Pontiac Concept Cars

1. 1954 Pontiac Bonneville Special

Show-stopping concept defined American extravagance. Its Plexiglas bubble top, gull-wing doors, rocket-inspired design, and sleek body showcased vision of a futuristic GT.

In the 1950s, Americans were fascinated by the future. Newspapers and magazines were full of stories about futuristic technology and their imagery. Car companies were quick to capitalize on this trend and offered a dazzling variety of fantastic, futuristic show cars, some of which toured with the annual General Motors Motoramas. One of these special cars was the Pontiac Bonneville Special.

Renowned GM designer Harley Earl was inspired by a trip to the Bonneville salt flats. He wanted to create a car which captured the essence of the Bonneville racers and show the public that Pontiac was leading the industry in innovative thinking.

Designed as Pontiac’s answer to the Chevrolet Corvette, the flashy 1954 Bonneville Special conveys a look of high speed. Following the trend of jet-age styling, the Bonneville features a distinctive aircraft-style Plexiglas bubble top with gull-wing glass door tops over the cockpit and the a radical continental kit, designed to look like a jet turbine.

Only two of these cars were built so they could be displayed simultaneously at the Los Angeles and Detroit Auto Shows. After touring the country for spectators to see, Motorama concept cars were typically destroyed. However, these two Pontiacs somehow avoided their date with the crusher and survived.

One of the surviving Bonneville Specials will be up for sale at the upcoming Barrett Jackson Auction in December. Since the odometer has logged less than 800 miles, the lucky bidder will be receiving a largely original vintage concept car, a privilege usually reserved for the manufacturers themselves.

2. 1988 Pontiac Banshee IV

Its sharp, aerodynamic design hid a powerful 4.0L engine, all-wheel drive, and cutting-edge tech, showcasing Pontiac's vision of a next-generation sports car.

The 1988 Pontiac Banshee IV concept car represented a bold step forward in automotive design, embodying Pontiac's forward-thinking and performance-oriented ethos. It was the fourth iteration in the Banshee series of concept cars, which started in the 1960s, each version showcasing futuristic designs and innovative features.

The Banshee IV was striking for its sleek, aerodynamic shape and low profile, designed to slice through the air with minimal resistance. Its exterior was characterized by a dramatic, wedge-shaped body, pop-up headlights, and a highly stylized rear end with integrated tail lights. The car featured expansive glass areas, including a glass roof that contributed to a very open, airy cabin feel—a design choice that emphasized visibility and light.

Though primarily a design study, the Banshee IV was envisioned with performance capabilities that matched its aggressive styling. It was proposed to be powered by a high-performance V8 engine, showcasing Pontiac's commitment to combining sports car aesthetics with robust engine performance. The focus was on delivering a thrilling driving experience, with the power and handling expected from a car that looked as dynamic as the Banshee IV.

The Banshee IV, like many concept cars, was never intended for production. Its role was rather to push the boundaries of design and technology and to act as a laboratory for testing new ideas that could filter down to production models. Elements of its design and technological innovations can be seen in various Pontiac models of the 1990s.

Overall, the 1988 Pontiac Banshee IV remains a fascinating example of late 20th-century automotive design, reflecting the aspirations and dreams of its era. It stands as a testament to Pontiac's legacy of innovation and a bold vision for the future of automobiles.

3. Pontiac Grand Prix G-Force (2002)

A bold, aggressive reimagining of the classic American muscle car. Its sharp lines, massive wheels, and its advanced engine promised monstrous horsepower.

The Pontiac Grand Prix G-Force Concept, unveiled in 2002, was a showcase of Pontiac's vision for the future of the Grand Prix lineup, blending high performance with innovative technology and aggressive styling. This concept was designed to appeal to driving enthusiasts by incorporating advanced features and a dynamic aesthetic that suggested both luxury and sportiness.

