Bonneville GXP Launches Pontiac Performance Line

Vintalage · 11-06-2003, 04:24 PM

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."

InspectorGAGT · 11-06-2003, 05:16 PM

Looks nice...I know on Pontiac's website they show a lot of the GXP show cars...anybody know for sure which are being produced and which are not?

Mike3800 · 11-06-2003, 05:19 PM

Boats rule! I want it.

kubiache · 11-06-2003, 08:27 PM

I tried to get my dad to buy an SSEi over the summer, he deserves a nice car like that. Instead he bought a Honda Valkyrie...so I can let it slide.

AznGA · 11-06-2003, 08:31 PM

0-60 in 6.8 sec.?
I thought it would be faster than that. One with the 3800 SC was around 7.3.

kubiache · 11-06-2003, 08:39 PM

Yeah but the thing weighs a ton. It's not going to be that fast. That's why Scott Cooks SSEi is so rediculous. That big @ss car doing 11s.

badassgrandam99 · 11-06-2003, 09:59 PM

doesn't appear to be lowered like the concept was (at least the concept appeared that way) and they ditched the GXP concept's grill as well... not too bad overall, just a bit expensive in my opinion

Mike3800 · 11-07-2003, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by AznGA
0-60 in 6.8 sec.?
I thought it would be faster than that. One with the 3800 SC was around 7.3.

Time to speed doen't mean everything. A car that gets from 0-60 in 7.5 seconds could be faster than a car that gets from 0-60 in 6.9 seconds, time to speed is not the same as time to distance. 1/4 mile times tell more of the truth as to what car would be ahead of another at a given time.

In fact a good example would be the Seville STS vs. a Musang GT. With my own eyes several times I witnessed a Seville take down a 99+ 5-speed Mustang GT, the Mustnag was never ahead. 0-60 on the Mustang is 5.5, 0-60 on the Sevilie is 6.5 according to the mags. Don't get sucked into the trap of looking at the back of a magazine and looking at 0-60 times and predicting the outcome of a race between 2 cars.

I bet the new Bonnie cooks.

Kdawg207 · 11-07-2003, 08:26 AM

If this is gonna be 35k.....the GTO will easily be 40

wtf

kubiache · 11-07-2003, 08:59 AM

^^^ Not neccessarily. The Bonneville is more luxery based, closer to a Cadillac than a Pontiac. Heck, isn't the 4.6L, 32-v a Cadi engine? Though not a Northstar. Or is it a totally redisigned engine that just happens to have the same displacement?

AMRAAM4 · 11-07-2003, 09:04 AM

275 out of a 4.6 V8 is disappointing.

Is there a rule that says it can't be 300? IMO, the way V6's are performing in this day and age, there is no ground to provide a V8 that doesn't do at least 300HP and 300TQ

badassgrandam99 · 11-07-2003, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mike3800
.

In fact a good example would be the Seville STS vs. a Musang GT. With my own eyes several times I witnessed a Seville take down a 99+ 5-speed Mustang GT, the Mustnag was never ahead. 0-60 on the Mustang is 5.5, 0-60 on the Sevilie is 6.5 according to the mags.

are you sure that's a Mustang GT?? ...i don't think the 0-60 times on a Mustang GT is 5.5... maybe an SVT Cobra, but not a GT...

dearim · 11-07-2003, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by AMRAAM4
275 out of a 4.6 V8 is disappointing.

Is there a rule that says it can't be 300? IMO, the way V6's are performing in this day and age, there is no ground to provide a V8 that doesn't do at least 300HP and 300TQ

It looks to me like they're just taking the Seville SLS and Deville engine and sticking it in the Bonnie... the STS and DTS have a more agressive tune, so their version puts out 25 more horsepower, but 5 less lb-ft of torque.

All you'd probably need to do is find out the differences between the Bonnie's Northstar and the XLR's Northstar, then install the parts, and you'd likely end up in the neighborhood of 320hp (the XLR's rating).

Mike3800 · 11-07-2003, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by badassgrandam99
are you sure that's a Mustang GT?? ...i don't think the 0-60 times on a Mustang GT is 5.5... maybe an SVT Cobra, but not a GT...

It's 5.5 on the 5-speed 260HP V8 Mustang GT.

The Cobra (non supercharged one) and the Mustang GT have identical 0-60 times but different 1/4 times. I am looking it up.

Mike3800 · 11-07-2003, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by AMRAAM4
275 out of a 4.6 V8 is disappointing.

The CAN make it have more hp but they don't want to. It makes sense to me.

They don't want it to outgun the more expensive caddys with the same engine.

Keep in mind that a Mustang GT has a 4.6 with a pathetic 260HP.

Vintalage · 11-07-2003, 10:55 AM

I think $35k for this car is too much. I don't think it is worth that much.

Panacea · 11-07-2003, 12:05 PM

Not when you can get the GTO for the same price...

Mike3800 · 11-07-2003, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Panacea
Not when you can get the GTO for the same price...

Then again it's like comparing a Cadillac DTS to a Camaro Z28.

AznGA · 11-07-2003, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mike3800
The CAN make it have more hp but they don't want to. It makes sense to me.

They don't want it to outgun the more expensive caddys with the same engine.

Keep in mind that a Mustang GT has a 4.6 with a pathetic 260HP.

The older ones used to have around 215.

DoubleD · 11-07-2003, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kdawg207
If this is gonna be 35k.....the GTO will easily be 40

wtf

GTO is US$32,495

Manual transmission is around $700 more. That's the only option.

