Autoblog

Hurst announces Pontiac H.O. G8 and G6

Drew Phillips — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Sedan, Pontiac

2010 Hurst/Pontiac H.O. G8 and G6 - Click above to enlarge

The Pontiac brand may be on its way out the door, but that doesn't mean it can't have one last fling with a renowned tuner. Hurst Performance Vehicles, the legendary shifter company that most recently has made waves with its Hemi Challenger, announced its new H.O. program for the Pontiac G6 and G8. Few details have been released regarding the performance upgrades of the cars, but each will feature Hurst's signature black/gold or white/gold paint scheme, forged alloy Hurst wheels, an exclusive Hurst shifter, supercharged engine, suspension upgrades, and a newly trimmed interior.

To help with the development of the car, Hurst also brought on performance icon "Doc" Watson, who developed such vehicles as the Hurst Hemi-Under-Glass and the 1972 Pontiac SSJ. Only 52 Hurst H.O. Pontiacs will be built along with ten G6 convertibles used as parade and special event vehicles. More details regarding the performance upgrades will be announced on August 1st, but until then all the available information can be found in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Hurst announces Pontiac H.O. G8 and G6

Hurst announces Pontiac H.O. G8 and G6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nopar: Pontiac G6 "Super Bee"

Alex Nunez — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chrysler, GM, Pontiac, Humor, Specialty

Pontiac G6 "Super Bee" - Click above for photo gallery

While Pontiac gets ready to take a dirt nap next to Oldsmobile and the folks at Chrysler's Auburn Hills HQ brush up on their Italian, at least one American driver is showing us what might have been if the once-proposed Chrysler/GM merger (remember those days?) had come to be. Consider the perfect storm of hideous product decisions that could have ensued under such a tie-up.

What's that? Your mind's eye can't envision a scenario so horrifying? No worries. Autoblog reader Berto snagged some photos illustrating just how kooky things could have gotten. Imagine one automaker's muscle heritage fused with the base-level front-drive mediocrity of another. Imagine, friends, the Pontiac G6 V6 Super Bee. Thanks, Berto!

Gallery: Nopar: Pontiac G6 V6 Super Bee

[Photos: Berto]

Nopar: Pontiac G6 "Super Bee" originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Jun 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Last Call: Pontiac Vibe final consumer model for dead brand

Chris Paukert — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Pontiac, Toyota

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

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Last Pontiac Standing will be the nearly new Vibe. The compact hatchback was the predictable pick not just due to its young age, but because it is part of General Motors' longstanding NUMMI joint-venture plant with Toyota.

Understandably, the Vibe isn't set to get a big update for 2010, but according to GM's 2010 Product Guide, front- and all-wheel drive models will continue, as will the sportier GT. The Vibe will receive a new Ignition Orange Metallic paint option (Mystic Blue Metallic goes away), a new luggage rack will be available on all-wheel drive models, and a couple of new option packages appear on the order sheet for the base 1.8-liter four-cylinder model (Sun & Sound and cargo management). Air-conditioning will be standard across the range for the first time.

In other news, the G6 will also soldier on in 2010, albeit only for fleet buyers. It is unclear what body styles will survive, but the sedan is a reasonable bet, although it is possible that coupe models will soldier on as well.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT

[Source: General Motors]

Last Call: Pontiac Vibe final consumer model for dead brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More GM Cuts: Cadillac STS-V and Pontiac G6 GXP both gone for 2010

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 08 May 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, GM, Pontiac

2009 Pontiac G6 GXP Sedan - Click above for high-res image gallery

Pluto, the Roman god of Hades, is currently on a tour of the General Motors product garage and he's taking a few cars with him from the land of the living. After sending the Impala SS and the Cobalt SS to the underworld, he has just added to his collection the Cadillac STS-V and Pontiac G6 GXP - neither car will live to see next year. Truth be told, these cancellations are coming straight from the automaker's 2010 Online Order / Reference Guide for dealers, and we're only finding out about them as people dig deeper and deeper into the document.

GM banishing the STS-V makes sense, since it was underpowered and overpriced compared to the CTS-V, and your typical STS owner probably wasn't looking to get to his doctor's appointment faster than the speed of light. The G6 GXP, meanwhile, is not only hideously ugly in both two- and four-door versions, but a 252-hp coupe costing $26,595 is not a great value proposition these days. Heck, that's $3,500 more than the new V6 Camaro! While we mourn their loss of life and horsepower, we doubt many will miss the cars themselves, and we wish them well on their appointments with the boatman at the river Styx.

