The Grand Prix is a line of automobiles produced by the Pontiac Division of General Motors from 1962 until 2002 as coupes and from 1989 through 2008 model years as four-door sedans.
119-573: First introduced as a full-size performance coupe for the 1962 model year, the model repeatedly varied in size, luxury, and performance over successive generations. The Grand Prix was the most expensive coupe Pontiac offered until the 1970s, when the Bonneville Brougham and the Firebird Trans Am became more exclusive; the Grand Prix moved into the intermediate personal luxury car and later
238-463: A Hydramatic that would shift perfectly on a summer's day would usually exhibit 2-3 "flare" when cold. Another long-standing driver complaint would be "flare" when trying to get a "3-2" downshift when going around a corner, which usually resulted in a neck-snapping jolt upon band application. From 1939 to 1950, the reverse anchor was used to lock the reverse unit ring gear from turning by engaging external teeth machined into that ring gear. From 1951 on,
357-433: A fluid coupling instead of a friction clutch, eliminating the need for de-clutching. The transmission would have four forward speeds (3.82:1, 2.63:1, 1.45:1, and 1.00:1) plus reverse, with all acceleration provided by gearing; its fluid coupling did not multiply the engine output as a torque converter does. (In this way, it was less sophisticated than the 1924 Vulcan (Vulcan-Werke Hamburg und Stettin) prototype, which had
476-501: A steam powered SE 101 concept car with a 150 hp (112 kW) engine designed by GM engineering in conjunction with the Besler brothers . The engine, however, was 450 lb (200 kg) heavier than a V8, and three times more expensive to make. DeLorean and other Pontiac planners saw a way to reverse the declining sales of the full-sized Grand Prix by creating a new niche in the burgeoning personal luxury car market. Smaller than
595-486: A 348 hp (260 kW) Tri-Power. Late in the model year a "street" version of the race-orientated 421 Pontiac offered in 1961 and 1962 became available, but only in a four-barrel form rated at 320 hp (240 kW). Pontiac also offered the 421 cu in (7 L) Super Duty with two four-barrel carburetors, rated at 405 hp (302 kW), as a US$ 2,250 option ($ 22,663 in 2023 dollars ). John DeLorean , head of Advanced Engineering at Pontiac, contributed to
714-408: A bench seat with center armrest returned as a no-cost option to the standard Strato bucket seats and console. Bench seat-equipped cars included a steering column-mounted shifter with the automatic transmission along with a dashboard-mounted glovebox, replacing the console-mounted shifter and glovebox of bucket-seat cars. Power front disc brakes became standard equipment this year. Due to the success of
833-420: A cone clutch did the same thing when oil pressure was up, and a spring-loaded parking pawl was allowed to lock the same ring gear in the absence of oil pressure. This worked better as the anchor would not grind on the external teeth if that ring gear were turning (that is unless the engine stalled as reverse was engaged). The reverse was obtained by applying torque from the front unit (band on, in reduction) through
952-480: A high of 140 mph (230 km/h), back to 120 mph (190 km/h). An all-new Grand Prix was scheduled for 1972. However, a 67-day corporate-wide strike at GM in late 1970 that hobbled the 1971 model introduction set back 1972 model production plans, and the new A and G-body cars planned for 1972 were delayed for introduction by one year to the 1973 model year. Production numbers increased after two years of decline, reaching 91,961 units and only second place to
1071-474: A lower cost. Into the 1970s, the same vehicles could transport up to six occupants comfortably (or eight in a station wagon), at the expense of high fuel consumption. The sales of full-size vehicles in the United States declined after the early 1970s fuel crisis. In response to the 1978 implementation of CAFE , American manufacturers implemented downsizing to improve fuel economy, with full-size vehicles as
1190-425: A momentary flare (sudden increase in engine speed) or tie-up (a short period where the transmission is in two gears simultaneously), the latter often contributing to the failure of the front band. Much of the difficulty in staging a "clean" 2-3 or 3-2 shift in any cast-iron Hydramatic was the changing elasticity of the governing springs in the valve bodies. Even ambient temperature would affect this variable, so that
1309-625: A new GM-built Muncie four-speed available in either a wide-ratio M-20 or close-ratio M-21 options replaced the Borg-Warner T-10. Grand Prix and all other full-sized Pontiacs were completely restyled for 1965 featuring more rounded bodylines with coke-bottle profiles , and a 1 in (25 mm) increase in wheelbase to 121 in (3,073 mm) (for Grand Prix, Catalina, and all Safari station wagons — Bonneville and Star Chief increased proportionally from 123 in (3,124 mm) to 124 in (3,150 mm)). While other Pontiac coupes received
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#17328522989191428-475: A new more rounded split grille and new taillight trim. Inside, a revised instrument panel included a squared-off gauge panel and new Strato bucket seats in either "Morrokide" or cloth upholstery with higher seatbacks and more contoured cushions for improved lateral support. The Strato buckets were standard equipment along with a console, but a notchback bench seat with a center armrest was a no-cost option. Engine offerings were largely unchanged from 1965 except that
1547-694: A new source for Hydra-Matic production at Willow Run , Michigan. By the time the 1954 models debuted in late 1953, Hydra-Matic production had returned to normal levels and all '54 model Cadillacs, Oldsmobiles, and Pontiacs with automatic transmissions were once again equipped with Hydra-Matics . Evolving by the pressure of industrial competition from other manufacturers such as Studebaker's three-speed lock-up torque converter co-designed by Detroit Gear (a division of Borg-Warner), named DG 200/250, and Packard 's dual-range two-speed lock-up torque converter coupled Ultramatic , GM's Hydra-Matic underwent several revisions through 1955, before being gradually replaced by
1666-455: A new three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission with torque-converter that was similar in principle to Ford's Cruise-O-Matic and Chrysler's TorqueFlite replaced the older three-speed fluid coupling Roto Hydramatic (along with the four-speed Super Hydramatic in Bonneville and Star Chief models). The Turbo Hydramatic also featured the now-standardized P-R-N-D-S-L shift quadrant pattern in place of
