Pontiac Unleashes Grand Prix “G-Force” At Chicago Auto Show, Takes Sport Performance Sedan Power, Styling to Higher Level

CHICAGO — Capturing the rush of a jet-fighter’s sonic boom in its athletic stance and sleek lines, the Grand Prix “G-Force” was unveiled by Pontiac today at the Chicago auto show. The G-Force “2+2” sport sedan show vehicle previews the next generation Grand Prix’s design and performance characteristics.

“The Grand Prix G-Force embodies the best of Pontiac with strong muscular styling that suggests ‘performance’ with the horses under the hood to back up the promise,” said Pontiac-GMC General Manager Lynn Myers. “It doesn’t just look fast and fun – it is!”

A rose is a rose by any other name...but G-Force produces the goods

The Grand Prix G-Force gets its name from its impressive handling credentials. G-Force takes the Grand Prix Wide Track Handling system to a higher level with a chassis, wheel and tire configuration designed to achieve .85G of lateral acceleration force, and reach a top speed of 155 mph (by comparison, only a few European performance sedans can achieve .85G of lateral acceleration force).

Design and performance converge at G-Force

The Grand Prix G-Force marks the point where purposeful design and total performance meet. The G-Force Grand Prix features clean design lines and the athletic stance of a vehicle that’s engineered to drive as well as it looks.

G-Force melds this design to a chassis known for its precise handling and control characteristics and a “280 x 2” supercharged engine (280 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque). Large Z speed-rated tires set the tone for vehicle performance while 19-inch open spoke wheels highlight performance oriented features like aluminum brake calipers and cross-drilled rotors.

G-Force is a driver’s car

The interior of the Grand Prix G-Force was designed around the driver to enhance the feel of control and increase comfort. Color, texture and design are combined with the traditional Pontiac driver’s “cockpit” environment to blend the needs of a performance coupe with the style and comfort of a touring sedan. Taking Pontiac’s trademark cockpit driver orientation a step further, G-Force includes a center panel angled toward the driver and features a novel approach to “2+2” seating that uses race-inspired oversized bucket seats with integrated headrests to combine comfort and functionality.

A satin nickel finish on the instrument panel gauges and drilled aluminum pedal covers apply a healthy dose of enthusiast attitude to the refined look of the G-Force interior.

Adding thrill and control to G-Force is the manually controlled automatic transmission. Touch Activated Controls, or TACshift, resemble Formula 1 race cars by putting gear-shifting controls within easy visual and tactile reach. Through TACshift, the driver can shift faster than an automatic transmission, which increases control and the overall enjoyment of the driving experience.

“G-Force is a Grand Prix for people who want more of everything the Grand Prix stands for: Power, handling and sporty styling,” said Bob Kraut, Grand Prix brand manager. “If you love to drive and like being seen, you’ll love this car.

“The G-Force is designed to put the driver in the center of a well-balanced machine that provides unsurpassed handling and control in a package that looks as good as it performs,” Kraut added. “We think G-Force delivers on that promise. There’s a lot of potential to apply what we’ve learned to future iterations of the car.”

Contemporary exterior styling “moves” G-Force even when it’s standing still

Wrapped in a “Fahrenheit Red” tri-coat metallic finish, G-Force builds on the current generation Grand Prix’s athletic Wide Track stance and clean, uncluttered lines to give the perception of movement even when the car is standing still.

Grand Prix’s unique “four-door” coupe styling, which was first introduced in 1997, is taken further in the G-Force show car with a longer roof/short deck proportion and a more pronounced “wedge” side profile design. Design details like sculpted taillights, power-bulge hood, exaggerated wheel flares and headlamps that extend naturally from the hood and fender sweeps are integrated into the total shape of the car. Carbon fiber front and rear lower fascias add lightweight material to the performance-oriented appearance.

“280 x 2” equals power, performance and fun ... times two

With a chassis designed to achieve .85G of lateral acceleration, the G-Force has the muscle to move the needle. A supercharged “280 x 2” 3800 series II V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque sits in a lightweight aluminum engine cradle under the hood. A next-generation supercharger housing and faster charger drive ratio produce the greater than average Grand Prix power, but the impressive torque is what gets G-Force moving in traffic.

Speed-based electronic throttle control “drive-by wire” hardware keeps the car docile in the parking lot yet responsive on the highway with no compromises.

Wider is better...and better...and better

The Wide Track Grand Prix is known for its handling characteristics, but the G-Force show car takes Wide Track handling to an even higher level with the goal of creating a chassis that gives the driver an edge in all conditions. Handling components on G-Force that contribute to this end include a front direct-acting stabilizer bar, StabiliTrak 4-channel vehicle dynamic control system, electronic dynamic front/rear proportioning and adjustable rebound struts at all corners.

G-Force also features large cross-drilled rotors and aluminum calipers to provide greater confidence and control.

Future Grand Prix

“We think Grand Prix drivers will be excited with this strong hint of the future,“ Myers said. “And if Pontiac drivers think the G-Force show car is thrilling -- there are more surprises in store when we reveal the next generation Grand Prix.”

SOURCE: Pontiac