In 1990, work began on a redesigned Grand Prix alongside other W-body full-size vehicles under design chief John Manoogian II.
It was the first year for the full-sized Grand Prix sedans.
By 1993, a final design was approved and show concept developed during the latter half of 1994.
On January 4, 1995, General Motors unveiled the 300 GPX Concept at the 1995 Detroit Auto Show in Detroit.
This was a near-exact preview of a redesign for the Grand Prix, due within the 1996 calendar year.
In January 1996, the 1997 Grand Prix was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show.
Promoted for its "wide track" appearance and racy styling, this second generation W-body Grand Prix sold well.

The first 1997 Grand Prix was built on August 12, 1996.
There were two trim levels available from 1996; the SE and GT (GT available in coupe and sedan body styles).
The Grand Prix came as a base SE sedan, or sportier GT coupe or sedan options, as well as with a GTP trim package—available for GT models in either body style.
Coupes and sedans shared similar styling, except for rear doors and quarter panels.
The base 3.1L v6 engine on the SE was the only engine carried over from the previous generation.
The GT 3.4 L V6 was replaced by a Buick 3.8 L V6.
This engine in 3800 Series II form was an option on the SE with 195 horsepower.
The 3800 Series II was on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 1995–1997.
Replacing the Chevy LQ1 3.4l DOHC v6, an Eaton M90 supercharger option was available on the 3.8L from 1997-2003 (also used in the 1996–2003 Bonneville), with compression ratio decreased from 9.3 to 8.5, boosted horse power to 240.
GTP interior trim level featured a "performance shift" button on the shifter that raised the transmission shift points.
Front bucket seats came standard, while a 45/55 split bench seat was available as an option on the SE sedan only.
In 1990, work began on a redesigned Grand Prix alongside other W-body full-size vehicles under design chief John Manoogian II. It was the first year for the full-sized Grand Prix sedans. By 1993, a final design was approved and show concept developed during the latter half of 1994. On January 4, 1995, General Motors unveiled the 300 GPX Concept at the 1995 Detroit Auto Show in Detroit. This was a near-exact preview of a redesign for the Grand Prix, due within the 1996 calendar year. In January 1996, the 1997 Grand Prix was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show. Promoted for its "wide track" appearance and racy styling, this second generation W-body Grand Prix sold well. 
The first 1997 Grand Prix was built on August 12, 1996. There were two trim levels available from 1996; the SE and GT (GT available in coupe and sedan body styles). The Grand Prix came as a base SE sedan, or sportier GT coupe or sedan options, as well as with a GTP trim package—available for GT models in either body style. Coupes and sedans shared similar styling, except for rear doors and quarter panels. The base 3.1L v6 engine on the SE was the only engine carried over from the previous generation. The GT 3.4 L V6 was replaced by a Buick 3.8 L V6. This engine in 3800 Series II form was an option on the SE with 195 horsepower. The 3800 Series II was on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 1995–1997. Replacing the Chevy LQ1 3.4l DOHC v6, an Eaton M90 supercharger option was available on the 3.8L from 1997-2003 (also used in the 1996–2003 Bonneville), with compression ratio decreased from 9.3 to 8.5, boosted horse power to 240. GTP interior trim level featured a "performance shift" button on the shifter that raised the transmission shift points. Front bucket seats came standard, while a 45/55 split bench seat was available as an option on the SE sedan only.
Pontiac Grand Prix