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February 23, 2009
CarDomain Obscure Muscle Car Parking Lot: the 2005-08 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP
By Jim Brennan
UDMan
Welcome to the CarDomain Obscure Muscle Car Parking Lot, a regular feature which aims to expand the notion of what a muscle car is, and have some fun in the process. This has been an interesting series so far, with vehicles covered dating from the 50s through the 70s. What about something more recent, like a car that only went out of production late last year, and is still available on the lot today? Yes, there are new cars available for sale that fit into the muscle car category, like the Dodge Charger R/T, or the Chrysler 300 SRT-8. There is the Mustang GT and the Shelby, as well as the Pontiac G8 GT. But, did you know there was a powerful V8 Sedan, that wore the Pontiac arrowhead symbol, and was produced just before the awesome G8? Introducing the Pontiac Grand Prix GXP.
Continue reading after the jump!
Pontiac used to perform this type of miracle all the time, and it’s your typical muscle car formula. Pull one of your more pedestrian, run-of-the-mill, everyday vehicles, add in a monster V-8, distinguish it by giving it a new designation, and voila, sales heaven. That was the recipe a couple of decades ago, but this time, it was applied to a FWD sedan. On top of adding an all aluminum V8, Pontiac engineers upgraded the suspension, added larger brakes, installed 18-inch wheels, and made subtle changes to the front and rear styling.
This was the first eight-cylinder Grand Prix in many years, and it was also the most expensive GP ever, hovering around $32,000 for a fully optioned version. The GXP replaced the equally pricey GTP Supercharged Version of the Grand Prix. Come to think of it, what the hell did GTP stand for? And what does GXP stand for? They should have just called it the GFP, for Grand F***in’ Prix!
The GXP’s 5.3-liter (324 Cubic Inch) pushrod small-block V8 is not unlike the engine used in Chevy’s Silverado pickup. GM replaced the iron block with a lighter aluminum unit for this and other front-wheel-drive applications. The engine found it’s way under the hood of the Chevrolet Impala SS, and the Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS a year later. It packs 303 horsepower and 323 pound-feet of torque, and it is all funneled into a four-speed automatic transmission controlled with paddle shifters.
This Grand Prix sports stiffer springs, reduce ride height, and comes equipped with Bilstein struts to tighten up the suspension. A larger rear sway bar was added to reduce body roll, and forged aluminum five-spoke wheels with Bridgestone Potenza tires are also part of the package. A rather curious feature, the GXP’s wheels measure 18-by-8 inches in front and 18-by-7 inches in back and the 255/45R18 front tires are fatter than the 225/50R18 rears. Usually it’s the other way around, and the combo simply looks strange. By way of comparison, the Impala SS has the same sized tires all around.
Stuffing a V8 into a front-wheel-drive platform results in a lot of torque steer. Mashing on the accelerator pedal at any speed causes the car to dart around. However, even with the gobs of torque steer, the Grand Prix GXP ran a tire-smoking 0 – 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, according to a report published on Edmunds. They ran a 5.7L Dodge Magnum R/T at the same time, and the 0 -60 mph run was done in 6.8 seconds, so kudos to Pontiac for having a Front Driver run with a super performing Rear Driver. The GXP leaves the larger Magnum in the dust on the drag strip, running the quarter-mile in 14.6 seconds at 95.4 mph. Its braking performance has been reported as good with cross-drilled rotors (12.7 inches front, 12 inches rear), but the calipers are only two-piston in front and single-piston out back.
The GXP doesn’t look much different than the standard Grand Prix except for the big shiny wheels and drilled brakes, different front end with lower air inlets, restyled rear end with dual exhaust, a questionable rear deck spoiler and the fashion equivalent of the 70’s 1/2 vinyl roof, air ducts in the front fenders.
Features you would have never thought of to ask for in a vintage Muscle Car are included in this Grand Prix. Impressive front seats that look and feel expensive, Stability control, OnStar, steering wheel radio controls, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, a head-up display, keyless entry and a CD player are standard. Other options include leather seating with suede inserts, a power sunroof, XM Satellite Radio, special paint, automatic dual-zone climate control and a remote vehicle starter.
