Pontiac Grand Prix GXP 2006

rayainsw · July 2005

"I got an e-mail from Pontiac saying that the top speed for the GXP was 180!"

HA!

Indeed.

180 mph.

The (somewhat) theoretical top speed at 6,000 rpm in third gear is approx. 154.5 mph.

The (even more) theoretical top speed at 6,000 rpm in fourth gear would be approx. 217.

Since the manufacturer's claimed top speed for the C6 Corvette (significantly more powerful and more aerodynamically slippery) is 186, Id be pretty amazed if a GXP could exceed 160 . .
- Ray
Never having exceeded 180  in a car. . .

gxpgtodanman · July 2005

I doubt 180mph on GXP too.

The Vauxhall Monaro, similar car to the GTO with SAME LS2 V8 has hit 180mph stock!! Quite possible on GTO. I wouldn't try it. Right now GTO governed to 160mph.

drwilsc · July 2005

Edmunds clocked a Grand Prix GTP with the 3800 supercharged engine doing 0-60 in 6.5 seconds, actually 0.2 sec FASTER than a V8-powered GXP! Their test (or the test car) had to be flawed. GXP has 43 more horses than the supercharged 3.8.

ocmike3 · July 2005

I work with a guy who went out and bought one of the new Stang GT's w/manual a few months back (traded his previous gen Stang GT). He's sort of a self appointed car expert. I have to admit his Stang is nice and fun with the V-8, 5 speed and RWD...
I finally took the GXP to work today and he actually paid it compliment - loved the look, color (Dk Cherry) and was impressed with the power and handling. He actually said he wished Ford had the GXP seats and 5.3L in his Stang.
I was almost drop jawed. But then I remembered what a great car this GXP is. After I stopped to think what I paid ($25.6k vs. his $29k+) and getting all the extra options (side air bags, Monsoon stereo, stability control, auto climate, side air bags, HUD, DIC, OnStar, XM stereo...)) over his, I can't quit smiling.

rmozol · July 2005

Pontiac actually CALLED me today, to clarify the top speed thing. They said that it IS tied to the speed rating of the tires, but wouldn't be more specific. Since "W" is 168, I'm guessing it will be like most other US cars and be limited to 155. I was surprised how much concern they had given me over my e-mail. This is the way things SHOULD be if companies want our money!

gxpgtodanman · July 2005

Next year the Stang will have Fords Supercharged 5.4L V8 making 450+ hp, in the GT500. however, good compliment.

gxpgtodanman · July 2005

I believe the GXP test was highly flawed. Pontiac claims 5.9 or 6.0 seconds for GXP.

Remember, Edmunds numbers were way off on STI and GTO road tests as well!

batista · July 2005

If you guys read the test conditions it stated that the temperature was over 100 degrees which can slow a car down and the track was not sea level but over 1000 feet elevation.
If this test was done at 60-70F and at sea level then the numbers would definitely improve.

1487 · July 2005

edmunds is hardly the authority when it comes to instrumented testing. Their review of the GXp was more or less what I expected. Typical Edmunds review of a GM product. Bottom line, they recommend you buy something else. Their review almost totally contradicted MT's write up in last month's issue. They barely mentioned torque steer in MT and said the handling was pretty good for FWD sedan.

ocmike3 · July 2005

I'm sure it will beat the pants off the GXP, and then again its not an apples to apples comparo (like the Stang GT vs. GTO) - but the GT500 isn't going to be that affordable or practical.
If I was looking for pure performance the GXP wouldn't be it - but what a great combo between performance and everyday usability.

ocmike3 · July 2005

I can't seem to find the Edmunds article/data that has raised everyone's hackles - can someone point me to the link.

thanks

rayainsw · August 2005

http://pontiacenthusiast.com/
(Click on Cover for Link.)

I did finally find a copy (exactly 1) at my local B&N.
They state that a 13 sec. quarter, with a "fairly cold engine", is ".. definitely possible".

I am glad to see the low 14s here - particularly after the Edmunds numbers . .

- Ray
Still not a drag racer, just interested . .

gxpgtodanman · August 2005

14.2 sounds about right, the old 240hp S/C GTP was low 15's. Some stock ones did get 14.9.

I have seen stock GTO's run as fast as 12.9, more usually low 13's.

tonygxp · August 2005

can you print some quotes out of the article, cannot find a copy anywhere! anything you think would satisfy our curiosity would help like, T/C on or off, temp at time of test, did they try tap/shift? speed? 0-60? if it's not too much trouble. Thanks

rayainsw · August 2005

"T/C on or off, temp at time of test, did they try tap/shift? speed? 0-60? if it's not too much trouble. Thanks

0  60 times not published  likely the only testing they do is at the drag strip.
(The equipment used to accurately measure 0 to 30, 40, 50, 60, etc. it not cheap.)

