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Manufacturer Brochure - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
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| Updated |
Jun 3, 2004 17:16:30 |
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 334 ( 57 +17.06% ) |
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Description:
New performance features on the 1998 Grand Prix make Pontiac's midsize offering more appealing than ever, adding to the excitement and sales momentum that began when the all-new Wide Track Grand Prix hit showrooms last year.
Heading into the last quarter of the model year, Grand Prix sales were up 43 percent over the previous year as more and more midsize car buyers continue to find that "Wider is Better."
New customer-pleasing performance features include a full-feature traction control system for Grand Prix GTP models with the 3.8 liter supercharged engine. Last year, traction control was not available with the supercharged engine.
Full feature traction control uses a combination of spark timing, fuel cut-off, transmission upshift and brake intervention to limit power output when sensors detect wheel spin. Pontiac's Enhanced Traction System (ETS), which is standard for the 1998 Grand Prix line, functions in a similar manner, but does not include brake intervention.
Grand Prix's Enhanced Traction System (ETS) engages automatically when wheel
spin is detected in either forward or reverse. ETS employs spark timing and fuel cut
off along with transmission upshifts to limit wheel spin for better traction on slippery surfaces. ETS can be turned off, but always engages when the engine is started.
On 1998 Grand Prix GTP models, the traction control indicator and on/off button
are located in the trip computer. On other models, the traction control indicator
appears in the Driver Information Center.
The high-torque 4T65-E automatic transmission is now standard with both the normally aspirated and supercharged 3800 V6 engines. Last year, this tough transmission was available only on the supercharged version of the 3.8 liter engine.
"Grand Prix" has to be bold and exciting because it appeals to the youngest, most
educated buyers in the midsize segment," said Grand Prix Brand Manager Bill Heugh.
"These driving enthusiasts demand an eye-catching sporty car with spirited handling and performance and we give it to them."
Grand Prix's 1998 lineup includes SE and GT sedan models
and the GT coupe. Both coupe and sedan GT models offer
an available GTP package with a240 horsepower supercharged
3800 V6 engine. The normally aspirated 195 horsepower
3800 V6 engine is standard on GT models and available on
the SE sedan. A 3.1 liter V6 engine is standard for the SE
sedan.
Grand Prix's distinctive styling incorporates an aggressive Wide Track stance and
racy low profile roof line used by both coupes and sedans. This sleek exterior
design imparts a sporty coupe look to SE, GT and GTP sedans and provides a stable,
road-hugging feel, enhancing Grand Prix's outstanding handling characteristics.
The muscular lines of the 1998 Grand Prix front end include body-colored fascias,
reflector optic headlamps with integrated directional signals and side markers. Bodycolored front fascias on all 1998 Grand Prix models feature round fog lamps while
GT models have a graphite colored lower valence that enhances the car's low, sporty
look. The GT fascia features Pontiac's famous split grille in the upper fascia while
the SE sedan sports a split grille in the middle of the fascia.
The rear of the 1998 Grand Prix is distinctively Pontiac with unique taillamps that
integrate backup lights, brake lights and rear side markers. The decklid features a
low lift-over and is accented by a sporty rear fascia with debossed Pontiac badging.
Grand Prix customers will find three new exterior colors on the 1998 color chart-
Gold Metallic, True Green Metallic and Silvermist Metallic. One new interior color
Oak, has also been added to the 1998 Grand Prix decor.
Grand Prix's cockpit interior features an ergonomically pleasing instrument panel
(IP) and a floor console oriented toward the driver. All controls have large, easy-to-
use knobs and are angled toward the driver for optimum visibility. The instrument
panel is easy to read with analog gauges illuminated by Pontiac's distinctive warm
red backlighting.
The Driver Information Center (OIC) in the instrument panel informs the driver
of conditions such as traction system activation, doors or trunk ajar, low washer
fluid and the need for an oil change. An available trip computer includes all the
standard DIC information plus average fuel economy, fuel used since last reset,
percent of oil life used and range with remaining fuel. Grand Prixs with the supercharged engine have a boost gage, shift mode indicator and traction control indicator in the trip computer.
Contoured bucket seats with expansive shoulder room keep the driver in control
during driving maneuvers. Headrest and seat structures are designed to help protect
driver and front seat passenger during collisions by absorbing more energy. Seat
tracks are 240 mm long for the added comfort of taller drivers and passengers, and
433 mm wide to give rear seat passengers more foot room under the seat.
Next Generation driver and passenger airings are standard on all 1998 Grand Prix
models and seat belts are mounted to the seat on the buckle side for greater comfort.
