[Mr_Pringle]

The Grand Prix should offer a V8 in the GXP version right? And it already offers more hp supercharged than what the G6 is supposed to get in the GXP. The G6 offers more Accord-like styling, while the Grand Prix is slightly less conservative. The G6 and Grand Prix are very close in size. The G6 is supposed to be Pontiac's high volume seller. So- after the G6 comes out, why not make the Grand Prix strickly an upscale model? Drop the GT1- offer only the 17 inch wheels (though an upgrade to 18s would be better), and ditch the cheaper cloth. For that matter, after the GXP version of the GP is released, how about dropping the standard 200 hp six cylinder all together? Consumers would have a choice between a s/c 3800 in the GTP or the V8 in the GXP. Want 200 hp and a lower price?- buy a G6. Does this make sense to anyone else? Nissan did something very similar with the Altima / Maxima, and though I thought it was a horrible idea when the new Maxima came out, it seems to be working rather well now.

Does anyone know if the GTP is planned to be dropped when the GXP is released?

 

[BigAls87Z28]

well, I like the Idea, but I think that the only thing that is wrong with that, is that the 260hp might be too much,, and who knows if this V8 thing is really gunna happen? Untill I start seeing production cars, seeing a small block in a fwd car and on dealer lots is still a GM toy. I like you idea, and it sounds like it could work.

 

[sykboy]

Perhaps an even greater difference between the two will be the GP going RWD in a few years. That should make it more of a sport sedan competitor and put it in a niche, like you said, above the G6. G8?

 

[Ming]

Well, I've been reading the history of the W-Body recently, and it looks like it is a modified G-Body, which was RWD.

Perhaps the W-Body platform would be easier to modify BACK to RWD than any other FWD platform GM has....?

But it would be pretty ironic. If true it seems they should'a stuck with the the G-Body all along.

http://www.webspawner.com/users/vettemonte...ymailingli.html

As far as the Pontiac G8 and G6 go, whatever happened to All-wheel-drive???? :angry:

 

[Mr_Pringle]

Yeah- I do expect the GP to go rwd in not too many years-- that would only solidify it's position as the high-end brother.

 

[kmacleod]

The OLD A/G Bodies were the last Mid Size cars using body on frame (Chassis) technology (That s what most SUV's & Trucks use today) The W cars are Uni-body construction (No frame rails, car body and underbody are one unit). The only areas that are "Framed" are the FWD drive train & the rear suspension.

I had a 78 Cutlass Supreme Brougham. The the biggest problem with the old RWD A/G bodies is rear frame rust. In winter climates the rear bumpers would fall off due to rust after a few years. GM later started undercoating the whole frame in the early 80's to prevent this. Mom's '82 Cultass never lost it's rear bumper......


Ken

 

[mgescuro]

Here's the thing. If the Grand Prix, is going to go RWD (or even 4WD) in the coming years (we already know the current model is a placeholder),then why not get a 260HP GXP version?
But you do have to realize that the Bonneville GXP is at 275 with the detuned Northstar... and it's FWD.

I dunno about the rest of you, but I personally have a problem with the Northstars being on any platform other than the Cadillacs.
Why not shove the Aurora V8 into the Bonnie. So long as it doesn't carry the Northstar name. I guess the "North Star System" is now a dead marketing ploy? Oh well.

Here's how I think the power ratings should go, with the high ends being the GXP.

G6 -- 170-230
Grand Prix -- 200-275
Bonneville -- 240-300

Anyone know if the Bonnies are going to a RWD/4WD platform?

 

[Nocturn_Bird]

To my knowledge it was planned for the Bonnie to go RWD, and then the GP would later on.

 

[nsap]

Just for the record the GP will be offered with a 5.3 Litre V8 in the GXP model, starting in March of 2005...

 

[SS4EVER]

Yes, seen the production pilot and it was tight looking. V8 and all so you can expect that.

For that matter, after the GXP version of the GP is released, how about dropping the standard 200 hp six cylinder all together? Consumers would have a choice between a s/c 3800 in the GTP or the V8 in the GXP.

I don't know about that, some people would like a bit of performance with economy, speaking of 87 octane N/A.

 

[Mr_Pringle]

Originally posted by SS4EVER@Jan 10 2004, 06:50 PM

For that matter, after the GXP version of the GP is released, how about dropping the standard 200 hp six cylinder all together? Consumers would have a choice between a s/c 3800 in the GTP or the V8 in the GXP.

I don't know about that, some people would like a bit of performance with economy, speaking of 87 octane N/A.

Yeah- but people will be able to get 200hp ("a bit of performance with economy") in the G6. With that option available, is a 200hp GP really needed?

 

[SilverZ]

Is a 200hp GP really needed? Uh, just maybe since it accounts for the majority of the sales... the v8 and GTP would not pay off the capital spent on the redesign... and another thing - quit dreaming about RWD - It aint happening until the next redesign.

 

[crazywop112]

I hope GM stops **** around on the next Grand prix redesign and makes it RWD. In V6 supercharged form and RWD it would be a cool vehicle and it would be a cool alternative to the GTO.

 

[BigAls87Z28]

Originally posted by crazywop112@Jan 12 2004, 04:10 PM
I hope GM stops **** around on the next Grand prix redesign and makes it RWD. In V6 supercharged form and RWD it would be a cool vehicle and it would be a cool alternative to the GTO.

this brings up another topic that I have on my mind...

sorry for the hijacking, ill give it back soon

Ok, the Camaro and Bird had V6 models right? They made up most of the sale...

Now, when the GTO is made here in the US... What will be its V6 model called? You dont want a V6 GTO? Perhaps the GP will be the base V6, and the GTO will get the V8?

What might be helpful is what I read somewhere, I belive it was here. I think I read that Holden could make small niche vehicles and they coudl act like GM's performance plant. They could make a small number of GTO's a year to fill the niche. Now, if the GP goes RWD, would it get a V8? If thats teh case, It could out power its 2dr cousin perhaps? We are deffinatly gunna see a RWD bonnie. Maybe keep the GTO RWD and the GP stays FWD with an AWD option? Just a thought.

 

[Nocturn_Bird]

I dont see a V6 version of the GTO anywhere in the future, its to much a flagship car.

 

[Hunter]

They won't make a V6 GTO. It would ruin the performance nameplate. However, they might make some of the nice interior parts optional, which would reduce price, but not performance.

 

[Highlander]

I don't recall where I heard this, so don't put a lot of faith into it, but my understanding is the current GTO and current Grand Prix are both placeholders.

When the GTO comes here for production it'll have a 4 door version... the Grand Prix. So the GTO will be the high-po 2-door RWD V-8 beast we'll hopefully love, and the Grand Prix will be the 4 door version of it....and the GP will probably have V-6 and V-8 options available and the GTO will probably be V-8 only. That's the way I see it from the bit and peices I've picked up anyway.

 

[ANT]

higlander your right i heard the same, gto production i supposed to move stateside in two years or so, when that happens its supposed to be on a new frame which would open the doors for more rwd cars in both pontiac and chevy(gto, gp, etc. camaro/chevelle, monte/impala.

 

[BigAls87Z28]

I never said there would be a V6 GTO, just saying that there has to be a V6 model, named whatever. A V6 car makes the money when the V8 brings in the glory.

 

[jaywestfall]

Originally posted by Ming@Jan 10 2004, 02:46 PM
But it would be pretty ironic. If true it seems they should'a stuck with the the G-Body all along.

Hmmm...RWD for the Bonnie again? Can I trade my old one for a new one? And to think (if it happens) it only took a quarter of a century to get back what we lost. :roflmao: