Pontiac Bonneville, 2004 Bonneville Pictures, News, Reviews, and Info | Conceptcarz.com - Pictures, Wallpaper, Pricing, Information, History

Overview

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Image credits: Pontiac

Lower the car by 1.5 inches, smooth out the lines on the body and front and rear fascias - last but not least, boost the supercharger and tint the glass, headlights and taillights.

With its clean, sleek lines, powerful form, and enhanced supercharger, the Pontiac Bonneville GXP show car sets higher performance and appearance expectations for a full-sized sedan

Visual Exercise Looks At Potential Bonneville Evolution
'The GXP is a visual demonstration of Pontiac's design direction, and hints at the potential design and performance direction of Bonneville,' said Lynn Myers, Pontiac-GMC general manager. 'At its core, the GXP underscores the importance of performance and sporty styling with clean design expressions.'

Supercharger Taken To New Level
The GXP takes the Bonneville SSEi's supercharged V6 powertrain to a new level, with a KNTM air filter system, Corsa Performance 'cat-back' exhaust and an increase boost to the supercharger. The result is an impressive increase of 35 ponies from the SSEi application, to 275 HP in the GXP.

Lower Ride
In line with this boost in horsepower, the GXP's ride height has been lowered by 1.5 inches for a ground-hugging appearance. This performance attitude is further accentuated by 18-inch wheels and larger cross drilled and slotted brake rotors with Baer coated calipers.

Bob Kraut, Bonneville brand manager, explained that the increased focus on performance for Pontiac's luxury sport sedan builds on Bonneville's tradition of offering performance and luxury without compromise.

'Whether it's setting world land-speed records or cruising city streets, the prestige of Bonneville is in the performance,' said Kraut. 'The GXP offers the large-car luxury segment a 'serious sport' alternative with the muscle of a performance sedan and the amenities of a touring car.'

Clean, Exterior Design
Painted in a tri-coat metallic 'Dark Argentinean Blue' finish, the exterior appearance is marked by 'smoked' headlight and taillight lenses, Xenon fog lamps and windows that are tinted to the legal maximum shade. The clean exterior design takes in an integrated, flush-mounted spoiler, along with new front and rear fascias, exhaust tips, rocker moldings and a new taillamp design.

'GXP is a no nonsense approach to a luxury performance sedan,' said Pontiac Brand Character Chief Designer Phil Zak. 'It maintains Bonneville character cues with strong, clean styling.'

More Refined Interior
Inside, the GXP remains unmistakably a driver's car with Pontiac's trademark cockpit orientation, but with a number of design touches that add up to a more refined experience. Leather appointed seats with custom inserts help create a comfortable environment and provide a performance-oriented function by keeping the driver more firmly planted. Carbon fiber accents are used on the steering wheel, HVAC vents and bezels. All interior switches are black, and the shifter is aluminum/chrome plated. And for listening pleasure wherever the road takes you, the GXP is equipped with a custom audio system and XM satellite radio capability, which allows subscribers to hear up to 100 commercial-free radio stations.

Source - Pontiac

Pontiac Bonneville has been delivering driving excitement and total comfort to owners since the 1950s. For 2004, Bonneville receives a combination of refinements and an all-new performance model, the GXP.

Three-model lineup, led by GXP:

Bonneville is available in three models for 2004 - SE and SLE, as well as GXP - each with its own high level of standard luxury, safety and performance equipment.

The big news is the all-new Bonneville GXP, available in early 2004. It comes with refined styling (including new fascias, headlamps, taillamps, exhaust tips and a spoiler), more horsepower, and a luxurious interior. It was designed and engineered to deliver brute power on-call but with the ability to cruise from California to Florida in comfort.

Power for the new GXP can challenge the best. The 4.6L DOHC 32-valve Northstar V-8 engine kicks out an estimated 275 horsepower (205 kw) and 300 lb.-ft. (406 Nm) of torque - enough to pass semi-trailer rigs without even breathing hard. And when the throttle opens up, the performance-tuned dual exhausts let out a pleasing rumble from the big V-8, letting the driver know just where the power is coming from.

The GXP's performance-tuned handling package includes a four-wheel independent suspension, StabiliTrak electronic stability system and an electronically controlled transaxle with a 3.71 final drive gear. Stopping power is handled by standard four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes. Pontiac also has mounted 18-inch V-rated performance tires on styled aluminum wheels, adding superior grip at the corners.

