2004 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE REFINES PERFORMANCE LUXURY IMAGE:

Pontiac Bonneville has been delivering driving excitement and total comfort to owners since the 1950s. For 2004, Bonneville receives a combination of refinements and an all-new performance model, the GXP.

Three-model lineup, led by GXP:

Bonneville is available in three models for 2004 - SE and SLE, as well as GXP - each with its own high level of standard luxury, safety and performance equipment.

The big news is the all-new Bonneville GXP, available in early 2004. It comes with refined styling (including new fascias, headlamps, taillamps, exhaust tips and a spoiler), more horsepower, and a luxurious interior. It was designed and engineered to deliver brute power on-call but with the ability to cruise from California to Florida in comfort.

Power for the new GXP can challenge the best. The 4.6L DOHC 32-valve Northstar V-8 engine kicks out an estimated 275 horsepower (205 kw) and 300 lb.-ft. (406 Nm) of torque - enough to pass semi-trailer rigs without even breathing hard. And when the throttle opens up, the performance-tuned dual exhausts let out a pleasing rumble from the big V-8, letting the driver know just where the power is coming from.

The GXP's performance-tuned handling package includes a four-wheel independent suspension, StabiliTrak electronic stability system and an electronically controlled transaxle with a 3.71 final drive gear. Stopping power is handled by standard four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes. Pontiac also has mounted 18-inch V-rated performance tires on styled aluminum wheels, adding superior grip at the corners.

The GXP's interior is as luxurious as its mechanicals are performance-minded. Suede inserts adorn the seats and door panels; the shifter handle is brushed aluminum; carbon-fiber trim is abundant and the interior switches are a rich ebony. Standard memory bucket seats on the GXP model include power lumbar and power recliner controls on the driver's seat. The GXP includes a center console storage with rear heating/cooling outlets. Driver and front-passenger side-impact air bags and dual-zone climate control with individual climate settings for the driver and front passenger are standard with this top-of-the-line model.

A CD player and Monsoon eight-speaker sound system rivaling many great home systems also are a part of the GXP.

Well-equipped SE and SLE:

The base model Bonneville SE combines the performance of the 3800 3.8L Series II V-6, rated at 205 horsepower (153 kw) and 230 lb.-ft. (312 Nm) of torque, with room to carry five or six passengers in comfort. This well-equipped vehicle model offers standard features like driver- and front-passenger air bags, a floor console and electronic cruise control. Bonneville SE also features power door locks, full instrumentation, remote keyless entry, rear-seat passthrough, an AM/FM stereo with CD player, a theft-deterrent alarm system, a tire-inflation monitor and power windows with an express-down feature for the driver and front passenger.

Bonneville SE owners who are looking for a higher level of content in their vehicle will find SE's 1SC Preferred Equipment Group ideal. It adds the 3.05 performance axle ratio, one year of OnStar Safe & Sound service, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, all-speed traction control, a six-way power driver's seat and front leather seating surfaces.

Drivers preferring to move up to the Bonneville SLE receive a standard driver information center, one year of OnStar's Safe & Sound service, 17-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels, all-speed traction control, heated power exterior mirrors, a 3.05 performance axle ratio and a rear deck spoiler.

XM Satellite Radio (continental U.S. only) is available on all Bonneville models. XM Satellite Radio provides 100 coast-to-coast, digital-quality channels of original music, news, sports and talk. Consumers can subscribe to the basic service for $9.99 a month - less than the cost of a single CD. In addition, GM customers with GMAC financing can choose to include the XM subscription in their car payments.

Pontiac's Bonneville models deliver a bold, exciting alternative to traditional luxury. Exceptional comfort and performance is a part of every model, with the new GXP model providing consumers the ultimate experience of just how rewarding a full-size sports touring sedan really can be.

Story by Pontiac