For Release: August 1, 2000

2001 Grand Prix: A WideTrack Attack

DETROIT - For styling and performance that's equally at home on the highway or at the raceway, there's no better choice than Pontiac Grand Prix. Grand Prix's WideTrack design provides smooth cornering, excellent handling and a firm grip on the road in a package that looks almost too hot to handle.

"Pontiac's Grand Prix's WideTrack Attack on the market continues in 2001 to include an even ‘wider' model line-up for customers to choose from," said Bob Kraut, Grand Prix Brand Manager. "We're introducing two new models: a 2001 Grand Prix SE Sedan Smart Package that will be very competitive in the lower end of the mid-size market and at the high end we'll offer a Grand Prix GTP Special Edition."

Redesigned Grand Prix SE
Introduced mid-year 2000, the redesigned Grand Prix SE takes the most popular SE features and makes them standard, then presents them in a more aggressive exterior package.

The most obvious change, and one that is sure to turn heads, is the new SE front end. The look is sleeker, with GT-like raised twin grille ports, fog lamps and a body-colored lower valance for a bolder head-on appearance.

Convenience and comfort are addressed with standard features that include power windows and door locks, air conditioning, rear window defogger, and Tilt-Wheel steering. Standard dual air bags work in conjunction with safety belts to help keep front seat occupants safer.

SE Sedan "Smart Package"
Also new to Grand Prix SE sedan is the WideTrack Smart Package. This option package promises to get the performance-oriented driver's heart racing, with exterior features like a rear decklid standard spoiler, 16-inch (406-mm), five-spoke silver-painted aluminum wheels, and P225/60R16 steel-belted-radial blackwall touring tires. Inside, Graphite or Dark Taupe Cyclone Cloth bucket seats with six-way power driver's seat controls, an AM/FM stereo with cassette player and six speakers, and cruise control increase the comfort quotient. A remote decklid release, rear seat pass-through, and trunk net add extra convenience and cargo-carrying capacity.

The WideTrack Smart Package is available in Grand Prix SE's most popular exterior colors: Arctic White, Silvermist Metallic, Dark Forest Green Metallic, Black, Redfire Metallic, and Dark Bronzemist Metallic.

GT and GTP Special Edition
GT and GTP models greet the 2001 model year with the Special Edition Coupe and Sedan. The Special Edition vehicles carry over the aggressive decklid spoiler, heat extractors on the hood, roof fences and bright dual/dual exhaust tips from last-year's limited edition Grand Prix Daytona Pace Car replica. Inside, there are unique two-tone leather seats (Graphite with Medium Gray inserts) painted trim plates and a machined door emblem.

A Special Edition decal on the rear deck lid and unique chrome multi-spoke wheels further set these cars apart from anything else on the road. The Special Edition GT and GTP is available in four exterior colors: Galaxy Silver, Black, Bright Red and White.

Other Changes for 2001
Factory-installed OnStar is optional on GT and standard on GTP models. Standard manual dual zone replaces the automatic dual zone HVAC system, giving occupants more hands-on temperature control. A new steering wheel provides improved controls for the driver's ease of operation. A compass and outside air temperature display are now included in the available electrochromic mirror. GT and GTP models also get a new available Medium Gray leather interior.

Outside, a new 16-inch (406-mm) three-spoke aluminum wheel for GT and GTP is available in painted and polished aluminum. A spoiler, license plate cover and backlight antenna are now standard equipment. One new exterior color, Galaxy Silver Metallic, has been added.

Model Lineup
The Grand Prix WideTrack family consists of three trim levels: the SE sedan, GT coupe and sedan, and GTP coupe and sedan.

Grand Prix comes packed with plenty of standard equipment. No matter which model a buyer chooses, they'll find a spoiler, air conditioning, automatic transmission, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, a Tilt-Wheel adjustable steering column, and power windows, mirrors, and door locks. The power door locks are owner-programmable for automatic lock/relock and lockout protection. A five-second-delay feature allows the driver to open the rear door after exiting and locking the front door.

Hot Performance
Each Grand Prix model has plenty of V6 power at the ready. The Grand Prix SE's new athletic appearance is backed up by a high-powered 3.1L V6 engine, producing 175 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. (264 Nm) of torque, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission.