While doing this posting, I looked for the GXP’s that CarDomain members might have listed in the community, and there were literally dozens, so I’m not going to try and perform a shout out to all those GXP owners here. Just go take a look. There are some serious rides waiting to be discovered.
So, is this somewhat modern, front wheel drive, V8 sedan a muscle car? And does it belong in the CarDomain Obscure Muscle Car Parking lot? Or, because it’s front wheel drive, will it never be considered a muscle car? I’m predicting a lot of debate with this one, so let me know what you think.
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Texan90
Oct 8, 2009 at 9:24 am
I would say it is the closest thing to a new gereration muscle car, when you look at the fact that it is based off of an already in production vehicle. That being said, the four doors argument is out, because of cars like the Charger/300C. Also FWD is what most automakers have available to work with now days, just like they had RWD back in the 60’s, 70’s, and mabey into the 80’s. So, you can hate my guts all you want, but I call it a muscle car. Kudos to Rick V. for his logical and non aggressive post.
CarDomain Obscure Muscle Car Parking Lot: 2006 – 08 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS and Impala SS V8 | Car pictures and car wallpapers by the thousand
Sep 1, 2009 at 4:34 am
[...] car. I must be out of my mind for doing this post, after the last drubbing I received for the 2005 – 08 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP, but here I am, trying to convince you that a couple of other GM cars, with a 5.7L V8 can be [...]
sonomakid4
Aug 28, 2009 at 12:06 pm
not a muscle car but it is definitly a nice car just bought one and the 0-60 time is 5.6 not 6.7 wouldnt spend the retail 32,000 on it tho thats a little pricy for this car but got mine for 15000 with 26000 miles on it cant beat it
BigAlH
Apr 28, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Whoever said 0-60 time was 6.7 is confused. Whoever mentioned the Lacrosse Super: The Lacrosse is based on the same platform so they are not a smaller car as you imply. As for the GP GXP being a muscle car, I wouldn’t say they are. They will however whoop on a lot of Mustangs and 300C based cars at the track. So muscle car or not, you still lost to it.
StickShiftRick
Feb 28, 2009 at 8:09 pm
*more more = more power
typing error
StickShiftRick
Feb 28, 2009 at 8:07 pm
Spursgt, not one of those cars you mentioned is a sports car–not one. Porsche Cayman, Chevrolet Corvette, Ariel Atom, Ferrari F430, BMW M Coupe/Roadster… those are sports cars. You have… a sporty car at best… perhaps a “sports sedan” if you want to stretch and dilute the title. But please my friend, Toyota Avalon’s and RAV-4 put out more more, so the mere fact that it has a supercharger is hardly a qualifier (and even worse being that it’s your only one) to warrant it being labeled a sports car.
Putting rear seats in a “sports car” no longer makes it a sports car, but a GT car; it’s as simple as that. Rear seats compromise performance (through weight and size) in the name of passenger space–that’s not very sports car-like at all, is it?
spursgt
Feb 27, 2009 at 11:27 am
ok…i own a 02 grand prix GT, and i think there sweet rides, not because there muscle cars…but i do consider it a sports car, because the GTP sports the supercharged 3.8, why would they offer a supercharger if they didnt intend for them to be raced?! I think a car that was made before 1980, RWD, and has a v8 should only be considered a v8…..but i do consider it to be a sports car…for someone to say its not a sports car just because its FWD and its a four-door….has to wake up and lookk around cause they must have 4gotten that most sports cars nowadays are four doors
-Dodge Charger SRT-8
-Pontiac G8 GXP
-Chrysler 300C SRT-8
-Cadillac CTS~V
-Dodge Magnum 300 SRT-8
-Pontiac Grand Prix GXP
and although i hate imports, these cars are considered sports cars even though they also sport the four doors that the american cars do
-Subaru Impreza WRX STI
-Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII
-Lexus IS~F
Ronnie
Feb 25, 2009 at 10:27 am
I have to agree with Ricks very informative and rather lengthy argument about the gxp not being a muscle car. i own a 2000 grand prix and a 97 blown trans am and there is a significant difference in just the feel and performance of the car. The Trans am just has an aggressive stance and feels powerful whereas the grand prix doesnt now granted the new grand prix does have the horsepower it doesnt have the presence of a muscle car to me. think cadillac cts-v with the new corvette engine, fast yes, comfy and luxurious yes, meets 4 door needs with v8 performance yes, is it muscle no.
