Luxury with Attitude
Pontiac’s new Bonneville mixes a generous dose of performance and comfort

PONTIAC has always fancied itself the sportier of the General Motors divisions. When it updated its Bonneville, it wanted to have its top-of-the-line sedan adopt many of the design and performance cues used throughout its product line, including a wide-trak stance and Coke-bottle shape. The result is a raucous but luxurious performer.

Raucous because of the off-the-line performance. Luxurious with its quiet and comfortable interior. Imagine a 3,650-pound sedan that goes zero to 60 in just over seven seconds. Add seating for five while keeping the price in the low $30s. That’s the Bonneville SSEi – the car offering many things in a unique package.

Power is one. A supercharged version of the evergreen GM 3.8 liter V-6 delivers a scorching 240 horsepower and 280 lb. ft. of torque. This is some of the highest power of any car in this segment. A new electronically controlled four-speed transmission was specially selected to handle this engine’s power.

The Bonneville’s structure was significantly updated, providing substantial improvements in body stiffness and flex. These body reinforcements allow the Bonneville to not only be quieter but exceed government-required standards for crash worthiness.

An all-new suspension makes sure that the driver keeps this power going in the direction intended. Featuring the Stabilitrak driving system (a powerful accident-avoidance system), the designers focused on transmitting to the driver good road feel but not at the expense of comfort. Combining MacPherson struts with coil springs up front and an independent, tri-link coil over strut system in the rear delivers a good sense of stability to the occupants while still providing a firm, secure ride. The braking is tackled by large, power-assisted front and rear disc brakes with a standard anti-lock system.

The exterior wasn’t the only area receiving a full update. The width and wheelbase of the car have been stretched to add stability and comfort. The resulting changes were pared with a restyled body whose wedge shape is aggressive and powerful.

Other exterior hits include: integrated bumpers, fender flares, a wind-cheating headlight design and a rakish, low windshield. These improvements all combine to add a sleek and sensuous presence to the car while adding true functionality and purpose.

Pontiac designed the interior to keep the driver in complete control. A driver information center rounds out a list of standard controls that are ergonomically designed for ease of use. The eight-speaker Bose stereo fills the roomy interior, a spacious place for both front and rear passengers. Power everything, from seat adjustment to door and window controls, is standard. A head-up display that projects onto the windshield key information like vehicle speed and radio frequency is a new feature as is an advanced dual climate control system. A keyless remote entry system, adjustable sunroof, and vehicle theft determent systems are also standard.

The Pontiac Bonneville is the kind of car that made the American automobile industry famous. The Bonneville displays ample power and performance in a design that’s unique and doesn’t skimp on comfort.

Chris Taylor is managing director of The Lane Report and an auto enthusiast.

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