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The New Mustang V8 makes 300hp and 320 torque, has nice exhaust sound and runs on Regular 87 ONLY ! Don't have to buy Premium. Thats one exception to the rule.
"I run Premium. And since I cannot reliably predict when I will want or need all the HP & TQ available, I run it all the time. "
I agree 100%, I only run Premium as well. As long as the car recommends or requires it.
Many people I know put premium in cars that do NOT require it. It's their $$.
I saw in that 2006 brochure the special edition package which is ONLY available on the regular and GT models is pretty nice, new rear and front fascia's and hood? Not bad. Not available on GXP though.
The changes I noticed on the 2006 (besides the option package differences):
- Steering wheel has bright finish on spokes from the painted.
- Perforated leather on the steering wheel and shift knob.
- Bright Chrome rings around the air vents.
- The door pull is a brushed finish (from bright) and there is a brushed aluminum look insert on the grab handle.
The floor mats still do not have the GXP logo - so I expect they didn't follow through on the early reports.
I think the chrome rings and the bright finish on the steering wheel spokes do help improve the interior look a bit.
The three they had were Dark Cherry, Stealth Gray and Black. I prefer the Dark Cherry (mine) or the Blue-Green crystal. I also think the smooth leather on the steering wheel will be more comfortable in driving, based on the feel of the perforated leather.
I am loving mine - although the Tap Shift is lost on me. If I'm going to shift, I want to throw the shifter from gear to gear - I just like that feel of action.
0-60 mph 5.7sec
1/4 mile in 14.2 sec - pretty sure that is correct.
Also, great article on the Z06 - this car rocks, 0-60 in 3.6sec!!!!
That's what happened to me. After the employee price, incentive, bonus cash, GM points and excellent trade in, all my resistance was gone.
A very positive review. The best I have seen for a GP.
Quote from Steve Spence - "It's one of the most memorable sporting American sedans I've driven in a gwadawful long time".
Csaba Csere - "There's still a whiff of clumsiness in this large, old platform, but if you crave V-8 power at a reasonable price, the GXP is worth a look."
They also really liked the seats and the "grippy" steering wheel.
1/4 mile is 14.3 @ 98 mph
Really good review. Good review of Solstice as well. CTS, however, did not fair so well in $35k sport sedan comparison - 6th place out of 8. The 06 Saab Aero being 8th. Oh yeah, of course the BMW 330i won, even though it had multiple mechanical/electrical problems.
Interesting quotes - thanks for posting them, as well as the Numbers.
- Ray
Awaiting Postal Service delivery of my copy . .
They also really liked the seats and the "grippy" steering wheel. "
Did they specify if this was a 2006 model? Or a 2005?
My understanding is (though I've not yet seen a 2006) that the steering wheel cover is one of the (few) changes . .
- Ray
Just Curious . .
The remote start is a nice feature on cold and hot days. You can start the car from inside and let it run a bit before going out into the weather. It came on my 2005 GXP and after having it for a few months, it is a nice feature.
I have driven multiple examples of both the 2004 GTP CompG and the GXP – and I can understand most of the comments and conclusions in each test. (The CompG was tested by C+D in the July 2003 issue.)
The characters (as well as raw acceleration numbers) of these cars are very different.
And given the limited editorial pages available, that’s likely why C+D chose to do a full 4 page test, rather than a single page of impressions.
As I understand the substantial delays holding back a RWD platform to replace the FWD Grand Prix (and other FWD GM platforms) I see the GXP and the Impala SS as representative of what we will see for reasonably priced, mid-sized Sport Sedans from The General – at least for a while . .