Ken
Feb 25, 2009 at 9:44 am
This is more of a sports car, not a muscle car. Nice and all, but not a muscle.
christopher
Feb 25, 2009 at 9:34 am
its fast as hell thats for sure.
Andrew Baumea
Feb 25, 2009 at 8:28 am
HELL ya its a Muscle car. Who would ever pull up to it and think now thats going to beat me. Its a more aged muscle car for some one who needs to take the kids to school and take stuff and people in the car. Its a Family car when it needs to be and a muscle car when you want it to be.
I believe that the newer Grand Prixs have been muscle cars since they did the redesign in 97. Those are modern day muscle cars for sure and have a huge following that will never die.
Any one who does not think that this is an muscle car needs to go back to the beginning of the muscle car and see what they were like. Sure its not RWD like then and it has 2 more doors and lots more comfort stuff but the rest is the same formula.
I think that the 97-03 3.8 S/C is even more of a muscle car then this because of the fact how the aftermarket followed it more and you can make those very fast.
Its A muscle car!
Jason
Feb 25, 2009 at 8:21 am
If this is a new age muscle car then the future is looking very bad… I agree 100% with Rick.
Andrew
Feb 25, 2009 at 7:40 am
Maybe not an old age muscle car, but a new age muscle car for sure.
NobiZero
Feb 25, 2009 at 7:12 am
Ok Rick, I’ll give you that. Can we meet midways and just say it’s a “sport-y” car? lol
MrGxp
Feb 25, 2009 at 12:43 am
I have a gxp its true about the torque steer but wit some good tires you can get the grip I love the car im pretty sure it will be a classic soon.I have surprise a lot of the 5.7 hemi’s with the power.
Po
Feb 24, 2009 at 11:42 pm
Thanx “G” its American period..anything else is traderis. i do not support imported manufactures
Rick V.
Feb 24, 2009 at 11:30 pm
Perhaps people that are more passionate about muscle cars than I have a more rigorous definition of what constitutes a muscle car, but to me a muscle car is a ho-hum car turned into a pseudo-performance oriented automobile—let me elaborate.
In order to help define what makes a muscle car, let’s take a look back as the muscle car heyday. The ’64 Pontiac GTO with its impressive 389cid is now something of legend, but its roots are from a rather bland Pontiac Tempest. The Dodge Super Bee and Plymouth Road Runner have their origins in the Coronet and Belvedere/Satellite respectively. Heck, even the heavily coveted Shelby Cobra was based off what I believe is an AC Ace, again a rather mundane car. These (with the exception of the aforementioned Cobra), like a lot of muscle cars, had the same philosophy in common: 1. Let’s take a car already in our stable and add some cojónes to it. 2. Let’s focus on straight-line performance above all else and 3. Let’s keep the price somewhat reasonable.
Now, let’s take a look at the Pontiac GTP & GXP in comparison to these parameters.
What are the roots in which this car is made from?
The GTP & GXP were trims of the Pontiac Grand Prix (much like the original GTO was just an ‘option’ for the Tempest) which is based off of GM’s aging—even at that time—W-Body platform shared with the Chevrolet Impala/Monte Carlo and Buick LaCrosse. No, it’s not a rear-wheel drive platform and it doesn’t even have the correct door count, but let me pose this question: were the original muscle cars rear-drive because they were concerned about making some sort of purebred or were they rear-drive because that’s just the kind of cars that they were turning out back then so that’s what they used? I feel the answer if the latter and not the former. The GTP & GXP was based off of a mainstream, high-volume, ho-hum vehicle GM was already spitting out—the same case as the originals.
