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#1 (permalink) |
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GMI Staff Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: SE Texas
Posts: 13,430
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Exhilarating but flawed
Pontiac has stuffed a V-8 into the Grand Prix's engine bay. The result is a rocket-fast takeoff with uneven handling BRIAN HARPER CanWest News Service For the first couple of days, I had a real mystery on my hands. I knew I had just picked up a Pontiac Grand Prix GXP, but I didn't know anything about it. There was no copy of the Monroney label (which shows the base price of the model, including all standard equipment, options and their retail prices, manufacturer's suggested retail price, etc.) with the keys - standard operating procedure for every GM vehicle I test drive. The Grand Prix sales brochure that was provided contained no information about any GXP model. A cursory visit to GM's media Web site didn't seem to shed any light, either. Yet, here was this Grand Prix with GXP badges on the sides and, more interestingly, a discreet V-8 badge on the back. Obviously, this was no ordinary Pontiac. Even before the turn of the key that resulted in a throaty rumble under the hood - a sound distinct to GM's small-block V-8s - there were a few more visual clues that Pontiac had been rummaging through the parts bin to cook up something with a high-performance nature. There are subtle differences to the Grand Prix's long, shark-like body in the form of different front and rear fascias and rocker extensions. A little more overt are the polished 18-inch aluminum wheels and speed-rated Bridgestone Potenzas - vented cross-drilled rotors and red-painted calipers peeking out between the spokes. The ride height seemed a little lower, as well. Slowly, the details emerged. GM eventually faxed over a price sheet and further digging on the Web site uncovered the story: Following last year's launch of the Bonneville GXP, Pontiac has stuffed a V-8 into the Grand Prix's engine bay (the first in that car since 1987) to create an even higher-performance model that will debut shortly. I am driving an early-production model. Instead of the Bonny GXP's Northstar-derived DOHC 4.6-litre motor, however, the Grand Prix variant gets a 5300 5.3L OHV V-8, replete with Displacement on Demand (DOD) technology. The problem was that figuring out the mystery of what the GXP is didn't help me figure out why it is. GM's performance division already has plenty of four-doors skewed toward performance. Indeed, the existing Grand Prix GTP and its 260 horsepower, supercharged 3.8L V-6 isn't exactly low on the high-output totem. This was partially explained by Dave Muscaro, GM's assistant chief engineer of small-block V-8s for passenger cars: "There is nothing like the satisfying feel of a V-8 engine, and the 5300 V-8 provides a level of performance rarely available in competitors' vehicles." In the case of the 5.3L, this means 303 horsepower and in excess of 325 pound-feet of torque or, in walking-the-walk parlance, a zero-to-100-kilometres-an-hour time of about six seconds, according to GM - not shabby for a 1,650-kilogram car. So, the performance torchbearer for the Grand Prix lineup passes from the $34,160 GTP to the $37,110 GXP. But the GXP is more than extra horsepower, says Jim Bunnell, Pontiac-GMC general manager. "It's an extension of Pontiac's total performance lineup. We've taken a systematic approach to elevating all aspects of the Grand Prix's dynamics, ratcheting up everything from handling to styling and refinement, to give performance-oriented customers the exhilarating driving experience they desire." Unless you're going to dump all over GM for its continued use of overhead valve engines, one can't really fault the GXP's all-aluminum V-8. The automaker says it's the third displacement offering of the Gen IV small-block, which sees duty in the Chevy SSR, GTO and Corvette, as well as several SUVs. It's modified to accommodate the "east-west" mounting position of the Grand Prix's front-wheel drive chassis, necessitating changes to the engine's overall length, including the use of a shorter crankshaft and a single-belt accessory drive system. In the GXP, the engine pulls strongly from a standing start to get right to required speeds satisfactorily. It's also a happy cruiser, in which case the DOD will supposedly provide up to a 12-per-cent improvement in fuel economy by deactivating half of the engine's cylinders in some light-load conditions. Unfortunately, a good portion of the V-8's fun quotient is wasted by the four-speed automatic transmission (with TapShift). Simply, the tranny is in urgent need of another gear. Or maybe it's the DOD; but, whatever, more than a nudge of the gas pedal is required to awaken the GXP out of a steady-state slumber for any kind of part-throttle acceleration. Mind you, once you lean on the pedal, the Grand Prix responds with a big rush of speed. The GXP's handling dynamics are a mixed bag, as well. The good comes in the form of the upgraded brake system. Between the 12.7-inch-diameter discs in front and the 12-inchers in the rear, plus the ABS, the Grand Prix's stopping ability is first-rate. Less so for the ride: Usually, a sedan with a long, 2,807-mm wheelbase such as the Grand Prix's has the length to smooth out tarmac irregularities. But the GXP is fitted with a revamped suspension, including higher rate springs and Bilstein gas-charged struts for more precise damping. Yes, there is less body roll on turns - a rear stabilizer bar helps quell that - but the ride quality suffers. Even mild bumps and potholes are keenly felt in the cabin. Ultimately, the GXP is an interesting but flawed exercise that is in need of sorting out. Not sure of what it wants to be, it does a lot of things well enough but nothing that jumps out as outstanding. The thing is, I want Pontiac to keep at it. Good-sized four-door sedans from the Big Three with enough sporting cred to keep you interested are in short supply. The Chrysler 300C can't be the only game in town. Full Review Here: http://www.canada.com/montreal/montr...f-65076d27e0ae Last edited by Ming : 04-02-2005 at 11:11 AM. |
