Grand Prix is redesigned in grand style. Pontiac, the sporty, performance division of General Motors debuted a redesigned midsize, 1997 Grand Prix last summer. The grand results speak for themselves. The front-wheel drive Grand Prix mixes well with windy city residents. Chicagoland ranks as one of Grand Prix's best-selling metropolitan areas. The aggressively styled new edition posses bigger dimensions and an improved 3.8-liter V-6 engine. New front and rear fascias with sculpted taillamps low profile roof design add to its muscular exterior look. Pontiac has been busy over the last few months advertising Grand Prix and its revamped "Wide Track" design. Wheelbase, the distance between front and rear axle, increases by three inches (110.5). Front track width gets a two inch boost (61.5 inches) while fenders flair out near the wheels. It's available in two or four-door variations. Trim levels include: Base SE sedan; GT sedan and GT coupe. A supercharged GTP performance package is optional in GT models. Pontiac offers three engine sizes: a 3.1 liter, V-6 with 160 horsepower (standard in SE), 3.8 liter V-6 with 195 horsepower (standard in GT editions) and a 3.8 liter, V-6 supercharged edition with 240 horsepower. Grand Prix comes well equipped with standard features. Dual air bags, anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, power windows and door locks and power steering are included in the base price. Traction control is standard in all but the supercharged GTP editions, where it's not available. Cruise control is standard in the GT sedan, but optional in other selections. Rear window defrosters, however, are optional. Our bright red, GT Sedan test drive machine had a base price of $19,809. With GTP performance package ($1,233), power sunroof ($646), leather bucket seats ($475) heated driver bucket seat ($50) and other assorted items, the bottom line totaled $25,422 including a $550 destination charge. Retail prices for Base SE models start at $18,029. The redesigned instrument cluster updates Grand Prix for the late 1990s. Large easy-to-grab dials control fan speed and temperature settings while the stereo system includes large preset buttons. Speedometer, tachometer and fuel indicators back light at night with warm red illumination, a nice distinguishing nuance found in Pontiacs. The new cockpit layout features dual cup holders retracting from the front of the storage bin, between the front bucket seats. This cleaver design keeps beverages in easy reach of drivers and front seat passengers, but away from dashboard controls. Plenty of nooks and crannies are around for storing loose change, maps and other necessities. Ergonomically this new design doesn't miss a beat. Our GTP included the optional heads-up display, which projects digital odometer speed, radio frequency, low fuel warnings and turn signal directions directly onto the front windshield, in front of the driver. The thinking behind this system is drivers can keep their eyes fixed on the road ahead without looking down as much to instrument cluster information. The green illuminated projection can easily be switched off from dashboard dials. The supercharged, power packed GTP moves on the open road. Front suspension advancements (including gas-charged struts) keeps drivers in control. Back seat travelers enjoy generous headroom and decent leg room. The center portion of the rear seatback folds down providing access to the trunk for transporting long items once a security panel is unlocked and also folded down. The long, flat-floored trunk has room for plenty of luggage, but has a relatively high lift over design. Both GT editions include a decklid spoiler, adding even more to the sporty ambiance. However, the spoiler is just a $151 option in SE editions. Mileage estimates for GTPs check in at 18 miles per gallon city and 28 mpg highway. We registered 20 mpg in combined driving. The fuel tank now holds 18 gallons. Supercharged engines require premium unleaded fuel. For consumers who find Pontiac's full-size Bonneville out of their financial reach, the new Grand Prix is an intriguing alternative. More room, ample power good looks and comfortable surroundings place Grand Prix near the top of the midsize roster. Pontiac targets Grand Prix at consumers with a median age of 40; a household income of $60,000 and more than likely (60 percent), they're married. Its an even mix (50/50) of men and women buyers. GM assembles Grand Prix in Kansas City, Kan. |