Autoblog

Rumormill: Solstice to get G6 GXP-look schnoz?

Alex Nunez — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 12:32:00 EST

Oh no. Blogger Mickey Kaus says that he's seen an updated Pontiac Solstice ('09, presumably, since the '08 is unchanged), and that the new front clip sports the unbecoming, "tongue-thrusting" look of the current G6 GXP. Let's hope what Kaus saw was just some driver with poor taste rolling with an aftermarket nose, because the Solstice is not in need of a factory-prescribed rhinoplasty. GM would do well to focus on further refining the next generation of the car and not engage in ill-advised interim facelifts just for the sake of having them.

The Solstice is a great-looking, fun little go-kart that's not without its flaws. None of those, however, involve the car's appearance, which is its strongest suit. The new-look G6 GXP fascia is so overwrought that it effectively ruins an otherwise appealing package (GXP trim is the only way to get the G6 with the 3.6L V6 and 6-speed auto, and be advised: the GXP sedan gets the Gene Simmons mug, too). Don't do that to the Solstice, Pontiac. When you're trying hard to rekindle the Excitement Division, it's probably not a good idea to remind folks that you were the Aztek Division not so long ago. Unnecessary silliness like this does precisely that, so we hope this is one report that never leaves the proverbial rumormill.

UPDATE: More details from Mickey Kaus in the comments.

[Kausfiles via Instapundit]

Rumormill: Solstice to get G6 GXP-look schnoz? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pontiac prices G6 GXP from $26,595

John Neff — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Pontiac

click above image to view high-res gallery of the 2008 Pontiac G6 GXP

Do you love it or hate it? Either way, you'll need to fork over some extra cash if stepping up to the new top model in Pontiac's G6 line up, the G6 GXP. The 2008 Pontiac GXP Coupe will start at $26,595 and the sedan version will base at $26,795. Both prices include a delivery fee of $650.

If you're really daring, you can hand the dealer another $990 for the Street Edition Package that violates all manner of civilized taste. Included in the Street package is a "hammerhead" spoiler that could easily seat two for lunch, as well as all sorts of "scoops and bezels" on the hood. As far as we can tell the G6 GXP comes with that garish nose regardless of whether you choose the Street Edition Package.

The front-wheel drive G6 GXP comes with GM's 3.6L V6 producing 252 horsepower and 251 ft-lbs of torque and a six-speed automatic transmission. That should be enough to squirt the car past that chuckling mob of onlookers, although push it too hard and torque steer might drive you right into them. The car's also feature a performance-tuned suspension and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. If you can't tell, we're not big fans of the G6 GXP's styling, but otherwise it's got some decent hardware to back up being labeled a GXP car.

[Source: Inside Line]

Pontiac prices G6 GXP from $26,595 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Aug 2007 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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50 Cent really does likes Pontiacs

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Pontiac

Remember when we suggested there was no way that rapper 50 Cent would choose to put two Pontiacs, the G8 and G6 GXP, in his video for "Amusement Park"? In fact, we went so far as to say that you'd have to suspend disbelief in order to think that Fiddy would want his girlz sliding all over Pontiacs instead of Lambos and Bentleys.

Well, we were wrong.

What we should have remembered is that rappers work in mysterious ways. According to a Pontiac spokeswoman, 50 saw the G6 GXP -- a car that could be called "Flipper" based on that massive, trunk-mounted fluke -- and G8 at the NAIAS, and requested them himself. Total cost to Pontiac: $0.00.

The last time we heard about 50 being pulled over, it was in a Murcielago Roadster, and word is he's also selling his Connecticut mansion. Does his new album "Curtis" and the Pontiac fetish herald a slower, more frugal 50 Cent?

Thanks for the tip, Alex!

[Source: Freep]

50 Cent really does likes Pontiacs originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Jun 2007 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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