Autoblog

Report: Toyota says Corolla/Matrix steering issue not a defect, will offer fix to complainers

Chris Shunk — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Toyota

2009-2010 Toyota Matrix - click above for high-res image gallery

Back in February, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration initiated an investigation of 749,685 2009 and 2010 model year Corolla and Matrix vehicles for a potential steering issue. And while we haven't heard much from the government agency regarding this issue, the Detroit Free Press reports that Toyota has indicated that the problem is not a safety defect and thus doesn't warrant a recall. Instead, the automaker will provide a free fix to customers who claim to have an issue.

NHTSA reportedly launched the investigation after 168 reports that Corolla and Matrix electric power steering units were prone to drifting or locking up, with the problem most notable when cruising at highway speeds. Toyota has reportedly told the Free Press that it has collected a total of 437 reports, including 11 injuries and 18 crashes. Further, the automaker has been receiving complaints about this issue since 2008. Spokesperson Brian Lyons reportedly tells the Freep that the majority of issues involve wandering from the dead-ahead steering position and that the company considers the problem a customer satisfaction issue, not a defect.

To address customer concerns, Toyota has sent a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) to its dealers advising technicians to check tire pressure and alignment. If that doesn't fix the problem, the next step is to replace the computer that governs the electric power steering with a new unit that has been re-tuned with a different steering feel.

Not classifying the Corolla/Matrix issues as a safety defect figures to save the Japanese company a lot of cash that would be tied up in a recall. Toyota will also avoid having to update regulators, who were informed of its decision to forgo recall proceedings way back in May. NHTSA hasn't publicly said anything since the Toyota proclamation and the investigation is reportedly still ongoing. With 11 injuries, 18 crashes and hundreds of reported problems, we're very interested to see if NHTSA ultimately agrees with Toyota on this one, or if the situation will eventually result in another recall and additional bad publicity for the automaker. Likewise, with General Motors having sold its own Matrix twin, the Pontiac Vibe, it presumably faces the same sort of steering issue. If so, it will be interesting to see if the Detroit automaker chooses to address the issue in the same way.

Gallery: 2009-2010 Toyota Corolla Matrix

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Report: Toyota says Corolla/Matrix steering issue not a defect, will offer fix to complainers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Consumer Reports may restore Toyota "Recommended" ratings next week

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Toyota

Consumer Reports may be ready to offer a vote of confidence in Toyota, depending on the outcome of the Japanese automaker's current Congressional Hearings on Toyota Safety here in the United States, says CR Senior Director David Champion.

At the end of January as news was starting to pile up regarding reported cases of unintended acceleration and the subsequent recalls of nine Toyota models (totaling 2.3 million vehicles), CR decided to pull its Recommended rating from the Toyota Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Matrix (and its twin, the Pontiac Vibe), RAV4, Sequoia and Tundra.

Says Champion, "We're looking at a daily basis at the recalls. We want to be sure that the recalls are being performed." Assuming that Toyota's efforts to repair faulty gas pedals remain on track, it would seem CR has enough faith in the automaker to give back its coveted Recommended ratings.

And what of suggestions that there may be more to Toyota's unintended acceleration woes than faulty floor mats and gas pedals? "We want to see if anything bubbles up from the Senate hearings... A lot of people pointed to the electronics, but I don't see anything at the moment that points to an electronic issue."

Tired of Toyota recall news? Try out the recall-free version of Autoblog.

[Source: AOL Autos | Image: Scott Olson/Getty]

Consumer Reports may restore Toyota "Recommended" ratings next week originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM tests Pontiac Vibe brakes against unintended acceleration in wake of Matrix recall

Michael Harley — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, GM, Pontiac, Toyota

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

Determined to allay any concerns that the Pontiac Vibe - a clone of the recalled Toyota Matrix - has safety issues with its brakes, General Motors conducted its own vehicle tests over the weekend at its Milford Proving Grounds. "We ran the Vibe wide open at 60 miles an hour and the brakes were able to bring the vehicle to a safe stop within 169 meters, consistent with our internal requirement for brake performance," said Martin Hogan, GM director of brake systems.