What kind of performance does it have in mind?
Certainly not to be confused with a LeMans racer, the GTP and GXP wasn’t exactly what you would call lean. Nonetheless, GM in my opinion put forth a noble effort by tweaking the suspension and, in the case of the GXP as opposed to the Impala SS, it even had wider width tires to accommodate its large FF layout for performance applications. With that said, those reasons fell short of significance compared to one other feature of the car… the engine. The supercharged 3.8L V6 followed by shoehorning in a newly devised LS4 is what made headlines for this car. There are performance cars such as the Miata which put everything but power down as a priority by focusing on chassis rigidity, steering feedback, the tactile quality of how the shifter rows through its gears—it’s all about the visceral driving experience but never about the power, much unlike the cars of this discussion. Although the GTP and GXP took some steps in making it handle better, it was vastly out shadowed by the precedence it placed on the engine—the same case as the originals.
What’s the price?
I’ll be honest; I’m not too proficient in this part so I’ll pass in trying to make a legitimate argument here. As I recall however, many-o-muscle cars were forgetting their affordable nature as MSRP climbed significantly on a few models.
So, what do I think? Well, I think no one here will argue that if it were a coupe rather than a sedan, and REAL-wheel drive ;D rather than fake-wheel, err, front-wheel drive would help legitimize it as a muscle car—but it isn’t. So, does this front-wheel drive sedan meet the parameters of a muscle car? In my opinion, it does meet those parameters. With that said however, I still don’t FEEL like it’s a muscle car. The recently-passed Zeta-based GTO FELT like a muscle car and the G8 feels like a “muscle sedan,” but I just can’t accept in my heart-of-hearts that the GTP & GXPs are muscle cars, despite of the logical argument to prove otherwise in my harangue here. And you know what, that indescribable, can’t-quite-put-my-finger-on-it kind of feeling means a lot.
Addendum:
Speaking of a rigorous definition for defining a class of vehicle, for me, it’s sports cars. A sports car should be built from the ground up (with only a handful of exceptions applying) with an unprecedented emphasis on having a “complete package” and without compromise to passenger seating, trunk space or any other niceties—the driving comes first and foremost. There are many meter sticks on which to gauge a sports car by, and straight line numbers if just one of many. A sports car should also handle well; I think there’s no need for me to go on about that as it’s pretty straightforward. A sports car should never be based off of regular vehicles; I shouldn’t look underneath an Evo and a Jeep Compass and be confused which car is which. The platform of the car should be designed for the sole (and soul) purpose of making that sports car or line of sports cars as that’s the only real way to make an uncompromising sports car, everything else is just a hack because somewhere along the line the performance of the car had to be compromised to accommodate the restrictions of the platform. So Evo, STI, Cobal SS, Civic Si, BMW M3 owners along with so many others, you’re out. You may have a sporty car, a sports sedan or coupe, but you don’t own an out-and-out sports car. A sports car should never have more than two seats; I’m looking at you Nissan GT-R (Grand Touring cars are NOT sports cars. This goes for Aston’s and Jag’s alike as well) and—I’m sure I’ll get heat for this—Porsche 911 owners. Yes, wow, those cars have amazing results and are a blast to drive, but think how much better it would be if the GT-R was lighter and shorter without its rear seats or the 911 drivetrain in the Cayman body. The GT-R sacrificed weight and dimensions in the name of passenger space, and the 911 adds unnecessary polar momentum by having a REAR-engine to accommodate rear seats rather than a proper MID-engine, such as the Cayman, both of which compromises the driving and sports car nature for seats which is unacceptable. Lastly, a sports car should be engaging to drive; there should be a direct-connect to the driver (Jinba Ittai for you Miata fanboys or just those fluent in Japanese) where the steering, shifter and chassis are all communicating directly to him or her—nothing is ever numbed out. My Saturn Sky Redline is a turbocharged, longitude-mounted engine and manual transmission, rear-drive, purpose-built, two-seater roadster. With that said, it still FEELS like a “GT Roadster” when compared to my buddy’s Honda S2000 which feels like a “Sports car roadster” what with my wide-ratio gearing and pedal position unfriendly to those who wish to heel-toe. So unless you have a somewhat quick (probably LEAST important aspect of making a genuine sports car), well-handling, purpose-built, two-seater that’s engaging to drive with absolutely no concessions made for anything but driving, then you don’t own a sports car.
