Magna-Steer and a Huffer

04/15/96

The 1997 Potiac Grand Prix which is available as a coupe (GT) and a four door with a standard 3800 V6 motor also offers MagnaSteer as an option. Here's how it works. Developed by the Saginaw Division of G.M. the new steering unit uses magnetism to vary steering effort. At low speeds,the steering effort is light to facilitate manueverability. As vehicle speed increases, steering efort becomes stiffer for improved road feel. It has been engineered to to provide seamless speed-sensitive variable effort power steering.

Ease of maintenance is another Pontiac target for 1997 as the suspension is lubed for life with Dexron 111. The radiator coolant lasts for 5 years plus struts and spark plugs will go 100,000 miles without alook-see.

For an additional 45hp Pontiac offers a supercharger which raises the horsepower to 240 plus ponies.

Like Cadillac, Pontiac is including daytime running lamps (DRL) as standard equipment on their new models. Pontiac also offers a battery run-down protector which is a device that automatically turns off any electrical gizmo you forget turn off...lights,radio,etc..so the battery will not run down.

The well rounded coupe weighs in at 3396 pounds and has a 110 inch wheelbase and an 18 gallon fuel capacity. It offers EPA gas mileage of 20 city, 29 highway.

Bill Maloney -- The Auto Channel