Gallery: 2009 Pontiac G6 GXP

[Source: Motor Authority]

More GM Cuts: Cadillac STS-V and Pontiac G6 GXP both gone for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 May 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Finds of the Day: Pontiac Vibe GT-R and G6 GXP SEMA showcars

Noah Joseph — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Auctions, Pontiac

Pontiac G6 GXP (above) and Vibe GT-R (below right) SEMA show cars - Click either image to view in high resolution

Pontiac fans are undoubtedly going to miss the role-out of new concept cars from the not-long-for-this-world GM division. But for a lucky two, that thrill can be experienced every day on their own driveway as two past Pontiac show cars have popped up on eBay Motors for sale.

First up is the Pontiac Vibe GT-R that debuted at the 2002 SEMA show in Las Vegas. Boasting a unique Opera Red Metallic paint job, ram-air induction hood scoop, special body-kit, PIAA driving lights, 19-inch rims, custom suspension, Kenwood hi-fi, a full Momo interior... oh, and a 190hp 1.8-liter DOHC four, the Vibe GT-R was created as a rolling showcase of aftermarket possibilities for the Toyota-based tall hatch -- without focusing on the pesky performance end of things.

Joining the unique Vibe is the Pontiac G6 GXP show car which debuted at the same show two years later. GM's Performance Division built the show car for SEMA to test public reaction for a performance-oriented G6. Reaction was good, and the car went into production, but the show car maintained a more stunning visual appearance. The show-quality orange hue is offset by the dark grey splitter up front and diffuser around back, and the engine and suspension were tweaked to show the Pontiac's performance potential.

With GM forced to sell off its collection of past concept cars and Pontiac going the way of the Oldsmobile, both these low-mileage cars present unique opportunities for enthusiasts and collectors to get their hands on a piece of soon-to-be-history. Follow the links to view the auctions, which both end at 6pm Pacific time on May 3, or click on the thumbnails below to see the images in our high-res mega galleries. Props to Berto for the tip!

Gallery: Pontiac Vibe GT-R SEMA 2002 show car on eBay

Gallery: Pontiac G6 GXP SEMA 2004 show car on eBay

[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Finds of the Day: Pontiac Vibe GT-R and G6 GXP SEMA showcars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Pontiac G6 gets minor nose job

John Neff — Fri, 30 May 2008 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Sedan, Pontiac

Click above for high-res gallery of refreshed Pontiac G6 spy shots

The Pontiac G6 is one of those alright-looking cars that isn't begging for a total redesign, so General Motors is planning a mid-cycle refreshening of the car's nose instead. The updated design was recently photographed by spies, actual spies, around Detroit, and the changes to the G6 schnoz are clear. Pontiac designers will be adding some creases to the new front end giving it some angularity that's lacking on the current model, while the twin air intakes of the current car that mirror the grille shape will be replaced with one central lower air intake flanked by two smaller ones and requisite fog lamps. There may be some tweaks to the rear taillamps as well, but we're told those will be minor. Thankfully, the 2009 G6 comes available with GM's new six-speed transmission for the first time, making the overall package much more enticing. Some minor plastic surgery should only sweeten the deal for this very competent car in Pontiac's lineup.

Gallery: Refreshed Pontiac G6 - spy shots

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Pontiac G6 gets minor nose job originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 May 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lutz denies Pontiac not getting Alpha platform

Chris Shunk — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 09:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac

When we read in Motor Trend that the Alpha platform would find its way beneath the bow tie instead of the next G6, we were a little disappointed. It didn't make sense that GM would forego the performance-oriented image of Pontiac that Blogger Bob promised us for the more family-friendly, high volume Chevy brand. If you can believe that Maximum Bob returns emails from fanatical Cheers and Gears message board posters (we definitely wouldn't put it past him), then we have nothing to worry about.

In the alleged email, the industry's most outspoken executive cut right to the chase to tell the wide-eyed emailer that Motor Trend's story was "totally untrue." Heck, maybe we'll get the best of both worlds and the General will make a Alpha-based performance Pontiac and a stylish, fun and affordable Chevrolet. We've been denied many of the best overseas platforms for too long, but nothing can make us forgive and forget faster than a couple of world-class RWD sedans that aren't the size of a freighter.

