Literally...

As most of you probably expected, the GTP model is dead for '06, being replaced by the GXP. But what interested me today when I was ordering '06 models for stock was that Auto Book (a dealer system used for quoting prices and/or ordering units) lists the '06 GT as having the supercharged 3800 STANDARD Also of interest was that 17s are not standard on a GT, replacing the ancient 16s...

If a GT can maintain its '05 $25,620 base price (I'm not holding my breath, but maybe...) maybe the '06 GT models can remain viable in the marketplace. I know the GT just gained significant respect from me...because 200hp in a $26-29k car these days is asinine. Here's to hoping GM doesn't "market adjust" the price too much.

With 260hp for $26k, even I might get over my bias against the '04+ GPs

 

I've always liked Grand Prixs. I'd rather have the S/C'd 3800 III than the V8.

 

Me? I'll take the V8. After I wrote the above post, I checked in our one (and only) '05 GXP...I didn't pass 20 MPH in the parking lot, but this sucker sounds nice I like the s/c 3800 very much...its a better engine than many outside of GM circles give it credit for. But with 40 more HP and 43 more lb/ft of torque, not to mention a far superior exhaust note...I'll take the new 5.3 any day.

BTW, above I meant to say 17s are "now" standard, not "not."

 

And here I thought you'd be sayign a S/C 3500...kill the 3800 already. Its day has come and gone--time to move on. I like the intermediate power level--just not the engine.

 

What's wrong with the 3800 S/C? Sure it's old, but who cares? It does its job very well, making great power and getting good fuel economy numbers. It's also a very easy to tune motor. I think it's in the perfect position now, as a middle option. Now the mid-level GP is more powerful than the top of the line Nissans. That's a step forward. I too hope the price stays where the GT was last year.

 

I dont see how the 06 GT's couldnt be priced in the mid to lower mid 20's . Arent the GXP's base price $29K , with considerable amount of pretty substancial upgrades . Maybe this was Pontiacs way of bring the GP's price into check . Price the GTP replacement , which is hand over foot better model with more standards at the price of a 05 GTP . And move the old GTP down under the GT banner with a GT price . The 05 single tip GP's were already priced well under $25K on the sticker , though I couldnt really distinguish why as they are almost identically equipped as the 05 GT's .

Prediction , 06 GP sales will so very well . They already do anyways here , Grand Prix is one of the top selling cars in my region of the states .

 

wholeheartedly agree

 

I'm not sure that the 3500 offers much advantage in this application. It would seem that its biggest feature is the variable valve timing, which isn't as big of a deal on a S/C motor as it is in a NA application (not to say that it wouldn't be nice to combine the two features - just that it's probably not dollar-smart to do so in this sort of application).

Now, from an aftermarket standpoint, the big bore and new cylinder heads of the 3500 combined with a blower would be quite intriging, if such a creature existed

Overall, the addition of the S/C motor to the midline GP can only be regarded as a good thing, if the pricing is kept at the correct level.

 

I think the 3800 has been the best V6 ever made and I think GM shoiuld never quit making them.

 

The 3500 doesn't have VVT.

 

Sorry - I was looking at some press-release info that apparently was promising it as a future offering.

 

New 3.9L is the one that has VVT.

 

You know, it might be a whole lot easier to edit the original post than write an explanation somewhere down below

 

Yeah, but I can be a bigger post ***** if I write an explanation J/K...