Sporty Grand Am Gets New 5-speed Getrag Manual

AutoWorld.com 

 

 

New-for-2000 5-speed Transaxle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Improved Twin Cam Engine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3400 V6

 

 


 

 

 

 

Reduced Emissions

Interior Improvements

 

New Colors

Priority Packaging

 

Success in a Sporty Package

 

Introductory Year Recognition

 

Classic Cues

 

Solid Form Design

 

 

Model Lineup

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class Leader

 

Autoworld.com - David Lee - Demanding drivers in hot pursuit of sporty style and spirited performance in a solidly executed package will meet their match in the 2000 Pontiac Grand Am. An all-new manual transmission highlights the changes for 2000 in addition toimproved engine performance and durability, reduced emissions, and the introduction of a number of interior improvements that make Grand Am safer and more convenient to operate.

     Pontiac's volume-leading Grand Am compact coupe and sedan receive a major boost in driving enjoyment with the addition of a slick-shifting five-speed manual transaxle. Manufactured in a new facility in Bari, Italy, by the renowned transmission specialist Getrag (long-term supplier to BMW and Porsche), the new five-speed is loaded with special features. The clutch housing and gear case are die-cast in two pieces to maximize quietness and rigidity while minimizing weight and bulk.

     To assure that shift quality is world class, double.cone synchronizers are fitted to first and second gears while all other gears use carbon-fiber and sintered-bronze blocker rings for low effort engagement. Even reverse is synchronized for clash-free shifting.

     A composite shifter base helps isolate powertrain noise and vibration from the Grand Am's interior. All gears are ground and honed for smooth, quiet operation.

     Closely spaced ratios keep the Twin Cam engine at peak revs during acceleration while an overdrive fifth gear delivers quiet and efficient highway cruising. The new five-speed is standard equipment in Grand Am SE and SE1 models.

     Grand Am's spunky 2.4-liter Twin Cam 16-valve engine delivers the most standard power and torque available in the compact class: 150 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 155 ft-lb of torque at 4400 rpm. The induction system is new for 2000 to foster optimum performance with outstanding fuel economy and low emissions. A composite intake manifold not only saves weight, it also tumbles incoming air for improved combustion.

     Electrical terminals on the Twin Cam's throttle body are now gold-plated for enhanced reliability. Thanks to this engine's 16-valve combustion-chamber and other advanced features, compliance with California and Northeast state LEV requirement is achieved with no need for air-injection reaction or a special warm-up catalytic converter .

     The Twin Cam earned its stripes as one of the smoothest, quietest engines in the compact market by means of fastidious engineering. Dual balance shafts mounted in the oil pan cancel vibrations throughout mid-and high-speed driving ranges. Intake boom is quelled by means of a large volume air cleaner, three resonators and a pre-engine expansion chamber .

     Grand Am owners rave about the exhilarating launch feel provided by the 3400 V6 engine that's optional in SE editions. Its 170 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 195 ft-Ib of torque at 4000 rpm set the pace in the compact class. Grand Am GTs up the ante with a Ram Air version of the same engine equipped with cold-air induction and low-restriction exhaust to boost output to 175 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 205 ft-Ib of torque at 4000 rpm.

      Several V6 engine gasket and seal revisions for the 2000 model year are aimed at enhanced durability. A 27-percent increase in fuel system pressure yields improved hot starting. The 3400 is quieter thanks to tighter piston-pin clearance, new cam lobe profiles, and a revised camshaft drive system. To meet strict California and Northeast state emission requirements, there are new fuel injectors, a reverse-flow EGR valve, flow and distribution improvements in the intake manifold, and a new Air Injection Reaction system to quicken catalytic converter light-off.

Grand Am's 4T45-E automatic transaxle is engineered for operation with an Enhanced Traction System that automatically limits wheel spin in slippery conditions. The engine management system calculates the desired torque and transmission gear to optimize traction at the front drive wheels. The powertrain control module then selects the proper gear, appropriate spark advance, and fuel delivery to deliver the calculated torque.

     Both Grand Am engines - the 2.4-liter Twin Cam and the 3400 V6 engine - now meet low emission-vehicle (LEV) exhaust emission standards in California and several Northeast states.

     Interior improvements which make Grand Am a more convenient and safer vehicle to operate include: a center console that has been redesigned to accommodate large beverage cups - up to three in the front and two in the rear; anchors in all three rear seating positions that attach to the upper tether straps provided on child safety seats; and a smoker's package (ash tray and lighter) that is now standard in all models.

     Three new exterior colors debut on Grand Am this year: Navy Blue Metallic, Spruce Green Metallic, and Redfire Metallic. Silvermist Metallic is new for GT models.

     Merchandising packages received enthusiastically by Grand Am customers are back for another run. A Solid Style Package for SE1 coupe and sedan models contains 16-inch aluminum wheels, a CD sound system, and a rear deck spoiler. The Solid Sun Package for GT models includes a sunroof and 16-inch ChromeTech wheels. A Solid Sound Package for the Grand Am GT1 coupe and sedan combines leather seating surfaces with a CD and cassette sound system, and 16-inch ChromeTech wheels.

Get A Quick Quote Here

     Grand Am is not only the best-selling Pontiac but thanks to last year's comprehensive redesign, it has bolstered its leadership position in the compact class. Grand Am has consistently ranked as one of the top-ten selling automobiles as a result of its combination of bold athletic design, spirited driving performance, and all-around solid execution. From its confident stance to its aero-sleek roofline, Grand Am radiates well built excitement.

