October 28, 2004
V-8 power for Pontiac Grand Prix GXP
Anaheim, Calif. – Pontiac announced production plans for the 2005 Grand Prix GXP – a high-performance sedan equipped with more refined interior appointments, distinctive exterior appearance, sport-tuned suspension and a new 5300 5.3L V-8 (LS4) engine producing an estimated 290 horsepower.
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It is the first Grand Prix model since 1987 to offer a V-8 engine and it is the first Pontiac equipped with Displacement on Demand (DOD) technology, which can provide up to a 12 percent improvement in fuel economy by seamlessly deactivating half of the engine’s cylinders in certain light load conditions.
Grand Prix GXP is expected to deliver 0-60 performance of approximately 6 seconds.
Highlights of the Grand Prix GXP include:
- 5300 V-8 engine with Displacement on Demand technology
- 290 horsepower (estimate)
- 325 lb.-ft. of torque (estimate)
- High-performance Hydra-Matic 4T65-E four-speed electronically controlled transmission with TAPShift
- GXP-specific exterior styling, including front fascia, rear fascia, rocker extensions and badging
- Polished 18-inch forged aluminum wheels and performance W-rated tires
- Reduced ride height
- Bilstein gas-charged struts and higher-rate springs
- High-performance four-wheel disc brake system with aluminum calipers, 12.7-inch vented and cross-drilled front rotors and 12-inch vented and cross-drilled rear rotors
- GXP-specific interior appointments, including gauge faces, door sill plates and embroidered floor mats
The Grand Prix GXP has an aggressive, hunkered-down look due to a re-tuned suspension that lowers the vehicle approximately 9 mm. The aggressive look is accented with a new front fascia with revised, chrome-ringed grille inserts and lower air inlets, as well as a new rear fascia that gives the car a more tightly wrapped appearance. The new front and rear fascias are complemented by rocker extensions.
GXP badges on the vehicle’s doors and prominent exhaust outlets in the rear fascia are stylish clues to the car’s performance. Low profile performance tires are mounted on 18-inch polished forged aluminum wheels to complete the exterior package.
Inside, the GXP delivers a higher level of refinement, with rich, Ultralux suede inserts for the leather seating. Brushed aluminum trim accents – a GXP hallmark – are used inside, too, along with brushed aluminum-style doorsill plates. The instrument gauge cluster has a unique look and also wears the GXP logo.
The GXP is the first application ever for a small-block V-8 in a front-wheel-drive configuration.
Engineered specifically for front-drive layouts, the 5300 V-8 produces an estimated 290 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque – with 90 percent of torque available from 1500 rpm to 5200 rpm. It also incorporates Displacement on Demand (DOD) technology, which debuted in 2005 GM extended midsize SUVs equipped with the Vortec 5.3L V-8 (LH6) engine.
The all-aluminum 5300 V-8 is based on the Gen IV small-block architecture, but is modified to accommodate the “east-west” mounting position of the Grand Prix’s front-wheel-drive chassis. To fit the “sideways” positioning in the Grand Prix, several changes were made to reduce the engine’s overall length, including the use of a shorter crankshaft and a single-belt accessory drive system.
The Grand Prix GXP is scheduled to start production in the first quarter of 2005. Pricing will be announced at a later date.
