Autoblog

Pontiac Solstice Coupe to pack 300 horses?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Pontiac, Saturn

Click above for high-res live shots of the 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe

Sporting a specific output of 130 horsepower-per-liter, the turbocharged, direct-injected Ecotec four-cylinder from GM that's featured in the Pontiac Solstice GXP, Saturn Sky Redline and SS versions of the Chevy HHR and Cobalt, is already one heck of an accomplishment. But wait... there's more -- power that is. According to Motor Trend, shortly after the Solstice Coupe goes on sale next year, the blown-Ecotec could make 300 horsepower or more, putting it in close competition with performance stalwarts such as Nissan's Z. What's more, the same engine should also be available in the convertible versions of both the Solstice GXP and Saturn Sky Redline as well, paired only with a five-speed manual tranny in all applications.

This is just a rumor at this point, but MT seems pretty confident in its validity, citing higher intercooled boost along with a new fuel rail as the tech behind the power increase. The rumor does not mention if the higher-output mill will appear in other applications, though we remember something about the Camaro possibly getting a turbo-four mill as an option, and a tuner-friendly option offering 300 galloping horsies in stock form would make for a very interesting option in the pony car.

[Source: Motor Trend via eGMCarTech]

Pontiac Solstice Coupe to pack 300 horses? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Why does the 2009 Pontiac Vibe continue to use Toyota engines?

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Hatchback, Pontiac

Pontiac officially unveiled the 2009 edition of the Vibe hatchback yesterday, and a question has been raised by several commentors about the powertrain lineup. As we all know, the Vibe shares a platform with the Toyota Corolla and all of its derivatives. The question of why the Vibe uses the Toyota engines rather than GM's own Ecotec lineup was raised during the press conference. After all the 2.4L EcoTec as used in the Cobalt is rated at 173hp and yields EPA numbers of 22/32 mpg according to the 2008 EPA tests. That's 15 hp more, and it bests the 21/27 mpg of the Toyota 2.4 in the Vibe GT.

According to a Pontiac spokesman, the deal with Toyota allows GM to provide product performance requirements, and do the styling, final calibration and tuning. The base engineering responsibility falls to Toyota, and they select the major component suppliers and subsystems, including engines. So, as long as GM maintains this relationship with Toyota, they will have limited control over whatever vehicles are produced. When you consider GM's recent products, it may be time for the General to create the next generation Vibe from its own Delta platform instead. Dropping the 260 hp turbo DI 2.0 Ecotec from the HHR SS (and Cobalt SS, and Solstice GXP, and Sky Red Line) into the AWD Vibe might make a pretty sweet alternative to the new Caliber SRT-4 from Dodge.

[Source: General Motors]

Gallery: 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT

Why does the 2009 Pontiac Vibe continue to use Toyota engines? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt Preview: Opel Flextreme revealed!

Alex Nunez — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 22:03:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Budget, Hybrid, Europe, Green, Crossover, Hatchback, GM, Opel

Click image for photo gallery

The Opel Flextreme concept is GM's European answer to the Chevy Volt, and it's destined to be one of the stars of this year's very green-tinged Frankfurt Motor Show. The vehicle's name was leaked in a Financial Times article published on August 31, and this evening, several photos and more information about the concept were published online. We happily share what's available so far.

The Flextreme sports a Euro-friendly hatchback/crossover-style body as opposed to Volt's US-targeted sedan duds, which allows for an area in which a pair Segways can be stored and charged by the car's onboard electrical system. It's also got a glass panoramic roof, rear suicide doors, and rearview cameras in lieu of traditional mirrors.

Under the skin, the Flextreme and Volt are largely the same save for the engine supplying power to the car's onboard generator. The Flextreme utilizes a 1.3-liter Ecotec turbodiesel instead of the 1-liter 3-cylinder turbo E85/flex-fuel unit featured in the Volt. A lithium-ion battery pack provides the juice for the car's front-mounted electric motor. Battery-only range on a full charge is 40 miles, and when battery power has been exhausted, the diesel will kick in to start replenishing it. It's a PHEV, so it can also be charged by being plugged into an electrical outlet.

The gang headed to Germany will bring us all plenty of live shots and first-person coverage next week.

[Sources: Carscoop, km77, Jalopnik]

Gallery: Opel Flextreme Concept

Frankfurt Preview: Opel Flextreme revealed! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Sep 2007 22:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago Auto Show: Live unveiling of the 2008 Saturn Astra

Eric Bryant — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 13:09:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Budget, Hatchback, Saturn

Click above image to view a high-resolution gallery of the new Saturn Astra

Saturn just rolled out the new Astra to the crowd at the Chicago Auto Show, with the automaker claiming that the compact will help fulfill the brand's promise to bring "appropriate and affordable technology", "great design", and "quality without compromise" to customers.

