Pontiac GTO Review past

The Pontiac GTO may have been the first true muscle car, but that distinction has never been enough to assure it an uninterrupted production run. Already, the Pontiac GTO has used up two lives. Originally produced from 1964-'74, the "Pontiac GTO" was resurrected for the 2004 model year after a 30-year hiatus. The new GTO (née Holden Monaro) was a definite sleeper style-wise, but in keeping with its muscle car heritage, it brought some serious under-hood heat.
Most Recent Pontiac GTO

Bland exterior styling was another weak point.
The bigger engine took the GTO up to a cool 400 horsepower, but between the 2 2 coupe's high price and dull styling, Pontiac simply couldn't sell enough of them. As a result, the Pontiac GTO was discontinued after the 2006 model year.
Past Pontiac GTO models

Introduced in 1964, the original GTO went through six generations before dying off after the 1974 model year. Always a rear-wheel-drive car, it was sold as both a two-door hardtop and a convertible with an assortment of big V8s. Legend has it that Pontiac stole the Pontiac GTO name from the equally legendary Ferrari 250 GTO, a car whose name was an acronym for "Gran Turismo Omologato."

The ostentatious GTO Judge model, sold in both body styles, is also less common.
A split dual-exhaust system adds an ominous rumble to the Pontiac GTO. A limited slip differential, three-channel traction control system, and four-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes come standard, along with a sport-tuned suspension for tenacious handling abilities. The '06 Pontiac GTO is distinguished by revised taillamp styling, which now features a black background instead of red.

Pontiac's first Holden Monaro-based GTO isn't even out yet--and here we are, speculating on the next model. Building it for several markets makes the Pontiac GTO economically viable. It also creates conflict because Holden needs a car that appeals to its customers' tastes. While the Aussies tend to like big, rear-drive V-8-powered cars, like we do, Holden is in the midst of shifting its design philosophy to match GM Europe's.

Pontiac GTO

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Pontiac g8

Pontiac g8 grill unlocks all of the luxurious potential that has been waiting to be released don't turn your back on it - this is where supreme class begins.

After years of offering a powerful and responsive rear-wheel-drive sports sedan designed for auto enthusiasts, the Pontiac G8 has been taken out of production.

If you recently purchased a new G8, you're still covered by the Best Coverage in America, including a 5-Year/100,000-Mile Transferrable Powertrain Limited Warranty,1 plus Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation.

In addition to aerodynamic styling and that trademark, unmistakable Pontiac front grille, the 2008 G8 is offered in Base and GT trims, with engines ranging from a zippy and smooth 256 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 to a very capable 361 horsepower 6.0-liter V8 under the hood mated to either a 5-speed or a 6-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission. Inside, it offers seating capacity for up to five and a nice list of standard equipment, including auto climate control, heated seats, airbags and ABS.

us news rankings the pontiac g8 is a full-size sedan derived from holden ve commodore and assembled by the gm subsidiary holden in australia replacing the grand prix, the g8 is pontiac's largest

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Pontiac G3, 2009

Pontiac G3, 2009

Expanding its portfolio in the rapidly growing small car segment, Pontiac announced plans to bring the sporty, five-door hatchback Pontiac G3 to U.S. showrooms early next year. When it arrives, the G3 will provide Pontiac with a total of four vehicles capable of more than 30 miles per gallon on the highway.

Successful in Canada (as the Pontiac G3 Wave) and Mexico (as a sedan model), the Pontiac G3 offers an EPA estimated 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway while providing the best shoulder and hip room in the segment for seating five adults.

The 2009 Pontiac G3 will join the all-new 2009 Pontiac Vibe (32 mpg) and recently enhanced 2009 versions of the G6 sedan (33 mpg) and G5 coupe (37 mpg) in Pontiac's "Over 30" club.


Generating 106 horsepower (79 kW), the Pontiac G3's 1.6L Ecotec four-cylinder engine is mated to a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission. It will also feature an unusually rich mix of standard features for an entry-level car, including air conditioning, a CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input jack, fog lamps, rear spoiler, OnStar, and a host of standard safety features, including four airbags, that gain the Pontiac G3 a five-star frontal crash rating.

Interior space is optimized to comfortably seat five adults, including "theater"-style seating for rear seat passengers. The rear seats also feature a 60/40 split to offer up to 42 cubic feet of cargo space.