11-06-2003, 04:24 PM	#1
Vintalage Hey paisanos! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Maryland Age: 38 Posts: 5,490 Vehicle: 2002 Grand Am GT1	Bonneville GXP Launches Pontiac Performance Line 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." __________________ 2002 Grand Am GT1 Sedan - Black 7000K HID PICS [SOLD to Jscarano]

11-06-2003, 05:16 PM	#2
InspectorGAGT Black = Proper Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Boston, MA Age: 37 Posts: 259 Vehicle: 2000 Grand Am GT	Looks nice...I know on Pontiac's website they show a lot of the GXP show cars...anybody know for sure which are being produced and which are not? __________________ - Alex 15.563 @ 88.31mph - bone stock 'cept the CAI

11-06-2003, 08:27 PM	#4
kubiache Get blown Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Age: 42 Posts: 1,858 Vehicle: 1998 GTP	I tried to get my dad to buy an SSEi over the summer, he deserves a nice car like that. Instead he bought a Honda Valkyrie...so I can let it slide. __________________ Dave Woodward '01 GA SE --- 14.864 @ 92.61mph.....NA '98 GTP - NIC cam / P&P heads / 105# springs / Titanium retainers / INTENSE LW pushrods / CC Lifters / INTENSE TCS-300 / ZZP Poly mounts / RT 3" DP / PEMs / ZZP MPS 3.2, 3.0 / Wizair / 103s / DHP / AFC 2.2 .......still tuning

11-06-2003, 08:39 PM	#6
kubiache Get blown Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Age: 42 Posts: 1,858 Vehicle: 1998 GTP	Yeah but the thing weighs a ton. It's not going to be that fast. That's why Scott Cooks SSEi is so rediculous. That big @ss car doing 11s. __________________ Dave Woodward '01 GA SE --- 14.864 @ 92.61mph.....NA '98 GTP - NIC cam / P&P heads / 105# springs / Titanium retainers / INTENSE LW pushrods / CC Lifters / INTENSE TCS-300 / ZZP Poly mounts / RT 3" DP / PEMs / ZZP MPS 3.2, 3.0 / Wizair / 103s / DHP / AFC 2.2 .......still tuning

11-06-2003, 09:59 PM	#7
badassgrandam99 Original Owner AKA: Steve Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Havre de Grace, MD Age: 41 Posts: 1,830 Vehicle: '99GAGT/'09 Malibu LTZ	doesn't appear to be lowered like the concept was (at least the concept appeared that way) and they ditched the GXP concept's grill as well... not too bad overall, just a bit expensive in my opinion __________________ Grafxwerks-The Best Place for Vinyl My Current Cars: 1999 Pontiac Grand Am GT, 2009 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ My Previous Cars: 1994 Pontiac Firebird, 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer LT, 2003 Infiniti G35 coupe, 2005 Dodge Ram SRT-10

11-06-2003, 05:19 PM	#3
Mike3800 GAGT - Junkie AKA: Michael Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Northglenn, CO USA Age: 49 Posts: 3,394 Vehicle: 2015 Chrysler 200S AWD	Boats rule! I want it.

11-06-2003, 08:31 PM	#5
AznGA GAGT - Junkie AKA: YJ Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Midwest Posts: 4,440 Vehicle: GAGT	0-60 in 6.8 sec.? I thought it would be faster than that. One with the 3800 SC was around 7.3.

11-07-2003, 08:59 AM	#10
kubiache Get blown Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Age: 42 Posts: 1,858 Vehicle: 1998 GTP	^^^ Not neccessarily. The Bonneville is more luxery based, closer to a Cadillac than a Pontiac. Heck, isn't the 4.6L, 32-v a Cadi engine? Though not a Northstar. Or is it a totally redisigned engine that just happens to have the same displacement? __________________ Dave Woodward '01 GA SE --- 14.864 @ 92.61mph.....NA '98 GTP - NIC cam / P&P heads / 105# springs / Titanium retainers / INTENSE LW pushrods / CC Lifters / INTENSE TCS-300 / ZZP Poly mounts / RT 3" DP / PEMs / ZZP MPS 3.2, 3.0 / Wizair / 103s / DHP / AFC 2.2 .......still tuning

11-07-2003, 09:04 AM	#11
AMRAAM4 Wiley 'Ol Veteran AKA: Bob (aka Hoss) Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Azerbaijan Age: 45 Posts: 6,935 Vehicle: See My Signature Block	275 out of a 4.6 V8 is disappointing. Is there a rule that says it can't be 300? IMO, the way V6's are performing in this day and age, there is no ground to provide a V8 that doesn't do at least 300HP and 300TQ __________________ 2016 GoMango Challenger SRT Hellcat 2014 Redline Pearl Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT 2018 Bruiser Grey Dodge Durango SRT TRADED-2004 Black Grand Am GT,2004 Impulse Blue GTO M6, 2012 Mineral Gray Jeep SRT8, 2010 Bright Silver Jeep SRT8 LEASE TURN-IN-2006 Summit White TrailBlazer SS AWD (Vector CAI & tune) SOLD-2000 Silvermist Grand Am GT Supercharged,1994 Daytona Blue Single Turbo RX7 (427whp/330wtq), 2006 Spice Red GTO A4, 2013 Grabber Blue Shelby GT500

11-07-2003, 10:55 AM	#16
Vintalage Hey paisanos! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Maryland Age: 38 Posts: 5,490 Vehicle: 2002 Grand Am GT1	I think $35k for this car is too much. I don't think it is worth that much. __________________ 2002 Grand Am GT1 Sedan - Black 7000K HID PICS [SOLD to Jscarano]

11-07-2003, 12:05 PM	#17
Panacea Mmmm Donuts. AKA: Macleod52 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Rock Island, IL Age: 40 Posts: 3,160 Vehicle: '09 Malibu LTZ	Not when you can get the GTO for the same price... __________________ "Never argue with idiots. They bring you down to their level, and beat you with experience."

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