Joined
·
1,509 Posts
DETROIT - Combining exhilarating performance with sophisticated interior appointments, the 2004 Bonneville GXP is the first of a new line of Pontiacs designed to provide an enhanced driving experience for the serious enthusiast. The vehicle will be available in Pontiac dealers beginning in February 2004 with a base MSRP of $35,995.
"Given the Bonneville's history as one of the original Pontiac performance cars, it's fitting that this new model kicks off a new level of commitment to the ideal that Pontiac has always strived for - namely to make driving as exciting as possible," said Lynn Myers, Pontiac-GMC general manager. "The Bonneville GXP will set a high standard for the other GXP models to follow, with a sensuous approach to styling and superior power and handling characteristics."
Originally shown as a concept vehicle at the 2002 Chicago Auto Show, the Bonneville GXP immediately captured the attention of the automotive press and the public.
"It was a real treat to see people's reaction to the direction we took with that concept car," said Bob Kraut, marketing director for Bonneville, Grand Prix and GTO. "One thing we heard loud and clear was 'don't change a thing,' so we set out to keep the production car as close to the concept as possible."
Serious V-8 performance
The heart of the Bonneville GXP is its 4.6-liter, 32-valve V-8 engine, the first eight-cylinder in a Bonneville since 1986 and the first 32-valve engine in Pontiac's history. The dual overhead-cam powerplant produces 275 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque. Supporting the performance nature of the car, the engine is tuned to provide maximum torque at a relatively low 5600 rpm, allowing the car to launch itself from zero to 60 mph in approximately 6.8 seconds.
The high-tech design of the 4.6-liter engine allows for smooth, quiet operation without sacrificing the power expected from a high-performance touring sedan. Features such as polymer-coated pistons, coil-on-plug ignition and timing chains (rather than belts) enhance the engine's refinement and durability.
"This engine has been continually refined and enhanced to meet the expectations of Pontiac drivers," said John Zinser, chief engineer for the 4.6-liter engine. "While we weren't going to sacrifice power, we really focused on reducing noise, vibration, and harshness. For those on the team, it's almost been an obsession."
Power from the engine is routed through a Hydra-Matic 4T80-E four-speed automatic transmission. Specifically designed to link with the 4.6-liter engine, the transmission electronically monitors the way the driver is using both the throttle and brake, adapting shift points to provide the optimal balance of performance and fuel economy. The Bonneville GXP has a final drive ratio of 3.7:1, one of the most aggressive in its class. Traction control is standard.
Like its powerful cousin, the Pontiac GTO, the Bonneville GXP features a specially tuned exhaust system to provide less restriction while creating a distinctive Pontiac exhaust note. Four chrome exhaust tips in a dual-dual arrangement complete the package.
Advanced suspension components
Custom engineered for the Bonneville GXP, the suspension system more closely resembles a Le Mans racer than a production vehicle. More than 1,000 hours were spent modeling, testing and refining the balance of the components to create a superior ride with a true performance feel.
Structural rigidity was increased through the use of a tower-to-tower brace and a specially dampened engine cradle mounting package. Performance-tuned DeCarbon monotube dampeners, progressive spring rates and large diameter (30-mm front, 22-mm rear) stabilizer bars allow the Bonneville GXP to provide both excellent driver feedback and a smooth, compliant ride.
"We really put a lot of work into making the Bonneville GXP perform like a sports car but handle like a premium touring sedan," said Kurt Fischer, program engineering manager. "You can drive it aggressively - there's no doubt it's made to handle the twists and turns of the road."
Braking force is supplied by a four-wheel disc anti-lock braking system (ABS), including 12.7-inch vented rotors in the front and 11.7-inch solid rotors in the rear. Bright red high-performance calipers on the front brakes add to the sporty image of the car.
Enhancing driver performance and safety, the standard StabiliTrak stability enhancement system constantly senses wheel turn rates and vehicle motion physics. Unlike some other stability systems on the market, StabiliTrak respects the driver's instincts and intervenes in a very subtle way. If the system determines the vehicle is beginning to perform in a manner inconsistent with the driver's inputs, StabiliTrak will automatically and selectively apply individual wheel brakes to attempt to keep the vehicle squarely under the driver's control.
Adding to that control is the standard Magnasteer variable-effort steering system. Magnasteer uses a computer-controlled electromagnet to adjust steering effort based on vehicle speed. At low speeds, the system allows for minimal steering effort while the feel is much tighter and more precise at faster, highway speeds.
The car rides on 235/50WR18 performance tires mounted on 18-inch aluminum wheels, another Pontiac first. The wheels feature a flangeless design with the spokes carried all the way to the edge of the wheel, visually enhancing their size.
Premium touring style and comfort
Both inside and out, the Bonneville GXP raises the bar on Pontiac styling. Smooth, sensuous curves highlight the tautly formed body providing a sophisticated, yet distinctly Pontiac appearance. A wide stance and integrated spoiler hint at the vehicle's performance potential.
Inside, luxury and functionality are fused to create a unique driving environment designed to closely connect the driver with the vehicle. The Bonneville GXP features leather-appointed seats in one of two interior colors, neutral or dark gray, both with UtraLux suede inserts, 12-way power adjustment, and two-position personalized memory. The high-tech look of carbon fiber trim around the steering wheel, door handles and air vents is accented by stain nickel accents and stainless steel pedals.
The full gauge cluster features a unique silver background. Important information such as speed, turn signals and low fuel warnings can also be projected on the windshield through the optional EyeCue head-up display (HUD).
The HUD also displays information from the standard eight-speaker Monsoon sound system, featuring both CD and cassette players. An optional 12-disc CD changer is available, as well as XM Satellite Radio with 100 channels of coast-to-coast digital quality sound.
