06 Grand Prixs

[Neanderthal]

Went out today to check out the new Grand Prixs. I drove both the GT (SC 231 V6) and the GXP (327 V8).
I am not one to critique dash materials as much as the function and user-friendliness of the controls. And I don't listen to the radio other than talk, so hyper sound means little to me.
The dash on both is pretty user-friendly. Both had the optional dual-zone, which I think all GM cars should have. The GXP had navigation, I've had NeverLost in a couple of Hertz rentals and it's a great gadget. Probably worth more like $500 than whatever GM gets for it, but it's a fun gadget and handy too. Even if you're a guy and you can read maps.
Not a lot of headroom, both had sunroofs and I have mixed feelings about those. The cabin is definitely more compressed than my 2004 Impala. The seats are comfortable and hold you in. I think the V8 seat was a bit more comfortable, both were good. Defenitely miles ahead of the Impala bus station bench. The leather feels good and smells good. Many modern cars have leather that smells like ... well, I can't describe it. I had an English car with leather once, no one does leather like the Brits. This smelled a lot closer to that than the typical leather.
The V8 feels like a totally different car than the SC. It has fairly stiff shocks on the jounce part of the movement, you can feel it hop over the studded-tire ruts going perpendicular across a highway, but overall the ride is plenty comfortable to me.
The V8 feels much bigger and heavier, if I were riding blind I'd say one is a Cadillac and one is a Chevy, that's how different the feel is. I suppose that's attributable to the Bilsteins and the humma-humma 255.45.18s on the front. According to the book, the curb weight is 3600 for the 327 and 3450 for the 231SC.
The V8 burble is quite muted but it's a happy sound to hear. Why, I remember when Every Frikkin Car on the road had a V8 (well, most of them).
Romping on this 327 it feels like it should have wings, its 0-70 must be about zero seconds, it's like a small passenger jet with no passengers/no cargo that rotates and lifts off in about 10 seconds instead of the usual 28-35 seconds. Twenty years ago I would have gotten into serious trouble with this car. Now, since I don't own it yet, no problema`!
Both cars track well, stud-ruts are not a problem getting in and out of, and the ride is fairly compliant and muted.
The 231 SC feels surprisingly different. It feels smaller and a bit more nimble, but it too runs like a raped ape when punched. Driving feel is much like my Impala, whereas the V8 has a quite different feel through the wheel. I'll have to drive them both again when there's less traffic and more space ahead to get a better feel for power, but you run out of space and speed limit quickly even on an entrance ramp to a 70mph interstate.
Brake feel is good on both, pedal is firm. Steering feels good, direct, connected.
The salesman was not terribly well-versed on the vehicles, he said the GXP is the same basics as the Bonneville V8 (wasn't that a 283??) from last year, and that's why the 327 and 231 feel different. He also implied the V8 engine weighs 500 lbs. more than the 231 SC (it's lighter). Well, I don't expect a lot from salesmen, he was a nice guy with some interesting stories.
Given the limited test time and miles, I would choose the 327. The 327 feels like a more broad-shouldered and muscular car.

[ctaylorzl1]

I think that the 5.3 V8 in acutally heavier then the 3.8SC due to the 3.8 being a iron block as compaired to the 5.3 V8 being all aluminum, That is what Car & Driver said anyway. my Girlfreind has a 02 GP GTP with the 3.8 SC and I like it MUCH better than the new 3.8 SC GTP's, the new GXP's do seem to be a little quicker than her 3800SC but not by much, not worth the price to step up to one though. She is looking to step up to a newer faster car but the new GXP & V8 Monte & Imapla are only margionally quicker & not wort it in our opinion. I would like to see her move up to a newer top of the line 3 series BMW with the 3.0 6cyl & 6-speed manual. a little more pricey but worth It I think. But who knows what she'll get.

[jfnz24]

I would still like to see this so called "special edition" grand prix, but I guess they aren't building them, because they aren't on dealer lots yet.

[coaster.n3rd]

Its so nice to read something that refers to the engine displacement in Cubic Inches and not this liter stuff...

I'm sorry, but I wish we could see '409 and '427 on the sides of cars again.

[Xeper]

Pictures anyone? I wanna know what this special edition looks like.

[gliguy18]

Ive seen one too, Ill snap pics when I get a chance.. Its not too shabby lookin.. actully now that i recall, its a lot nicer lookin

[Neanderthal]

Originally Posted by GMCSonoma

Good reviews! The Bonneville GXP is a 4.6 litre Northstar which is 281 CID...

Like I said, 283! (Two c.i. is nothing to an advertising exec.) BRING BACK THE CHECKERED FLAG TAGS AND THE CUBIC INCHES!!