In response to:
Nobi-Zero: See my addendum ;D
Scott: My good friend Nick has an ‘08 TL-S and my good friend, who you will see on my friend’s list here as an ‘09 G8 GT. As much as a I loath automatics, I would still wind up taking the ‘09 G8 auto over the 6-speed manual, wheel-hoping front-driver of the TL-S. Yes, I’ll agree, America was making a lot of CRAP not too long ago, but take a closer look at what they are making right now and try to be a little more open minded.
Side-note:
I find the arrogance and narrow-minded thinking of some of these users insufferable. I don’t know what’s worse, blind brand-loyalty or citing long ago transgressions between nations as valid points for either side.
Kudos to:
Austin, who wrote, “I would say that the GP falls into the obscure category. I also think that the mid-90s to 02 Cadillac Eldorado could possibly fall there too…” I never would have thought of the Eldorado to bring up in this argument, good job!
Jim Brennan, for your cool demeanor and tolerance of the ignorant and bigoted individuals.
Steve, for going against the crowd saying it is!
Scott
Feb 24, 2009 at 11:01 pm
gotta agree with Jay The Acura TL type S is the car to go with all these american made cars are a joke, yeah put big motors in em but they still get smoked by a smaller motor made in japan. ohh and yes whats up with all the cheap plastic inside no wonder the”big 3″ is about to go out of bussines PATETIC…. oh and for all of you wondering yes im american but i will not buy an american car Let me tell you What reall cars are Acura TL Type S, Infiniti G37, Lexus IS350, Audi S4 well you get the idea
Rob
Feb 24, 2009 at 10:13 pm
I agree, not a muscle car, more of the typical man who likes to hammer the gas every now and then car… as for kris, fuck him and his lil rice peices of shit, ” i drive jap cause they make more rear wheel drive cars” thats such bull shit, what a pussy hahaha
Kris
Feb 24, 2009 at 8:06 pm
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! I’m so tired of GM period. The screwed up the Monte Carlo, then the Impala SS, and the Grand Priz has been screwed up for years. I now drive Japanese, because they offer more real wheel drives than Americans do now! 350Z, 370Z, S2000, Infiniti cars, Lexus… Front tires bigger than the rears??? Did someone design the car in their garage?
g
Feb 24, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Well, I dont think its a muscle car, but at least its American made. Dont buy Japanese, They bombed us, Dont buy German, They Invented Nazis, after all would you buy a car Made from Iraq or Afganistian would you…I dont think so
throwedbc
Feb 24, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Ouch!!these comments hurt.Im a owner of a gxp and 2 compare it to the 2007-08 buick super 8 hurts more.i had the super 8 and i love buicks i ran them both and i crushed the super 8 with little effort.Hmmmmm but a muscle car ive beaten srt4s,magnums,charger r/ts’.Ive smoked my front tires on numerous occasions.my padels work just fine 4 me and torque steer who cares its the same when the back end go side ways ont he rwd,when people learn how to drive they get over small obstacles like that.put it on the list
Greek God
Feb 24, 2009 at 6:47 pm
American Cars SUCK ASS i only drive AUDI.. is THE BEST GERMANS RULE AMERICANS EAT SHIT
Jay
Feb 24, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Hell no if i was to get a FWD sedan it would have to be the 2008 Acura TL Type S now thats a car with POWER SPEED AND STYLE
mtm515
Feb 24, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Im sorry but I hit the wrong button. But GM really knows how to fuck up a good car. Lets take the 94-96 Impala, they should have kept that RWD and the body design and then csme out with a 2 door coupe in that same 96 body format THEN came out with a drop top 2 door. But what do they do? They turn an all american car into a bitchomile FWD and thats not what EVERY male in this country is wanting.
