My local dealer just got in a GXP and he called me for a test drive. Here is a review:
INTERIOR.. the carbon fiber touches were cool. Suade seats were ok, but personally I preferred the seats in my 2000. White faced gauges were very nice.
EXTERIOR The styling is distinctively cleaner, smoother. But I wish it was a little bolder in some way to make it even more distinctive. Front end is very similar to alot of other Pontiac models. Dual exhaust is great looking. 18 inch wheels are good,but chrome should be available.
PERFORMANCE the northstar is definitely quiet and smooth. It revs easily to 6000 rpm.
Not to upset anyone, but I was a little disappointed in the "off the line" performance. I imagine that the engine computer is set up to control engine torque to handle wheelspin and torque steer. The thing just wasn't the animal I expected for a v8. And yes I even shut off the traction control. Once rolling pretty good, the northstar came on pretty strong. As is..I'm pretty sure my SSEI would take it across an intersection but the GXP would catch up and pass it before 60 mph.
HANDLING...The brakes are simply awesome...WOW. The ride is great and it goes where ever you point it. I am seriously interested in researching the springs, struts and shocks to see if my 2000 could be upgrade to handle like this. Very sporty.
MISC.....The thing is a bit pricey at 38,000 sticker. The northstar needs bumped up a few more horsepower. I also saw a new 2004 Chrysler 300c with a 340 hp Hemi and it stickered for 36K

I'm gonna have to test drive one now. You got my curiosity up.

Great lil concise review...thanks

You can't get chrome rims on the GXP? That sucks.

Yea the 300C has more HP, but it'* 0-60 time I believe is only 0.1seconds faster then the Bonneville.... it'* gotta haul that 5.7 Hemi around
But you are right... I would have expected more HP from the GXP.

I think they are keeping the HP low on the GXP because the GTO is only 350ish HP.
I really believe the GTO should be upwards of 380ish and the GXP should have at least 320.

you can get whatever you want on the car. Maybe not factory chromes though.

GAS MILAGE is waht pontiac is trying to accomplish with their enging packages

On that note, the buyer'* guide I've got from the Toronto autoshow states that the GXP requires premium fuel.

On the other hand, the STS in the same book does it all on regular.

Typo? :?


The off the line performance is lacking, but I'm sure if you were to time both cars on the 1/4 or the 0-60, they'd be about the same?

The more reviews I hear the more I want one.

Merlin, actually, the 300 C is 1.2 seconds quicker to 60. It'* 1/4 time is almost identical to a GTO (Sad for the Goat).

My neighbor says he saw a GXP on the road the other day with Pontiac-badged chromes -- though he couldn't tell if they were true chrome or the plasti-chrome covers like on his GTP.

The best part of his sighting, though, was that he said the couple driving it looked like they were in their 60s The first GXP sighting story I hear first-hand, and it'* Grandma and Grandpa on their way to church at 20mph under the limit.

-b