Autoblog

While Supplies Last: Pontiac says only 16 G8 GXPs left at U.S. dealers (among other things)

Noah Joseph — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST

2009 Pontiac G8 GXP - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you're looking to get your hands on a Pontiac before the General Motors division shuts its doors for good, you'd better act fast, because stocks are dangerously depleted.

According to Pontiac's Twitter page, there are only some 3600 units left of some of the brand's most desirable products left at dealers across the United States. If the G8 sedan is what you fancy, there are only 570 GT trims left, and only 16 examples of the top-tier G8 GXP. We'll have to assume any remaining parts stock is will remain in Australia.

The Solstice is similarly low on stock, with only 139 base coupes and 160 GXP coupes left on dealer lots. Pontiac also reports there are only 1500 G5s, 530 G6 GXPs and 350 Vibes left in stock. If that kind of announcement doesn't spur some sort of driving excitement among prospective Pontiac buyers, nothing will.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP

[Source: Pontiac via Twitter]

While Supplies Last: Pontiac says only 16 G8 GXPs left at U.S. dealers (among other things) originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Pinkee's ignites lust for a Pontiac Firebird

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:20:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Pontiac

1977 Pontiac FireBird by Pinkee's Rod Shop - Click above for high-res image gallery

This year's SEMA show might have been a bit smaller than in years past, but there were certainly some heavy hitters in the crowd that proved the old "quality, not quantity" adage. Take, for instance, this super-clean, super-fine 1977 Pontiac Firebird. Like the Ringbrothers "Afterburner" Fairlane and the Goodguys Street Machine of the Year 1962 Corvette C1-RS, the look is modern, yet definitely retro. Dreamed up by hot rod artist Jimmy Smith, it was crafted to life by Pinkee's Rod Shop of Windsor, Colorado.

It has a smooth-as-glass appearance with its gloss black paint dripping off its shaved and streamlined form. Elegantly simple billet wheels, naked headlamps and a restyled rear complete the exterior look. The interior hasn't been forgotten either, as it is fully custom and equally straightforward. The same can be said for the engine bay, which looks like a surgical O.R., with its LS7 engine resting neatly in a fully customized bay. It was easily one of our favorite cars at this year's show.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Pinkee's FireBird

SEMA 2009: Pinkee's ignites lust for a Pontiac Firebird originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM recalling 53,000 Chevy Cobalt, Saturn Ion, and Pontiac G5 models over fuel leak concern

Chris Shunk — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:40:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac, Saturn

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS - Click above to view high-res image gallery

General Motors may have shed itself of much of its pre-bankruptcy problems, but the automaker still has to tend to its warranty and recall duties. As such, GM is recalling 53,000 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5 and Saturn Ion models for a potential fuel leak problem that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says could lead to a fire. The problem involves 2006 Cobalt and Ion model models sold or registered in Arizona and Nevada and 2007 Cobalt, G5 and Ion models sold or registered in Arizona, California, Texas, Florida and Nevada.

NHTSA says the plastic supply or return port on the cars' modular reservoir assembly may crack, potentially leading to a fuel leak that could cause cause decreased efficiency and performance. Worse, if that leaking gasoline comes into contact with an ignition source of any kind, you could be looking at a Delta platform car-b-que.

To fix the fuel leak problem, company dealers will replace the fuel pump module of affected vehicles free of charge. GM is also providing a special coverage for 2006 and 2007 Cobalt, G5 and Ion models in other warm weather states, and you can hit the jump to read over the NHTSA press release to see if you live in a participating location. GM hasn't yet provided a time frame for owner notification, but if you have questions you can read the official press release after the jump or call 1-800-630-2438 (Cobalt), 1-800-972-8876 (Ion) or 1-800-620-7668 (G5).

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading GM recalling 53,000 Chevy Cobalt, Saturn Ion, and Pontiac G5 models over fuel leak concern

GM recalling 53,000 Chevy Cobalt, Saturn Ion, and Pontiac G5 models over fuel leak concern originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Lingenfelter T/A Concept a throwback to the 455 Super Duty

Drew Phillips — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:40:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Design/Style

Lingenfelter T/A Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

We can't come to a consensus about the Lingenfelter T/A Concept. Half of us are bathing in the warm glow of the '70s when the Trans-Am was the car to have, while the rest of us see a mix-and-mash of different cars of different generations and an overall design disconnect. Either way, the car is an attention-grabber at the Nitto tire booth.

