Grand Prix's styling is bold and stunning; it drew magazine and industry awards when it was launched for 1997. In an era when Asian, European and American shapes flow toward neutrality, the Grand Prix is the most American of cars. Its lines are sophisticated, while evoking memories of the muscle cars of the '60s.Our GTP Sedan test car came in a shiny graphite shade that was new last year. Striking and classy, this paint does much for the car's lines. But nothing does as much as the low, sleek coupe-like roofline; remember how, just a couple of years ago, four doors meant a squared roofline? Other eye-catching elements include the twin-post aerodynamic sideview mirrors, the oval-shaped mini-megaphone twin exhaust tips, and low-profile tires mounted on chromed five-spoke wheels with broad holes that reveal beefy disc brakes and calipers. The Grand Prix's wide track of 61.7 inches is the platform for the overall shape, which is impossible to fault. Its sculptured wide hood flows down toward Pontiac's trademark split grille, smooth fender flares bulge just the right amount, reflector optic headlamps form sharp clear eyes, and big muscular hips make it look ready to pounce. But it's clearly a Pontiac with fat rocker panel fascia, deep round foglight holes, horizontal black bars in the taillamps, a rear deck spoiler that's low enough but beneath the rest of the car's style, and finally, definition grooves in the wraparound bumpers.
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