click above image for high-res version
The GM Source appears to have scooped the universe with what is apparently the first official shot of the cleaner, cladding-free 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT. Yes, the GT trim level makes its return to the erstwhile Excitement Division, which is slowly, steadily getting its mojo back. We have no info other than the photo and what little detail The GM Source provides on its site, which sadly doesn't include any tech specs. The '09 Vibe will be officially unveiled at the LA Auto Show, and the GT will be joined by an AWD model as well. The Vibe's mechanical sibling, the Toyota Matrix, will debut at SEMA later this month. We'll update the Vibe info as more information comes to light. Until then, tell us your thoughts on the redesign in the comments.
UPDATE: Though it wasn't available before we published this post, the official image from GM has since been released. Click above to see it in high-res.
UPDATE 2: Follow the jump for GM's ultra-brief press release. The car will arrive in showrooms in early 2008.
[Source: The GM Source]
PRESS RELEASE:
2009 Pontiac Vibe
All-new, but still retaining the original's blend of style performance and versatility, the 2009 Pontiac Vibe also signals the return of the popular all-wheel drive and performance-oriented GT models. The 2009 Vibe will make its public debut at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show and will be available at Pontiac dealerships in early 2008.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Tim @ Oct 9th 2007 12:25PM
Most reliable product in Pontiac's Stable. The Pontiac blade auris.
Eric Biran @ Oct 9th 2007 11:37PM
You obviously are unaware of the following from an article in 2005:
"-GM was ranked second in the critical Customer Service Satisfaction index in multi-line manufacturers last year. Where was Toyota? Fifth place.
-GM's lowest quality-rated vehicle is the Pontiac Vibe, assembled in California by - you guessed it - Toyota."
Here's the complete original article, but you need a subscription:
http://www.tctimes.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=14615828&BRD=2524&PAG=461&dept_id=494488&rfi=8
However, it is pasted in its entirety here:
http://www.cheersandgears.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=333
This isn't just something that was someone's oppinion, I remember reading several articles to the same effect back then. I think it was JD Power that had the numbers, but this is what I could find. It's a bit unnecessarly harsh on Toyota, but it does highlight how bad the perception gap still is.
Vivek @ Oct 9th 2007 12:27PM
Looks pretty sharp. Seems to me like the front clip "sort of" resembles the G8. Espescially with the GT coming back it could be a good buy.
Ligor @ Oct 9th 2007 4:29PM
i think you're off, those are the Nissan Maxima headlights
but it still looks good
samir.bhatia @ Oct 9th 2007 12:28PM
The GT (and presumably XRS) version does return! The styling is what it is. Fine for this vehicle and it is a tasteful update. More of a refresh than a redesign almost.
Let's hope the GT & XRS versions get something a little more special than the yota 2.4L from the tC & Camry.
Bennet Pullen @ Oct 9th 2007 12:30PM
Very Nice!
I wonder what the power train will be for the GT model... All of those rumors about the Corolla getting a v6 make me wonder if the Vibe GT might not end up with Toyota’s 3.5l and AWD! That would be SICK.
That One Person @ Oct 9th 2007 4:59PM
I believe that rumor was for a concept or a Corolla for a different market. I doubt Toyota would do something like that here. It would be cool but I doubt it.
Chad @ Oct 9th 2007 12:33PM
Isn't it basically a Toyota Matrix? Wonder why they decided to share?
Peter @ Oct 9th 2007 12:45PM
Yes, it's same as the Matrix, but with Pontiac badges. They share because there isn't a Geo/Chevy Prism anymore. Here's the history:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NUMMI
I like the less-plastic clad body. Looks like a nice update.
NYCbloke @ Oct 9th 2007 12:36PM
Love it - another nice redesign from GM.
I want something that is inexpensive, can haul stuff, sips fuel and isn't a mini-ute. If the interior is up to scratch, I’d definitely put this on my shopping list.
Ed @ Oct 9th 2007 12:37PM
Wow.
Very, very sharp looking.
DriverG @ Oct 9th 2007 12:44PM
Better looking than the original, I think. I'm not sure I've ever actually seen one on the road. Does Pontiac sell any of these?
Snark @ Oct 9th 2007 12:47PM
I see at least four a day. Maybe they don't sell in your neck of the woods, but they're very common in Colorado, and they sell quite well.
FThorn @ Oct 9th 2007 12:50PM
tons. and the GM version can be had with On*Star.
Gary @ Oct 9th 2007 1:33PM
Actually, it looks like they're on track to sell a whopping 30,000 this year, with about 27% of those going to fleets.
Not exactly a runaway hit. In fact, Toyota sells a few more of the Matrix.
Gary @ Oct 9th 2007 1:35PM
Actually it looks like they're on track to sell a whopping 30,000 of them, with 27% going to fleets. Not exactly a runaway hit. You guys must live near a rental car agency!
http://www.fleet-central.com/af/t_pop_pdf.cfm?action=stat&link=http://www.fleet-central.com/af/stats2007/cars_web.pdf
jmstro04 @ Oct 9th 2007 5:37PM
Yes, they actually are a pretty good seller for Pontiac. I like it. It kind of has the shape of the older matrix, so hopefully the matrix has changed its shape.
mark_carrier @ Oct 9th 2007 12:47PM
Looks like a sharper Mazda 3 from the A-pillar back and a happy BMW up front, but overall not bad for what it is. Curious to see the powertrain options.
iQuack @ Oct 9th 2007 12:58PM
Cladding free = Ding protection free.
I'd rather have cladding than the door dings!
spencer @ Oct 9th 2007 2:09PM
If you like cladding so much go buy an Aztek. Every car looks 100x better without cladding and rub strips. First thing I do when I get a new car is take off all the badging and rub strips.