The transformation from 2010 Camaro to Trans-Am began with an all-new front fascia and custom headlights, grille and turn signals. The front fenders were modified to include functional heat extractors, and the rear of the car has been extended four inches. Completing the look is a new hood with a shaker hood scoop and blue striping.

The Lingenfelter T/A isn't just about looks though. Underneath the hood is genuine 455ci V8 with CNC ported and polished LS7 heads good for 655 horsepower and 610 lb-ft torque. More details can be found in the press release after the jump, and our live photos plus new official ones are in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Lingenfelter T/A Concept

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Lingenfelter T/A Concept a throwback to the 455 Super Duty

SEMA 2009: Lingenfelter T/A Concept a throwback to the 455 Super Duty originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Breaker, breaker, we got ourselves a Bandit

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:38:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Pontiac

Kevin Morgan Phoenix Trans Am Concept 2 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last year in Las Vegas, graphic designer Kevin Morgan showed off the first Trans Am rebody of the new Camaro at SEMA 2008. This year he is back with T/A version 2.0 for SEMA 2009. While the original "Phoenix" T/A 1.0 had the Bandit color combo we know and love, a few of the details were off in making it a true '77-'78 Trans Am redo.

For this year's show he's rectified that situation with a new quad-headlight front fascia and a few other changes that bring it more in line with the uber Firebirds we remember from our misspent youths. Slip into one of these black and gold Trans Ams and before you know it you'll be East Bound and Down, calling for the Snowman on your CB to help you stay one step ahead of Smokey. Built in conjunction with fabricator Todd Otto, one-off versions can be ordered to spec, and a kit version will also be made available through Trans Am Depot starting in early 2010.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Kevin Morgan Trans-Am Concept

SEMA 2009: Breaker, breaker, we got ourselves a Bandit originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Lingenfelter 455 T/A Concept really is badass

Alex Nunez — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:07:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Pontiac

Lingenfelter 455 T/A Concept - See more images at Car and Driver

Car and Driver is the first outlet to post real live photos of the SEMA-bound Lingenfelter 455 T/A Concept. By taking the looks of the '70 Trans Am and adapting them to the new Chevrolet Camaro, Lingenfelter has created something that will have you playing "What if.." scenarios regarding Pontiac over and over again in your heads. Imagine a world in which you could walk into a General Motors dealer and pick between this and the G8 GXP...

Anyway, snap out of it, because that ain't happenin'. We think what's likely to happen, if people go as batsh*t crazy over this creation at SEMA as we think they will, is that Lingenfelter will probably offer the package to customers. That's probably good, anyway, as we can't see GM spending the bucks to offer the 455 T/A's upgraded interior (yeah, it's premium vinyl, baby) and monstrously-upgraded engine. See, that 455 nomenclature's no joke. According to C/D, the 455 CID/7.5-liter V8 rocks an 11.5:1 compression ratio, ported and polished LS7 heads, a new intake and a forged crankshaft. The exhaust is by Corsa, the honeycomb wheels are custom jobs, and most importantly, the engine comes correct with 655 horses and 610 lb-ft. of torque. We'll have plenty more on this bad mofo next week from SEMA. In the meantime, head over to CarandDriver.com for more images.

[Source: Car and Driver via Camaro5 | Image: Patrick M. Hoey]

The Lingenfelter 455 T/A Concept really is badass originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: Lingenfelter to show off Camaro-based Pontiac Trans Am

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:40:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Specialty

2010 Lingenfelter Camaro LTA - Click above for high-res image gallery

Apparently, there are more Trans Am-obsessed Pontiac aficionados in the world than we initially suspected. While we have a major soft spot in our hearts for the old Poncho F-Bodies, we'd never actually go to the trouble of converting a perfectly good 2010 Camaro into something featuring T-tops and emblazoned with tons of Screaming Chickens. Some, though, seem to feel a life without the Trans Am is no kind of life at all.