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Pontiac G3, 2009

Pontiac G3, 2009

Expanding its portfolio in the rapidly growing small car segment, Pontiac announced plans to bring the sporty, five-door hatchback Pontiac G3 to U.S. showrooms early next year. When it arrives, the G3 will provide Pontiac with a total of four vehicles capable of more than 30 miles per gallon on the highway.

Successful in Canada (as the Pontiac G3 Wave) and Mexico (as a sedan model), the Pontiac G3 offers an EPA estimated 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway while providing the best shoulder and hip room in the segment for seating five adults.

The 2009 Pontiac G3 will join the all-new 2009 Pontiac Vibe (32 mpg) and recently enhanced 2009 versions of the G6 sedan (33 mpg) and G5 coupe (37 mpg) in Pontiac's "Over 30" club.


Generating 106 horsepower (79 kW), the Pontiac G3's 1.6L Ecotec four-cylinder engine is mated to a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission. It will also feature an unusually rich mix of standard features for an entry-level car, including air conditioning, a CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input jack, fog lamps, rear spoiler, OnStar, and a host of standard safety features, including four airbags, that gain the Pontiac G3 a five-star frontal crash rating.

Interior space is optimized to comfortably seat five adults, including "theater"-style seating for rear seat passengers. The rear seats also feature a 60/40 split to offer up to 42 cubic feet of cargo space.

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Pontiac Solstice Coupe, 2009

Pontiac Solstice Coupe, 2009

The making of a coupe

It is a modern sports car with classic lines. The roofline has a "fastback" shape with stylized "rails" that run from the front of the roof to the rear, culminating in a stylish and functional ducktail-style rear spoiler.
The coupe's roof is fixed aft of the B-pillars, with side windows and a rear liftglass for access to the cargo area. The roof panel is easily removed from the passenger compartment, and an optional soft roof cover stores in the cargo area.

The Engineering the design

Despite its dramatic new look, engineers made only minor structural changes to create the Pontiac Solstice coupe. The rear fenders and rear fascia are the same as those on the convertible. New taillight assemblies flow more smoothly into the tapered roofline.
The sleek lines of the new roof give the car a fresh appearance, only minimal changes were made to the body structure - it's a great example of building on an already solid foundation.


The Lightweight structure
The roof's structure was strengthened with additional support elements, including an aluminum roof bow attached with aluminum brackets. The bow and brackets are stiff, low in mass, a design feature that pervades the coupe's overall construction. The roof includes a lightweight sheet molding compound cover affixed to a rigid aluminum frame for additional lightweight support. A lightweight magnesium roof panel frame weighs just 31 pounds (14.2 kg) and can be removed by one person. The cover is also made of sheet molding compound.

The Interior additions
Much of the coupe's interior remains the same as that of the convertible. However, the area behind the seats was redesigned for easy access to the cargo area, and a storage tray was mounted directly behind the headrests.

Removing the folding-top mechanism made way for a new, flat cargo floor and several storage compartments. The cargo area's covered bins provide secure storage for smaller items. Cargo tie-down hooks help secure irregularly shaped items.

READ MORE - Pontiac Solstice Coupe, 2009

Pontiac Solstice Coupe, 2009

Pontiac Solstice Coupe, 2009

The making of a coupe

It is a modern sports car with classic lines. The roofline has a "fastback" shape with stylized "rails" that run from the front of the roof to the rear, culminating in a stylish and functional ducktail-style rear spoiler.
The coupe's roof is fixed aft of the B-pillars, with side windows and a rear liftglass for access to the cargo area. The roof panel is easily removed from the passenger compartment, and an optional soft roof cover stores in the cargo area.

The Engineering the design

Despite its dramatic new look, engineers made only minor structural changes to create the Pontiac Solstice coupe. The rear fenders and rear fascia are the same as those on the convertible. New taillight assemblies flow more smoothly into the tapered roofline.
The sleek lines of the new roof give the car a fresh appearance, only minimal changes were made to the body structure - it's a great example of building on an already solid foundation.


The Lightweight structure
The roof's structure was strengthened with additional support elements, including an aluminum roof bow attached with aluminum brackets. The bow and brackets are stiff, low in mass, a design feature that pervades the coupe's overall construction. The roof includes a lightweight sheet molding compound cover affixed to a rigid aluminum frame for additional lightweight support. A lightweight magnesium roof panel frame weighs just 31 pounds (14.2 kg) and can be removed by one person. The cover is also made of sheet molding compound.