They do not specify place or weather conditions of the test. The do specify that the 14.2 was with a hot engine  trap speed 96. T/C off. They made several 14.20x runs.

Quote: With a fairly cold engine, a 13-second jaunt in stock form is definitely possible.

Although not specified in the article, I doubt they would have even tried TAPShift for an instrumented acceleration run. The trans. will upshift just before the redline when left in D.

Link to 0  80+ run, with a WOT upshift at approx. 5,900 RPM:

http://www.putfile.com/media.php?n=GXP-0-75mph

- Ray
Considering a trip to the local strip this Fall  just for curiosity . .

gxpgtodanman · August 2005

The GXP and older GTP is faster 0-60 if left in Drive instead of using tapshift. Let the computer do the shifting for you. Make sure the Traction if off. It was the same with the Chrysler auto-stick cars too, the ones left in D were faster.

The Automatic GTO is same or faster then 6spd manual GTO 0-60 and 1/4 mile. Thats assuming the stick driver is very good.

exalteddragon1 · August 2005

trashed this car. so cruel. I wonder if they actually drove it?

gxpgtodanman · August 2005

Of course they did, just like CR bashed the GP too. I'm 100% sure they applauded the Camry & Accord. I have driven all 3 and the GXP or GTP wins hands down as a drivers car. I have had people come up to my GXP and GTO and say nice car, knowone ever does that to a Camry or Accord. To each their own.

bigdaddycoats · August 2005

http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/05grandprix_gxp.htm

rmozol · August 2005

That's a nice site bigdaddy. Does anyone know if they might be offering "brighter" colors for 2006? It'd be nice for them to offer some hot colors, like the GTO. A fast car should also LOOK fast, when sitting still! If I remember right, Speed Channel got 14.2 in the 1/4, and 0 - 60 in 6.3. Tommy Kendall spoke highly of it too.

exalteddragon1 · August 2005

Edmunds could trash the GXP and love the Impala, which are basically the same cars, the pontiac has more content but the chevy mroe rear head room...

Impala

GXP

BTW, all the pontiac is missing is HID/Xenon and RWD IMO. Oh yeah, and meybe a little better rear headroom.

GM nailed it when they designed the interrior of the new Chevy's. Less style more space. The practicality translats into sales. You can do style put to a point, if you sacrifice too much room in the process you are killing your product. The GXP is great, but as with all GP's the rear is probably the main obstacle to higher sales.

The Malibu has great rear seat room for its size, and the design if OK. They could change the front and rear faces and no one will complain of style anymore. But its a bigger deal to change the rear sloping roofline IMO.

ocmike3 · August 2005

Thanks for the links - interesting comparison, seems like somebody missed their meds the day they tried the GXP...
Someone at work has one of the new impalas. I hate to say it but GM did the car a great injustice with the styling... I think it looks like a camaccord... dull styling overshadows all the improvements, much like Buick missed the mark on the LaCrosse.

billgxp · August 2005

Does anyone know how many speakers are in the GXP with the NAV system radio? I understand there is a 200 watt amp and 9 speakers. I can only find 7; speaker and tweeter in each door (4), 2 in rear (6), 1 on dash (7). The speakers in rear do not appear to have a tweeter, the amp is located in the trunk between the speakers.

Also while checking out the speakers from in the trunk I found a detailed build sheet (with date and time) stuffed into one of the openings near where the speakers are mounted. Has anyone else found this build sheet? I can post some of the details that are on the sheet if anyone is interested.

ocmike3 · August 2005

I believe the Nav system option comes with the nine speaker Monsoon system. I have the monsoon on mine (no Nav). So now that you mention it I went out and looked. I only find 7 speaker covers (the rears look like single speakers from the trunk) - good question, I'll have to ask the next time I am by the dealer.

billgxp · August 2005

The NAV system radio is also a Monsoon and it is noted on the center dash speaker. Were you able to locate the build sheet?

rmozol · August 2005

I see that they lowered the price for the 2006, but with less features too. The chrome tips, grill, and other things are now an option, for $130? Also, does anyone know what the new color, Bronzestone Metallic will look like? Will it be anything like the older Fusion Orange on other models? As far as options, now you HAVE to get the sunroof to get the Monsoon stereo too! Decisons, decisions.........

billgxp · August 2005

This was my original line of thought but inspection of the speaker locations does not provide confirmation

rayainsw · August 2005

"less features too. The chrome tips, grill, and other things are now an option, for $130? . . . As far as options, now you HAVE to get the sunroof to get the Monsoon stereo too! Decisons, decisions.........

I dont believe that (for the GXP) there are any changes to the exhaust or grills. The grills were similar to (or possibly identical to) the GCC inserts that were and are available as SPO. The exhaust is quite different from other GPs, not just the rear tips  and again I am aware of no changes for 06.