1785-470: A new three-speed torque converter automatic transmission called Turbo-Hydramatic in 1964 and 1965, whose design was more similar in principle to the Chrysler TorqueFlite and the '51 Borg-Warner-designed Ford Cruise-O-Matic than the fluid coupling Hydra-Matic the "Turbo" replaced. The original Hydra-Matic continued to be used in light trucks and other commercial vehicles until 1962. It
1904-710: A notchback bench seat offered as a no-cost option. Full-size car Full-size car —also known as large car —is a vehicle size class which originated in the United States and is used for cars larger than mid-size cars . It is the largest size class for cars. In the United Kingdom, this class is referred to as the executive car , while in Europe, it is known as E-segment or F-segment . The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Fuel Economy Regulations for 1977 and Later Model Year (dated July 1996) includes definitions for classes of automobiles. Based on
2023-488: A radio antenna embedded in the windshield, flush-mounted "pop-open" exterior door handles, side-impact beams inside the doors, and an optional built-in electrically heated rear window defogger. The listed retail price with the optional "SJ" trim package was $ 4,182 ($ 34,746 in 2023 dollars ), keeping a higher price over the Bonneville hardtop coupe but was now less expensive than the GTO "Judge" convertible. Also in 1969, Pontiac built
2142-402: A routine maintenance item that later versions did not. Early 1940 model Oldsmobiles with Hydra-Matic Drive could be started with the transmission selector lever in any position. The car would then start to move unless the transmission lever had been left in N, neutral. The all cast-iron Hydramatic was the heaviest automatic transmission ever produced for automobiles. The heaviest of them all
2261-648: A selector quadrant similar to Chevrolet's Powerglide in that there was only one "Drive" position and a "Low", although it was a true three-speed unit. This was improved upon for all 1965 models with the "D L2 L1" or "D S L" quadrant, which allowed "dual range" flexibility as did the Dual-Range Hydramatic of 1953–1955. It was this version that replaced all Roto Hydramatic and Controlled-Coupling Hydramatic models in GM cars in that year, ending twenty-four years of four-speed automatic transmission production that obviated
2380-464: A semi-automatic transmission using planetary gears and conventional friction clutch , requiring the driver to use the clutch to shift into or out of gear, but not between the two forward gears. Oldsmobile offered the AST from 1937 to 1939, while Buick offered it only in 1938. The HydraMatic was designed to combine the hydraulic operation of a planetary gearbox (allowing much shifting to be automated) with
2499-428: A tilt steering wheel adjustable to seven positions. The 303 hp (226 kW) 389 four-barrel V8 remained the standard engine. A new lineup of optional engines was introduced this year which included the 330 hp (250 kW) 389 Tri-Power and three versions of the 421 cu in (7 L) V8 including a four-barrel version rated at 320 hp (240 kW), a 350 hp (260 kW) Tri-Power option, and
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#17328522989192618-565: A torque converter.) It incorporated a parking pawl which was engaged when the shift selector was placed in reverse with the engine off. There was no separate Park position as found with modern transmissions. The result, dubbed " Hydra-Matic Drive ", went into production in May 1939 for the 1940 model year . The first Oldsmobiles so equipped were shipped in October 1939 in the Oldsmobile Series 60 and
2737-576: A unique body – and Pontiac's longest-ever hood. Like all but the short-lived 1967 convertible, the new Grand Prix was a 2-door hardtop. Model names borrowed suggestive Duesenberg Model SJ nomenclature for the exclusive "SJ" trim package and the prominent grille. The basic 1969 body shell saw a major facelift in 1971 bracketed by minor detail revisions in the 1970 and 1972 model years. The new Grand Prix sought to deliver performance as attention-getting as its styling, with increased installation percentages for manual transmissions and engine options up to
2856-525: A unique bodyshell but share the A-body intermediate platform and mechanicals with the Tempest, Le Mans and GTO. This reduced development time from the usual 36 months required for a new model to less than 18 , allowing Pontiac to concentrate on upgrading styling and interior appointments. Shortened by three inches from the previous Catalina wheelbase, the 118 in (3,000 mm) 1969 Grand Prix finally had
2975-480: A variety of transmissions, the most notable of which is the Turbo Hydra-Matic from the 1960s to the 1990s. The Hydramatic used a two-element fluid coupling (not a torque converter , which has at least three elements, the pump, turbine, and stator although Roto Hydra-Matic has a fluid coupling and a fixed stator) and three planetary gearsets , providing four forward speeds plus reverse. Standard ratios for
3094-775: The Cadillac Eldorado and Oldsmobile Toronado , but positioned with the Ford Thunderbird and Buick Riviera , and above the Mercury Cougar XR-7 Pony car and the B-bodied Dodge Charger intermediate. Sales reached over 112,000 units, almost quadruple the 32,000 full-sized models built in 1968. The similar but less luxurious Chevrolet Monte Carlo followed in 1970. Ford and Chrysler responded by producing plusher versions of their intermediate Torino and Charger, but both eventually created newer entries to
3213-506: The Catalina coupe platform with minimal outside chrome trim, and included the 303 hp (226 kW) "Trophy" version of 389 cu in (6.4 L) V8 engine with a three-speed manual transmission or optional console-mounted four-speed manual or Hydra-Matic automatic. The Grand Prix featured distinctive grille and taillights. It effectively replaced the Pontiac Ventura model while
3332-470: The Chevrolet Corvair , Ford Falcon and Plymouth Valiant ), the "full-size car" designation came into wider use. In the 1960s, the term was applied to the traditional car lines of lower-price brands, including Chevrolet, Ford, and Plymouth. As a relative term, full-size cars were marketed by the same brands offering compact cars, with entry-level cars for buyers seeking the roominess of a luxury car at
3451-641: The Chrysler LH cars (Dodge Intrepid, Eagle Vision, Chrysler Concorde/New Yorker/LHS). The same year, the Buick Roadmaster was introduced, becoming the first rear-wheel drive GM model line adopted outside of Chevrolet and Cadillac since 1985; the Chevrolet Impala was returned for the 1994 model year. The 1989 Lexus LS400 luxury sedan was the first Japanese full-size car sold in North America. Following