[[ Aside: In Post # 4040 on the GP Board here at Edmunds – now “Grand Prix 2005 and earlier” – in mid-February, I predicted a quarter mile time for the GXP of 14.3. MT reported 14.3 in their June issue, and now C+D reports: (drum roll, please) 14.3 . . ]]
I consider this pretty quick, for a 4-door sedan geared as it is, with EPA ratings of 18 / 27, and available for substantially less than $30K. In fact, looking at the Sept. issue of Motor Trend, where they test 3 sport sedans (each with an automatic trans.) that I think one could argue have MSRPs and typical purchase prices that are in the “next tier up” - none of these 3 would beat the GXP in 0 – 60 or in the Quarter Mile. The quickest of these 3 (both the BMW 330i & Infiniti G35 – the Audi A4 3.2 was even further behind) posted 14.7 seconds. And 0 – 60 in 6.5 & 6.6. Compared to 5.7 (C+D), 6.0 (MT) for the GXP.
A half second may not seem like a lot to many. My experience has been that the seat-of-the-pants difference in feel between two cars a half second apart in 0 – 60 and the Quarter is something that is easily discernable to those who view acceleration performance as: “of significant interest”.
Now any car is more (or can be less) than a couple of numbers, but I find these numbers to be quite impressive (and I certainly find my GXP’s acceleration experience entertaining) given the actual transaction price and the other attributes this vehicle delivers.
Clearly, in some respects, as C+D states: “This ain’t a BMW.”
Yet, in every dynamic aspect that is important to me, the GXP is actually better than the last 3 BMWs I test drove – price considered. (2 330i-s and 1 540i, a couple of years ago.) And I find it quite comfortable and ‘driver friendly’ as well
YMMV.
- Ray
Content with this iteration of GM’s FWD Sport Sedan . .
As far as I know, due largely to the timing of introduction, the only ones who have actually driven these cars with these tires in snow are GM employees.
And the only one to have posted comments anywhere that I have seen regarding any such experience ** MAY ** be a bit biased. (GM’s product manager for the GXP program.)
These tires, however, were developed specifically for the GXP, and snow traction was reported to be a priority. And they are not actually identical to those fitted to the other vehicles you mentioned. I think if I lived much further north, I’d at least wait for one or 2 snows before buying any different tires.
Good luck!
Clearly, we’ll know more once some customers start to encounter snow – and report here (hint) . .
- Ray
Happy to be living (Atlanta area) where snow it typically a non-issue . .
Having seen several posts on various sites, including some here, from the former product manager for the GXP (same employee as above, now no longer working for GM), I can tell you that snow performance was a very critical design parameter of this car (a FWD performance car alternative to RWD vehicles for folks in the snow belt). I'll email him and bring this question to his attention.
--Robert
"Though the Potenzas on GXP would appear to be the garden-variety type available at any Tire Rack, that is not the case. They were engineered specifically for the GXP application and had inclement weather performance as a high priority in their development. The way you can tell if its the "real" GXP tire set is to look for the TPC code on the tire sidewall, meaning it was devloped by GM. Any Bridgestone dealer will have the tires and I would strongly recommend replacing with the same tire, to take advantage of all the engineering work done.
I drove a GXP last winter in southeastern Michigan for a couple of weeks (in snow) and found the car worked fine in those conditions. If I had to do it all over again, I'd make sure the tire had an all-season rating to clear up all this confusion."
Now, my car has the Satellite Radio in it, besides, of course, OnStar. I have one antennae on the roof behind the sunroof, which is a black mast with a little nub sticking up. I was told first that my Satellite antennae is in that antennae with the OnStar by the salesperson. On Star says no. The Service Manager told me that it is, he thinks, in with the radio antennae in the back window, another salesperson at the same dealership assured me that it is in with the the black mask OnStar antennae. According to my manual a Satellite Antennae should be near the front on the roof and the OnStar behind the Sunroof on the roof. Also in the back window where the defogger grid lines are, the top grid line is shortened by about five inches. I went back to the dealership, we looked at another 2006 Grand Prix and Bonneville GXP. They were exactly the same with the shortened line. I guess this is left if someone wants to add some equipment on the rear window. The Service Dept. told me that they would look on the computer. Any thoughts on any of these concerns. Also, when you took the 2006 for a test drive, did you notice the antennae on the roof.
