Spy Shots: 2008 Toyota Matrix???
Automakers apply camouflage to their test mules in unique ways, so spy photographers are often able to tell what company is testing a vehicle based on its unique "camo signature". These spy shots appeared on the internet this morning of what most auto pundits are calling the next generation Pontiac Vibe, probably based on the strip of camo that's bisecting the grille. After a consult with a friend in the spy business, however, we learned that this vehicle is probably not the next Pontiac Vibe, as the camo doesn't match the tape-and-cardboard job usually done by General Motors. We asked him too look closely at the strip on the grille, and he stood by his claim and told us it looks more like the work of an Asian automaker, so we're going out on a limb and calling this vehicle the next Toyota Matrix. While the two tall wagons are mechanically identical in many ways, each company is responsible for it own styling, and it appears Toyota engineers may have been deliberately trying to get us to guess they were driving a Pontiac. Aside from that, the camo is expertly applied and completely obscures the shape of the rear. If this vehicle is the Matrix, we can see that it grows in size, especially in the front where we hope some new, more powerful engines are being used. Then again, it may not be the Toyota Matrix, either. [Source: Straightline]
_opt_thumbnail.jpg)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
SherbornSean 4:16PM (10/12/2006)
Pontiac Auris
Reply
Tim UF 1:51PM (10/12/2006)
im going to start referring to GM's performance division as 'GM's "performance division"... most enthusiasts will tell you that most recent pontiacs, while capable are unrewarding to drive... mostly due to steering feel, which is totally numb... (ive driven a couple g6's that were that way).
Reply
dawookie 1:30PM (10/12/2006)
Being someone whose had a matrix for more than 4 years, i can tell u the b pillar and roof lines look a lot like my car..but i thought you jokers mentioned the matrix becoming a scion in the near future?? be lovely to finally have a roof rack and those rims were nice..
fo shizzle
Reply
MMatrix 1:18PM (7/06/2007)
It seems to me that Toyota USA and Toyota Canada have updated their websites with a 2008 Matrix, unchanged from 2007 (except a minor bumper moulding change)...I guess we will have to wait until 2009....
Matt W. 1:39PM (10/12/2006)
The guys at Straightline said the photog saw a Yukon accompanying the mule, hence their claim its a Vibe and not a Matrix. Anyway, what's the odds either next gen versions will keep the AWD option? I maybe in the market for such a vehicle in a year or two, and I'd like as many inexpensive AWD vehicles to choose from.
Reply
djSyndrome 1:53PM (10/12/2006)
"Anyway, what's the odds either next gen versions will keep the AWD option?"
Probably zero. It's already been dropped from the current Matrix/Vibe.
Reply
erick 2:12PM (10/12/2006)
I think its a potinac those rims its using in a couple of the shots look like caddy cts rims, and if you look closly the grill is seperated! like Pontiac usually does. and the grills on that mule are honey combed which pontiac also uses.
Reply
Will 2:14PM (10/12/2006)
You are all WRONG! It's not a matrix or vibe. In fact, it's not even camouflaged! IT'S THE NEW PONTIAC AZTEC!
RE: 2 and 4: I heard 4WD was gone. That's a shame as I would like a small 4WD.
Reply
Robert Aitchison 2:23PM (10/12/2006)
Lets hope they ditch the 1980's era rear suspension and get a proper IRS.
Reply
Chris 3:40PM (10/12/2006)
Looks like a Vibe. That strip in the middle is just wide enough for the Pontiac emblem.
Reply
Matt 4:24PM (10/12/2006)
Is that an OnStar antenna I see on the rear portion of the roof, on the right side?
Reply
Scott3 5:28PM (10/12/2006)
This is a Vibe with only a mild reskin.
GM should just drop this lame car or put a real engine in it like a 205 SC Ecoteco or the 260 Turbo 2.0 Ecotec.
It is time to build excitment again.
Reply
Pam 3:12PM (10/15/2006)
Just based on the front and rear doors and roof line I would say it is one or the other. I have a matrix and it looks just like the roof line over the doors. Looks like they just did a front clip and rear hatch/ bumper change.
Reply
Ian 5:49PM (10/12/2006)
Very nice. The reason most teenager drive civic's or something like it is supply and cost. Try to find a '60's muscle car for cheap is not easy. Old civic's are everywhere. easy to work on and cheap. If the used lot's were full of 67 stangs Im sure more kids would have them.
Reply
keston 12:01AM (10/13/2006)
It looks like a vibe to me maybe GM used this type of camo to throw everyone off.
Reply
Jim 8:31PM (10/12/2006)
If you look at the pictures on the link, it isn't one car. There are two; one with a roof rack (ala Vibe) and one without (ala Matrix). Not conclusive proof, but pretty convincing to me. Too bad it looks so much like the current car(s), which are OK, but not all that fresh looking anymore. I expected bigger changes after 5 years.
Reply
rikky 5:30AM (10/30/2006)
Robert Aitchison, its a toyota in reality, omg your bashing a toyota, that is in pontiac skin. read up on your auto mags b/f you instantly say all gms are stoneage.......
Reply
Luke 1:40AM (8/17/2007)
New spy pics of the pontiac vibe are out (and pics of the dual vvti motor inside). It gives some insight to what the new Matrix will look like:
http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=29557
It looks similar to spy pics found of the Matrix:
Reply