3570-569: The Dodge Monaco ). Developed by AMC before its acquisition by Chrysler, the Premier was a version of the front-wheel drive Renault 25 adapted for North America. The Saab 9000 took a special position at the end of the 1980s, as for a long time it was the only imported car to be classified as a "large car" by the EPA. From the 1980s to the 1990s, the market share of full-size cars began to decline; along with
3689-562: The G-Body . The new intermediate-based 1969 Grand Prix began to take shape in April 1967, with a few prototype models built on the full-sized Pontiac platform before the G-Body was ready. To save both development costs and time in much the same manner Chevrolet created the original Chevrolet Camaro using the basic chassis and drivetrain from the compact Chevrolet Chevy II , the revised Grand Prix would have
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3808-718: The H and C platforms . Only station wagons, the Chevrolet Caprice , and the Cadillac Brougham remained. Initially developed to replace the Ford LTD Crown Victoria, the 1986 Ford Taurus was produced alongside it as the Ford mid-size model line. After largely abandoning the full-size segment for compact cars and minivans, Chrysler gained reentry into the full-size segment in 1988 with the Eagle Premier (also produced as
3927-583: The Hydra-Matic was a US$ 57.00 option ($ 1,240 in 2023 dollars ), rising to US$ 100.00 ($ 2,071 in 2023 dollars ) for 1941. In 1941, it also became an option on Cadillacs for $ 125.00 ($ 2,589 in 2023 dollars ). Almost 200,000 had been sold by the time passenger car production was halted for wartime production in February 1942. During the war, the Hydramatic was used in a variety of military vehicles, including
4046-655: The M5 Stuart tank (where two of them were mated to twin Cadillac V8 engines) and the M24 Chaffee light tank. The extensive wartime service greatly improved the postwar engineering of the transmission, later advertised as "battle-tested". Starting in 1948 Hydramatic became optional for Pontiacs (and was in 70% of them that year), although Buick and Chevrolet chose to develop their own automatic transmissions, called Dynaflow and Powerglide . All Oldsmobiles installed with
4165-412: The Oldsmobile Series 70 . Oldsmobile was chosen to introduce the Hydra-Matic for two reasons: economies of scale —Oldsmobile produced more cars than Cadillac and Buick at the time, thus providing a better test base—and to protect the reputation of Cadillac and Buick in case of a market failure of the new transmission. Advertising proclaimed it "the greatest advance since the self-starter ". In 1940,
4284-510: The eighth-generation Hyundai Sonata , is classified by the EPA as full-size despite being marketed as a mid-size model. In 2018, the three highest-selling cars in the full-size sedan category in the United States were the Dodge Charger, Chevrolet Impala, and Chrysler 300. The large car segment has been declining in the United States accounting for 3.6% of new vehicle sales in 2021, down from 6.6% in 2016. The models in this category included
4403-461: The mid-size market segments. All Grand Prixs from 1962 through 1972 were pillarless hardtops (except for the 1967 convertible). The Grand Prix was an all-new model for Pontiac in the 1962 model year as a performance-oriented personal luxury car . Based on the Pontiac Catalina two-door hardtop, Pontiac included unique interior trim with bucket seats and a center console in the front to make
4522-451: The 1920s to the 1950s, most manufacturers produced model lines in a single size, growing in size with each model redesign. While the length and wheelbase varied between model lines, width was a relatively constant dimension, as the American federal government required the addition of clearance lights on a width past 80 inches. In 1960, following the introduction of compact cars (such as
4641-441: The 1940 model year vehicles, the Hydramatic was the first mass-produced fully-automatic transmission developed for passenger automobile use. During the 1930s, automakers sought to reduce or eliminate the need to shift gears. At the time, synchronized gear shifting was still a novelty (and confined to higher gears in most cases), and shifting a manual gearbox required more effort than most drivers cared to exert. The exception here
4760-546: The 1950s, and have become increasingly common since the downsizing of full-sized cars in the 1980s. The lineage of mass-produced full-size American cars begins with the 1908 Ford Model T . In 1923, General Motors introduced the Chevrolet Superior , becoming the first vehicle to adopt a common chassis (the A-body ) for several brands. Compared to the cars of the 21st century, these vehicles are small in length and width. From
4879-400: The 1967 Grand Prix and other full-sized Pontiacs. A convertible was new; this lasted only for the 1967 model year. Also new to the G.P.-concealed headlights with horizontal mounting (all other full-size 1967 Pontiacs retained the vertical headlights for one more year), concealed windshield wipers, and ventless front windows on hardtop coupes. The louvered taillights were similar to those found on
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4998-461: The 1969 Grand Prix, other GM divisions followed suit and introduced similar cars for 1970. The Chevrolet Monte Carlo used the same basic G-body as the GP but with a two-inch shorter wheelbase (116 vs. the GP's 118) and a long hood, though still shorter than the Grand Prix's, but still considered an upscale vehicle for GM's lowest-priced division. Oldsmobile, whose larger and more expensive front-drive Toronado
5117-426: The 1969 model. All A-bodies , including the Grand Prix, were redesigned for 1973. This generation was larger and heavier, due partly to the federally mandated 5 mph (8.0 km/h) crash bumpers. Although large V8s were still available, the performance was on the decline due to new emissions control systems. The most notable styling feature of this generation was the appearance of the fixed opera window, replacing
5236-487: The 1996 model year, GM ended production of large rear-wheel drive sedans. By 2000, with the sole exception of the Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car, full-size cars had abandoned rear-wheel drive and body-on-frame construction. Instead of model lineage, the EPA "large car" definition of over 120 interior cubic feet was widely used. Initially developed for the midsize Oldsmobile Aurora ,