While the tests may have successfully exonerated the Vibe's braking capability in a controlled unintended acceleration scenario, they did shed some light on the increased distances required to bring run-away vehicles to a stop. According to a recent Edmunds road test of the 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT, their test vehicle panic-stopped from 60 mph in just 127 feet. Converted, GM's quoted stopping distance is 507 feet - meaning the full-throttle Vibe took four times the distance to come to a safe stop when fighting both inertia and engine power.

Nevertheless, prior to the Toyota recall announcements, GM says it had not received any relevant customer complaints on its 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe models (although the Vibe is currently included in two Toyota recalls). The recent actions against Toyota did send a few Vibe customers to GM's hotline, but none have reported any crashes or injury. Even then, GM is quick to reiterate, "In the rare case of a sticking throttle, a driver should apply the brakes firmly and steadily until you come to a stop. Do not pump the brakes, which can deplete the available vacuum boost from the brake system." Park the vehicle, and then have it towed to a GM dealer for inspection.

Gallery: 2010 Pontiac Vibe

[Source: General Motors]

GM tests Pontiac Vibe brakes against unintended acceleration in wake of Matrix recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

BREAKING: Toyota adds another 1.1M cars to floor mat recall

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Toyota

1/27/10 Toyota pedal entrapment recall vehicles - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you need to announce another recall around the same time a controversial president is making his highly anticipated State of the Union address, you probably won't curse that particular luck. That is exactly what Toyota felt it needed to do, revealing yesterday evening that it's recalling a further 1.1 million cars to fix "pedal entrapment problems" caused by floor mats.

This action is tied to Toyota's largest recall ever last year of 4.26 million cars for the same issue, but is different than the recall of 2.3 million cars for a sticking accelerator announced last week. The new models in question are:

2008-2010 Highlander
2009-2010 Corolla
2009-2010 Venza
2009-2010 Matrix
2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe

Toyota reportedly has a number of fixes planned for all of the issues. Now it will just want the time to be able to focus on fixing them, without any more surprises. Hat tip to JT!

Gallery: Toyota Pedal Entrapment Recall - 1/27/10

[Source: The Detroit News]

BREAKING: Toyota adds another 1.1M cars to floor mat recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Toyota was legally required to stop selling recalled models

John Neff — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Pontiac, Toyota

Toyota has quite the PR nightmare on its hands. The boiling cauldron of complaints surrounding unintended acceleration issues bubbled over this month with two separate but giant recalls. The latest involves eight Toyota models that contain defective accelerator pedal mechanisms that could stick over time due to wear.

There is no fix available for the pedal mechanisms yet and dealers have continued to sell new models affected by the recall, so Toyota announced yesterday that it's suspending the sale and production of these eight models for the week of February 1. It was a bold move that made headlines, as Toyota stands to lose a lot of money. On the other hand, the Japanese automaker got some pats on the back for doing the right thing.

Turns out, the decision to stop producing these vehicles wasn't made by Toyota alone. The Detroit News reports that Toyota is required by law to stop selling the vehicles since there is no fix available yet. David Strickland, the new administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said that Toyota consulted with his agency, which informed the automaker of its obligations and it complied. That still doesn't answer why these recalled vehicles were being sold five days after the recall was announced.

Nevertheless, Toyota spokesman Mike Michels is reported saying that the company's decision to stop selling the recalled vehicles was voluntary, but that they also had a legal requirement to do so. How do you voluntary do something that you're obligated to do?

In related news, General Motors has confirmed to Autoblog's sister site, AOL Autos, that it is putting a hold on all remaining Pontiac Vibe sales, as the model is under recall for the same throttle issue that afflicts its mechanical twin, the Toyota Matrix. Fortunately for GM, there are apparently only six Vibe units left in stock nationwide as the brand's shutdown continues.

Gallery: Toyota Sticky Pedal Recall - 2/26/10

[Sources: The Detroit News, AOL Autos | Image: David McNew/Getty]

Report: Toyota was legally required to stop selling recalled models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Don't Forget Me! Pontiac Vibe also included in Toyota recall

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, GM, Pontiac, Toyota

Pontiac Vibe - Click above for high-res image gallery

It is easy to forget that among the debris swirling in the tornado of claims against Toyota, the Pontiac Vibe is really a Toyota Matrix. Hence, the Vibe is also included in Toyota's recent recall of 2.3 million vehicles to repair accelerator pedal mechanisms that could stick and cause unintended acceleration.