Crysler is fucking up because that charger would be really hot and I bet a hot selling 2 door coupe then if they would bring out a drop top. West coast customs is the ONLY people I know of that has already pulled that off but did crysler take note? Hell no.
So no a FWD car cant be a muscle car…If the ass cant wang with smoking tires? Com’on big 3 get your heads out of your asses.
mtm515
Feb 24, 2009 at 3:50 pm
No
Levi Ladwig
Feb 24, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Hell no…front wheel drive, traction control and a potent V8 like that. What a horsepower robbing ride. Imagine the torque steer exiting a corner with your foot mashed. Again…HELL NO! Nice ride though.
jimmy cash
Feb 24, 2009 at 11:09 am
on kevins statement about the 94-96 impala was a RWD b/c that was the last years of the impala being RWD
Jason
Feb 24, 2009 at 11:09 am
This is a very nice car inside and out but dont call it a muscle car. A 5.3L V8 that does 0-60 in 6.7? Something aint adding up since a Ford 4.6L can do 0-60 in 5.6. It is heavy i know but it aint no sports car.
zach
Feb 24, 2009 at 10:20 am
this car is definitely a sports car just not a muscle car. great car in my opinion. just make it rwd
NobiZero
Feb 24, 2009 at 6:45 am
Ok, I know I’ve already posted my thoughts on this. I don’t think it’s a muscle car because it’s FWD. I don’t think it’s fair that everyone talks trash about it. Why? It’s not a bad car by any means. I have an 01 Grand Prix GTP. Not only it is pretty fast, (I can keep up with quite a few cars on the road such as Mustang GT’s and LS1 Camaros) but I can also get 30 mpg on the highway. Can yours do that? No, this is not a muscle car, but hell yes it’s a sports car, and deserves some respect. The power might be going to the wrong wheels, but at least it’s not a Camry.
Beech
Feb 24, 2009 at 5:58 am
Even if this thing is really powerful,,,,it looks like a family car,,,IF ITS A MUSCLE CAR, ITS GOTTA LOOK LIKE A MUSCLE CAR, this does not.But thats my opinion.
Kevin
Feb 23, 2009 at 11:28 pm
I don’t understand Joshua’s statement, hot rod is anything custom built and muscle cars are what you bought from the dealer so I didn’t get them mixed up apparently you did.
James
Feb 23, 2009 at 10:24 pm
No………
Front Wheel Drive = FAIL
The grandma next door to my friend drives this car, same color even!
IT’S WRONG WHEEL DRIVE!
Pressed_Ham
Feb 23, 2009 at 9:55 pm
thats like the v8 olds aroura
Pressed_Ham
Feb 23, 2009 at 9:48 pm
i would get it, but regular maintainence? thats a joke
JoshuaS
Feb 23, 2009 at 8:50 pm
Scratch previous statement. Got hotrod and musclecar mixed up. Not homebuilt. sorry.
Kevin
Feb 23, 2009 at 8:49 pm
I hope that the build quality on those Grand Prix’s are better than on my 03 because my car is a big peice of crap but I have to say that my 2003 is still better looking which is why I think they stopped building those ones in the first place. They forgot how to make them look better. I would also like to add that it is not a muscle car. I hate when people try to call anything they see that squacks a bit a muscle car. Camaro’s,Firebirds,Mustangs,Chargers,Challengers,Chevelles,Buick- GS/GNX,Pontiac GTO’s,Cuda’s,Road Runners,GTX,Super Bee’s,Hurst OLD’s,Impala SS, etc….these are muscle cars,,,,if you want a grocery getter like mine that has a little umph then that is ok but please don’t call them muscle cars because those day’s are over. We have new versions of the old Muscle and I have to say I do like them and they all do fall under the certain criteria of muscle cars but they have too much plastic, too maney creature comforts and the average person can’t afford them like they could in the 60’s and 70’s so they are more of a rich man’s toy than a blue collar,,tire roaster.