5355-515: The 338 hp (252 kW) Tri-Power 389 option was discontinued, leaving only the larger 421 available with the three two-barrel carb option, which was offered for the last time this year due to a new General Motors edict that banned the use of multi-carb options on all GM cars with the exception of the Chevrolet Corvette starting with the 1967 model year. Revised sheet metal with rounded yet even more pronounced Coke bottle styling highlighted
5474-469: The 390 hp (290 kW) 428 HO . Two engine sizes were offered with two power options were available in each engine size; a 265 hp (198 kW) or 350 hp (260 kW) 400 cu in (6.6 L), as well as a 370 hp (280 kW) or 390 hp (290 kW) 428 cu in (7.0 L) V8. The 1969 Grand Prix debuted a "Command Seat" wraparound cockpit-style instrument panel that placed most controls and gauges within easy reach of
5593-487: The 421 HO option with Tri-Power carburetion and 370 hp (280 kW). The same selection of transmissions continued including the standard three-speed manual, optional four-speed manual, or three-speed Roto Hydra-matic. Brakes were 11 in (28 cm) drums. The 1964 Grand Prix received minor appearance changes. Those included a revised grille (based on the 1964 Bonneville/Catalina) with new "GP" logos and rear deck trim with new taillights, still hidden, again following
5712-509: The 421 V8 was replaced by a new 428 cu in (7.0 L) V8 rated at 360 hp (270 kW) or an HO version with 376 hp (280 kW) - both with four-barrel carburetors. Both the 400 and 428 V8s were basically bored out versions of the older 389/421 block but with various internal improvements including bigger valves and improved breathing capabilities. New this year was a dual master-cylinder braking system and optional front disc brakes along with Rally II wheels. Also new for 1967
5831-529: The Cadillac transmission group had developed a step-ratio gearbox that would shift automatically under full torque. This same group of engineers was then moved into the General Motors Research Laboratory , building pilot transmission units during 1935–36 which were then handed to Oldsmobile for testing. The Automatic Safety Transmission (AST) was a tangent outgrowth of this work. The AST was
5950-471: The Catalina was available with an optional "Ventura" trim package for 1962. The rear bench seat included a center fold-down armrest and a speaker grille that could be made functional with the extra-cost Bi-Phonic rear speaker. Included were a padded instrument panel, deluxe steering wheel, courtesy lights, and other features. The listed retail price before optional equipment was $ 3,490 ($ 35,153 in 2023 dollars ) and
6069-501: The Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Nissan Maxima, and Toyota Avalon. They have been discontinued after the 2023 or 2024 model years. The trend in the large car market segment in United States is toward the SUV. Hydramatic Hydramatic (also known as Hydra-Matic ) is an automatic transmission developed by both General Motors ' Cadillac and Oldsmobile divisions. Introduced in 1939 for
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#17328522989196188-778: The Five Hundred was renamed the Taurus. After the 2011 model year, Ford ended production of the Panther platform, shifting to the Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS; in 2017, the latter was replaced by the Lincoln Continental . In 2011, General Motors ended production of the G-body for several chassis (with Cadillac later shifting its largest sedans to rear-wheel drive). In 2012, the Tesla Model S became
6307-720: The GM G-body chassis was expanded into the full-size segment for Cadillac in 2000 (for the Deville, later the DTS) and adapted by Buick (the Lucerne) in 2006. For the 2005 model year, Chrysler replaced the LH cars with the LX cars (returning to rear-wheel drive). The same year, Ford introduced the Five Hundred, its first front-wheel drive full-size car (the first American full-size car offered with all-wheel drive); in 2008,
6426-485: The GP were optional on those models — however, all three cars with similar equipment were actually much closer in price than the base sticker prices suggest. The introduction of the Monte Carlo and Cutlass Supreme did, however, cut into the Grand Prix's dominance, and sales dropped 40%. A total of 65,750 Grand Prixs were made in 1970. Variations of the 1969 GP's central V-nose grille appeared on other 1970 Pontiacs including
6545-447: The GTO. "Strato" bucket seats and console were standard equipment with "Morrokide" vinyl or cloth upholstery, or a no-cost optional notchback bench seat with either trims. Other changes included a revised instrument panel and door panel trim. The 389 V8 was replaced by a new 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 with four-barrel carburetor, dual exhausts and 350 hp (260 kW). Similarly,
6664-514: The Hydramatic had at the bottom edge of the front fender directly behind the front wheel a badge that said "Futuramic" which identified an Oldsmobile approach to simplified driving, and the presence of an automatic transmission. V8 Oldsmobiles were automatic-only in 1949 as Oldsmobile lacked a manual gearbox that could handle the torque of the new Rocket V8 engine. 1948 Oldsmobile Futuramic introduction . One million Hydramatics had been sold by 1949. In
6783-562: The P-N-D-S-L-R setup of previous Hydramatics. A 1965 Grand Prix road test was featured in the February 1965 issue of Motor Trend magazine, which was focused on the entire Pontiac lineup receiving M/T "Car of the Year" honors for 1965. Other Pontiac road tests in that issue included a GTO convertible, Tempest Custom sedan, Catalina Vista hardtop sedan, and Bonneville hardtop coupe. The 1966 Grand Prix received only minor appearance revisions including
6902-554: The accessories). This system gave a more realistic measure of power. The base 400 cu in (6.6 L) four-barrel engine was rated now at 255 hp (190 kW) and the 455 cu in (7.5 L) in SJ models were 260 hp (190 kW) (net). The 455 SJ model had a $ 195 option that included Rally gauges, body-colored mirrors, SJ badging, and a no-maintenance AC Delco battery. A corporate-wide labor strike in mid-September 1970 halted all GM production for 67 days. This delayed
7021-409: The benefit of a converter clutch. Many Hydramatics did not execute the 2-3 shift very well, as the shift involved the simultaneous operation of two bands and two clutches. Accurate coordination of these components was difficult to achieve, even in new transmissions. As the transmission's seals and other elastomers aged, the hydraulic control characteristics changed and the 2-3 shift would either cause
7140-415: The center console standard with bucket seats, along with a new steering wheel with horn bars replacing the horn ring used in previous years. The standard bucket seats could be upholstered either in expanded "Morrokide" vinyl or new cloth-and-"Morrokide" trim. New for 1965 was a no-cost bench seat option with a center armrest available with either upholstery choice. The Grand Prix retained the market position as
