The Bonneville press kit lists the Nissan Maxima, the now defunct Chrysler Concorde and 300M, plus the Toyota Avalon, Lincoln LS and Lexus ES 330 as the GXP's
chief competition, but at its near-$50K price tag, a number of German, Swedish and premium Japanese sedans enter the picture. Meaning, the GXP is up against some tough competition. Still, none of the European or Japanese cars offer a high-tech V8 engine at anywhere close to the same price. Only Chrysler's new 300C is in this class, but in reality at 340 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque the C, along with its 5-speed automatic transmission with manual mode (Pontiac's 4-speed unit offers no such manual actuation) is well out of the Pontiac's league. The Chrysler is also priced better, while throwing a fair amount of sophisticated Mercedes-Benz components into the mix all covered by a much more extensive warranty. The Bonneville's interior is also less appealing than its premium price would suggest. Its plastics are still harder and glossier than most alternatives in this price range, while fit is not anywhere close to cars such as Acura's new TL.
Still, given the technological and interior appointments of this all-new Bonneville, Pontiac has done well to produce a sport sedan that can run with the big boys. And there's always that name.
Specifications (GXP):
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| With its near-$50K price tag, the GXP goes up against some premium competition, and it's high-tech V8 engine may not be enough to win over consumers. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
Still, given the technological and interior appointments of this all-new Bonneville, Pontiac has done well to produce a sport sedan that can run with the big boys. And there's always that name.
Specifications (GXP):
- Price Range (MSRP): $45,995 - $49,620
- Price as Tested: $48,305
- Transport and PDI: $1,050
- Body Type: 4-door sedan
- Layout: front engine, FWD
- Engine: 275 hp, 300 lb-ft of torque, 4.6-L, 32 -valve, DOHC V8
- Transmission: 4-spd auto
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
- Curb Weight: 1,719 kg (3,790 lbs)
- Acceleration (0 - 100 km/h): 7.8 seconds
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Cargo Volume (trunk): 510 L (18.0 cu ft)
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 13.3 / 8.2 L/100 km
- Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive
- Direct Competitors: Acura TL, Audi A4 / A6, BMW 3-Series, Cadillac CTS, Chrysler 300C, Infiniti G35, Jaguar X-Type, Lexus ES 330, Lincoln LS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mitsubishi Galant / Diamante, Nissan Maxima, Saab 9-3 / 9-5, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Avalon, Volkswagen Passat, Volvo S60
- Web Site: www.gmcanada.com
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