First, there was the so-called Phoenix conversion from Kevin Morgan. Now, well-known tuning firm Lingenfelter Performance Engineering is entering the fray with its 2010 Camaro LTA, which resurrects another of Pontiac's most famous muscular lumps: the 455 cubic inch V8. In this case, the mill isn't really a Pontiac engine at all - the 655-horsepower engine is based on an aluminum GM LS-series block that's bored and stroked to equal the desired 455 cubes and capped with ported and polished LS7 heads.

Styling obviously takes its inspiration from the 1971 and 1972 TA, complete with the white and blue paint scheme and prominent twin-grille beak (Endura bumper not included). Naturally, front fender vents join a ducktail spoiler at the rear and 20-inch honeycomb wheels complete the visual package. So far, there's no word on pricing, but we wouldn't expect it to come cheap. Stay tuned for an official debut at the upcoming SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Gallery: 2010 Lingenfelter Camaro LTA

[Source: Camaro5.com]

SEMA Preview: Lingenfelter to show off Camaro-based Pontiac Trans Am originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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STUDY: Ford owns brand loyalty in 2009; Scorned Saturn, Pontiac buyers will look outside of GM

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:55:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Pontiac, Saturn, Toyota

Ford buyers appear to love their cars more than customers of any other automotive brand, returning back to the American automaker when it comes time to purchase their next vehicle. According to a study by Experian Automotive, six of the top 10 vehicles for customer brand loyalty wear badges from the Blue Oval. That includes the Ford Fusion (62.4 percent), Ford Edge (57.9 percent), Ford Five Hundred/Taurus (56 percent), Ford Freestyle (51.9 percent), Ford Escape (49.4 percent) and the Ford Focus (47.57 percent).

Other vehicles making up the top 10 include the Toyota Prius (52 percent), Chevy Impala (51.7 percent), Toyota Camry (47.8 percent) and Toyota Corolla (47.56 percent). This brings up an interesting question: With the closing of automotive brands like Saturn and Pontiac, where are those buyers to turn for their next automotive purchase?

Apparently, not back to General Motors. According to Experian, Pontiac owners are most likely to look to the Ford lineup for their next car or truck and Saturn shoppers will switch to Toyota or Honda - not particularly surprising given that Saturn was meant to compete with import brands. Experian predicts that GM's overall market share will fall from 20 percent to about 17.5 percent, with most of the slack being picked up by Ford, Honda and Toyota.

[Source: Experian Automotive, USA Today]

Continue reading STUDY: Ford owns brand loyalty in 2009; Scorned Saturn, Pontiac buyers will look outside of GM

STUDY: Ford owns brand loyalty in 2009; Scorned Saturn, Pontiac buyers will look outside of GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Great Vengeance and Furious Anger: Samuel L. Jackson Pontiac voiceover outtake NSFW [w/VIDEO]

Chris Shunk — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:56:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Pontiac

Click above to listen to Samuel L. Jackson's Pontiac Grand Prix commercial outtake after the jump

Samuel L. Jackson has been a pop culture phenomenon since long before he strode onto the set of Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction as hitman Jules Winnfield. And the smooth-talking actor has historically made for a great pitchman, too - except when he told us to watch Snakes on a Plane. General Motors' now-defunct Pontiac brand decided that Jackson would be the ideal spokesman for the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix, so it contracted the Royale With Cheese-loving bad ass mother f%@%#r to do voiceovers for a few spots. And while the final commercials were delivered with Jackson's latter-day Billy D. Williams smooth side, let's just say that at least one just-unearthed outtake contains a bit more Jules Winnfield/Englewood Jack than would be permitted by the FCC.

Follow the jump to listen to Jackson as he goes from Pontiac pitchman to Zeus, father of Apollo, reigning down hilarious f-bomb lightning bolts from Mount Olympus. For our money, we think touting "260 supercharged powers" and going with Jackson's dramatic riff on Pontiac's then-current "Fuel for Your Soul" tagline would have sold more widetrack sedans than the final edits. We also added two of the final television spots after the jump for comparison's sake, but we understand that the audio clip actually came from a radio ad recording session. Either way, special thanks go out to reader Mike C. who tracked down the audio through his friend at an ad agency.