7259-566: The combined passenger and cargo volume, large cars (full-size cars) are defined as having an interior volume index of more than 120 cu ft (3.4 m ) for sedan models, or 160 cu ft (4.5 m ) for station wagons. From the introduction of the Ford Flathead V8 in the 1930s until the 1980s, most North American full-size cars were powered by V8 engines . However, V6 engines and straight-six engines have also been available on American full-size cars, especially until
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#17328522989197378-424: The corporation and the three divisions that used this transmission scrambling for other sources of automatic transmissions to complete that year's model year production. As a result, Oldsmobiles and Cadillacs during the downtime were assembled with Buick's Dynaflow transmission, while Pontiacs used Chevrolet 's Powerglide , both two-speed torque-converter units. Non-GM makes that bought Hydra-Matics from
7497-531: The corporation, including Ford Motor Co.'s Lincoln division and independent automakers Hudson, Kaiser, and Nash ended up looking for other sources of automatic transmissions as well, with Lincoln using the Borg-Warner-designed Ford-O-Matic transmission, while other automakers also switched to automatics from Borg-Warner during the downtime. About nine weeks after the Livonia fire, GM opened up
7616-437: The day. Controlled-Coupling Hydra-Matic was substantially smoother than the original Hydra-Matic , but also more complex and expensive to produce, just as efficient as the original HydraMatic because all HydraMatic transmissions, including Roto Hydra-Matic and Tempest Torque , use the split-torque design. In 1961, The model 375 Roto Hydramatic was produced. The Roto is a four range three speed unit. The Roto eliminated
7735-491: The design of the other big 1964 Pontiacs. Revised upholstery trims highlighted the interior, still featuring expanded "Morrokide" vinyl bucket seats and console as standard equipment. Engine offerings were mostly unchanged from 1963 except that the standard 303 hp (226 kW) 389 four-barrel V8 gained 3 hp (2.2 kW), with the extra-cost Hydramatic transmission. The standard three-speed manual and optional Hydramatic transmissions were unchanged from 1963, however,
7854-489: The development of the Grand Prix as well as the GTO . For the 1963 model year, the Grand Prix received revised sheet metal shared with other full-size Pontiacs, but with a squared-off roofline featuring a concave rear window that contrasted with the convertible-like roof styling of the previous year. New was a split grille with vertically stacked headlights and round parking lights as well as "hidden" taillights. Aside from grille work, taillight covering, and bumpers, chrome trim
7973-455: The driver. Enhancing the interior's sporty look, the "Strato" bucket seats were separated by a console integrated into the instrument panel that slanted toward the driver, which included a floor shifter, storage compartment, and ashtray. A leather trim option which also replaced nylon loop rug with cut-pile carpeting was finally offered in addition to the "Morrokide" vinyl and cloth and "Morrokide" upholstery offerings. Innovations in 1969 included
8092-511: The early 1950s various manufacturers without the resources to develop a proprietary automatic transmission bought Hydra-Matics from GM. Users included: In 1952, Rolls-Royce acquired a license to produce the HydraMatic for Rolls-Royce and Bentley automobiles. It continued production until 1967. A massive fire that destroyed GM's Hydra-Matic plant in Livonia, Michigan on August 12, 1953, left
8211-513: The engine was running, the band was applied by a combination of spring pressure assisted by oil pressure). With the engine off, this brake band acting on the rear unit ring gear had a tremendous mechanical advantage. Since the rear unit ring gear with its attached reverse unit sun gear and the reverse unit ring gear were both locked to the transmission case, the planet carriers and driveshaft could not turn. As such, it provided an effective driveshaft mounted parking brake to be used alone or supplementing
8330-469: The final year for the B-bodied, full-sized Grand Prix. The 1969 GP would feature a new body using a chassis based on the shorter Pontiac A-body intermediates. For the 1969 model year, Pontiac's general manager John Z. DeLorean ordered the development of an all-new Grand Prix. It featured new bodywork with a pronounced grille, and rode on a stretched version of the intermediate GM A platform and introduced as
8449-513: The first fully electric full-size car sold in North America. For the 2013 model year, the Chevrolet Impala became the final American-market full-size sedan sold with a front bench seat . By the mid-2010s, full-size cars began seeing a steep decline in sales in North America, with SUVs replacing much of the full-size segment. At the end of the decade, demand for sedans (of all sizes) shifted towards vehicles of other layouts, reducing or shuttering production of sedans entirely. In 2018, Ford announced
8568-400: The first model lines to see major change. While General Motors and Ford would reduce the exterior footprint of their full-size lines to that of their intermediates, AMC withdrew its Ambassador and Matador full-size lines (to concentrate on production of mid-size vehicles). To save production costs, Chrysler repackaged its intermediates using the erstwhile full-size names, moving on to exiting
8687-400: The fluid coupling to the rear unit sun gear. The planet carrier of this gearset was splined to the planet carrier of the reverse unit. The rear unit ring gear hub had a small gear machined on its end which served as the reverse unit sun gear. Because the rear unit band was not applied for reverse, the rear unit and reverse unit compounded causing the combined planet carriers to rotate opposite to
8806-410: The forward gear assembly went back into reduction, and the rear gear assembly locked. Due to the manner in which the rear gear assembly was arranged, the coupling went from handling 100 percent of the engine torque to about 40 percent, with the balance being handled solely by the gear train. This greatly reduced slippage, which was audible by the substantial reduction that occurred in the engine RPM when