A sport-tuned suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars enhances the driving experience on all Grand Prix models, while standard four-wheel anti-lock brakes and Traction Control help keep the driver in command under less-than-perfect driving conditions.

A 200-horsepower-, 225 lb.-ft. (305 Nm) of torque-producing 3800 V6 is standard in GT models and available in the SE. Top-of-the-line GTP models are powered by a supercharged 3800 V6 that pumps out a whopping 240 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. (380 Nm) of torque.

An Air Injection Reaction system on the 3.1-liter and normally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engines for California and Northeast states. The 3.1-liter V6 and the supercharged 3800 V6 achieve LEV (low-emissions vehicle) status in those markets, while the normally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 meets ULEV (ultra-low-emissions vehicle) standards.

Excellent Stability
Fundamental to Grand Prix's solid character is a stiff (22 Hz natural frequency) body structure. A cross-car beam stabilizes the steering column to eliminate shake while improving on-center steering sensitivity.

GT and GTP models also benefit from standard MagnaSteer variable-effort power rack-and-pinion steering. At low speeds, a computer-controlled electromagnet reduces steering effort to ease parking maneuvers. At cruising speeds, MagnaSteer elevates steering effort to enhance stability and road feel.

Muscular, Sporty Exterior
Grand Prix's muscular front-end design flaunts aggressive grille openings between the headlamps combined with a graphite-colored lower valance. Body-color fascias that integrate reflector-optic headlamps, directional signals, side marker lamps and round foglamps add to the low, sporty look.

Driver-Oriented Interior
Inside, everything is geared toward one purpose: keeping the driver in command. Large, analog instrumentation with red backlighting is easy to read, controls are canted toward the driver, and a floor console is within convenient reach.

A standard Driver Information Center (DIC) in the instrument cluster keeps the driver updated on various operating conditions such as traction system activation, the need for an oil change, or a door ajar.

An available trip computer adds driving range, oil life used, average fuel economy, and fuel used since last reset information. The supercharged GTP's DIC adds an engine boost pressure display.

Grand Prix's front bucket seats are contoured to provide solid support for mile after mile of driving comfort. Seat tracks are 9.5 inches (240 mm) long, providing extra legroom for tall drivers and front-seat passengers. Spreading the front seat tracks as wide as possible assures adequate foot space for rear-seat passengers.

Next Generation OnStar
OnStar's innovative, in-vehicle safety, security and information service combines Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite technology and wireless communication to link the driver and vehicle with the OnStar Center, where advisors are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to offer real-time, personalized help.

Safety & Security
Grand Prix is as devoted to the safety of its passengers as it is to performance and styling. That's why every Grand Prix has manual lap/shoulder safety belts for all outboard positions, and manual lap safety belts for center seating positions. Driver and passenger front-impact air bags work in conjunction with the safety belts to protect front seat passengers.

In back, three tether anchors in the rear seat shelf area allow child safety seats to be more securely fastened down. To help keep older children safely inside, all sedan models are equipped with child security door locks.

Crash-avoidance features on Grand Prix include four-wheel anti-lock brakes, an Enhanced Traction System, automatic daytime running lamps with automatic exterior lamp control, tires with built-in tread wear indicators, and more.

Grand Prix's security is handled by a standard, hard-to-crack PASSKey® II theft-deterrent system. A transponder circuit in the ignition key communicates with circuits onboard the car to authorize start-up and drive-away. Without the key, that activity is prevented, even when forceful means are attempted. One hundred and thirty-seven billion different codes make this all but impossible to beat.

Award-Winning Excitement
Grand Prix's bold styling, stirring performance, and exceptional value have drawn critics' praise in recent years. Since 1997, Grand Prix has also won Consumers Digest "Best Buy" award. Now the Good Housekeeping Institute has weighed in, awarding Grand Prix their 1999 Women's Automotive Satisfaction Award in the category of "Fun to Drive." Grand Prix more than doubled the benchmark for their midsize car segment, excelling in every single vehicle performance category and in feature preferences most appreciated by female vehicle owners.

With award-winning driving characteristics combined with a wider model lineup, the 2001 Grand Prix is a machine that sure to remain a standout in bold driving excitement.