The CF5 Sunroof does appear only to be available bundled with the 6-disk U87. Odd. Weird. Stupid. [[ pick one ]]

- Ray
Not yet seen an 06 GXP . .

tonygxp · August 2005

curious? Where did you get that info?..pontiac.com still show only 2005, was it at your local dealer?

rayainsw · August 2005

http://eogld.ecomm.gm.com/NASApp/domestic/brandsel.jsp?year=2006&regionID=1

rmozol · August 2005

Now I'm really confused! I got the color info from Pontiac's website; an e-mail answer. I got the option info from Edmund's on the 2006 model. I'm going today and see if the local dealer has a 2006 brochure that anything else. According to rayainsw, those otions show even different colors than everything else.

rayainsw · August 2005

"According to rayainsw, those otions show even different colors than everything else. "

Please. Not 'according to me' - I am just reporting (and posting a link to) GM's initial ordering info for 2006.

My experience has been that if you even occasionally browse this site, you will know more than 99% of the Salespeople and 95% of the Sales Mgmt of any GM dealership.

Has your dealer received any 2006 GPs?

Good luck! And please do post what they tell you . . .

- Ray
Completely disgusted with most GM dealer personnel . .

ocmike3 · August 2005

Here is the link to summary of the Speed Channel test: BMW 330ci, Mustang GT, Infiniti G35 & GTO - the GP GXP, G35, BMW330ci & Maxima. "GTO Smoked the competition" and GP GXP held its own. GXP: Best in acceleration & 1/4 mile. It was about a second back of the G35 & BMW in the road course, within a 1mph on the slalom and better than BMW & Maxima in braking. It beat the Maxima in every category. Not bad for a car that is less $$ than any of them and comparable to the Maxima's price when equipped the same. (with rebates/discounts...yeehah!)

Its the August 11 GMtv
http://gmtv.feedroom.com/iframeset.jsp?ord=605697

Also www.pontiac.com/testdrive or http://speedtv.com/pontiac/

gpowner724 · August 2005

Can any of you GXP owners out there tell me what type of gasoline is specified for the GXP. As a current owner of a GTP I'm getting a little tired of buying premium for my car especially considering that the gap between regular and premium is getting bigger. Thanks.

rmozol · August 2005

It depends what site you look at too. Edmunds says regular, and Pontiac's brochure says 92 octane. I guess it would depnd upon what you're doing too. Compression rato is 10:1, well within the computers capabilities to use regular. I have two cars that have higher CR's than that. I run regular for just driving, and premium if I want to hammer it when it's hot, for maximum power. The worst that could happen is that the knock sensor will kick back the spark a little to prevent detonation. That will just cost a few horsepower though. I'll more than likely get one of these shortly, and run regular unless I plan on hitting it hard!

ocmike3 · August 2005

GXP will run on 87, 89 or 91... the disclaimer is that the performance will suffer if you don't run premium.

gxpgtodanman · August 2005

GXP is the same as GTO. 91 is recommended for MAX performance. However it will run on 87 or 89 fine. It wlll just have less power.

tonygxp · August 2005

no offense, if your concerned about gas prices, as opposed to fuel mileage (not living up to claims on wdw stkr) you should re evaluate your vehicle purchasing method. I personally bought this vehicle as a second, barley used vehicle & dont plan on putting 3 or 4k a yr on it. On the other hand my brother bought a Hyundai Elantra GT for commuting to his 50+ mile each way job 5X a week (gets 30+ mpg), he also owns an Explorer ltd. as his "nice veh". My point is, if your putting a decent amount of mileage on it, you should be concerned, gas is going to keep rising, just pick up the paper or watch any news channel, I heard as high as 5-6$ a gallon, within 2yrs. i used to commute 60+mi each way, now I have a take home car & a 4mi commute (Which I'll have until retirement, civil serv) if I didn't I'd own a prius or a civic hybrid for sure. just food for thought.
On the other hand if your complaining about the 20c difference between the two in reg driving, please stop, your embarrassing all of us as performance enthusiasts, buy an Avalon ot gets 28mpg & 0-60 in 6.0-6.6 depending on the mag. all for 30k

gxpgtodanman · August 2005

"On the other hand if your complaining about the 20c difference between the two in reg driving, please stop, your embarrassing all of us as performance enthusiasts, buy an Avalon ot gets 28mpg & 0-60 in 6.0-6.6 depending on the mag. all for 30k"

But the new Avalon Recommends Premium gas too. But I 100% agree with you, the 20cents dif doesn't concern me. If it did I would NOT have bought the GTO.