8925-587: The front fluid coupling that was used in the Controlled coupling Hydramatic and the connection between the engine and transmission was made by using the small fluid coupling that is used also to control the front planetary gear set' (in which the "dump and fill" shifting principle was retained from the older controlled coupling Hydramatic). The Roto was adopted for all Oldsmobiles as well as Pontiac's full-sized Catalina, Ventura, and Grand Prix models, while all Cadillacs and Pontiac's Bonneville and Star Chief models retained
9044-534: The full-sized cars and intermediate Tempest/Le Mans series. The 1970 Ford Thunderbird styling change was reportedly ordered by Ford Motor president Semon Knudsen , who moved from GM to Ford in 1968 after a long career at GM which included the position of general manager for the Pontiac Motor Division from 1956 until 1961, and was responsible for adding the Grand Prix to the 1962 Pontiac line. A new integrated bumper/grille and larger single headlights replacing
9163-474: The hand brake. The first-generation Hydramatic (not the Controlled-Coupling version that succeeded it in 1956) did not have a separate park position as found in modern automatic transmissions. The driver had to shut off the engine and then place the transmission in reverse in order to lock the driveline to prevent the car from moving. Also, the original Hydramatic required periodic band adjustments as
9282-500: The increased use of mid-size cars, vans, and SUVs grew in use as family vehicles. Between 1960 and 1994, the market share of full-size cars declined from 65 to only 8.3 percent. From 1990 until 1992, both GM and Ford redesigned its full-size car lines for the first time since the late 1970s. For the 1992 model year, Chrysler introduced a new front-wheel drive full-size car line, replacing the Eagle Premier/Dodge Monaco with
9401-407: The input torque and at a further reduced speed. The output shaft was machined onto the rear unit and reverse unit planet carriers. Shutting off the engine caused the transmission oil pressure to rapidly dissipate. If the selector lever was in reverse or moved to reverse after the engine stopped, two mechanical parts combined to provide a parking brake. The reverse unit ring gear was held stationary by
9520-561: The intermediate personal luxury car battle—the Ford Elite in 1974 and Chrysler Cordoba in 1975. Vertical grille inserts replaced the horizontal bars of the 1969, movement of "Grand Prix" nameplates from the lower cowls to the rear C-pillars and the vertical chromed louvers from the C-pillars down to the lower cowls, highlighted the 1970 Grand Prix. The optional 428 cu in (7.0 L) V8 rated at 370 and 390 hp (290 kW) in 1969
9639-541: The most expensive model, offering all equipment offered on the Bonneville hardtop coupe as standard equipment, and had a listed retail price of $ 3,426 ($ 33,124 in 2023 dollars ). New options included an automatic air conditioning system called " Comfort Control ". This system, first introduced by Cadillac in 1964, was available in addition to the regular Circ-L-Aire Conditioning. Hazard flashers and seat belts were also optional. Engine offerings were revised for 1965. The standard four-barrel 389 cu in (6.4 L) V8
9758-584: The need for a torque converter. Despite the name, the Turbo-Hydramatic has no mechanical or design related to the original Hydra-Matic , or the Controlled-Coupling Hydramatic. Hydra-Matic was a complex design that was expensive to produce. Despite some early problems, it was reliable and so rugged it was widely used in drag racing during the 1960s. It was not as smooth as some competitors' transmissions (notably Buick's Dynaflow ), but
9877-625: The new federally mandated 5 mph (8 km/h) front bumper. The rear featured a revised boattail-like trim with square-taillights above the bumper. A new instrument panel continued the wraparound cockpit theme of previous models with new African Crossfire Mahogany facing on the dashboard, console, and door panels, which was genuine wood in contrast with the simulated woodgrain material found in most car interiors during that time. The Strato bucket seats were completely new with higher seatbacks and integrated headrests in "Morrokide" or cloth trims, and optional recliners and adjustable lumbar support, with
9996-479: The new model a lower-priced entry in the growing personal-luxury segment. The Grand Prix was available with luxury features from the longer, top-line Bonneville coupe. The bucket seats were upholstered in " Morrokide " vinyl, while nylon loop-blend carpeting covered the floor and lower door panels. It was also installed with a center console with a transmission shifter, tachometer, four-barrel carburetor, dual exhausts, and "acceleration" rear axle ratio (3.42:1). It used
10115-436: The older four-speed Controlled-Coupling Hydra-Matic unit. Controlled Coupling HydraMatic and Roto HydraMatic both have the "Split Torque feature" whereby, in high gear, the torque is divided 40% through the fluid coupling and 60% through mechanical connection, which made these transmissions more efficient than any other automatics before the lock-up torque converter was used. Hydramatic transmissions were ultimately replaced by
10234-436: The optional four-barrel 455 cu in (7.5 L) V8 rated at 325 hp (242 kW). Both engines received substantially lower compression ratios (8.4:1 for 1971 compared to 10.25:1 in 1970) as part of a GM-corporate requirement for engines to use lower-octane regular leaded, low lead or unleaded gasoline beginning with the 1971 model year. Transmission offerings initially were carried over from previous years, including
10353-487: The original Hydra-Matic were 3.82:1, 2.63:1, 1.45:1, and 1.00:1 in automotive applications, and 4.08:1, 2.63:1, 1.55:1, and 1.00:1 in light truck and other commercial applications. The Controlled-Coupling Hydra-Matic used 3.97:1, 2.55:1, 1.55:1, and 1.00:1. Roto Hydramatic 375 ; a three-speed, four-range automatic has a 3.56:1, 2.93:1, 1.56:1, and 1.00:1. Roto Hydramatic 240 ; a three-speed, four-range automatic has ratios of 3.64:1, 3.03:1, 1.57:1, and 1.00:1 The Hydramatic
10472-437: The previous disappearing rear side glass. This year's Grand Prix switched from pillarless hardtop design to a pillared "Colonnade" hardtop with frameless door glass as did all GM intermediates in response to proposed federal safety standards regarding roll-over protection. The front and rear styling of the 1973 Grand Prix was an evolution of the 1971 and 1972 models with a vertical-bar V-nose grille and single headlamps along with
10591-466: The production of the third generation Grand Prix by one year in 1973. Production numbers for 1971 were lower than in 1970 with only 58,325 units. Minor styling revisions included a new cross-hatch grille up front and triple cluster taillights in the back. Inside, the burled-elm trim was replaced by a new teakwood design, and upholstery trim patterns for vinyl and cloth selections were revised for both bucket and bench seat offerings. Engine offerings remained