The G-Force Concept sported a dramatic redesign of the traditional Grand Prix silhouette, characterized by a more muscular and angular appearance. It featured a bold front grille, a staple of Pontiac’s design language, flanked by sleek, high-intensity discharge headlamps. The body was lower and wider than the production Grand Prix models, giving it a more planted and aggressive stance. Aerodynamic efficiency was a key focus, with integrated spoilers and a sculpted body that enhanced the car’s performance-oriented look.

Under the hood, the G-Force Concept was powered by a supercharged 3.8-liter V6 engine, a significant upgrade in power from the standard Grand Prix models of the time. This engine was designed to deliver both performance and efficiency, highlighting Pontiac's commitment to developing engines that provided an exhilarating driving experience without compromising on fuel economy. The concept also featured an advanced all-wheel-drive system, improving traction and handling under various driving conditions.

The G-Force Concept included several technological advancements that were cutting-edge at the time. It featured a sophisticated suspension system that could be adjusted for different driving conditions, providing either a more comfortable ride or a more sporty, responsive handling depending on the driver’s preference. Additionally, it showcased new safety features, including multiple airbags and advanced electronic stability control systems.

While the Grand Prix G-Force Concept itself never went into production, many of its design elements and technological innovations influenced subsequent Pontiac models. It served as a demonstration of Pontiac's capabilities in integrating performance, luxury, and advanced technology into its vehicles. The G-Force Concept remains a notable example of early 2000s automotive design and innovation, reflecting Pontiac's efforts to redefine its brand and appeal to a modern audience.

4. Pontiac Solstice Concept (2002)

Solstice Concept was a pure, back-to-basics roadster that embodied the spirit of open-air driving, featuring a long hood, short rear overhangs, and a minimalist design.

In 2002, Pontiac introduced the Solstice Concept at the North American International Auto Show, capturing the imaginations of sports car enthusiasts and signaling a fresh direction for American roadsters. This concept was a pivotal moment for Pontiac, showcasing the brand's ability to blend classic sports car elements with modern design and technology. The Solstice Concept not only previewed a new model but also demonstrated Pontiac’s commitment to revitalizing its lineup with appealing and dynamically capable vehicles.

The Pontiac Solstice Concept featured a sleek, flowing design that was both modern and retrospective. Its exterior was characterized by rounded contours and a low, wide stance that evoked the spirit of classic roadsters. The front end sported Pontiac’s signature twin-port grille, flanked by sharp, eye-catching headlights that gave the car a distinctive, aggressive look. This was complemented by a set of 18-inch alloy wheels, which added to its sporty appeal.

Under the hood, the Solstice Concept was equipped with a 2.2-liter Ecotec I4 supercharged engine, known for its robust performance and efficiency. This engine was a deliberate choice, reflecting Pontiac's strategy to offer powerful yet economical engines in its sports cars. The Solstice Concept’s rear-wheel-drive layout and lightweight construction promised exciting driving dynamics, aimed at delivering a pure and engaging roadster experience.

Pontiac equipped the Solstice Concept with advanced technologies that enhanced both its performance and usability. This included a sophisticated suspension setup designed to handle both the rigors of spirited driving and the demands of everyday road use. Additionally, the concept featured modern safety and entertainment technologies, preparing it for potential future production.

The overwhelmingly positive reception of the Solstice Concept led to the rapid approval of a production version, which debuted in 2005 as the Pontiac Solstice. The production model retained much of the concept’s design and spirit, and it quickly became one of the most popular models in Pontiac’s lineup during its production years.

5. Hurst Pontiac Firebird Hauler (2000)

A one-off 4th generation Trans Am shooting brake design study that referenced the Tans Am Type K concepts of the 1970s. Built for the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

The 2000 Pontiac Firebird Hurst Hauler Concept was a wild and unexpected concept that defied convention in the best possible way.

Essentially a fourth-generation Firebird Trans Am with a custom Kammback rear conversion, it turned the famed muscle car into a stylish two-seater shooting brake.

With Hurst performance upgrades and a design inspired by the original Type K Pontiac Trans Am concepts, the Hauler was a unique blend of nostalgia, practicality, and a dose of playful absurdity.