Today I went to the Auto Show in Motion and I must say it was the MOST FUN I'VE EVER HAD!

Among the cars I got to drive were: Bonneville GXP, Grand Prix GTP Comp G, GTO, Corvette, and the H2.

Impressions
In terms of ergonomics, I would assume that the GXP is similar or identical to '00 and younger Bonnies now with bucket seats. That said, they were very supportive, however, I have to admit I think I prefer the leather buckets in the 92-99 generation. The steering wheel, in my opinion, could also use some help for those of us who hold the wheel at 9 and 3 o'clock. The 92-99 wheels were perfect in this regard, but on the GXP (and I assume all '00+ models) my palms just couldn't seat themselves well.

THE ENGINE!
What a glorious, glorious machine! On startup, there is a very nice, rumbly growl, then quickly fades to silence (well, the windows were down and music was blaring outside, so maybe not total silence as far as I could tell). But tip your right foot into it, and it just comes alive! What a noise it is - like a concert baritone. So deep, so pure, utterly amazing sound. In drive, the transmission is smooth (though I can't give any honest impressions since the track was so short, it barely ever made it even to second). At wide open throttle, it is pure music to the ears. I could sit in that car and rev that puppy all day, it'* that good.

Actually driving it, the steering is responsive, if not a touch on the heavy side (not like driving a Buick), but definitely provides enough feedback to what the front wheels are doing. The car rolls a bit more than I would prefer - defintely more than the Comp G. Brakes are excellent for a Bonneville, but the Comp G'* are far better. Pedal feel is a tad spongy, but effort is low (compared to my car, anyway).

The overall handling characteristic is UNDERSTEER, and I managed to plow through two cones on my first run. Subsequent runs I got to know her better, and the more I drove it, the more I fell in love with it. I don't care for the plasticy faux-carbon fiber interior, but this car definitely has me hooked.

I wish I had some footage of me driving her, but I was just too immersed in the driving experience, and me and my friend were limited on time. We defintely got some good runs in on the Comp G, and once I clear some webspace, I'll post up a small clip. The clips I have were shot on the video mode of a Canon G2, therefore the still images I have aren't that great (by my photography standards), and the video and audio are downright deplorable. I'm definitely going to the next show in Philadelphia, and will bring a proper camcorder, so I'll have the full run-through for all you guys. In the meantime, all I have to offer is at the bottom of the page...


Yup, that was my steed (actually, one of three)


The white one is out on the track


Oh yeah, I got to drive this too

So, just as a little tidbit, I thought I'd provide you guys with this:

(click on the image for something special 2.83MB)
The camera mic just doesn't do it justice

I'm sorry but that sound just does not go with the way the car looks. The car is still screaming 6 CYLINDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I tried to capture the sound of startup, but that was too faint, and at the beginning and end of the clip you can hear other cars moving along outside, but in real life, the car has a muted, but definitely present low-end grumble that only 8 pistons could produce.

I think that for a family sedan, this is just the right amount of "noise" to satisfy the mid-life crisis dad and not bother the wife, but with an aftermarket pipe, I have no doubt you could make that motor wail.

As a proof-of-concept, take a listen at what Corsa already has available for the Cadillacs.

Taking into consideration that'* a v8 with stock system. It'* low for sure, but so was my stock one.

My Flowmaster on a 6 sounds like an 8.

you are a lucky guy, sounds like you had a blast. That GXP sure looks nice without the SSEi bodypanels. Very clean. If only I could find that $40 grand

You don't need 40G anymore. Now you can get them for 30G after 5G rebate. Some places have them stickered for 35G.