Also, my nephew has my 1999 GTP which he has had for four years, since I bought the 2002 Anniv. Edition, it went on fire last week five minutes after he turned off the ignition. the fire destroyed the entire front area up to and including the windshield. The fire dept. had to cut the engine out and the hood off. The fire started in the engine.
I see a number of observations concerning the antennas and defogger grid, and an issue that you took the dealer - and was apparently fixed.
What exactly are your concerns here?
My GXP has the 2 'roof' antennas. I have never tried OnStar – but 1 of them I believe is for XM and my XM certainly works, whatever antenna it uses.
I looked at the rear defogger \ defroster ‘grid’ lines. Looking inside the car, it appears to me that the top (shorter) grid line is actually completely separate from the defogger section – and I expect that it is:
“The AM-FM antenna is integrated with the rear window
defogger, located in the rear window.” – owner’s manual p 3-134
- Ray
With a 2005 and the same 2 or 3 antennas and the same 'short' top grid line . .
Still, this car with its V8 and all these features is compelling, as long as the final price is under 30K its probably worth it.
Still, this car with its V8 and all these features is compelling, as long as the final price is under 30K its probably worth it.”
While I have not seen a 2006, with the few interior changes, I am in basic agreement based on my 2005.
With the V8 performance (and that lovely exhaust note!), the enhanced handling & ride & brakes, and an actual transaction price below $27K (no NAV, but most every other option – MSRP $33K) on mine, this represents a “Screamin’ Bargain”. For me. [[ Or perhaps a deep rumbling, barking, & burbling Bargain??? ]]
I do carry rear seat passengers – but not often, and typically not for long. So the fact that the rear seat is configured more to accommodate the fold down seats & increased load capacity than long term comfort for human occupants does not concern me much.
- Ray
Find the GXP well “worth it” . .
Question - Has there been any resolution regarding the remote start and the fact that the A/C doesn't turn on. Does anyone know if the heater will function with the remote start?
Question - The one thing that bugs me is that the A/C resets to run when the ignition is activated even tho I turn it off. The only way to keep the A/C off on start is to have turned the entire system off before turning off the motor. There is no vent only setting. Does anyone know of a solution to this problem?
Does anyone know when the aftermarket air filters ie. K and N will have a product available?
I would like to replace the turn signals with the blue Silverstone lamps - yellow when on but blue when off. The manual doesn't list the bulb #.
Love the car and am waiting to run a refrigerator (Dodge Charger) on a twisty road.
A - This has reportedly been addressed, as may have been reported above.
“
P/N: 12603159
CVN: 0000993D
Description: New software to address A/C performance during remote start.”
One who has had the procedure done quoted the service order:
"PCM IS OUT OF CALIBRATION
REPROGRAMMED PCM PER BULLETIN 05-01-39-005
0K93J7904"
“Question - The one thing that bugs me is that the A/C resets to run when the ignition is activated even tho I turn it off. The only way to keep the A/C off on start is to have turned the entire system off before turning off the motor. There is no vent only setting. Does anyone know of a solution to this problem?”
A – It appears to me (based on a bit over 4,000 miles – all in or near HotLanta) that the A/C comes on (or does not) at startup based on the outside temp sensor reading and \ or the inside temp sensor. Since June my garage temp in the AM has still been warm enough that A/C has engaged on startup. Yet a couple of times, when I have stopped briefly on the way to work and the ambient temp. has been below 70 or so, and the interior temp. has (A/C on or just vent during the drive to that point) adjusted down to near ambient, the A/C has not engaged on restart. I will be interested to see if my observations prove consistent as overnight & daytime ambient temps drop this Fall.
I keep the temp set at 60 – and turn off the A/C if I don’t need the cooling or the drying effect of the compressor running.
- Ray
Feeling that ‘good news’ is far out weighing bad in this car . .
I'm in Cleveland and the air conditioner always turns on with a key start no matter how cool outside. Vent is by button push of the A/C button. A small annoyance.
As to back seat room, I'm 6'4" and fit reasonably well in the back on long trips.