The Astra survives its overseas excursion largely unchanged, with the most major differences being a set of cupholders and tires that allow it to meet GM's standards for foul weather performance (a result of Americans' lack of awareness or complete apathy when it comes to the use of proper snow tires). Yet another variation on the Ecotec architecture, displacing 1.8L and producing 140 hp, drives the front wheels. The sporty intentions of the three-door model are made evident by the quicker ratio rack in its electrohydraulic steering system, larger wheels with more aggressive performance rubber, and standard stability control.

The long wheelbase and wide stance lend a roomy feel to both the three- and five-door model, and rear storage appears to be rather generous. Need we say the rest of the interior is far better than the vehicle it replaces? We are getting a bit tired of silver paint and oversized trip computer displays, but otherwise, there is little to offend inside the Astra (and kudos to GM for installing a decent set of bolstered seats in the three-door).

We've included plenty of live shots and official press pics of the 2008 Saturn Astra here. You can find the complete press release from Saturn after the jump, and we've also produced a nice video of the introduction with live-action views of the new Astra.

Gallery: 2008 Saturn Astra

Continue reading Chicago Auto Show: Live unveiling of the 2008 Saturn Astra

Chicago Auto Show: Live unveiling of the 2008 Saturn Astra originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Feb 2007 13:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Auto Show: Chevrolet Volt Concept

Eric Bryant — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 00:03:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Green, Chevrolet, GM

click on the image above to view AutoblogGreen's high-resolution gallery

GM's much-rumored electric vehicle introduction for the North American International Auto Show has indeed been revealed to be the Chevrolet Volt. Built on a new platform referred to as E-flex, the cute coupe spins the front wheels via a 161 HP electric motor and a lithium-ion storage pack with 16 kWh of capacity (a piece of technology that, by GM's own admission, is not yet ready for prime time). An Ecotec-branded turbocharged 71 HP three-banger sits under the hood to spin a 53 kW generator, which provides one method by which to charge the pack; the other consists of a pair of plugs (one on either side) that facilitate charging via a standard 110V connection. Six hours or so of charge time at home is good for 40 miles of range, after which the IE kicks in at a steady 1800 RPM to feed the packs. GM calls it an EV with "range extending capability", but to our eyes, it sure looks like a series hybrid. It also has us asking why a small diesel wasn't employed, as such an engine can provide wonderful efficiency when used at a steady speed and load (as former GM division Electromotive has proven with its locomotives over the past several decades).

AutoblogGreen has additional technical detail and analysis. Click here for a full gallery of pictures!

Check out all the debuts and galleries from the Detroit Auto Show here.

Detroit Auto Show: Chevrolet Volt Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Jan 2007 00:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ariel Atom to see a price hike

Scott Davis — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Car Buying, Performance

We know it's December and most thoughts of driving a car with no top or heater are the furthest thing from your mind, but if you were considering ordering an Ariel Atom in the spring, you'd better add it to your Christmas wish list in bold letters. As of December 29th, Brammo Motorsports, makers of the Atom, are upping the base price by around $4,500. They will honor 2006 pricing on all orders placed before the December 29th cutoff.

It seems that the GM-sourced Ecotec four-cylinder engine powering the Atom was promotionally priced to get them out into the marketplace. Effective January 1, the promotion ends and the substantial price increase will have to be passed on to the consumer.

Click here to go to the company's website to spec out your own Atom. If you get your order in for Christmas, before the price increase, the current waiting list dictates that your Ariel Atom should be ready for delivery just as the weather breaks and you can actually enjoy the driving attributes without the concern for frostbite.

[Source: Winding Road]

Ariel Atom to see a price hike originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Dec 2006 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saturn's version of Opel Astra to hit next year; Ion gets stay of execution

Eric Bryant — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Saturn

Saturn's new small car, a version of the well-regarded Opel Astra, should be hitting the shores of North American sometime a bit beyond the middle of 2007. This will replace the not-so-well-regarded Ion, which is now scheduled to be produced through March of 2007 - three months longer than originally announced.

The name for Saturn's new compact has not yet been decided, but it may carry over the Ion name, or it may simply use the Astra nameplate. Either way, customers can expect to get the full-on European experience, as the vehicle is expected to arrive from Europe largely unmolested by the same sort of American twiddling that has doomed similar efforts in the past.

In 2008, production is expected to move to a stateside facility - most likely GM's Lordstown plant, where the Cobalt and G5 are produced. This may provide an opportunity for some of the Astra's DNA to improve the existing Delta platform compacts, and we'd be quite pleased if a few of those supercharged Ecotecs were to find their way under the Astra's hood as part of Saturn's Red Line high-performance lineup.

[Source: Detroit Free Press; Nashville Business Journal]

Saturn's version of Opel Astra to hit next year; Ion gets stay of execution originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Aug 2006 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM announces Solstice GXP pricing

Stuart Waterman — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 18:37:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Pontiac

General Motors' Pontiac division chose (what else) the summer solstice to reveal the price for its top of the line Solstice model. The 260 hp Solstice GXP will appear in dealerships this fall sporting a sticker price of $25,995 (including destination charges).