*WARNING: Voiceover contains (very) explicit language. Not safe for work.

[Source Image: Miramax Films]

Continue reading Great Vengeance and Furious Anger: Samuel L. Jackson Pontiac voiceover outtake *NSFW* [w/VIDEO]

Great Vengeance and Furious Anger: Samuel L. Jackson Pontiac voiceover outtake *NSFW* [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kicking the Dead: Pontiac recalls 10k 2009-2010 Vibes over cold-weather braking

Michael Harley — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Pontiac

2010 Pontiac Vibe GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors is recalling 10,119 units of the Pontiac Vibe due to cold weather-related brake problems. The vehicles subject to the recall are all fitted with the 1.8-liter four-cylinder powerplant, and were sold or are currently registered in one of about two dozen snow belt states.

According to the recall campaign, very low ambient temperatures may cause brake vacuum components to freeze. The vehicles will still brake, but stopping distances will be increased, possibly leading to a crash. Dealers have been instructed to modify the brake vacuum line free of charge to correct the problem. While the recall specifically names vehicles originally sold or registered in certain states, the repair campaign will also be applied to vehicles sold in all other states.

For more information, Vibe owners may contact Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, visit GM's Owner Center, or call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-327-4236. Full press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Pontiac Vibe

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Kicking the Dead: Pontiac recalls 10k 2009-2010 Vibes over cold-weather braking

Kicking the Dead: Pontiac recalls 10k 2009-2010 Vibes over cold-weather braking originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: DeLorean Motor Company considering rescuing Pontiac Solstice?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Pontiac, Saturn, Rumormill, MISC

DeLorean Motor Company Pontiac Solstice renderings - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors has made a science out of sharing platforms. So when the company's Kappa platform was introduced for a new rear-drive roadster to be distributed across three different motor divisions, you'd have figured the program was pretty safe, right? Unfortunately for the workers at the Wilmington Assembly Plant which manufactured the Kappa roadsters, those three divisions were Pontiac, Saturn and Opel - three units which the General has either sold or shut down. Which is a shame, because a perfectly good rear-drive roadster platform is a heck of a thing to waste.

In one of the strangest rumors we've heard recently, however, our compatriots over at Jalopnik report that the DeLorean Motor Company (yes, that DeLorean Motor Company) is considering buying the plant and the platform from GM and putting it back into production as a new DMC.

The company's current management is speculating whether their founder, who had a long history with Pontiac, would have tried to save the dying motor division, and are reportedly encouraged by the prospect of putting the Willmington workforce back to work. At this point, there's no telling how realistic the prospects are - after all, today's DMC does little more than service the old DeLoreans and word 'round Detroit was that the Kappas were notoriously costly to build and something of a money pit.

Either way, the company has reportedly acquired a Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe for closer consideration. And we're sure there's an aftermarket garage out there somewhere that could outfit the coupe with gullwing doors...and who knows, maybe even a little Mr. Fusion for flex-fuel capacity.

Gallery: DeLorean Solstice renderings

[Sources: Jalopnik and Facebook]

Continue reading Rumormill: DeLorean Motor Company considering rescuing Pontiac Solstice?

Rumormill: DeLorean Motor Company considering rescuing Pontiac Solstice? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Zeta-based Chevy "G8" police car to be unveiled Monday

John Neff — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Pontiac, Holden, Police/Emergency, Australia

The Pontiac G8 has not deserved its lot in life, and despite the Australians trying to steal it back with the debut of two special edition Holdens that look awfully similar, this rear-wheel-drive sport sedan will find one way or another to stay on sale in the U.S. Unfortunately, its customers won't be the general public since General Motors, after a few crossed wires, has decided not to let the G8 live on as the Chevrolet Caprice. No, the G8's new audience will be the po-po, as in law enforcement.