The GXP's interior is as luxurious as its mechanicals are performance-minded. Suede inserts adorn the seats and door panels; the shifter handle is brushed aluminum; carbon-fiber trim is abundant and the interior switches are a rich ebony. Standard memory bucket seats on the GXP model include power lumbar and power recliner controls on the driver's seat. The GXP includes a center console storage with rear heating/cooling outlets. Driver and front-passenger side-impact air bags and dual-zone climate control with individual climate settings for the driver and front passenger are standard with this top-of-the-line model.

A CD player and Monsoon eight-speaker sound system rivaling many great home systems also are a part of the GXP.

Well-equipped SE and SLE:

The base model Bonneville SE combines the performance of the 3800 3.8L Series II V-6, rated at 205 horsepower (153 kw) and 230 lb.-ft. (312 Nm) of torque, with room to carry five or six passengers in comfort. This well-equipped vehicle model offers standard features like driver- and front-passenger air bags, a floor console and electronic cruise control. Bonneville SE also features power door locks, full instrumentation, remote keyless entry, rear-seat passthrough, an AM/FM stereo with CD player, a theft-deterrent alarm system, a tire-inflation monitor and power windows with an express-down feature for the driver and front passenger.

Bonneville SE owners who are looking for a higher level of content in their vehicle will find SE's 1SC Preferred Equipment Group ideal. It adds the 3.05 performance axle ratio, one year of OnStar Safe & Sound service, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, all-speed traction control, a six-way power driver's seat and front leather seating surfaces.

Drivers preferring to move up to the Bonneville SLE receive a standard driver information center, one year of OnStar's Safe & Sound service, 17-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels, all-speed traction control, heated power exterior mirrors, a 3.05 performance axle ratio and a rear deck spoiler.

XM Satellite Radio (continental U.S. only) is available on all Bonneville models. XM Satellite Radio provides 100 coast-to-coast, digital-quality channels of original music, news, sports and talk. Consumers can subscribe to the basic service for $9.99 a month - less than the cost of a single CD. In addition, GM customers with GMAC financing can choose to include the XM subscription in their car payments.

Pontiac's Bonneville models deliver a bold, exciting alternative to traditional luxury. Exceptional comfort and performance is a part of every model, with the new GXP model providing consumers the ultimate experience of just how rewarding a full-size sports touring sedan really can be.

Source - Pontiac

To celebrate General Motors' 50th Anniversary 'Golden Jubilee', all stops were pulled out by the designers on the 1958 Pontiac Bonneville Sport Coupe, undoubtedly one of the flashiest of all 1950's vehicles. A one year only body was featured as a final staement by longtime GM styling chief Harley Earl before his retirement. The entire 1958 lineup litterly sparkled chrome. Unique two-tone exterior color combo's and delxue interiors were showcased on interiors on all 58 models from Chevrolet's, Pontiacs, Buick, Oldmobiles and Cadillacs. There motto for this year was ‘The Boldest Advance in Fifty Years!'

Semon E. 'Bunkie' Knudsen became Pontiac's new general manager in the summer of 1956 and soon after he hired Pete Estes and John DeLorean. Huge changes were in the works for Pontiac. First introduced as mainly a dealer promotion vehicle, that attempted to highlight Pontiac's new high performance image, the original Bonneville was a largy flashy convertible with a highly powered V8 engine generating 310 horsepower.

Originally introduced as a limited production performance convertible in the Pontiac Star Chief model range during the 1957 model year, the Bonneville eventually became its own series in 1958. Historically based of of the Cadillac DeVille, the Bonneville was built by the Pontiac division of General Motors from 1958 until 2005. Pontiac has been best known for its performance vehicles, especially since the introduction of the Bonneville I 1957. Perhaps a little flashier and faster than than a Chevrolet, it is still cheaper than an equivalent Oldsmobile or Buick. That has remained Pontiac's mission.

First appearing in 1954 on on a pair of bubble-topped GM Motorama concept vehicles called the Bonneville Special, the Bonneville name first entered the lineup as the Star Chief Custom Bonneville, which was a high-performance, fuel-injected luxury convertible late during the 57 model year. The very first Bonneville was a spectacular, chrome-laden convertible with a continental-style spare wheel mounting, fuel-injeted engine. It came with an eight-power front seat, underseat heater, degroster electric antenna, and many more unique and exclusive features.