     Grand Am earned three major awards right out of the box. Strategic Vision, an automotive opinion research firm, polled 33,000 new vehicle owners to award Grand Am a Total Quality Index leadership In the Compact car segment. J.D. Power and Associates bestowed "The Most Appealing Entry Midsize Car" accolades on Grand Am based on 98,000 responses gathered after three months of ownership experience. AutoPacific surveyed 40,000 respondents to choose Grand Am the top vehicle over the Honda Accord in that organization's middle-low market segment.

     Fans can spot the Grand Am from a mile away thanks to its instantly recognizable Pontiac design cues: cat's-eye headlamps, twin-port grille, round driving lamps, and aggressively ribbed lower body contours. Bold exhaust outlets, integrated tail lamp housings, and matching round lamps distinguish the Grand Am at the rear.

     Grand Am's athletic stance is achieved by means of the longest wheelbase in its class (107 inches), flush wheel-to-body relationships, and the look of rippling muscle in bumper fascias and body-side moldings. GT models receive their own distinctive front and rear fascias, color-keyed bodyside cladding, twin-post sport mirrors, wheel treatments, and an available rear deck spoiler.

     Interior design focuses on the driver's needs with large, circular instruments backlit with warm, red illumination. The instrument panel is a seamless design with low gloss and the soft touch typical of luxury cars. Large, round knobs operate the climate controls.

     Two basic bodystyles (coupe and sedan), two distinctive models (SE and GT), and three easy-order option packages help demanding Grand Am customers find the edition that's just right for their specific needs. The standard SE coupe and sedan feature the Twin Cam engine, sporty five-speed transmission, air-conditioning, 15-inch wheels and tires, and a Delco AM/FM sound system with auto-reverse cassette.

     The Grand Am SE1 adds cruise control, power windows, power sport mirrors, power height adjustment for the driver's seat, a split-folding rear seat, and five-spoke cast-aluminum wheels. A special Solid Style package for SE 1 contains 16-inch aluminum wheels, larger touring radial tires, a CD player, and a rear deck spoiler. Next up is the SE2 with the 3400 V6 engine, automatic transmission, enhanced traction system, remote keyless entry, 16-inch aluminum wheels and a sound system that provides a CD player, redundant steering-wheel controls, and high-performance subwoofer speakers.

     GT models wear their own distinctive exterior accents: unique front and rear fascias, colorkeyed side cladding, twin-post mirrors, decklid spoiler, and taillamps. The Ram Air 3400 V6 is engineered with a cold-air intake system and twin/dual exhaust outlets for an energy boost to 175 horsepower and 205 ft-Ib of torque. Goodyear RSA P225/50R-16 speed-rated radial tires are mounted on 16-inch five-spoke cast aluminum wheels specific to GT models. Other standard performance features are four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS, variable-effort power steering, and an upgraded suspension system consisting of firmer bushings, solid front and rear anti-roll bars and specific spring rates.

     SE1 equipment listed above is also standard in the Grand Am GT. A special Solid Sun option adds a power sunroof and 16-inch ChromeTech road wheels. The Grand Am GT1 builds on standard SE2 equipment listed above with the addition of a six-way power driver's seat, high performance sound system with CD-play capability, and a power sunroof. Leather seating surfaces are available in the SE2 and all GT editions.

     A Solid Sound package for the GT1 consists of leather seat trim, a sound system with both CD and cassette play capability, and 16-inch ChromeTech wheels.
At the core of Grand Am's soul there's a world-class body structure designed by means of advanced computer-aided techniques to optimize stiffness while minimizing weight. A steel cage with reinforced pillars, side-guard door beams and a full-frame front chassis cradle provides outstanding occupant protection, high-performance handling, and a superior ride. The Grand Am's 25 Hz body rigidity sets the standard for the compact class.

     A four-wheel independent suspension builds on this robust foundation. Suspension knuckles are aluminum to reduce unsprung weight for responsive ride and handling. Torque-axis Powertrain mounting uses two mounts to support the mass of the engine and transaxle and two others specifically tuned to resist torque and damp idle vibrations. Mounting Grand Am's power rack-and-pinion steering system directly to the hydroformed chassis cradle provides precise on-center feel with excellent isolation of road disturbances.

     The standard anti-lock brakes use aluminum front calipers with large rotors and pads. Wheel and tire sizes are consistently the largest offered in the compact class.

     Grand Am's fundamental character traits are bold styling, spirited performance, and solid construction, but it goes the extra mile by offering the best selection of features and equipment available in its class. It's built on the longest wheelbase and rides on the largest wheels and tires. Wide-track design yields the look and feel demanding drivers expect.

Standard torque and horsepower are best in class and the Ram Air GT V6 powertrain sets the curve for flat-out performance. No competitor can touch Grand Am's exterior illumination package consisting of round foglamps, daytime running lamps, rear cornering lamps, automatic lamp control, and clear-lens headlamps that use reflector optic technology.

The standard equipment list provides features that some competitors don't offer at any cost: five-mph bumpers, ABS, air-conditioning, tilt steering wheel, programmable door locks with lockout protection, battery rundown protection, electric remote trunk release, oil life sensor, PassLock II theft-deterrent, a sealed-for-life transmission, and illuminated entry with theater dimming. .

Other AutoWorld.com 
Services  

USA Dealers       Invoice Pricing        Buying Tips         Classifieds       Financing  

Auto Discussions   Auto Calculator   Auto Parts Store   Contest         Popular Cars  

Buy New & Used      Free Email      Automotive News       

Lemon Check                 Free Insurance Quotes                 Automotive Terminology

 

 

Copyright © 1985-2001 Auto World / VIS. All rights reserved. *Values are subjective opinions based on the Staff of NABA / VIS and recent market conditions. National Automobile Bankers Associates / Vehicle Information Services is not responsible for actual or claimed deviation. Copyright 2001 NABA/VIS. Auto World is a service of VIS. 561-394-0610