The Bonneville GXP comes equipped with GM's OnStar communications and safety system and one-year of the Safe & Sound package
FULL Specs!
"Given the Bonneville's history as one of the original Pontiac performance cars, it's fitting that this new model kicks off a new level of commitment to the ideal that Pontiac has always strived for - namely to make driving as exciting as possible," said Lynn Myers, Pontiac-GMC general manager. "The Bonneville GXP will set a high standard for the other GXP models to follow, with a sensuous approach to styling and superior power and handling characteristics."
Originally shown as a concept vehicle at the 2002 Chicago Auto Show, the Bonneville GXP immediately captured the attention of the automotive press and the public.
"It was a real treat to see people's reaction to the direction we took with that concept car," said Bob Kraut, marketing director for Bonneville, Grand Prix and GTO. "One thing we heard loud and clear was 'don't change a thing,' so we set out to keep the production car as close to the concept as possible."
Serious V-8 performance
The heart of the Bonneville GXP is its 4.6-liter, 32-valve V-8 engine, the first eight-cylinder in a Bonneville since 1986 and the first 32-valve engine in Pontiac's history. The dual overhead-cam powerplant produces 275 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque. Supporting the performance nature of the car, the engine is tuned to provide maximum torque at a relatively low 5600 rpm, allowing the car to launch itself from zero to 60 mph in approximately 6.8 seconds.
The high-tech design of the 4.6-liter engine allows for smooth, quiet operation without sacrificing the power expected from a high-performance touring sedan. Features such as polymer-coated pistons, coil-on-plug ignition and timing chains (rather than belts) enhance the engine's refinement and durability.
"This engine has been continually refined and enhanced to meet the expectations of Pontiac drivers," said John Zinser, chief engineer for the 4.6-liter engine. "While we weren't going to sacrifice power, we really focused on reducing noise, vibration, and harshness. For those on the team, it's almost been an obsession."
Power from the engine is routed through a Hydra-Matic 4T80-E four-speed automatic transmission. Specifically designed to link with the 4.6-liter engine, the transmission electronically monitors the way the driver is using both the throttle and brake, adapting shift points to provide the optimal balance of performance and fuel economy. The Bonneville GXP has a final drive ratio of 3.7:1, one of the most aggressive in its class. Traction control is standard.
Like its powerful cousin, the Pontiac GTO, the Bonneville GXP features a specially tuned exhaust system to provide less restriction while creating a distinctive Pontiac exhaust note. Four chrome exhaust tips in a dual-dual arrangement complete the package.
Advanced suspension components
Custom engineered for the Bonneville GXP, the suspension system more closely resembles a Le Mans racer than a production vehicle. More than 1,000 hours were spent modeling, testing and refining the balance of the components to create a superior ride with a true performance feel.
Structural rigidity was increased through the use of a tower-to-tower brace and a specially dampened engine cradle mounting package. Performance-tuned DeCarbon monotube dampeners, progressive spring rates and large diameter (30-mm front, 22-mm rear) stabilizer bars allow the Bonneville GXP to provide both excellent driver feedback and a smooth, compliant ride.
"We really put a lot of work into making the Bonneville GXP perform like a sports car but handle like a premium touring sedan," said Kurt Fischer, program engineering manager. "You can drive it aggressively - there's no doubt it's made to handle the twists and turns of the road."
Braking force is supplied by a four-wheel disc anti-lock braking system (ABS), including 12.7-inch vented rotors in the front and 11.7-inch solid rotors in the rear. Bright red high-performance calipers on the front brakes add to the sporty image of the car.
Enhancing driver performance and safety, the standard StabiliTrak stability enhancement system constantly senses wheel turn rates and vehicle motion physics. Unlike some other stability systems on the market, StabiliTrak respects the driver's instincts and intervenes in a very subtle way. If the system determines the vehicle is beginning to perform in a manner inconsistent with the driver's inputs, StabiliTrak will automatically and selectively apply individual wheel brakes to attempt to keep the vehicle squarely under the driver's control.
Adding to that control is the standard Magnasteer variable-effort steering system. Magnasteer uses a computer-controlled electromagnet to adjust steering effort based on vehicle speed. At low speeds, the system allows for minimal steering effort while the feel is much tighter and more precise at faster, highway speeds.
The car rides on 235/50WR18 performance tires mounted on 18-inch aluminum wheels, another Pontiac first. The wheels feature a flangeless design with the spokes carried all the way to the edge of the wheel, visually enhancing their size.
Premium touring style and comfort
Both inside and out, the Bonneville GXP raises the bar on Pontiac styling. Smooth, sensuous curves highlight the tautly formed body providing a sophisticated, yet distinctly Pontiac appearance. A wide stance and integrated spoiler hint at the vehicle's performance potential.
Inside, luxury and functionality are fused to create a unique driving environment designed to closely connect the driver with the vehicle. The Bonneville GXP features leather-appointed seats in one of two interior colors, neutral or dark gray, both with UtraLux suede inserts, 12-way power adjustment, and two-position personalized memory. The high-tech look of carbon fiber trim around the steering wheel, door handles and air vents is accented by stain nickel accents and stainless steel pedals.
The full gauge cluster features a unique silver background. Important information such as speed, turn signals and low fuel warnings can also be projected on the windshield through the optional EyeCue head-up display (HUD).
The HUD also displays information from the standard eight-speaker Monsoon sound system, featuring both CD and cassette players. An optional 12-disc CD changer is available, as well as XM Satellite Radio with 100 channels of coast-to-coast digital quality sound.
The Bonneville GXP comes equipped with GM's OnStar communications and safety system and one-year of the Safe & Sound package
FULL Specs!