The Vibe was built at the NUMMI plant in a California. The joint venture between Toyota and General Motors became a victim of last year's industry turmoil. GM pulled out of the partnership last June, and Toyota is reportedly ending production there in March.

GM doesn't yet know how many 2009 and 2010 model Vibes are included in the recall. When it receives details on numbers and the fix from Toyota, customers will be notified and they can get their hatches repaired at Buick-GMC dealerships.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req.]

Don't Forget Me! Pontiac Vibe also included in Toyota recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Dampened: Pontiac Vibe production ends this August

Dan Roth — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:27:00 EST

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

It was originally thought that the Vibe would be the terminal Pontiac, but now that we've learned that the Excitement runs out of the NUMMI plant by the end of August we're not so sure. While the curtain will drop on the Vibe, General Motors hasn't totally ruled out future co-production with Toyota at its joint venture in Fremont, CA.

The Vibe is the twin of Toyota's Matrix, and tended to earn Pontiac a lot of "it's a good GM car, because it's actually a Toyota" commentary, frustrating to no end in the halls of the RenCen, we're sure. Check out the full press release after the jump.

Continue reading Dampened: Pontiac Vibe production ends this August

Dampened: Pontiac Vibe production ends this August originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pontiac Vibe to be replaced with another shared Toyota model?

John Neff — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Pontiac

2009 Pontiac Vibe - Click above for high-res image gallery

There are a lot of questions left unanswered after General Motors announcement this morning that its Pontiac division was not long for this world. One of those is what will happen to GM's joint venture agreement with Toyota to produce models at the New United Motor Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) facility in California. The Pontiac Vibe is currently produced there along with the Toyota Matrix, its platform mate. GM has stated that it's already negotiating with Toyota to produce a new model at NUMMI that would be sold under one of the automaker's remaining four brands - Chevy, Buick, Cadillac or GMC.

Pontiac spokesman Jim Hopson told Automotive News, "There's really nothing wrong with the Vibe. Its only problem right now is that it is a Pontiac." The Vibe, a tall five-door hatchback, could simply be rebadged a Chevy to keep development costs down, though selling such a model in bow tie dealerships could cannibalize sales of the HHR, which itself is scheduled to be replaced in 2011 by a production version of the Orlando Concept. Or, GM could simply start fresh and develop an all new model off of the Corolla-derived platform that underpins the current Matrix and Vibe. As with all things GM at the moment, nothing is firm and more details (and rumors) will surely follow.

Check out our own review of the 2009 Pontiac Vibe.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Pontiac Vibe to be replaced with another shared Toyota model? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Review: 2009 Pontiac Vibe

Chris Shunk — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:09:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hatchback, GM, Pontiac, First Drives

2009 Pontiac Vibe - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the original Pontiac Vibe hit dealer showrooms for the 2003 model year, it was a different kind of General Motors vehicle in just about every way. Sure, it wore a Pontiac badge and had that horrible plastic cladding hanging off its sides, but the vehicle's basic shape was unlike anything else in the General's lineup. There was a very good reason for this, as the Vibe is produced by GM's joint venture with Toyota called NUMMI, or the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. This JV currently produces the Vibe, Corolla and Tacoma pickup for both automakers, and the new Vibe is basically the same vehicle as the 2009 Toyota Matrix with a different skin and interior.

For 2009, the Vibe loses all that plastic armor but keeps its Toyota ties, receiving the recently updated Corolla underpinnings and powertrains. Will the Vibe's many changes make the little Pontiac good enough for prospective buyers to consider again? We took a brand new 2009 Vibe GT for a week-long spin to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT

Continue reading Review: 2009 Pontiac Vibe

Review: 2009 Pontiac Vibe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Recall Watch: Toyota, GM recalling 660,000 vehicles for window defect

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Hatchback, GM, Pontiac, Toyota

