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The Bonneville name first appeared in 1954 on a pair of bubble-topped GM Motorama concept cars called the Bonneville Special, sharing an appearance with the Chevrolet Corvette. It was also the beginning of a new tradition of Pontiac vehicles using French words for model names.
The 2000 Bonneville was restyled, using GM's G platform, with the widest overall track in its competitive class at 62.6 in (1,590 mm) up front and 62.1 in (1,580 mm) in the rear. GM's StabiliTrakstability control system was introduced on the top-of-the-line supercharged SSEi model, later replaced by the GXP.
The Bonneville was marketed in three trim levels: SE, SLE and SSEi. The SE came with a 3.8L V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, cruise control, front bucket seats (a 55/45 split front bench was available on the SE only), 6-way power driver seat with lumbar adjustment, AM/FM stereo with CD player and 225/60/R16 tires. The SLE added traction control, OnStar, leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear spoiler and 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/55/R17 tires. The SSEi adds a 3.8L supercharged V6 engine, front-side air bags, leather upholstery, 12-way power driver seat and Monsoon AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player.
In August of 2001, Pontiac renewed its racing heritage at the famed Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah when a four-door Bonneville powered through the timing traps at 202.524 miles per hour, making it the first front wheel drive production car to exceed 200 mph.
One of 355 entries during Speedweek, the Bonneville was driven by 30-year race veteran Mike Cook, a member of the Bonneville 200 mph club. Cook, who set records at El Mirage and Muroc dry lakes, was confident in the Bonneville's ability to exceed 200 mph, but knew the challenge lay in handling a front wheel drive production car.
The Bonneville underwent a transformation from a family sedan to a high-speed performance machine at Cook Motorsports in Norco, California. Pontiac assembled a team of engineers and expert mechanics including Cook, Richard Lee, Jim Poplawski and Jan Callison to make the modifications.
The Spruce Green Bonneville retained much of its assembly-line amenities including the 12-disc CD changer, power windows and door locks, cruise control, keyless entry and alarm system. Confident of the car's ability, Cook played the radio during each run.
Supercharged 3.8-liter V-6 engine
More, than 600 horsepower
Specially prepared transmission by Hydramatic Motorsports
Deist parachute, competition seat belts and fire protection system
112.2-inch wheelbase
Modern & Imports / 1980–Today
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1980 Metro Plumbing Sprint Car
1980 Auburn 866 Boattail Speedster (Replica)
1981 DMC DeLorean
1987 Chevrolet El Camino Custom
1988 Pontiac Grand Prix SE (Daytona 500 Pace Car Edition)
1990 Ford NASCAR "Baby Ruth Car"
1991 Buick Reatta Convertible
1992 Chevrolet Corvette Lister C4
1993 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 40th Anniversary Edition
1994 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