10710-424: The pump's displacement and therefore the volume of oil being delivered. The rear pump was an unregulated gear pump driven from the transmission output shaft, which meant it was capable of pressurizing the transmission if the vehicle was in motion. This feature made it possible to push-start a vehicle with a dead battery if the vehicle could be accelerated to at least 15–20 mph (24–32 km/h). At higher speeds,
10829-502: The quad lights of 1969-70 models marked the introduction of the 1971 Grand Prix along with a new slanted boattail-style rear with taillights built into the bumper. Interior revisions amounted to new trim patterns for cloth and vinyl upholstery patterns for both the bench and bucket seats, but the leather interior option was discontinued. Engine choices included the standard 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 with four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts, rated at 300 hp (220 kW); and
10948-407: The rear pump provided all the oil volume that was needed to operate the transmission and the front pump's slide was nearly centered, causing that pump to produce little output. In first gear, power flow was through the forward planetary gear assembly (either 1.45:1 or 1.55:1 reduction, depending on the model), then the fluid coupling , followed by the rear gear assembly (2.63:1 reduction) and through
11067-418: The reverse anchor. The driveshaft could still turn to cause the reverse unit sun gear and attached rear unit ring gear to rotate at a very high speed, were it not for the fact that the rear unit ring gear band was now applied by a heavy spring. Usually, bands are applied by a servo and released by spring pressure, but in this case, the band was held off by the servo and applied by spring pressure (actually, when
11186-409: The reverse gear assembly (normally locked) to the output shaft. That is, the input torus of the fluid coupling ran at a slower speed than the engine, due to the reduction of the forward gear assembly. This produced an exceptionally smooth startup because of the relatively large amount of slippage initially produced in the fluid coupling. This slippage quickly diminished as engine RPM increased. When
11305-568: The sales of all Ford-branded passenger cars (except for the Mustang ) would end in North America by 2022. General Motors announced the closure of several manufacturing facilities in the United States and Canada, with the production of the Chevrolet Impala and Buick LaCrosse ending in 2020. As of 2022, full-size cars from Asian manufacturers include the Lexus LS , Genesis G80 / G90 , Nissan Maxima , and Toyota Avalon . Another car from an Asian manufacturer,
11424-416: The same as before with the major change being the change in power measurements from the previous gross method on a dynamometer to the new net ratings as installed in a vehicle with accessories and emission equipment which made the horsepower ratings of 1972 models lower than their 1971 counterparts though actual performance did not change much between the two years. Under the net horsepower measurement system,
11543-418: The scale at a solid 435 pounds. When coupled to GMC's heavy V6 powerplant of 1960–1962, the powertrain weight was not too much lighter than the weight of the entire body of a ¾ ton P-2500 model pickup truck. Even its successor, the Controlled-Coupling Hydramatic was reviled by shop mechanics having to remove or reinstall such a unit, as they, too, were quite heavy when compared to other contemporary units. In
11662-437: The secondary coupling. It was a later version of GM's "dual-range Hydra-Matic", first introduced in some 1952 models. The dual range feature allowed the driver to hold the transmission in third gear until the maximum allowable upshift points, for improved performance in traffic or in mountain driving. The new, dual coupling transmission also incorporated a separate park position, falling in line with other automatic transmissions of
11781-535: The segment in 1981. During the 1980s, manufacturers further reduced the exterior footprint of several model lines from the full-size segment into the mid-size class to comply with more stringent CAFE standards. With the 1982 model year, Chrysler exited the full-size segment entirely, with the mid-size Dodge Diplomat and Plymouth Gran Fury serving as its largest sedan lines. Following the 1985 model year, General Motors replaced most of its full-size rear-wheel-drive model lines with smaller front-wheel drive sedans on
11900-444: The semi-fastback rooflines shared with other GM divisions, Grand Prixs retained the exclusive squared-off roofline with concave rear window but a bit more rounded than the 1963 and 1964 version. This generation also introduced fender skirts over the rear wheels for an upscale look, shared with Cadillac, Buick and Oldsmobile senior models. Interiors were revised with new instrument panels featuring more walnut trim which now extended to
12019-399: The shift occurred. The shift from third to fourth gear locked the forward gear assembly, producing 1.00:1 transmission. The fluid coupling now only handled about 25 percent of the engine torque, reducing slippage to a negligible amount. The result was a remarkably efficient level of power transfer at highway speeds, something that torque converter equipped automatics could not achieve without
12138-412: The standard 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 with four-barrel carburetor was rated at 250 hp (190 kW) while the optional 455 cu in (7.5 L) with four-barrel carb was rated at 300 hp (220 kW). At mid-year, Pontiac released a radial tire option for the Grand Prix, which increased the wheel diameter from the standard 14 in (36 cm) to 15 in (38 cm). This
12257-410: The standard three-speed manual, or optional four-speed stick or Turbo Hydra-Matic. However, at mid-year, Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic became standard equipment and the manual shifters were dropped. Variable-ratio power steering was made standard equipment as well. New power ratings were put into effect, requiring manufacturers to post net horsepower with all accessories installed (vs. gross rating without
12376-456: The substantially redesigned Controlled-Coupling HydraMatic (also called Jetaway , by Oldsmobile, and StratoFlight , and later Super Hydra-Matic , by Pontiac, or 315 HydraMatic , by Cadillac, or Dual-coupling Hydra-Matic ) in 1956. The Controlled-Coupling Hydra-Matic incorporated a secondary fluid coupling and a pair of sprag clutch in place of the former friction clutch and brake bands, shifting in part by alternately draining and filling