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#2 (permalink) |
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5.3 Liter Vortec V8
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Bel-Air, MD
Drives: 2001 Cavalier Z24
Posts: 1,368
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Re: Review: Pontiac Grand Prix GXP - "Exhilarating but flawed"
Seems his biggest complaint was the 4-speed... GM really needs the 6 speed auto ASAP. As for the ride, when the car absorbs the blows from the road they complain, when they stiffen it to roll less, they complain. It seems there is no pleasing people with that. All in all its a decent review, I would have liked to have seen a touch more done to the interior. Like some brushed metal accents on the center stack and air vents. But I think Pontiac has the right idea with this. let the Impala/ Lucerne have the smoother ride, the Monte Carlo and Grand Prix are for performance, so they should be stiffer.
Just a bit more of a tweak GM. Say it with me now...6-speed auto... Brushed metal accents... ![]()
__________________
GM autos: the best investments I've ever made ------------------------------------------------------- 1986 chevy cavalier wagon-206,442 miles 1989 oldsmobile cutlass-216,220 miles 2000 chevy cavalier-52,367 miles --totalled ![]() 2001 chevy cavalierZ24-80,654 (Something finally happened! Needed a new battery) So lets see. Toyota lied about recalls. Lied about their HP ratings... I wonder how much truth is in their milage ratings.. |
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#3 (permalink) |
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5.3 Liter LS4 V8
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,651
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Re: Review: Pontiac Grand Prix GXP - "Exhilarating but flawed"
Actually, it just sounds like the kick down programming on the transmission needs to be a little more responsive. Or perhaps the DoD is programmed to respond a little slower to stretch fuel economy a bit. Either way, an engine with the torque curve of the 5.3L in a car like the Grand Prix should be able to responsively move the car with 4 speeds. Maybe there will be some on-going tweaks.
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#4 (permalink) |
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3.8 Liter Supercharged V6
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 612
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Re: Review: Pontiac Grand Prix GXP - "Exhilarating but flawed"
The idea is great. But there is only so much GM can do with its W-body and 4-speed transmissions, and it has already shown its age in the 2004 CompG.
It sounds like a hot race car, but the chassis and trans are all wrong. Kinda like trying to build a Subaru WRX with a new engine and looks on a 1989 Subaru platform and 4-speed automatic. |
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#5 (permalink) |
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6.0 Liter Vortec V8
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Vancouver
Drives: 2005 CTS 3.6,
2005 Envoy
Posts: 1,959
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Re: Review: Pontiac Grand Prix GXP - "Exhilarating but flawed"
The new GXP is well priced and sounds good. Yes GM needs to offer a manual and a five or six speed manual.
Why can't GM offer the 5 speed auto it sells to BMW? As far as front wheel drive sports sedan the GXP is a winner. I noticed GM has improved the Grand Prix this year with cup holders in the back, dual zone HVAC, and new wheels, including the 18 inch wheels on the GXP. Has anyone checked out the improved back seat? Is it a lot better than the original on early 04 models? I sat in a early 04 model and can't believe it was on production model. |
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#6 (permalink) |
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6.0 Liter LS2 V8
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Long Island, New York
Posts: 4,429
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Re: Review: Pontiac Grand Prix GXP - "Exhilarating but flawed"
OK, I know one car is a sedan and one is a coupe, but why spend $37,000 on a FWD 303HP GP GXP when in the same dealership you could pick up a RWD 400HP GTO with better handling for $4000 less?
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#7 (permalink) |
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Walking
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Grand Blanc, MI.
Drives: '05 Cobalt Coupe 5 Speed
Posts: 6
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Re: Review: Pontiac Grand Prix GXP - "Exhilarating but flawed"
I would rather spend less and buy the GTO, in 6 speed of course.
