GM Forum - Buick, Cadillac, Olds, GMC & Pontiac chat - I HEARD OF THERE BEING A SERIES III ENGINE OR RUMOR

I know this is a GP, but it does confirm the upcoming existence of the L71 Series III. It also gives us a great idea of what's coming up for the Bonneville. As soon as they give me the release for the B, I'll post it!

FOR RELEASE: September 26, 2002

DALLAS and OSHAWA, Ontario – Pontiac, the “Excitement” division of General Motors, today unveiled the ninth generation of its midsize performance sedan – the 2004 Grand Prix. With new versatility features not available on any other sedan on the market, this car was thoughtfully designed for people who want the ultimate in performance, style and handling, but also need the flexibility to transport large or long items.

“We’ve taken America’s favorite midsize performance sedan and raised the bar,” said Lynn Myers, Pontiac-GMC general manager. Grand Prix has always been a break-through car for Pontiac, according to Myers. “Our '97 Grand Prix broke the mold by bringing coupe styling to the sedan market, and by setting new benchmarks in handling with its Wide Track system.” With its muscular styling and emphasis on total performance, the 2004 Grand Prix is an ideal choice for those who are truly passionate about driving.

David Whittaker, vehicle line executive for premium midsize and luxury vehicles, says the vehicle development group took everything that was successful with the current Grand Prix and improved even more. “We know Grand Prix has a large and loyal following, so we took what people loved about it and concentrated on making it better inside, outside and under the skin.”

Sporty Coupe-like Styling
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 and soon after the all-new GTO,” said Myers. The car’s smooth, “Coke-bottle” sides extend into twin-port grilles with a two-tone lower fascia. Up front, 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 taillight shapes integrate into the deck lid and bookend the flowering 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. The overall car is the same size as the model it replaces. Bob Kraut, marketing director for the Grand Prix, said the size was not altered “because current Grand Prix owners told Pontiac that the size was just right.”

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, 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.

Two Models, One Great Look
For 2004, the base model SE has been eliminated, and customers can choose from the GT, GTP and GTP with the Competition Group package. All Grand Prixs deliver a total performance experience – they seamlessly blend power and acceleration with superior ride and handling characteristics. 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.
Superior Handling
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 the suspension, steering and chassis components, giving Grand Prix smooth and predictable handling and control with a precise on-center feel.

GTP with Competition Group Package: For those truly serious driving enthusiasts (to whom about 10 percent of Grand Prixs are sold), the all-new Competition Group (or Comp G) option available on GTP 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 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 expands 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.

Unmatched base performance
With an improved 3800 Series 3 engine lineup, Grand Prix is unrivaled in base-level performance. The 3800 Supercharged V6 provides instant acceleration and no waiting for the power when it comes to passing. 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. A more efficient fifth-generation Eaton supercharger boosts horsepower by 10 horses over the previous model. 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.

Surprising versatility
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 and two detents. 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.

Quality, reliability, durability
This car was designed to provide the highest quality ever offered on a Grand Prix. The car will be manufactured at GM’s Oshawa, Ontario, assembly plant, which most recently placed first overall among all assembly plants in North America in J.D. Power’s 2002 Initial Quality Study. A combination of significant improvements bolsters 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. A new glass-mat battery lasts 160 percent longer than a typical battery, according to extensive testing in Las Vegas taxi fleets.

Comprehensive safety
GM engineers gave this Grand Prix the most comprehensive safety system in its history. Numerous crash avoidance features include StabiliTrak Plus, which is included on the GTP with Comp-G; 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. Production of the 2004 model Grand Prix will begin early in the first quarter of 2003.

Pontiac is a division of General Motors Corporation. The division markets the Vibe, Sunfire, Grand Am, Grand Prix, Aztek, Montana and Bonneville. Pontiac has the youngest buyers in General Motors and among the youngest in the industry. General Motors (NYSE: GM), the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, designs, builds and markets cars and trucks worldwide, and has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.