We've been telling you about GM's plan to introduce a G8-based cop car for some time, and all evidence points to Monday as the cruiser's official debut at the International Association of Chiefs of Police convention in Denver, CO. While GM has not technically confirmed that the G8 will form the underpinnings of this new police package, the Zeta platform on which the G8 is based is the only RWD one large enough to accommodate a pair of officers and their collars. In other words, we don't expect GM to unveil a Kappa-based Pontiac Solstice police cruiser next week, as cool as that might be. So keep your eyes and ears peeled on Monday. The cops are coming and they'll be driving a G8.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd, Photo by Tom Worthington]

REPORT: Zeta-based Chevy "G8" police car to be unveiled Monday originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pontiac G8 resurfaces in Australia as a pair of special-edition Holdens

Noah Joseph — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:42:00 EST

Filed under: Pontiac, Holden, Australia

Holden VE Commodore SS V-Series Special Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

Holden giveth, and Holden taketh away. While we're still mourning the departure of the Pontiac G8 here in the U.S., the General's Australian subsidiary - whose Commodore gave birth to the G8 in the first place - has just announced a pair of special editions that seem to take back what we've lost.

The Holden VE Commodore SS V-Series Special Edition - available in sedan, Sportwagon and Ute body-styles - ditches the Australian brand's usual grille in favor of a twin nostril front end with a splitter down low and a pair of hood scoops up top. Look familiar? It's a Pontiac G8 GT, only without the Pontiac emblem. They just wiped the arrowhead off with a tissue like it was an errant booger. There's also the...um, sophisticated-sounding International Special Edition that packs AUS $7,500 of optional equipment, including leather interior and 18-inch alloys, into the ~~Pontiac~~ Commodore with the 3.0-liter direct injection V6 and six-speed auto, a.k.a. the Pontiac G8 V6.

You can read more about the pair in the press release after the jump. But all you really need to know is that the prisoner of GM's war on spending wasn't put to death, it was just sent off to Australia until the parts supply runs out. Press release after the jump, arrowhead-free high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Holden VE Commodore SS V-Series Special Edition

[Source: Holden]

Continue reading Pontiac G8 resurfaces in Australia as a pair of special-edition Holdens

Pontiac G8 resurfaces in Australia as a pair of special-edition Holdens originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jim Wangers back in the business of selling the Pontiac GTO?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 09:38:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Pontiac, Specialty

The Pontiac GTO is a muscle car legend. As the car that's most often credited with kicking off the trend of putting the biggest available engine in the smallest available body, the praise and adoration are well-deserved. Despite the reality that the Goat wasn't always the fastest ride available, Pontiac's performer was an instant hit and it carried that momentum through the early 1970s.

A good portion of Pontiac's success with the GTO can be attributed to Jim Wangers, who served as the brand's chief marketing manager when the GTO was first released in 1964. It comes as no surprise, then, that Wangers' name and endorsement was sought by Big 3 Performance, which is launching a new restomod based on the 1969 Pontiac GTO.

Changes to the original Goat's cosmetic appearance are minor, including wider hood scoops and a Trans Am-style ducktail spoiler. Inside, a custom dash and audio system join embroidered Recaro seats and GPS navigation. Holding it all up is a custom chassis fitted with Corvette bits up front and a tried-and-true Ford 9-inch rear end. Revised Pontiac Rally II wheels round out the visual package.

The car's powertrain gets a complete workover with a Butler Performance 505 cubic inch Pontiac V8 that's expected to put out around 700 horsepower. Shifting duties are handled by the same six-speed manual transmission used in the Dodge Viper. It's not yet clear when the Wangers GTO will be available and how much it'll cost, but early projections put the car at around $130,000 to $140,000.

[Source: Big 3 Performance via Detroit News]

Jim Wangers back in the business of selling the Pontiac GTO? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Sep 2009 09:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM dealers opting out of 60 day satisfaction guarantee?

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Pontiac

GM Chairman Ed Whitacre in GM's 60 Day Satisfaction Guaranteed ad

It looks like a group of General Motors dealers aren't fond of the company's new 60-day satisfaction guarantee. In fact, they dislike it so much that about 3.5 percent of the General dealers are opting out of the program, according to the financial site 24/7 Wall St. Although GM has stated it will foot the bill for returns, it appears there's enough concern (or confusion) that it's causing a car-fuffle.