JoshuaS
Feb 23, 2009 at 8:43 pm
I personally would like to see more power out of the v8 and have manual, but like said before. musclecar should be with the times. I think midsize with performance upgrades has the opportunity to be a musclecar. Also, when I think of musclecar I think of homebuilt rockets of awesome, not overprice fast factory cars.
Matt
Feb 23, 2009 at 8:01 pm
No Way ! No Way ! No Way !
Yanzo
Feb 23, 2009 at 7:35 pm
w,t,f… that car is so ugly the car dealers don’t want it at their dealership
austin
Feb 23, 2009 at 7:33 pm
not only no but absolutely not first off i consider a muscle car a rear wheel drive with a v-8 and 2nd if its newer than a 79 then i wouldnt call it muscle…the only car i would even think of considering muscle thats newer than 79 is maybe an ss monte from the 80s or a grand national other than that the muscle car days have been over with in my opinion…but bottom line no way in hell is this muscle and if you think its muscle your a joke and dont know what muscle is
David
Feb 23, 2009 at 7:21 pm
that’s not a muscle car, it’s an over-powered family grocery getter.
if you can’t do donuts and brakestands with it, don’t even think about calling it a muscle car.
carlos
Feb 23, 2009 at 7:03 pm
NOOOOOOOOO
Jarrod
Feb 23, 2009 at 6:16 pm
Eh…
FWD – No
Four door – No
V8 – Yes
If it were a coupe it would be more acceptable to be called a “muscle car”, but it was only offered with an automatic, as a four door, and only in front wheel drive… nah.
As what was said before though, you do have some powerful sedans. The old Impala SS, Charger R/T & SRT, 300C SRT… even the Marauder is a good example.
brivan
Feb 23, 2009 at 6:07 pm
no
retroman
Feb 23, 2009 at 6:06 pm
I’d be quicker to classify this as a sport sedan than a muscle car.
armando
Feb 23, 2009 at 5:57 pm
I SAY NO ONLY IF WAS A REAR WHEEL DRIVE
Katakuna
Feb 23, 2009 at 5:11 pm
I’d say yes. It’s American, and has a V8. But that paddle-shift crap is some lazy stuff. You people fail to remember the Oldsmobile Toronado, which was front wheel drive, had a V8, and could eat almost any Mustang of the day alive. For a brief period, the Thunderbird was a sedan, and had front wheel drive, and had a V8. Chevy Nova came as a sedan, and it had a V8 (still never came as an SS), and it was considered a muscle car. This isn’t the first time an American car company has made a fwd muscle car, and it won’t be the last.
steve
Feb 23, 2009 at 4:41 pm
I’d say yes! I Consider the GXP a Muscle Car!
The term Muscle Cars wa coined in the 60s when 95% of the car on the road were RWD, it’s a product or the time. Now-a-days 75% of the cars on the road are FWD, if the term had been coined now it wouldn’t matter that it was FWD or RWD. I don’t understand this stigma that only RWD cars can be Muscle Cars! If a manufacturer puts the biggest motor a car can handle in it, to make it faster, be it RWD or FWD, two dooor or four door, full size or midsize or even compact, thats following the guidelines for a Muscle Car. Remember the Ford Falcon GT; compact car, V8, four door, and is considered a Muscle Car. The fact that the GXP is FWD means nothing, thats just the way MOST (I said most, so you people don’t come back saying the cars like the charger are rwd, I know that, but the majority of cars a fwd) car are these days, you work with what you got. If you go with what most people say, that a Muscle Car is a midsize 2dr car with a big V8, then they haven’t made one since the earlier 70s. A Muscle Car these days is any car with a motor bigger then the car needs, for the soul purpose of making it faster.
tnt89
Feb 23, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Nice car no doubt. But is not a muscle car cause its fwd.
Kevin
Feb 23, 2009 at 4:00 pm
I agree that a front wheel drive car is NOT muscle, but…
Are you people forgetting the CTS-V? 94-96 Impala SS? Caprice LT1 94-96? Mercury Marauder 03, 04? 300C/Magnum/Charger? How about transplanting a 5.7 chevy small block into a 76 4-door Nova?