During that first year, only a total of 630 units were produced. This small amount made it the most collectible Pontiac of all time, especially since it cost twice the amount of the star Chief convertible. The Bonneville has persisted, and remained as the division's top of the line model until 2005. Many speed records were being set at the Utah salt flats, and the name was created from the town of Bonneville, the place of much auto racing, and most of the world's land speed record runs.

The public must have liked both the car and its name became in 1958, a coupe was added into the lineup as Bonneville expanded into its own series. In this year it paced the Indianapolis 500. Offering 225 hp an 285 hp V8 engines, the Bonneville sat atop the Pontiac range, also offering a deluxe steering wheel, unique upholstery and chrome wheel covers. The Bonneville also featured wraparound windshields and rear window, two-toning on the roof and long striking sidespear plus chrome hash marks placed on the front fenders.

During its third year, the ‘59 Bonneville gained a 4-door bodystyle along with a nearly complete line in itself. The Pontiac Wide-Track was born in 1959, when all Pontiac makes and models received new chassis with ‘wide-track' stance. During this year, the introduction of two of Pontiac's greatest marketing inspirations were showcased, the split grille, and the Wide Track slogan, both are still part of Pontiac's image to this day.

Sales peaed in 1966 at 135,401 units sold. In 1969, the main highlight became the new V8 engine that provided 360 horesepower. Considered Pontiac's most expensive and most luxurious model throughout the 1960s, the Bonneville was extremely instrumental in moving Pontiac to third place in sales from 1962 until 1970. Bonneville's constantly received updates, changes and restyling, along with new features for all of its trim models throughout the 1970's.

During the early 1970's, the Grand Ville name was being used for Pontiac's highest-price model, and though the Bonneville was de-emphasized slightly, it never went away. In 1976, the Bonneville emerged in the top spot. This was the final year before the down-sized full-sized Pontiacs began to appear in 1977.

The Bonneville nameplate was quite abruptly moved from a full-size vehicle to the mid-sized car in 1982. The mid-sized car was previously known as the Pontiac LeMans. This change was not taken to very well by customers, so Pontiac was forced to reintroduce a full-sized vehicle. They brought over the Canadian-built Pontiac Parisienne, which was basically a re-styled Chevy Caprile that was powered by a Chevrolet V6 or V8 engine. Once again, Bonneville was placed one notch below the top of the line.

Just like the previous time, downsizing became the salvation that the Bonneville needed. The Parisienne was discontinued in 1987, and the Bonneville was redesigned completely as a front-wheel drive vehicle and once again rejoined in pre-1982 platmform buddies, the Buick LeSabre and the Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. It again regained its status as the senior Pontiac and the SE Bonneville was placed on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for that year.

The decision was made by Pontiac to change the Bonneville from rear wheel drive with a V8 engine to a more economical front wheel drive 3.8 V6 vehicle in 1987. The V6 that was installed was a 3.8L V6 with the RPO code of LG3. A dive in the performance market soon followed, as this engine only produced around 150 hp, though it had a kick of 210 ft-lbs of torque power.

The following model that was introduced in 1989, the Bonneville LE may have been Pontiac's attempt to add a bit more of pep and pizazz to the Bonneville line. This new model moved up to 15 hp and 10 ft-lbs of torque, and this engine has the RPO code of LN3. The Bonneville was once again redesigned in 1991, though it did remain as an H-body.

A total redesign was done in 1992 to the exterior of the Bonneville, though the interior experienced very few changes. The LE trim was also taken off the lineup. Available trims for 1992 were SE, SSE, and SSEi, and airbags now came as standard features in Bonnevilles. Nearly 100,000 Bonneville models were sold in 1992.

Things once again changed in 1993, though the exterior remained the same, the interior did go through a slight update. A sport Luxury Edition was made available for '93, which was basically a base SE, with an SSE exterior, an all of the same available options as an SE. Much remained unchanged for the 1994 model. Much of the vehicle has remained the same throughout the next few years, making way for a total redesign for the 2002 model year.

The Bonneville regained a V8 option on the GXP trim for 2004, which has been a first since 1986. On February 8, 2005, GM announced that the Bonneville would be dropped from Pontiac's lineup for 2006. The high-end Pontiac Grand Prix GXP trim replaced the Bonneville.

For many years, the vehicle fondly called the 'Bonne', the Pontiac Bonneville has showcased a mix of luxury, performance with the aid of a supercharged 3.8 liter engine.

Elizabeth Johnson

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