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'05 Cobalt Coupe -Ultra Silver 5 Speed
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#8 (permalink) |
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7.0 Liter LS7 V8
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Dallas, Texas
Drives: 2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette
2003 Suzuki XL-7
2005
Posts: 5,050
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Re: Review: Pontiac Grand Prix GXP - "Exhilarating but flawed"
The Grand Prix has always been one of my favorite GM vehicles, and the new GXP version adds to that excitement. OTOH, 303HP through the front wheels is fairly harsh...
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2007 BMW 328i. Black sapphire metallic. Terra leather. Poplar wood. Automatic trans. Xenon adaptive headlights. BMW Assist. Bluetooth. Premium package. Heated seats. iDrive navigation system. Rear sonar. Comfort access. LOGIC7 surround sound. Sirius. 18" BMW wheels. Rear spoiler. 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara Luxury. Black onyx pearl. Beige leather. 4WD. Chrome hood vents, mirror covers, exhaust. Silver grille, taillight trim. Brushed metal bumper protector. Running boards. |
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#9 (permalink) | |
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5.3 Liter Vortec V8
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,314
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Re: Review: Pontiac Grand Prix GXP - "Exhilarating but flawed"
Quote:
Yes, TL and Maxima...I'm referring to you two. ![]() Last edited by Phillip : 04-06-2005 at 10:25 PM. |
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#10 (permalink) |
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6.0 Liter LS2 V8
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Midwest
Drives: 07' Monte Carlo SS
Posts: 4,128
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Re: Review: Pontiac Grand Prix GXP - "Exhilarating but flawed"
You would think that by using a dated platform with a dirt cheap powertrain that GM would be too embarrassed to put a $37,110 sticker on this car. By jumping the 04' up a couple of grand in price over the 97-03 and seeing an excellent selling car turn into a total bomb you would think they would rethink their pricing strategy.
Whether you like the upcoming Mustang GT 500 or not you cannot doubt that Ford is giving way more content for your money than GM could ever dream of doing. How does Ford put an expensive intercooled DOHC V-8 with a possible Twin Screw supercharger and 6 speed manual or 5 speed automtic in a much newer chassis with a ground up redesign and charge about the same money that GM does for a boring rehashed outdated daily driver.
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07' SS Monte |
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#11 (permalink) |
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GMI Staff Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Ontario, Canada
Drives: 2000 Chev Monte Carlo SS
Posts: 5,170
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Re: Review: Pontiac Grand Prix GXP - "Exhilarating but flawed"
GM needs to drop in a transmission of any number of speeds that can handle the full load of 300hp and 325lb-ft of torque. What's the point of buying a car with a V8 like this GXP if the computer dials back the power to save the tranny? Sure when you absolutely floor it, the car will take off. But figure, Mustang at 300hp does 0-60 in a shade over 5 seconds. GXP with 300hp does 0-60 in 6 seconds. I don't know, it just doesn't make sense to me. Bring the GTO to Canada!
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![]() 2000 Chevy Monte Carlo SS. Black, 3800 Series II V6, 4 speed automatic - 138,900km. The Official GMI 2007-2008 NHL Season |
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#12 (permalink) |
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6.2 Liter Vortec V8
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ, USA
Drives: LS2 Pontiac GTO, L76 Pontiac G8
Posts: 2,572
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Re: Review: Pontiac Grand Prix GXP - "Exhilarating but flawed"
FWD Pontiac poop.
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AUTOEXTREMIST - DAN NEIL - GENERAL WATCH - JEREMY CLARKSON - THE TRUTH ABOUT CARS - TOP GEAR 2006 LS2 Pontiac GTO - 2008 L76 Pontiac G8 |
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#13 (permalink) | |
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6.0 Liter LS2 V8
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Midwest
Drives: 07' Monte Carlo SS
Posts: 4,128
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Re: Review: Pontiac Grand Prix GXP - "Exhilarating but flawed"
Quote:
Again... content for the money is horrible with this car.
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07' SS Monte |
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#14 (permalink) | |
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GMI Mod/Camaro Fanatic
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 9,543
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Re: Review: Pontiac Grand Prix GXP - "Exhilarating but flawed"
Quote:
As for the back seat, Jordan (Tahoe) and I sat back there and found no problem.
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![]() Any Inside Info? Questions or Coments? Ideas? Email me at BigAl@GMInsidenews.com 1993 Caprice 9C1 1987 Camaro Z28 1972 Camaro RS |
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#15 (permalink) | |
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6.0 Liter Vortec V8
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Clemson SC or Irmo SC
Drives: 2 legs and feet... sometimes the bus...
Posts: 1,682
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Re: Review: Pontiac Grand Prix GXP - "Exhilarating but flawed"
Quote:
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Push, dont pull.... cars are only better than carriages if the horses are in the rear! |
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