The Interior additions
Much of the coupe's interior remains the same as that of the convertible. However, the area behind the seats was redesigned for easy access to the cargo area, and a storage tray was mounted directly behind the headrests.

Removing the folding-top mechanism made way for a new, flat cargo floor and several storage compartments. The cargo area's covered bins provide secure storage for smaller items. Cargo tie-down hooks help secure irregularly shaped items.

READ MORE - Pontiac Solstice Coupe, 2009

Pontiac SD-290

According to GM, the Pontiac SD-290 concept is "Designed to evoke the emotions of classic sports cars". Introduced at SEMA, the vehicle is derived from a Pontiac Solstice but has been transformed into a pure single-seat race car with its passenger compartment made obsolete by a hard tonneau cover.

Despite its competition red paint scheme, it is difficult not to relate the SD-290 to the timeless shape of a D-Type Jaguar. We can also see the influence of BMW's 2004 H2R land speed record breaking concept in the SD-290's asymmetrical layout, with its racing cockpit protected only by a small windscreen in front of the driver and a faired headrest and roll-bar behind the seat.

The car's power-to-weight ratio has been optimized by the removal of some amenities. The direct-injection and turbocharged 2-liter Ecotec engine generates 290hp and to improve aerodynamics, the front clip, hood and front fenders have been altered. It's plausible that these elements could reappear on a future Solstice revamp.

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Pontiac SD-290

According to GM, the Pontiac SD-290 concept is "Designed to evoke the emotions of classic sports cars". Introduced at SEMA, the vehicle is derived from a Pontiac Solstice but has been transformed into a pure single-seat race car with its passenger compartment made obsolete by a hard tonneau cover.

Despite its competition red paint scheme, it is difficult not to relate the SD-290 to the timeless shape of a D-Type Jaguar. We can also see the influence of BMW's 2004 H2R land speed record breaking concept in the SD-290's asymmetrical layout, with its racing cockpit protected only by a small windscreen in front of the driver and a faired headrest and roll-bar behind the seat.

The car's power-to-weight ratio has been optimized by the removal of some amenities. The direct-injection and turbocharged 2-liter Ecotec engine generates 290hp and to improve aerodynamics, the front clip, hood and front fenders have been altered. It's plausible that these elements could reappear on a future Solstice revamp.

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Pontiac Vibe

One week after Toyota introduced its new Matrix at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, Pontiac presented the new redesigned Vibe at the LA Auto Show, a five-door hatchback short wagon that - like the Matrix - is derived from a lengthened and widened Corolla platform.

Clear brand differentiation between the two cars is done through the styling of the Vibe's excusive sheet metal and different interior finishes and trim. To better relate the Vibe to the Pontiac Solstice or G8, designers wanted to express more muscle and leave behind last generation's "mini-SUV" look. Chief designer Ron Aselton says: "Clean lines, minimal overhangs and wheels pushed to the corners give the vehicle its muscular stance."

In addition to the front-wheel-drive base model, the Pontiac Vibe will have an AWD version and a performance oriented version: the Vibe GT that gets its own front fascia and many sporty exterior accents. Inside it gets standard leather-trimmed seats. AWD and GT models step up to a multi-link independent rear suspension instead of a torsion-beam.

Related Stories:
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Toyota Matrix - Los Angeles 2007
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Pontiac Vibe

One week after Toyota introduced its new Matrix at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, Pontiac presented the new redesigned Vibe at the LA Auto Show, a five-door hatchback short wagon that - like the Matrix - is derived from a lengthened and widened Corolla platform.

Clear brand differentiation between the two cars is done through the styling of the Vibe's excusive sheet metal and different interior finishes and trim. To better relate the Vibe to the Pontiac Solstice or G8, designers wanted to express more muscle and leave behind last generation's "mini-SUV" look. Chief designer Ron Aselton says: "Clean lines, minimal overhangs and wheels pushed to the corners give the vehicle its muscular stance."

In addition to the front-wheel-drive base model, the Pontiac Vibe will have an AWD version and a performance oriented version: the Vibe GT that gets its own front fascia and many sporty exterior accents. Inside it gets standard leather-trimmed seats. AWD and GT models step up to a multi-link independent rear suspension instead of a torsion-beam.

Related Stories:
Pontiac Vibe - Los Angeles 2007
Toyota Matrix - Los Angeles 2007
cardesignnews

READ MORE - Pontiac Vibe