gxpgtodanman · August 2005

I heard somewhere that when switching between regular to premium, It may take a few tank fulls of premium for the computer/knock sensor to fully realize the high octane again. I just stick with high octane

ocmike3 · August 2005

Just purchased my second tankful - I bought the GXP as my "recreational" vehicle. I ran 272 miles on 14.3g = 19mpg (the DIC was 18.8 so pretty close). It was probably 75% city type driving so I am okay with it. I have ~1100 miles on the car and it is not really broken in yet. My regular commuter is a 4WD Canyon Crew cab and I get about 18mpg commuting, but it does run regular as the recommended. I will continue to run premium in the GXP as I don't plan to burn a lot of miles (until a really good road trip opportunity comes up) on a regular basis so the extra $$ won't hit the budget too bad.

gxpgtodanman · August 2005

IN city driving I only get about 14mpg on the GTO. GXP I get about 16 to 17mpg, I"m probbably harder on the gas I guess.

tonygxp · August 2005

Found another site that shows 0-60 (5.6) & top speed (138 electronically limited it says) , also has a decent review, most of which i've never seen before. Heres the site

http://www.autos.com/autos/car/midsize/2005/pontiac/grand_prix/gxp

tonygxp · August 2005

http://modernracer.com/history/pontiacgrandprixgxphistory.html

Thats the other link ( I won't quit my day job, there is no one worse than me on a computer)
ARCHIVES

2005-2006 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP

The GXP version of the aging Grand Prix platform gives the facelifted car the power to go with its supercar looks. One of the most powerful front-wheel-drive production cars ever to come from the all-American automaker.

Base price : $29,995 Get a free price quote

Engine : V8, OHV, front engine FWD
Displacement : 5,670 cc
Valve : 16 valves, 2 valves per cylinder
Transmission : 4-spd automatic
Fuel economy : city - 17 mpg
highway - 28 mpg

Suspension : F - Independent Macpherson struts
R - Independent tri-link coil
Brakes : F - Vented discs
R - Vented discs

Horsepower : 303 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque : 323 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Redline : 6100 rpm

Top speed : 138 mph(electronically limited)
0-60 mph : 6.0 sec.
0-¼ mile : 14.3 sec @ 98.1 mph
60-0 braking distance : 119 ft
200 ft skidpad : 0.82 g

rmozol · August 2005

I see that they tested one with a bigger engine, huh????

MSN car site had it as a 5.6 liter too. I think that we're all pretty sure that it's a 5.3 though. I wonder where these people got 5.6 from? I still want to see what that new bronze metallic looks like too. Thanks again guys, I like all the info.

rayainsw · August 2005

346 of 358 GXP Gas Requirements by gpowner724 Aug 12, 2005 (11:48 am)
Bookmark | Reply | E-mail Msg

I'm getting a little tired of buying premium for my car especially considering that the gap between regular and premium is getting bigger. Thanks.

#347 of 358 Gas Rating by rmozol Aug 12, 2005 (7:02 pm)
I run regular for just driving, and premium if I want to hammer it when it's hot, for maximum power.

As there have been many posts elsewhere on Edmunds about the use of Regular or Mid-Grade vs. Premium in many cars designed for Premium, I will only add that given the GXP is a high performance car (low 14-s in the Quarter Mile qualifies in my book) and that I bought it specifically expecting to enjoy that acceleration performance whenever I want to or need to  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.

There are lots of alternatives to the GXP with motors that are designed run on Regular. (Are there any with V8s making over 300 HP / TQ and such a sweet sound?) At 20 cents per gallon premium for Premium (I crack myself up) and an average fill of 15 gallons or so (for me) the additional $3.00  out of over $40.00 / refill total these days  is worth it to me.

- Ray
Receiving at least an additional 3 bucks of enjoyment while burning through each tank . .

tonygxp · August 2005

the 5.6 is the claimed 0-60 not the engine size..

tonygxp · August 2005

It's settled, anyone who complains about putting super in their GXP, stop what your doing, head over to the toyota dealer nearest you n BUY A PRIUS!!!!
How or better yet, why did you buy a HIGH performance vehicle (sorry, it's a sedan, but nonetheless, it is a high performance vehicle, has more performance equip than the GTO or Mustang, read down the list), save the should we use reg gas topic for the GREENPEACE site.

gpowner724 · August 2005

Thanks to all of you that answered my question regarding the gas requirements. To those of you who suggested to me that I buy another car well......maybe that's just what I'll do. What's wrong with wanting the everything. It seems that the new Mustang is capable of great performance without premium gas. I guess I'll just wonder over to my local Ford dealer and place my order, especially after having to replace another power window regulator in my Grand Prix.

ocmike3 · August 2005

Careful - everyone out here (PDX metro) that has bought a new V8 Stang has been paying at least MSRP, usually with an adder.... I paid $25.6k for my GXP (MSRP $33,395). So the money you'll save on gas prices may be spent on car payments.

Pontiac Grand Prix GXP 2006

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles