1989 Pontiac Grand Prix

The Pontiac Grand Prix was newly restyled for 1988 and few changes were needed for 1989. The standard engine found under the bonnet was an overhead valve 2.8-liter V6 rated at 130 horsepower. The base models were well-appointed while the LE version added several additional amenities, including electronic-controlled air conditioning, power windows, 60/40 front seat with a folding center armrest, and SE instrumentation.

The SE model came with a 2.8-liter or 3.1-liter V6 engine, Y99 rally tuned suspension, and dual exhausts. The interior had power bucket seats with adjustable thigh support in the front and bucket seats in the rear. SE models also received updates to the exterior, electronic air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, leather-wrapped tilting sport steering wheel, and power mirrors. They had analog gauges with a tachometer and an LCD speedometer and fuel gauge.

The big news for the Pontiac Grand Prix for 1989 was the limited edition Turbo Grand Prix of which just 2000 examples were produced. Power came from a McLaren-derived 3.1-liter Garrett turbocharged V6 engine offering 200 horsepower. The cars rode on P245/50ZR16 Goodyear Eagle GT+4 tires, had a four-speed automatic transmission, upgraded suspension, antilock brakes, and gold cross-lace alloy wheels. They included all the amenities found on the SE model, except for the power sunroof and leather interior.

Inside, the Turbo Grand Prix had heads-up display instrumentation and carmel-colored interior. Outside, they had an aerodynamic bodyside skirting, functional hood lovers, large fenders, Bright Red or Metallic Black finish, and gold-colored emblems. One example was selected as the Official Pac Car for the Daytona 500 race on February 19th of 1989.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2013