12495-401: The transmission upshifted to second gear, the forward gear assembly locked and the input torus now ran at engine speed. This had the desirable effect of "tightening" the coupling and reducing slippage, but also produced a somewhat abrupt shift. It was not at all uncommon for the vehicle to lurch forward during the 1-2 shift, especially when the throttle was wide open. Upon shifting to third,
12614-493: Was Cadillac's break-through synchromesh fully synchronized manual transmission, designed by Cadillac engineer Earl A. Thompson and introduced in the autumn of 1928. Cadillac, under Thompson, began working on a 'shiftless' transmission in 1932, and a new department within Cadillac Engineering was created, headed by Thompson and including engineers Ernest Seaholm, Ed Cole , Owen Nacker , and Oliver Kelley. During 1934,
12733-656: Was a direct competitor to the Thunderbird, decided to further capitalize on strong sales of its intermediate Cutlass line by introducing a new Cutlass Supreme coupe with a formal roofline similar to the GPs but on the standard 112 in (2,800 mm) wheelbase used for two-door A-body intermediates and the same lower sheet metal used on other Cutlass models. Both the Monte Carlo and Cutlass Supreme were also much lower in price, primarily due to smaller 350 cu in (5.7 L) standard engines for both, and that many items standard on
12852-414: Was an energy-absorbing collapsible steering column. Plus, Pontiac added an 8-track Stereo tape player. The 1968 Grand Prix received a more pronounced "beak-nose" grille in shock-absorbent plastic and a new front bumper. The concealed headlights were carried over, and a revised rear deck/bumper with L-shaped taillights and side reflector markers to meet a new federal safety mandate were new. The convertible
12971-533: Was discontinued, leaving only the hardtop coupe for 1968. The standard 350 hp (260 kW) 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 was revised to meet the new 1968 Federal and California emission regulations. Both optional 428 cu in (7.0 L) V8s received higher power ratings of 375 hp (280 kW) for the base version and 390 hp (290 kW) the HO. The interior trim only received minor changes from 1967 aside from revised door panels. This would be
13090-405: Was fitted with two pumps to pressurize its hydraulic control system and provide lubrication of internal components. The front pump was a variable displacement vane unit driven from the fluid coupling housing, which meant oil pressure would be available immediately upon starting the engine. Relatively constant pressure was maintained by moving a slide inside the pump, which had the effect of changing
13209-690: Was limited to lower rocker panels, wheel arches, and roofline. The Grand Prix continued with luxurious interiors featuring real walnut trim on the instrument panel and bucket seats upholstered in "Morrokide" vinyl. The center console was now built into the instrument panel and featured an intake manifold pressure vacuum gauge along with a dash-mounted tachometer for cars with manual transmission. Pedals received revised custom trim plates. Options included power steering, brakes, windows, and driver's seat; air conditioning, eight-lug aluminum wheels with integrated brake drums, and Safe-T-Track differential. New options for this year included an AM/FM radio, cruise control, and
13328-528: Was made standard in 1969. Cast-iron Hydra-Matic production ceased at Willow Run after the 1962 model year, and Controlled-Coupling Hydramatic ceased in early 1964, allowing retooling time for the Turbo Hydra-Matic 400, which debuted in the 1964 Cadillac models in mid-year, with Pontiac Division's Star Chief and Bonneville models being the last to use the Controlled-Coupling Hydramatic (Model HM315) of any GM car. 1964 Turbo-Hydramatic production used
13447-429: Was more efficient, especially at highway speeds. The Hydra-Matic paved the way for widespread acceptance of automatic shifting. A 3-speed light-duty version of the Turbo Hydra-Matic , called the Turbo-Hydramatic 180 was produced by GM's Hydra-Matic division from 1981 to 1998 for use in a wide variety of small cars and trucks. Hydramatic is a trade name for GM's automatic transmission division, which produces
13566-421: Was replaced by a new 370 hp (280 kW) 455 cu in (7.5 L) with 500 lb⋅ft (680 N⋅m) of torque at 3,100 rpm. The base 350 hp 400 cu in (6.6 L) engine was still standard, but a low-compression 400 CID engine was available with a two-barrel carburetor. An automatic transmission was offered as a no cost option. Interior trim also received minor revisions, and
13685-450: Was subsequently replaced in that role by Chevrolet Division's Powerglide (where it was dubbed "Pow-R-Flow") in the GMC light truck line, and later, in 1966, with the Turbo Hydra-Matic (THM) in GMC light trucks, whose simplified design was much less costly to manufacture. Chevrolet Division's light truck line used the less-than-adequate Powerglide all through the 1960s until Turbo-Hydramatic
13804-486: Was the Truck Hydra-Matic version offered by GM Truck and Coach Division in its line of light- and medium-duty trucks and conventional buses, as well as with its transverse-mounted gas L6 engined transit buses produced until 1963. That particular version weighed in at an incredible 655 pounds when equipped with the angle drive for the transit bus application, while the ¾ ton and up pickup truck model (HM270) still tipped
13923-404: Was the first time that Pontiac offered a radial tire option for the entire model year. In 1968, Pontiac announced a radial tire option for the GTO that was quickly discontinued due to production problems. Also at mid-year, a new "Fasten Seat Belts" light with buzzer was added per Federal safety regulation. This light was located in the speedometer pod and the speedometer was changed from displaying
14042-426: Was the most expensive model when it was introduced. The standard engine was the Bonneville's 303 hp (226 kW) 389 cu in (6.4 L) V8, which came with four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts. Tri-Power carburation (with three two-barrels) raised output to 318 hp (237 kW). Two other high-performance 389s were offered, including a four-barrel version rated at 333 hp (248 kW) and
14161-433: Was uprated to 333 hp (248 kW) with a manual transmission or 325 hp (242 kW) with automatic. Optional engines included a 389 Tri-Power and 421 four-barrel — both rated at 338 hp (252 kW); a 421 Tri-Power rated at 350 hp (260 kW) and the 421 HO Tri-Power with 376 hp (280 kW). The standard three-speed and optional four-speed manual transmissions were carried over from 1964, however,
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