Northstar V8 Ups Pontiac Ante, But is it Enough?

Will upping the power ante by dropping GMs exceptionally smooth and refined 275-horsepower, DOHC, aluminum 4.6-liter (278 cu-in) Northstar V8 into the Bonneville be enough for the big sedan to claim domestic 4-door dominance? Pontiac certainly hoped so while it was in development, but now that powerful new Chryslers 300C has taken the country by storm hoping may not be enough. After all, "That got a Northstar?" has hardly become a pop-culture catchphrase.

HEMI or not, before I start analyzing this modern day Pontiac flagship a short history lesson is needed. The Bonneville emerged in 1957 as a loaded, performance oriented convertible powered by a Strato-Streak 300+horsepower V8. Only 630 units were produced before a hardtop coupe was added to the redesigned, heavily chromed 1958 Bonneville lineup, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Interestingly enough,

While Pontiac may have had high hopes for the Northstar V8 equipped Bonneville, the Chrysler 300C has seriously taken the wind out of its sails. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

Something thats been set straight on the Bonneville GXP is Pontiacs over-the-top usage of sculpted side cladding. I was pleased to see a much more restrained, essentially

Pontiacs over-the-top usage of sculpted side cladding has thankfully been toned down for the Bonneville GXP. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

Given the GXPs out-lived design, it is still eye-catching and very sleek looking, especially when finished in the brilliant, Crimson Tintcoat red of my tester. Its monochromatic color scheme was highlighted

Given the GXPs out-lived design, it is still eye-catching and very sleek looking. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

And just how big is this 4-door family hauler? Well lets do a little comparison-shopping. The GXP consumes 202.6 inches of tarmac lengthwise; thats more real estate than required by the new Chrysler 300 at 196.8 inches, the 2004 Lexus LS 430 at 197.4 inches and just slightly less moorage than an S-Class Mercedes-Benz at 203.1 inches. Although appearing aerodynamic, any way you slice

On the inside, the GXP model receives faux carbon fiber trim pieces plus stainless steel surfaced gas and brake pedals. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

A number of technology and decorative touches are added to the interior when the GXP insignia is affixed to the Bonnevilles front fenders, including a heads-up information display projected onto the lower portion of the windshield - something that was first introduced to the GM fold in this model even in its pre-2000 (current-generation) guise, and is showing up quite regularly on the automakers high-end vehicles. Also take note of the faux carbon fiber trim pieces scattered throughout the cockpit, plus the stainless steel surfaced gas and brake pedals.

Relatd Vehicle Listings