According to the report, at least 149 of the company's 4,000 dealers will let other retailers handle the claims. Other reports put the number of non-participating dealers even higher. The 24/7 Wall St. crew phoned a few dealers to find out why they weren't participating, and the reasons cited included everything from not liking the new ads featuring Ed "I don't know anything about cars" Whitacre to beliefs that the program sends a message of desperation (duh), and fears that there will be financial risks to the dealers.

The promotion allows a buyer to return a new Chevy, Buick, GMC or Cadillac after 30 days of ownership, with GM refunding the purchase price minus any rebates and sales tax as long as the car is returned before the 60th day of ownership. It does seem like there's plenty of potential for the campaign to backfire, but we were a bit surprised that so many dealers would choose to pass on the promotion altogether.

[Source: 24/7 Wall St.]

REPORT: GM dealers opting out of 60 day satisfaction guarantee? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What a Way to Go: Oldest reported Pontiac found as brand rides off into the sunset

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, GM, Pontiac

As it turns out, "old GM" still matters to someone -- and in this case, we mean really old. The Fairfield County Concours d'Elegance in Westport, Connecticut wanted to include Pontiac in this year's showing, so it went looking for the most ancient example it could find. Of the 12 Pontiacs they tracked down from 1926, the brand's inaugural year, the very oldest resided in Minnetonka, Minnesota: a 1926 two-door coach.

Co-owned by a father and son, Roy and Paul Jaszczak, the Series 6-27 is in good running condition and has apparently made it this far in life without a major restoration: a clean-up, a valve job, and replacing the Lindbergh-era tires is all the Jaszczak's have needed to do.

For their munificent stewardship of the oldest Pontiac, the car will be shipped to the Concours and the Jaszczak's will be flown to New York and put up in swank digs. Then they'll drive the car up to Westport and revel in the kind of East Coast attention that probably hasn't been showered on Minnesotans since Fargo. It's a fitting showcase for the end of the "We build excitement" era, and to the Jaszczak's we say: nice work.

[Source: Star Tribune]

What a Way to Go: Oldest reported Pontiac found as brand rides off into the sunset originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Sep 2009 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Reborn Trans Am makes fire-breathing entrance in Dayton

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Chevrolet, Pontiac

Kevin Morgan Pontiac Trans Am - Click above to watch two videos after the break

Few Pontiac models will be missed by as many people as the Trans Am. From its humble origins in 1969 as an option package on the two-year-old Firebird platform through the Super Duty days and the Bandit Special Editions, right on up to the final Ram Air LS1-powered F-Bodies from 2002, Pontiac's longest-lived muscle car has always enjoyed a loyal following.

So dedicated are these Poncho fanatics that the Trans Am name seems destined to live on past the death of the brand that originally spawned it. We've taken a look at Kevin Morgan's Phoenix TA revival once already, and now the first such Camaro-based machine has been driven off the car carrier in front of a few hundred screaming ~~chickens~~ fans at last weekend's 25th Anniversary Trans Am Nationals in Dayton, Ohio.

Perhaps fittingly, this initial 'bird was painted up in a classic black and gold paint scheme complete with a fire-breathing hood applique and a split front beak reminiscent of the 1977 and 1978 Trans Ams. Naturally, there's a shaker scoop mounted atop the quivering hood feeding fresh air into what we assume is a stock LS3 6.2-liter V8 putting out 426 horsepower. The only things that are missing are T-Tops and a CB radio. Well, that, and a young Sally Field. Click past the break to watch the video.

