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Pontiac Grand Prix _IX_ 3.8 i V6 12V GT (203 Hp)
Overall Rating
Pontiac Grand Prix:
The Grand Prix is a line of automobiles produced by the Pontiac Division of General Motors from 1962 until 2002 as coupes and from 1989 through 2008 model years as four-door sedans.
First introduced as a full-size performance coupe for the 1962 model year, the model repeatedly varied in size, luxury, and performance over successive generations. The Grand Prix was the most expensive coupe Pontiac offered until the 1970s, when the Bonneville Brougham and the Firebird Trans Am became more exclusive; the Grand Prix moved into the intermediate personal luxury car and later the mid-size market segments....(Read more on Wikipedia)
_IX_ Overview:
Pontiac Grand Prix (_IX_). With 312 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.8 l/100km). With a weight of 1610 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.5 s). The top speed reaches 174 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
3.8 i V6 12V GT (203 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The naturally aspirated 3.8L V6 provides adequate power for daily commuting and highway cruising, with a respectable 8.5 second 0-100 km/h time, but lacks the punch of the supercharged variants.
Fuel Economy
This engine offers the best balance of power and fuel economy within the Grand Prix lineup, making it a more practical choice for everyday driving.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Powerful V6 and V8 engine options, especially the GXP's LS4 V8.
- • Spacious interior and large trunk capacity (454-1614 l).
- • Comfortable ride quality suitable for long-distance cruising.
- • Distinctive styling that stands out from competitors.
- • Good value on the used car market for performance.
Cons:
- • Front-wheel drive limits the full potential of the powerful V8 engine.
- • Interior materials feel dated and less refined compared to rivals.
- • Fuel economy, particularly with the V8, is a significant concern.
- • Handling can feel floaty and less precise than European or Japanese sedans.
- • Limited safety technology compared to contemporary vehicles.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(_IX_: 2006 - April, 2008).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Pontiac |
| Model: | Grand Prix |
| Generation: | _IX_ |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.8 i V6 12V GT (203 Hp) |
| Start of production: | January, 2003 |
| End of production: | April, 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 203 Hp @ 5200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 53.5 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 312 Nm @ 3600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | L26 More details about the engine L26 |
| Engine displacement: | 3791 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.3 l |
| Coolant: | 10.6 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 96.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86.4 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.4:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 174 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.9 kg/Hp, 126.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.2 kg/Nm, 193.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1610 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 454 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 64 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5037 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1819 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1420 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2807 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1565 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1545 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 225/60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut |
If you could change one thing about the Pontiac Grand Prix, what would it be?