Bonneville GXP Launches Pontiac Performance Line
November 3, 2003


Motor Trend
Pontiac counts down to the launch of a new line of high-performance variants by releasing the price for the first model, the 2004 Bonneville GXP. Originally shown as a concept vehicle at the 2002 Chicago Auto Show, the GXP will be available in Pontiac dealers beginning in February 2004 with a base MSRP of $35,995.

"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."

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.

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.

"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."

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.

Enhancing driver performance and safety, the standard StabiliTrak stability enhancement system constantly senses wheel turn rates and vehicle motion physics. 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.

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.

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).

"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 posted by Chaptorial
Bonneville for 36 grand?! Where would a fully loaded Grand Prix fall with this?

Originally posted by Red Nj-s
but no one will buy it at 36k.

maximum torque at a relatively low 5600 rpm

Originally posted by Zapata
:sqnteek:

Originally posted by pimpscls
g35 or slightly used 330ci

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.

GM blames falling sales, shifts in consumer tastes for dropping large sedan.

It evolved over the years into a roomy family sedan with plenty of power. But as the public's tastes in family haulers shifted to minivans, sport utility vehicles and crossover vehicles, Bonneville's core market evaporated.

"After much discussion, it is in the best interest of Pontiac to align our product portfolio with where demand is," Pontiac spokesman Rick Crooks said. "Demand in the large car segment has been declining for some years."

Pontiac has revamped its car lineup with products such as the G6, which replaced the Grand Am, and entered new segments with the Vibe hatchback and Torrent, a small SUV.

The division attempted to revive the Bonneville with a high-performance V-8 GXP version, but it wasn't enough.

GM blames falling sales, shifts in consumer tastes for dropping large sedan.

By Ed Garsten / The Detroit News






The long-running car named for Utah's famed salt flats has finally run out of gas.

Citing declining sales and shifting consumer tastes, General Motors Corp. told employees last week that production of the Pontiac Bonneville sedan will end this summer at its Detroit-Hamtramck plant.

No jobs will be lost because the factory will continue to produce other large cars, including the new Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS, GM said.

Pontiac introduced the Bonneville name in February 1957 at the Daytona Beach races, but didn't introduce it as a product line until 1958.

It was the first Pontiac with fuel injection and was initially available only as a convertible. Considered an upscale model, the Bonneville competed with other popular large cars at the time, including the Chrysler 300 and DeSoto Golden Adventurer.

It evolved over the years into a roomy family sedan with plenty of power. But as the public's tastes in family haulers shifted to minivans, sport utility vehicles and crossover vehicles, Bonneville's core market evaporated.

"After much discussion, it is in the best interest of Pontiac to align our product portfolio with where demand is," Pontiac spokesman Rick Crooks said. "Demand in the large car segment has been declining for some years."

Pontiac has revamped its car lineup with products such as the G6, which replaced the Grand Am, and entered new segments with the Vibe hatchback and Torrent, a small SUV.

The division attempted to revive the Bonneville with a high-performance V-8 GXP version, but it wasn't enough.

Pontiac sold nearly 100,000 Bonnevilles as recently as 1992, but demand fell to 29,852 last year, according to Ward's Automotive Reports. Sales peaked at 135,401 units in 1966.

For some dealers, the Bonneville's demise is bittersweet.

"It's a shame," said Rochester Pontiac-Buick dealer Russ Shelton. "We won't have a full-size vehicle to sell to a Pontiac buyer."

You can reach Ed Garsten at (313) 223-3217 or egarsten@detnews.com.