1997 Pontiac Grand Prix Coupe Photos, engines & full specs

In the summer of '96, Pontiac unleashed the seventh generation of the Grand Prix lineup, which consisted of a sedan and a coupe, and targeted customers who looked for American muscles in a European format.

The new model came with the same idea of a front-wheel driven performance car that could provide enough thrills but also be good enough for school runs. Pontiac made the Grand Prix with either four or two doors, the latter being made for those who didn't really need back seats anyway. Moreover, the improved second generation of the W-body platform soon became appreciated by customers.

With a design signed by John Manoogian II and Tom Keams, the Grand Prix coupe sported fluid, organic lines on its bodywork. The front fascia featured slim headlights swept on the sides, with the blinkers on the front fenders. Customers and brand fans could easily recognize the specific Pontiac split grille at the front, incorporated into the wrap-around plastic bumper. On the lower apron, the automaker installed a pair of round fog lights on the outer sides. The car's profile revealed a waved shape with a slight raise of the beltline on its connection with the C-pillars. At the back, the raked-forward windscreen and the short deck created a sporty look for the car.

Inside, the automaker installed bolstered front seats and a bench profiled for two in the back. On the dashboard, the instrument cluster sported a four-dial setup, with a large tachometer and speedometer flanked on the sides by the fuel gauge on the left and the temperature on the right. On the center console, Ponitac installed the sound system and the controls for the HVAC unit. Atop the center stack, Pontiac installed a so-called "driver information center" with data collected from the onboard computer. It even showed the tire pressure.

But such a sporty-looking coupe deserved a better engine. In 1996, when the car was introduced, it was fitted with a 3.1-liter V6 for the base models and a new 3.8-liter with the same configuration from GM's carts. All versions were paired with a four-speed auto fitted as standard.