FOR RELEASE: November 3, 2003



Bonneville GXP Launches Pontiac Performance Line



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.

Other standard equipment includes:

Air conditioning with dual-zone electronic climate control
Multi-function driver information center
Keyless entry
Truck-mounted air inflation receptacle
Tire inflation monitoring system
Front-and side-impact air bags
The Bonneville GXP carries an MSRP of $35,995 including a $725 DFC. Major options include XM Radio ($325), Sunroof ($1,100) and EyeCue head-up display ($325).
General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, employs 340,000 people globally in its core automotive business and subsidiaries. Founded in 1908, GM has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931. GM today has manufacturing operations in 32 countries and its vehicles are sold in more than 190 countries. In 2002, GM sold more than 8.6 million cars and trucks, nearly 15 percent of the global vehicle market. GM's global headquarters is at the GM Renaissance Center in Detroit. More information on GM and its products can be found on the company's consumer web site at www.gm.com.

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Vehicle Specifications
Engine: LD8, 4.6-liter V-8, 32-valve, dual overhead cam
Engine Material: Cast aluminum (block & cylinder head)
Horsepower: 275 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 300 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Transmission: 4-speed 4T80-E Hydra-Matic automatic
Gear Ratios
First: 2.96
Second: 1.63
Third: 1.00
Fourth: 0.68
Reverse: 2.13
Final Drive Ratio: 3.7:1
Front suspension: deflected-disc MacPherson strut, 30N/mm coil springs, 30-mm solid stabilizer bar
Rear suspension: monotube DeCarbon rear dampers, 32N/mm coil springs, 22-mm hollow stabilizer bar
Steering type: magnetic variable ratio rack and pinion
Steering ratio: 15.3:1 to 20.3:1
Brake type: 4-wheel disc, power-assisted; four-wheel ABS with traction control; dual bore aluminum front calipers with performance pads; red painted front calipers
Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm): front: 12.7/323 vented
rear: 11.7/297 solid
Exhaust: stainless steel/performance-tuned
Curb weight: 3,790 lb / 1719 kg
Trailering weight: 1,000 lb / 454 kg
Fuel capacity: 18.5 gallons / 70 liters
Seating capacity: 5
Head room (in/mm): front: 38.7/963
rear: 37.3/947
Leg room (in/mm): front: 42.6/1082
rear: 38.0/965
Shoulder room (in/mm): front: 59/1494
rear: 58.3/1481
Hip room (in/mm): front: 55.7/1415
rear: 56.4/1433
Trunk capacity: 18.0 cubic feet / 510 liters

 

That's roughly the same horsepower the cheaper 2005 5.3 V8 Chevrolet Impala SS is projected to have.

 

Not to mention the fact that this Bonnie's MSRP is at 36 large...more than the more powerful and RWD GTO of similar size...

 

Bonneville has a 112.2 inch wheelbase, 202.6 inch overall length, and is 74.2 inches wide. GTO has a 109.8 inch wheelbase, 188.5 inch overall length and is 72.5 inches wide (these are actually for Monaro, but should be within a few ticks). So, width is pretty close, but lengthwise, the Bonneville is 14 inches longer. I wouldn't call these cars "about the same size" and the difference between a sporty coupe and luxury sedan is more than about performance. Is this unprecedented? I'm sure in the 60s it was easy to option up a Bonnie that was much more expensive than a GTO without near the performance oomph.

 

Hope the GPX is noticeably fasther then one woth the S/C V6---wonder why they didn't put the 300hp 4.6L in it?

 

THe 4.4L V8 put out 285HP, and the 4.6L puts out 275HP


A loaded Bonneville SLE (minus the XM and Sunroof) is about $35K and that is with a 205HP 3800 V8. $36K is about what I expected for this car, they really didn't raise the price much when they added the V8 and other GXP goodies.

 

AH HA! YOU also fell for the GTO-is-bigger-than-it-actually-is deception!

If the Pontiac Grand Am and Ford Mustang is the size of a Bonneville, then the GTO is.

The GTO looks alot bigger in pictures or up on a pedistal than it really is. It's those small wheelwells and it's roughly 55" height that throw it. You'll notice it's actual pretty compact size when you stand next to it, or see it parked around another car.

 

I guess what I meant by "similar size" was in occupant space. The GTO should fit 4 adults comfortably, and I guess you could squeeze a 5th in the Bonneville. Most of Bonneville's extra length comes in trunk space and overhang, no?

 

Who's going to drop $36 large for a FWD Bonneville?

 

Sounds nice, but V8 and FWD is not a combination I will get excited about... :blah:

TS

 

I think a lot more people than the existing SSEi, which was in itself a major flop...and I think thats the point...

I sold a lot of GTPs to people who used to own previous gen SSEis and could not figure out what they were gaining. The GP is a decent size. The GP has everything the SSEi has save for dual power seats and digital climate. So for $6,000 more, what was the buyer REALLY getting? A bigger trunk...

At least now they are getting some more power, the smoothness of a Northstar, 18" wheels, some cool seats, and IMO, a nicer looking car than an '04 GTP. I love this car. I think 275hp is ok for this car...300 would be nice, but then again, thats Cadillac terrritory for a Northstar...at least its better than the 250hp 4.0 Aurora engine.

I like this car, and I think it may have a good shot...IF Pontiac markets it right. This generation Bonneville has been a royal flop compared to the old one...SLEs and SSEis were just plain gaudy....

 

I think this might turn on a lot of people.
When the topic of Bonnevilles come up w/ some of my friends, the only thing they have against it is a lack of power. They like FWD because we live in the snowbelt, they like the seating capacity for their friends & family, and overall size for trips and the typical bigger is better aspect. The looks and comfort of the Bonneville are always praised. If the average 20-25 yo is thinking this same way, then I think this car could be a major hit.
How would you like to come out to your driveway w/ a brand new GTO and Bonneville GXP sitting side by side. Pontiac is definately getting more exciting.

 

I always get confused and give a big when people complain when GM improves an existing car line, espescially when you have to figure it was relatively inexpensive to do... (using existing components, etc...)

About the only thing I could see a basis for complaint would be the MSRP and the fact that Bonnie's haven't had the greatest resale value... that might make it hard to front the cash for it... but other than that, I think it's a nice upgrade.

 

Supporting the performance nature of the car, the engine is tuned to provide maximum torque at a relatively low 5600 rpm

And that's where the VTACH kicks in!

 

JasonE, perhaps you could answer this better than anyone since you actually sell Pontiacs.

The Bonneville & Grand Prix seem to actually be the same size, the same weight, & have the same powertrains. Was there actually a difference in the people buying the 2?

To someone like me who just happened to wander into the showroom to buy a high powered family sedan, I see myself jumping all over the Grand Prix GXP over the SSEi Bonneville because GP is cheaper and if you don't know any better, the same size.

Besides, why would I spend nearly 40 large on a FWD Bonneville, when for the same price I can get a year old Lincoln LS V8 or a brand spanking new Cadillac CTS with a load of options??

Not slamming anything, but I just don't understand the pricing logic of the Bonneville, especially the SSEi.