Wade
Feb 23, 2009 at 3:58 pm
4 doors and front wheel drive, not much of a muscle car. Maby more like a tuner car.
Mike
Feb 23, 2009 at 3:55 pm
I would have to say NO.
Close…but no cigar!
RAD
Feb 23, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Ehh its a close one, but this car falls more in the line of sports sedan. This car is more like a European sports sedan to me in the sense that it has front wheel drive and is fun to drive. Even though its made in America
Cameron
Feb 23, 2009 at 3:24 pm
I wouldn’t consider it a muscle car on the fact that it is a 4 door and its front wheel drive. A true muscle car should be a two door with rear wheel drive.
Brayden Sauve
Feb 23, 2009 at 2:57 pm
No!
Redneck
Feb 23, 2009 at 2:48 pm
ALRIGHT. A front wheel drive, four door sedan, and to boot they only come in automatic, that aint no muscle car.
Wolfe787
Feb 23, 2009 at 2:42 pm
it aint no muscle car, just the crate where the engine for Fieros come from
1988montecarloss
Feb 23, 2009 at 2:31 pm
its not a muscle car. the taurus sho with the 3.4 v8 isnt a muscle car either. the two biggest reasons are: 1.its fwd and 2.its a 4-door
Devo
Feb 23, 2009 at 1:52 pm
I agree with Mark on the front wheel drive being the deciding factor. A front wheel drive cant be a muscle car IMO
pouria
Feb 23, 2009 at 1:06 pm
i agree with MARK !
Mark
Feb 23, 2009 at 11:38 am
I am going to have to say no, it is not a muscle car. Front drive is the deciding factor, and to a lesser extent, 4 doors. The classic vision of muscle car is 2 door midsize with powerhouse under the hood and rear drive. This car has 1 of those 3 things. Plus, paddle shifters are for half-asses.
James
Feb 23, 2009 at 10:12 am
I think a GP GXP would be fun, but instead of the Pontiac, I would nominated the Buick LaCrosse Super for this spot.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buick_LaCrosse#Super
same powertrain… only in the small Buick.
Jim Brennan
Feb 23, 2009 at 9:20 am
As much as I appreciate comments here, I was hoping that it wouldn’t degenerate into derogatory name calling and NSFW expletives. However, this is a series that tries to expand the definition of what a Muscle Car is, or could be. While this Grand Prix isn’t in the same league as a lot of cars produced right now, it is still a performer. And, quite a bargain in the used car market, with 2006 models going for as little as 18 Grand.
To 7ur7le, sorry that I may have lost you on this one, but again, it’s to explore all possibilities. Remember, this car outran a Magnum with the 5.7 (which is really a Chrysler 300 anyway). Would it outrun an SRT-8? No, not at all. But, what car in the GM Stable, between the demise of the Camaro and Firebird, and the birth of the G8, was an actual performance car? Yes there WAS the short lived GTO, and maybe the Bonneville GXP (which was also FWD), and the Vette, but what else?
Gentlemen, I would like to ask that if you disagree with me, at least keep clean. That’s all I ask.
7ur7le
Feb 23, 2009 at 9:02 am
i think you lost me on this one
Austin
Feb 23, 2009 at 7:23 am
I would say that the GP falls into the obscure category. I also think that the mid-90s to 02 Cadillac Eldorado could possibly fall there too. It has similar specs to the GXP only in two door. 300 HP 4.6L Northstar V8, 295 FT LB of torque. Average 0-60 runs of 6.5 secs. Again a front driver with a four speed auto, but even more impressive considering the car weighs 3900 pounds. Just my thought.
NobiZero
Feb 23, 2009 at 6:49 am
I’m a bit biased since I own a 2001 GTP, but I don’t think this should be considered a muscle car. When I think muscle car, I think big motor, mid size car and rear wheel drive. This car only has 2 out of the 3. I wish the G8 kept the Grand Prix name. Then you’d really have a Grand Prix muscle car.