Gallery: Phoenix Trans Am

[Source: Youtube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Reborn Trans Am makes fire-breathing entrance in Dayton

VIDEO: Reborn Trans Am makes fire-breathing entrance in Dayton originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Stand-alone Buick, GMC dealers to be dualed, only 17k Pontiacs left

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Buick, GMC, Pontiac

From a bird's eye view, bad old bankrupt General Motors' transition into the new, solvent "good GM" looks pretty much okay. From a marketing point of view, Chevrolet matches up well with Ford, Buick is akin to Mercury and Cadillac is the brand Lincoln would love to be. Or maybe Chevy matches up with Toyota, Buick with Lexus and Cadillac... er... point being, in some justifiable, mostly non-abstract way, those three brands make sense. But GMC? Every truck GMC sells (and all they sell is trucks) is already available as a Chevrolet. In fact, counting the Colorado and the Avalanche, Chevy sells more types of trucks than truck-only GMC. Someone then might raise the question, "Why is new GM keeping GMC around?" Ask a Buick dealer.

Automotive News is reporting that by October 2010 there will be no stand-alone Buick or GMC dealerships. They will all be consolidated into Buick-GMC "duals." This decision will affect around 3,000 dealerships that peddle/peddled Buick, GMC and/or Pontiac - they will be consolidated into 2,000 Buick-GMC dealers. Said Susan Docherty, general manager of Buick and GMC, "All our franchise agreements will be renewed then, and we'll only offer one contract: a dual Buick-GMC." When asked how many stand alone stores will be left selling just Buicks or GMCs, Docherty said, "none."

Small side note: if you want to buy a Pontiac, you'd better hurry up. The prices have been slashed, they're selling like hot cakes and Docherty is saying by tomorrow there will only be 16,000 to 17,000 left - and that's it.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd | Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty]

REPORT: Stand-alone Buick, GMC dealers to be dualed, only 17k Pontiacs left originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Return of the Pontiac Fieroboat!

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Auctions, Etc., Pontiac, Specialty

The Fieroboat - Click above for high-res image gallery

Presented today for your bidding pleasure: the one-and-only Fieroboat, as previously highlighted on these pages. Since its last appearance on the internet's largest flea market, the Pontiac-that-wasn't has apparently received a much needed coat of paint - wouldn't want the any salty water leaving rust on this pristine floating Fiero, now would we? An antenna-mounted American flag completes the external visual updates, but the dashboard has seen some much-needed fettling as well.

The Fieroboat isn't running at the moment and seems to be missing its original 2.5-liter Iron Duke ~~boat anchor~~ four-banger, but the seller has faith that its outboard motor can be resurrected to die another day with little more than a new fuel pump and filter. Plus, it reportedly floats just fine and comes with a handy-dandy trailer to get it from Point A to Point B. See it in all its glory in our gallery below.

Gallery: eBay Find of the Day: The Fieroboat

[Source: eBay]

eBay Find of the Day: Return of the Pontiac Fieroboat! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Pontiac G8 Sedan, Wagon and Ute to be sold... in Australia

Alex Nunez — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Truck, Wagon, GM, Pontiac, Holden, Australia, Rumormill

The ill-fated Pontiac G8 ST - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's sad enough that the dizzying, platform-sharing, don't-call-it-rebadging upcoming product extravaganza General Motors unveiled to the Twitterati and media last week did not include the terms Zeta, Pontiac, G8, or any derivative thereof, but if a new report out of Australia is accurate, Holden is about to pour salt in America's wound - with an iodine chaser. Carsales.com.au claims to have an internal Holden memo stating that our friends Down Under will not only be able to purchase a Pontiac G8 SS-V sedan, but Wagon and Ute variants as well. (SS-V is the equivalent trim level to the U.S.-market G8 GT.)

These final Pontiac G8s will reportedly be offered through Holden dealerships (natch) as special limited-edition models. The reason? Simple: a final run of G8s made specifically for the Aussies will allow Holden to clean out some of the remaining Pontiac G8 part stock it currently has sitting around with nowhere to go. Dealer sources told Carsales.com.au that they expect the total run to be in the neighborhood of 1,500 cars, with the breakdown split fairly evenly among the three body styles.

Pontiac G8: the car that didn't deserve to die, that no one wants to see die, and that, so far, refuses to die quietly. Thanks to Stephen for the tip.

Gallery: 2010 Pontiac G8 ST

[Source: Carsales.com.au]

REPORT: Pontiac G8 Sedan, Wagon and Ute to be sold... in Australia originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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