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Pontiac Grand Prix (5th gen) 1987-1996
The first front-wheel drive W-body Grand Prix coupes were built in October 1987, and released on January 12, 1988 for the 1988 model year. This generation Grand Prix was built in Kansas City, Kansas. The Grand Prix was introduced as base, LE and SE coupes. All featured GM's MPFI 2.8 L V6 that made 130 hp (97 kW) and 170 lb·ft (230 N·m) of torque. A five-speed manual or four-speed automatic were the transmissions offered. The LE was well equipped with power windows and door locks and digital dashboard with analogue tachometer. SE models upgraded with power front seats with multiple lumbar, side bolster, side wing adjustments, an AM/FM Cassette stereo, and a trip computer and compass located in the center of the dash. Some models of this generation have the rare feature of a split front bench seat with a column shifter. Another unique feature only found on the Grand Prix is the combination lock for the glove box, rather than a key. Grand Prix was Motor Trend's Car of the Year for 1988.
A host of changes upgraded the Grand Prix for 1989. Air conditioning was standard, and the 2.8 L was replaced by GM's new 3.1 L MPFI V6 that produced 140 hp (100 kW) midway through the model year. For 1989, the 3.1 L was only mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, while the remaining 2.8 was mated to either manual or automatic transmissions. A new trim level was offered for 1989, a limited-edition turbo coupe that featured an ASC/McLaren turbocharged version of GM's 3.1 L V6 (Only 749 were produced). Output was 205 hp (153 kW), 65 more than last year. A four-speed automatic was the only transmission offered. The coupe was an SE model with body work such as hood louvers and extra body cladding(which will be the most controversial design element in the years to come). The interior featured more equipment, and only seated four, in contrast to the LE's five seats. The full analog gauges would become the 1990-93 sport cluster, and the basis for the new instrument cluster to replace the digital cluster for 1990.
In 1990, the base model was dropped in favor of a sedan version (replacing the 6000 which ended production the next year and the Canada-only Tempest), entering production on September 12, 1989. A notable introduction for the Grand Prix in 1990 is the new STE (Special Touring Edition) which replaced the STE model of the Pontiac 6000. In contrast to that model, it trades in all-wheel-drive for the available Turbo 3.1 L V6. Standard features include a cassette stereo with equalizer and eight speakers (a compact disc player was optional), remote keyless entry, eight-way power driver's seat with multiple lumbar and sidewing adjustments for both front seat occupants, and a compass/trip computer that was more informative than the units in the SE and turbo coupes. An LE sedan was also available for 1990, standard with a 2.3 L Quad 4 engine and a 3-speed automatic, the first use of an inline 4 cylinder engine in a Grand Prix. The 2.8 L V6 engine was discontinued, while the 3.1 L engine gained widespread availability and a standard five-speed manual transmission.
For 1991, the Grand Prix Turbo coupe was replaced by a new GTP version. This model sported a 3.4 L DOHC V6 that produced 210 hp (160 kW) with a five-speed manual transmission or 200 with the optional four-speed automatic. Inside, the GTP was essentially the same as the Turbo. One notable exception was the available optional Heads Up Display only shared with the Cutlass Supreme. The exterior used mini-quad headlamps (along with all other Grand Prix coupes), "GTP Grand Prix" and "24 Valve V6" badges. The STE Turbo was replaced by a 3.4 L STE and could be ordered with the automatic transmission or manual transmission. For the SE coupe, the B4U package featured GTP bodywork and aluminum wheels. An SE sedan also became available, and featured STE-like styling at a lower price. The LE coupe was discontinued for 1991.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) is optional on all models for 1992, the 2.3 L Quad 4 engine was dropped, and the LE sedan gained the SE/STE front lightbar. Most LE Sedans ordered for Rental fleets had full power options. A special edition only for 1992 was "Richard Petty Edition" of only 1000 units. This edition featured a special red, white or blue paint,the 210 hp Chevy LQ1 3.4l DOHC, special badging featuring Richard Petty's signature, special wheel well and ground effects, spoiler, Richard Petty black and white center caps, transmission shift modification which allowed a button for 2nd gear start or normal use, combination locking glove box, blue paint on inner web on wheel matching exterior paint, and "fan appreciation tour" badging making it one of the rarest Grand Prix ever produced.
1993 was the last year of the old style B4U bodykit. There was a special edition model with metallic green paint, as well as gold rims and pinstriping. It was also the last year that a manual transmission could be ordered as an option. This was also the last year for the style of dashboard used 1988–1993.
For 1994, Grand Prix goes through a mid-generation "facelift" inside and out, as well as a reshuffling of the lineup. First, LE and STE models are discontinued. The GT and GTP become option packages on the SE sedan and coupe, respectively. These option packages include the revised 3.4 L V6, sport suspension, ground effects. Outside, there is a new front and rear fascia and new ground effects. Inside, a new instrument panel hosts dual airbags, much larger and easier to use controls, and seatbelts are moved to the B-pillars rather than the doors on sedans only; coupes retain the automatic seatbelt design. Under the hood, the 3.1 L V6 is changed to the 3100 SFI V6 with 160 horsepower (120 kW), while the 3.4 L V6 has 210 hp (160 kW). The Grand Prix Sedan also had a slight tail light revision using the amber over red pattern as opposed to the red over amber in years past; however, the coupe's tail lights remained the same. Mirrors on some models were painted in body color.
For 1995, the center console on floor shift models received a minor redesign. This was also the last year for the BYP body cladding package.
In 1996 the 3.4 L DOHC V6 gained 5 hp (3.7 kW) with intake and exhaust improvements. All Grand Prix coupes received a sport package with five-spoke alloy wheels and dual exhaust. This is the last year for the fifth-generation Grand Prix.
[SIZE="1"]Source: wikipedia.org[/SIZE]