For smaller passengers, rear-seat comfort guide loops are standard and a child safety
seat located in the middle of the rear seat is available. New child seat strap latches
are color coded to add visual assurance that the strap is latched. Red indicates a non-
connection; green means the strap is latched. For extra convenience, the child seat
includes a removable, washable pad.
Power windows, power mirrors and programmable power door locks with automatic lock/relock and lock-out protection are standard on 1998 Grand Prix sedans.
The standard delay-locking feature on the Grand Prix sedan gives the driver five
seconds to open a rear door after exiting and locking the front door.
Customer-pleasing options on the 1998 Grand Prix include:
The Premium Lighting Package with rear reading lamps, illuminated visor mirror, front door courtesy lamps, assist grips and electrochromic mirror.
Vehicle and content theft deterrent system with a continual LED warn ing light, shock sensor and panic button on the key fob.
Air conditioning with automatic temperature control and dual zone control
Remote keyless entry
Theft deterrent system
EYECUE head-up display (available in option groups only).
Grand Prix's powertrain selection for 1998 includes two engines named among the
Ten Best Car Engines in the World by Wards Auto World magazine. Both the
normally aspirated 3800 Series II V6 engine and its muscle-flexing sibling, the supercharged 3800 Series II V6, earned the honor.
The normally aspirated 3800 Series II V6 delivers 195 horsepower and 230 lb. ft. of
torque and is standard for 1998 Grand Prix GT models and available to SE buyers.
Available with the GTP Performance Package, the supercharged version of the
3800 Series II generates 240 horsepower and 280 lb. ft. of torque to give midsize
sedan buyers the thrill of a performance level normally reserved for sports cars.
One enthusiasts magazine reported a 0 - 60 mph test time of 6.7 seconds for the
Grand Prix GPT.
The GTP package with the 4T65E transmission allows the driver to select either
"Normal" or "Performance" shift mode by pressing a button on the center console.
Performance mode provides higher shift points and more aggressive downshift calibration to approximate the crispness of a well-timed manual shift. The normal
mode provides traditional Pontiac low end torque, but in a less aggressive sequence.
SE models have the 3.1 liter V6 engine and 4T60E transmission as the standard powertrain. The 3.1 liter V6 generates 160 horsepower and 185 lb. ft. of torque and provides exceptional high-end power for smooth passing at highway speeds and strong low-end torque for outstanding launch performance. The 4-speed electronically controlled 4T60E automatic transmission provides precise, yet unobtrusive shift points.
Grand Prix's best-in-class handling is the result of Wide Track styling, superior suspension designs and MagnaSteer variable effort steering. Both front and rear suspension systems provide Grand Prix drivers with outstanding handling characteristics while significantly reducing harshness and unwanted road inputs. The front suspension uses gas-charged struts while the rear coil-over-strut tri-link independent suspension utilizes gas-charged shocks and a new directacting stabilizer bar.
MagnaSteer variable effort steering, will be standard on the GT sedan and available on other models. MagnaSteer uses electromagnetism to adjust steering effort to driving conditions. At low speeds, steering effort is reduced to help drivers with parking maneuvers and pulling out of tight spots. At highway speeds, steering effort iS stiffer to provide more stability and road feel to help keep the driver in control.
The Grand Prix's rigid body construction provides outstanding torsional and bending stiffness. Grand Prix's 22 Hz body along with special isolators and de-couplers minimize shake responses from the road while a system of cross-car beams contribute to exceptional isolation in the steering column without compromising Pontiac's characteristic road-feel.
Safety systems on the 1998 Grand Prix were designed for optimum occupant safety and trouble avoidance. In addition to standard Next Generation airings, standard DIC and improved lap/shoulder belts, the 1998 Grand Prix has standard anti-lock brakes (ABS), standard traction system and side door beams.
The automotive press took notice of Grand Prix's aggressive styling, great handling and performance and exceptional value and bestowed several awards in 1997. Awards include:
American Woman Motorscene - "Most Likely To Succeed."
Automovil (Mexico) - "Best Vehicle, 1997."
Kiplinger's - nBest New Car in the $18,000 - $25,000 range."
Popular Science - "Best of What's New for 1997."
ConsumerDigest- "Automotive Best Buy."
All 1998 Grand Prix models are covered under the PONTIAC CARES customer assistance program.
Comprehensive services of PONTIAC CARES include:
A 3year/36,000 mile limited warranty including tires
Toll-free 24-hour emergency Roadside Assistance featuring no-charge service to lockouts, gas delivery, flat-tire change and dead-battery needs
Zourtesy Transportation when the owner's vehicle is in for warranty repair
Toll-free 800 number for Customer Assistance Center to respond to inquiries or customer concerns. |
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