Other cars include a 1997 C5 and a 1965 GTO. The GXP is not a Vette but it is the best handling car that can be driven all seasons in Cleveland. I will however be looking at snows for the front and maybe all four if wheels are available for the tire sizes.
Does anyone know what tires are stock on the Impala SS?
I'm driving this car more than the Vette and loving it. Two lane road passing is unbelievable.
A question for all current GXP owners: Would you consider the GXP to be a good car to drive daily to work? My commute round trip is about 100 miles. I value a quiet (once cruising) and comfortable ride. I took a short test drive of the GXP this past summer and was really turned on by the GXP's V8 performance. The exhaust rumble was intoxicating and acceleration was reminiscent of an '87 Buick GN I owned but without the turbo lag.
My biggest concern is that the car will ride too rough. I don't want to feel every bump and road variance. I do realize that I'll hear the engine more at lower speeds but once cruising, is it quiet?
My backup plan is to go with the base GP and get the Special Edition package when it becomes available in a few months. The dark cherry paint is gorgeous, IMO.
Any feedback would be appreciated. I've enjoyed reading all the posts!
I have been lurking and reading about everyone's experiences with the new Grand Prix GXP. I have not seen it in person yet, but it looks good from the pictures that have been posted. I like that it has the new 5.3L V8 power with the DoD fueling-saving technology. V8 power with V6 fuel economy. Sounds like a winner to me!
Here is some information on the new type of Onstar/XM satellite radio antenna that GM is starting to use on the cars. These are links to GM's Techlink site that publishes monthly newsletters to the service department staff to educate them on technical aspects of GM cars.
Hope this explains about the antenna differences.
Bryant
http://www.gmtechlink.com/images/issues/may04/TLmay04e.html#story12
http://www.gmtechlink.com/images/issues/apr05/TLApr05e.html#story12
Here is another article link on the GM Techlink site that explains about the general particulars of the new performance tires that they are putting on some of their new cars.
Hope this helps answer some of your tire questions.
Bryant
http://www.gmtechlink.com/images/issues/sep05/TLsept05e.html#story1
While I only (?) commute about 50 miles round trip each day, I certainly see my GXP as an outstanding ‘daily driver’ & commuter. I do notice (& enjoy) the exhaust on acceleration. In first gear, as it passes 3500 RPM or so, it does a passable imitation of V8 muscle cars of yore. It fades to a much lower decibel level at steady throttle at relatively low constant speeds – say 40 \ 45 or so. And at higher speeds (65+), again at steady throttle, the exhaust note blends with the general background noise volume – and that volume is quite low. I enjoy listening to the sound system, jazz (XM), news or whatever, and the interior noise level is quite acceptable for my listening pleasure.
“ride too rough. I don't want to feel every bump and road variance. I do realize that I'll hear the engine more at lower speeds but once cruising, is it quiet? “
The ride over patched \ broken \ poorly maintained surfaces at low speeds is certainly not like a Caddy or a Jag. Yet coming from a Lincoln LS, with a fairly aggressive (OK, for Lincoln, a VERY aggressive) suspension – tuned for outstanding handling with an acceptable ride, I find the GXP quite surprisingly competent overall. The GXP’s large section, low profile tires make themselves known primarily at these lower speeds. I rarely find it intrusive, but YMMV, depending on the road surfaces and speeds you encounter . . .
At higher speeds, I find the ride exceptionally good. The Bilsteins do an excellent job of absorbing bumps and the damping of long amplitude (freeway) dips and camber changes is outstanding.
I also find the driver’s seat support and adjustability to be excellent. Overall ergonomics are very good. The HUD allows driving with minimal requirement for ‘eyes off the road’ – a big plus for me in Atlanta traffic. And the visibility is surprisingly good, with large and well-placed mirrors and no blind spots – another important aspect for me.
I expect to drive my GXP for an extended trip (350 miles each way) over the Thanksgiving Holiday long weekend – and I am looking forward to the trip!
- Ray
Feedback provider . .