[Source: Cheers and Gears via The GM Source]

Lutz denies Pontiac not getting Alpha platform originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alpha RWD platform set to invade GM lineup

John Neff — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 15:04:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Pontiac

Citing suppliers and loose-lipped employees of General Motors as its source, Inside Line has learned that the rear-wheel drive Alpha platform will be making a big splash in the automaker's product portfolio soon. The Alpha will reportedly underpin a successor to the Pontiac G6 set to arrive in late 2010. Such a vehicle would do much to enhance Pontiac's unsubstaniated claim to build excitement, and would also augment the upcoming Zeta-based, rear-wheel-drive G8 sedan nicely. After that, the Alpha will take up residence beneath the next-generation Cadillac BLS sedan that's currently sold only in Europe. Once it makes the switch, IL expects the BLS to cross the Atlantic and slot in below the CTS in Cadillac's North American lineup. Next up would be a new rear-wheel-drive Alpha-based sedan for Saturn that would be positioned below the front-wheel drive Aura and above the Astra.

The Alpha infusion would occur in GM's lineup just as the aged front-wheel-drive W-body platform is phased out and replaced by the Epsilon II platform. The W-based Buick LaCrosse will make way for an Epsilon II successor that revives the Regal name, while the next-gen Malibu and Aura will move over to the new platform, as well. The Malibu may also be offered in a long-wheelbase version to appease current Impala customers who will still need a large, front-wheel-drive sedan once that car jumps to the rear-wheel-drive Zeta platform.

Regardless of whether any of these plans actually happen (nothing's written in stone in this business), it's clear that GM's push to globalize its platforms is on track.

[Source: Inside Line]

Alpha RWD platform set to invade GM lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jun 2007 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pontiac sales continue to climb

Joel Arellano — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 15:08:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, GM, Pontiac

If product is everything, then Pontiac may be one of General Motor's shining examples. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, while sales for the sporty brand may have dropped in the first quarter this year compared to 2005, some of those figures can be attributed to GM's de-emphasis of fleet sales as the automaker moves away from that market. And while the Solstice is still sold out, the G6, now made (in)famous on Oprah, has already posted a 78-pct increase this quarter compared to last year. GM partially attributes the G6's sales success to new trim packages, more powerful engine choices, and appealing design. The automaker points to studies showing that the brand has some of the youngest buyers in its segment, helping it to compete with Honda and Nissan.

But Pontiac watchers are concerned. They point to the upcoming G5, based on the Chevrolet Cobalt, and worry about a repeat of the badge-engineering that damaged the marque in the first place. Pontiac, though, says the G5 will be distinctly a Pontiac.

[Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

Pontiac sales continue to climb originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Apr 2006 15:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pontiac unveils G6 GXP concept car

Stuart Waterman — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 18:24:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Pontiac

Pontiac will be whisking the cover off this G6 GXP at the New York Auto Show. Officially just a concept car, we're guessing the GXP will soon see production.

The GXP "performance series" badge first saw the light of day on Pontiac's 2003 Bonneville GXP, and later graced the performance model of the Grand Prix. A Solstice GXP will launch later this year.

The G6 GXP is meant to provide buyers with a more aggressive 2 2 coupe, with a full package of GXP mechanical and styling enhancements.

On the performance side, the GXP boasts a mildly reworked 3.9-liter V6 (270 hp, 250 lb-ft) coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission. The car rolls on 19-inch wheels providing a glimpse of cross-drilled brake rotors (after all, nothing says performance like brake disc holes). The suspension is lowered about an inch all around.

Styling-wise, the GXP gets a redesigned front fascia with integrated air dam, a couple of air scoops in the hood, side rocker panels, a new rear fascia sporting dual exhaustsand a faux diffuser, and a new "hammerhead"-design spoiler. The interior receives a red accent treatment, including red chrome trim. The Autoblog jury's still out on the grille (which looks to some of us like a shotgun wedding of Pontiac's "nostrils" and the Audi "waterfall"), but overall the package offers a nice performance upgrade for the G6.

All in all, a factory-edition tuner car. More pics after the jump.

Continue reading Pontiac unveils G6 GXP concept car

Pontiac unveils G6 GXP concept car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Apr 2006 18:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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