Meanwhile Over At Pontiac – 2004 Bonneville GXP
Status - Model Year 2004, Available February 2004
by Casey Williams -
www.car-data.com
If you want to imagine what a large front-drive American super sled would look like with a powerful V8 engine, take a look at the 2004 Pontiac Bonneville GXP. Originally shown as a concept at the 2002 Chicago Auto Show, the sedan is Pontiac’s Impala SS.
According to Lynn Myers, Pontiac-GMC general manager, “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. 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.”
Borrowing Cadillac’s 4.6-litre 32-valve V8 engine, the Bonneville GXP harnesses 275 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque. Routed through a four-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, that’s enough to propel the full-size sedan to 60 mph in just 6.8 seconds.
Stability will be provided by a wide-array of electronics. Understeer and oversteer are controlled to prevent the car from sliding while four-wheel anti-lock brakes and traction control enhance grip during slick conditions. Steering is enhanced by a speed-sensitive electromagnet to adjust effort. A heads-up display system keeps drivers looking straight ahead.
When designers stripped side cladding off of the Bonneville, they were surprised to find a very curvaceous and beautiful car underneath. They added eighteen-inch five-spoke alloy wheels with low-profile tires to make the car look the part of a powerhouse. Subtle ground affects and a subdued rear spoiler announce its intentions without embarrassment.
I can’t help but think the Bonneville GXP is the big powerful sedan the Impala SS aspires to be. With a base price of $35,995, it is sure to find many happy owners. Competitors include the Acura TL, Lincoln LS, Infiniti M45, and Chrysler 300M.
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While it's got some greatness under the hood, IMHO I find the styling to be too bland and lackluster bordering on cheap.
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