Thread: 04+ GP "options"?

Hey guys, I have an 05 Grand Prix, base model I believe. It definitely doesnt have GT badging and it's not supercharged. But i dunno when they did away with the "GT" and just had base model or GTP CompG to select from. Anyway, that's beside the point. Im just wondering why my Grand Prix has "Widetrack" on the tach and DIC and other base model 04+ GPs i have been in at the dealership do not have this option? Or so it seems because they dont have the Widetrack logo on the tach or in the DIC when the car starts up like mine does. But they may have a 5 button DIC or leather options instead. Is this just some sort of suspension/handling option you can get with the car, such as the "Premium package" with leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter. Or is it just a sales gimmick?

very helpful info, thank you!!

According to Pontiac "widetrack" means the car gives off a wide stance, showing aggressive and racy style. Maybe thats why the gp's are called the "W"- bodies lol

Originally Posted by blowfishRus6

ha problew. that is one of the grand prix's slowgen tho, wide track. but in all essence i do think grandprix's have a pretty good stance witch in do allows for better handeling in general. not like a normal family sedan, more sports car like

For a family sedan i like the way it handles, wouldnt mind dropping it an inch to 1 1/2 inches with a pro or sport spring kit and a Buick strut tower bar.

Originally Posted by blowfishRus6

yea i think some nice tight suspension would really bring it alive. idk about lowering it tho just because it takes away from suspension travel and gives you less to play with. but yes i too would like some nice suspension upgrades. soon to come hopefully, brakes too

On the same note.. lower suspension means less squat as well, helps at launch at the track...Better brakes are always good!

I didn't think widetrack was really an "option" on these. I could be wrong of course. I just figured it has to do with the already existent wide stance of the car. Mine says that on the tach and on the DIC, and I believe it says it on the HUD when I turn it on... either that or it says GP in bold> can't remember.

Back in 1959, (I'm old school!), Pontiac started an advertising campaign stating that the "track" of their cars, (the width of the car as defined by the distance between the wheels), was an inch or two wider than most other cars, thus helping the handling. Hence, "Wide Track".

Of course, the improved handling was largely academic, because you were talking about a 3-ton chrome-laden cast iron and steel family sedan.

A dealer here in the DFW metroplex even had a pet great dane called "Widetrack" that co-starred in all of his TV commercials, ("Isn't that right, Widetrack?" "Woof!").

So anyway, the widetrack thing kind of petered out in the dark times of the 80's, but got revived a few years ago. It means that the track of the car may be wider than others, but it is basically just an advertising gimmick.

And it's not an option. All GP's have the same track.

-Ralphie

Originally Posted by offroadfury6

yeah i have an 06 grand prix GT standard supercharged w/ leather, sunroof, loaded but says nothing of widetrack. my DIC lights up "GP" in bold insted when first started up.

The base models do the same with the DIC (had one as a rental earlier this year).

Base Model - One exhaust, no GT badge, no leather wrapped center console. <-minmum
~Options for Base:
- Leather Seats
- Leather Steering Wheels and shifter
- Sunroof
- Chrome interior pieces
- Alloy wheels (rather than hubcaps)

GT Sedan - Dual Exhaust, GT badge, leather wrapped center console <-minimum
~ Options for GT:
- Leather Steering wheel and Shifter,
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof
- Chrome interior pieces
- 17' Chrome Wheels or 16' Chrome Wheels
- 6 CD Changer
- HUD

GTP can start out just like a GT the only difference is the Supercharger is stock and so are the 17' rims, if I'm missing anything please someone correct me, but what I have down I know for a fact.