Push and Pull - Pontiac Grand Prix GXP

Ah, the all knowing, all doing, all seeing LS. It’s been around, this engine, and it’s made its rounds in countless different vehicles. Everything from drag cars to Porsches, it’s likely has at some point had a Chevy-shaped heart transplant. The pushrod masterpiece is basically always swapped into RWD cars due to simplicity, as this does not require transmission modifications and the likes, however GM saw fit of the powerplant in a FWD car. Alongside other front-spinning LS-bearers was one that intrigued me most, and seems to have been set aside in the automotive world, thrust into darkness by its competition and the general public. The Grand Prix GXP is, in my eyes, the ultimate FWD sports saloon.

Up until 2005, the final generation of the Grand Prix had nothing in particular going for it in terms of performance. The top of the range GTP Competition-G had an L-series supercharged 260HP V6, and the lower spec models had non-supercharged L26s, producing a lacklustre 200HP for the front wheels to squabble over. The game changed that year however, with the new reigning GXP model. A 4-speed auto with paddleshifters, Bilstein suspension components, drilled and vented brake discs with upgraded calipers and a HUD were among the upgrades GXP models received. The crown jewel of this version, though, lay under the bonnet. A 5.3 litre slice of freedom nestled in cosily, distributing 303HP and 323 lb/ft of torque between the set of 255mm Potenzas up front, bringing the skinny 225 rear boots along for the ride. In case you cared about fuel economy, displacement on demand was a boast the engine made. This signifies its ability to deactivate 4 cylinders under light loads, making the snarling V8 into a reserved 4-banger.

As the LS4 is indeed lighter than the boosted V6 (aluminium vs. iron), the larger lump provides more power whilst shaving kilograms, shifting the V8 front-spinner to 60 in a respectable 5.7 seconds. Torque steer is not an issue, as the Bridgestone tyres were developed specially for the vehicle and are constructed in such a way to prevent it. Handling was subpar as the weight bias was a colossal 64/36 (front/rear), but nobody in their right mind would expect a V8 saloon car tipping the scales at over 1.5 tonnes to attack corners with any sort of vigor. 0.83g on the skidpan leaves the GXP firmly midpack when against rivals.

Whilst not as refined as German or Japanese competitors, there’s some charm in the GXP that would have made me pick it over the rest of the options, had I been looking for a sports saloon in the time of the GXP. Its looks appeal to me over the equivalent Audi or Acura, and it’s a FWD car with a stinking great LS tucked away. Who could say no to that?

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