Photography by Sammy Chan
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With its clean styling, the 2004 Grand Prix demonstrates Pontiac’s 21st century contemporary design direction. "What began with the sleek design of the 2003 Vibe and Solstice concept car can now be seen in this Grand Prix," said Bannon. The car’s smooth, "Coke-bottle" sides extend into twin-port grilles with a two-tone lower fascia. Upfront, the large, aggressive driving and park/turn lamps accentuate the car’s "Wide Track" stance.
In profile, the cleaner look is also apparent, and the standard protective moldings are nicely integrated into the design. At the rear, large corner-mounted tail-lamps shapes integrate into the deck lid and bookend the rear spoiler. Twin-styled dual exhaust outlets are standard on all models for a true performance car effect. Larger 16-inch and 17-inch wheels and tires also add to Grand Prix’s sporty look. Based on feedback from current Grand Prix owners, the overall size of the car was not changed.
Inside the fabrics and leather are richer and more contemporary, giving the interior a more refined look and feel. Larger analog gauges have a three-dimensional appearance, and satin nickel accents on the doors, wheels and shifter give the car a stylish, upscale feel. The standard Driver Information Center and optional Trip Computer and Head Up Display (HUD) units feature view-screen reconfigurability with more capability than the previous model. The HUD features a more readable green backlighting and displays more information (in three languages - English, French and Spanish), including speed, turn signals, high-beam indicator, warning messages, radio/CD/tape status, ice warning, outside air temperature, and compass.
An innovative stealth mode for the HUD is a first for Grand Prix. When stealth mode is selected, the instrument panel cluster lights are extinguished, allowing the driver to navigate solely using the HUD. Radio and air conditioning control heads are now flush with the surrounding dash. All together, the interior is more refined and premium in appearance.
For 2004, the SE model has been eliminated, and customers can choose from the GT, GTP and GTP with the Competition Group package. All Grand Prix models deliver a total performance experience – they seamlessly blend power and acceleration with superior ride and handling. They also share an ample list of standard equipment and the same sporty exterior appearance, which means buyers don’t have to sacrifice looks or power for the sake of their budget.
The previous generation Grand Prix was known for its superior handling. The 2004 Grand Prix continues that heritage, and was designed for best-ever, best-in-class handling in its segment. The next generation Wide Track handling system blends suspension, steering and chassis components together, giving the Grand Prix a smooth and predictable handling and control with a precise on-center feel.
GTP with Competition Group Package: For those truly serious driving enthusiasts the all-new Competition Group (or Comp G) option, available on the GTP only, provides maximum grip, the sharpest possible steering response and peak road holding with a firm, yet supple ride. This suspension also produces less body roll and better bounce control through road swells. With specific chassis tuning and high-performance 17-inch racing wheels and tires rated to 228 km/h (142 mph), the package delivers .83 lateral g’s – and is designed for best-in-class handling performance for a front-wheel drive car.
The Competition Group package also includes StabiliTrak Plus, a segment-exclusive feature. StabiliTrak Plus enhances cornering stability during high performance maneuvers and adverse conditions. This four-channel vehicle stability system not only keeps the vehicle tracking the driver’s intended path, but also maximizes handling in corners.
With an improved 3800 Series III engine lineup, Grand Prix is unrivaled in base-level performance. The base GT model achieves 200 hp, and the GTP model up to 250 hp (at press time), with a best-in-class 280 lb-ft of torque. The GTP’s 3800 Supercharged V6 provides instant acceleration and no waiting for the power when it comes to passing. A more efficient fifth-generation Eaton supercharger boosts horsepower by 10 horses over the previous models. In fact, Grand Prix’s "base" horsepower begins where some competitors’ top models end.
Another racing-inspired feature that is sure to spice up the driving experience is the all-new Formula One-style TAPshift (Touch Activated Power), which is standard on GTP with the Comp G package. Drivers can engage a paddle on the steering wheel and switch from the ease of an automatic transmission to the fun-to-drive quality of a manual. The system has the fastest fingertip shifting response in the industry and better simulates a manual driving experience than any other car.
A jet-inspired electronic throttle control system (ETC) completes the performance package with speed-based response, which keeps the car maneuverable at low speeds and in parking lots, but ready for quick action on the highway. It is standard on both Grand Prix models.
Never before has so much versatility been available in such a sporty-looking sedan. The new Grand Prix is for those who want the ultimate in sporty performance but don’t want a separate truck or van to occasionally haul large items. Rear doors now swing open to a full 82 degrees (nearly a right angle) with the addition of a third hinge detent, compared to the previous 67 degrees. The wider opening makes entering and exiting the car as well as loading bulky items, like TV sets or computers, into the back seat simpler. It’s also now easier to load large cargo like bicycles or extra wide boxes into the trunk, because the opening is nearly 10 inches wider, and the lift-over height is almost six inches lower.
The 60/40 split-folding rear seats fold nearly flat, extending the load floor well into the interior. A nine-foot kayak and other long items such as skis now fit securely inside the vehicle with the trunk closed, thanks to an optional double-hinged front passenger seat that also folds flat and extends the load floor to the instrument panel. Tie-downs are strategically located to keep cargo in place when the car is in motion. Overall, the flexibility of the Grand Prix is unmatched by any other midsize sedan.
This car was designed to provide the highest quality ever offered on a Grand Prix. The car will be manufactured at GM’s award-winning Oshawa Car Assembly Plant. A combination of significant improvements will bolster the vehicle’s quality, reliability and durability ratings for 2004. More durable components like a single-piece side frame body structure, a one-piece door ring and magnesium cross car beam reduce complexity and add to body stiffness. Plus, a new glass-matte battery lasts 160 percent longer than a typical battery, according to extensive testing in Las Vegas taxi fleets.
GM engineers gave this Grand Prix the most comprehensive safety system in its history. Numerous crash avoidance features include StabiliTrak Plus; standard Traction Control and ABS; larger, more effective brakes; and a tire inflation monitoring system. Advanced occupant protection features include dual-stage air bags, optional head curtain side air bags and front-seat safety belt pretensioners and force limiters. An aluminum engine cradle and cross-car beam improve the body structure.
© Sammy Chan & Edwin
Lau
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