With 47 percent more power than the normally aspirated version of the Ecotec 4-cylinder powerplant, the GXP should finally provide Solstice drivers with enough motivation to fully explore the performance envelope of the popular roadster.

2006 Solstice models are sold out, and there's already a waiting list for the 2007 models, so if you fancy a GXP in your garage, you'd better join the 20 percent increase in Pontiac showroom traffic this year and sign up soon.

[Source: GM]

GM announces Solstice GXP pricing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jun 2006 18:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is Opel's Astra the next Saturn Ion?

Stuart Waterman — Tue, 18 Apr 2006 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Trends, Budget, Sedan, GM, Saturn

Although the New York Auto Show provided plenty of flash for General Motors' Saturn brand, ranging from the PreVue concept to the Sky Red Line, the missing link in Saturn's future lineup remains a replacement for its soon-to-depart Ion entry-level model.

Back in February, rumors had GM renaming the model the "Evoke" and moving production from Saturn's Spring Hill, Tennessee facility to Lordstown, Ohio-- trading in the Ion's plastic bodywork for steel in the process. The Evoke was said to be based on the Chevrolet Cobalt platform, perhaps with European styling based on Opel models, but that plan has been scuttled.

Given the new-found level of integration between Saturn and Opel championed by GM's product czar Bob Lutz, the latest speculation is that the Ion replacement will be a rebadged Opel Astra (pictured). The Astra, like the Cobalt/Ion, is powered by GM's Ecotec engine family. (Read all about the Astra here.)

Given the delay in making a decision on an entry-level model for Saturn, dealers are already looking at a gap between the end of Ion production and the availability of its replacement. With time running out to make a decision, we're guessing that a rebadged Astra is the odds-on favorite to be the next entry-level Saturn.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Is Opel's Astra the next Saturn Ion? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Apr 2006 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Auto Show: 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP high-res photos

Eric Bryant — Fri, 14 Apr 2006 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Convertible, Performance, GM, Pontiac

If you're looking for some high-resolution photos of the upcoming Pontiac Solstice GXP, we've got you covered. We caught the screaming yellow roadster on display in New York and snapped a few shots for your enjoyment. If you're interested in the 260 HP turbo Ecotec that resides under the hood, stay tuned, as we'll be taking a deep dive into the direct-injection lump in a upcoming post.

We've got more photos after the jump, and click on any of the thumbnails to get the larger version.

Continue reading New York Auto Show: 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP high-res photos

New York Auto Show: 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP high-res photos originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Apr 2006 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM offers new boost for Cobalt SS S/C and Saturn Ion Redline

John Neff — Fri, 07 Apr 2006 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupe, Chevrolet, GM, Saturn

GM Performance Parts announced yesterday the availability of two performance upgrade kits for the supercharged 2.0L Ecotec engine found in the Chevy Cobalt SS Supercharged and Saturn Ion Redline. The Stage 1 kit retails for $500 and adds 31 hp to the engine's base 205-hp through higher-flow injectors and a new ECU calibration. The Stage 2 kit goes for $750 and includes both components of the Stage 1 kit and adds a smaller supercharger pulley and drive belt to fatten up the powerband's midsection and increase power to 241 hp and 218 ft-lbs. of torque. Both kits require premium fuel and are available now at all GM dealerships.

[Source: GM]

GM offers new boost for Cobalt SS S/C and Saturn Ion Redline originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Apr 2006 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U.S. version of Ariel Atom using Ecotecs

John Neff — Fri, 30 Dec 2005 07:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance

In an email sent out to prospective customers, Brammo Motorsports, the manufacturer and distributor of the Ariel Atom, has revealed juicy info about the U.S. version of its doorless, screenless, roofless wonder. The company has just finished testing the Yankee Atom in Arizona at General Motors' proving grounds with a 2.0L, 245-hp Ecotec engine. GM engineers were on hand and reportedly mighty impressed by the little car's trip to 60 that took only 2.8 seconds.

Orders are now being taken for the 2006 Ariel Atom in the U.S. and Brammo Motorsports has even got some incentives for motivation. If you purchase a 205-hp GM Ecotec for your Atom it will be upgraded to a 230-hp Ecotec for free. Likewise order a 230-hp Ecotec and you'll get a 245-hp version for free. Also, there's a $750 discount on all Honda engines, as well. We didn't go through the online order configurator so we can't tell you what final prices are like, but regardless we're guessing they're less than the tax you'd pay on an Enzo.

Hurry up and get the Camry on eBay as production slots for the 2006 Ariel Atom in the U.S. are supposedly filling up quickly.

[Thanks Peter for the tip]

U.S. version of Ariel Atom using Ecotecs originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Dec 2005 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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