightweight materials in the INVADR points towards a future where advanced manufacturing techniques become more common in custom builds. 3D printing and composite materials could play an increasingly important role in creating bespoke parts for one-off projects.
Data-Driven Customization
The precision engineering required to make the INVADR's various systems work in harmony suggests a future where data analysis and computer modeling play a larger role in custom car building. This could lead to more efficient, reliable, and high-performance builds.
Conclusion
The Ringbrothers' INVADR represents a watershed moment in the world of custom car building and restomods. It pushes the boundaries of what's possible with a classic platform, seamlessly blending nostalgia with cutting-edge performance.
This 1,246 horsepower Buick Grand National is more than just a car; it's a statement about the endless possibilities when passion, engineering prowess, and imagination converge. It challenges our perceptions of what a restomod can be and sets a new standard for future builds to aspire to.
As we look to the future of automotive customization, the INVADR stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic American muscle cars and the incredible potential they hold in the hands of visionary builders. It's not just a glimpse into the past or the present, but a bold step into the future of high-performance custom vehicles.
FAQs
- How much horsepower does the original 1987 Buick Grand National have compared to the INVADR?
The original had about 245 hp, while the INVADR boasts 1,246 hp - over 5 times more. - What type of transmission does the INVADR use?
It uses a 6-speed manual transmission from Bowler. - How long did it take Ringbrothers to build the INVADR?
The build took approximately 5,000 hours to complete. - What color is the INVADR painted?
It's finished in a custom color called "Dark Vader Gray". - Will Ringbrothers sell parts from the INVADR build?
Yes, they plan to offer many individual parts used in this build for sale.