Joint manufacturing ventures allow both automakers to share resources and platforms, but unfortunately, it also means they share problems. Such is the case with GM and Toyota, whose NUMMI plant in Fremont, California, put out 540,000 Toyota Matrixes, Corollas and 123,00 Pontiac Vibes with faulty bolts that hold in the glass on the two front doors. The 660,000 2003-2004 vehicles equipped with power windows are being recalled after 500 complaints, 36 claimed injuries and one crash (?!) were reported. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is calling for both automakers to recall the affected vehicles and replace the faulty bolts at no charge.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Recall Watch: Toyota, GM recalling 660,000 vehicles for window defect originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pontiac cuts $1,500 off base price of Vibe, starts under $16k

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 16:25:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Wagon, Crossover, Pontiac

Click the image above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Pontiac Vibe.

Pontiac released the pricing details on the 2009 Vibe today, and when the wagon/CUV hits dealers this February you'll be able to drive off in the base model for $15,895 (including destination fee) - a significant drop from the '08 model's $17,395 cost of entry. The all-wheel-drive equipped Vibe will come in at just under $20k at $19,495, while the GT model is priced at $19,895. Both the GT and AWD versions come with the Toyota-sourced 158 hp 2.4-liter inline four.

Not a bad deal, especially considering that all models come standard with four-wheel disc brakes, ABS, StabiliTrak traction control, OnStar and six airbags.

Pontiac's press release can be viewed in full after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT

Continue reading Pontiac cuts $1,500 off base price of Vibe, starts under $16k

Pontiac cuts $1,500 off base price of Vibe, starts under $16k originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: 2009 Pontiac Vibe drives by early

John Neff — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 15:07:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Videos, Hatchback, Pontiac

click above image to view video

The 2009 Pontiac Vibe will be officially unveiled at 4:00PM EST today during an event called the Vibe Slam. You can watch the live reveal here, but we're on hand in person and will bring back all the material info on Pontiac's new people mover for your perusal. Of course, one could argue that the Vibe was debuted last week at SEMA when Toyota debuted its essential clone, the Corolla Matrix. In fact, aside from appearances, there appear to be hardly any mechanical differences. Returning to the Vibe lineup after a hiatus is an all-wheel-drive option and the GT model. Unfortunately, coupling a power-sapping all-wheel-drive system to the car's tiny top shelf engine, a 154-hp 2.4L four-cylinder, is a recipe for the antithesis of excitement. We'll bring you more official info after the car is unveiled at 4PM, but until then you can watch the 2009 Pontiac Vibe motor along on video thanks to a few clips that snuck onto YouTube early.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading VIDEO: 2009 Pontiac Vibe drives by early

VIDEO: 2009 Pontiac Vibe drives by early originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Nov 2007 15:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Autoblog Podcast #79

Dan Roth — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Podcasts, Europe, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Chrysler, Ford, Pontiac, Subaru, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows, UAW/Unions, Australia, FPV

We lead off Autoblog Podcast #79 with the most important news of the week. Seriously, this rocked the car world. Vin Diesel and Paul Walker are returning to the Fast and Furious franchise for F+F IV. w00t! Moving on to more important news (like anything at all), we touch on the then impending and since finished Chrysler strike. See who was right, since the 'cast was recorded Tuesday, and the strike didn't launch until Wednesday. There's been lots of auto show action, and Tokyo caught our attention this week. The Impreza STi debuted, along with a bunch of other weird concepts from Subaru, Toyota, and Honda. One that caught our eye was the Honda CR-Z. Is it an Insight replacement, a new CRX, or both? Sydney's also having an auto show, and the VW Touareg R50 showed up there, packing a house-pulling 600+ foot pounds of torque. There was also a bunch of Ford wares in Sydney, but no Falcon Orion, apparently. Dang. Wrapping up, we touch on On Star's new service for perp-operated cars, which leaves John unsettled (something to hide?). Speaking of unsettled, our final item is the official pic of the 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT. We like it, but we're sure that it will stir debate, and it doesn't get an alphanumeric designator like G3 5/8. Weird. It's a value packed 53 minutes. See you next week!

SUBSCRIBE to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
LISTEN to the show now
ADD the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Autoblog Podcast #79 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Oct 2007 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Leaked Officially Official: 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT

Alex Nunez — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 12:19:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hatchback, Pontiac

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]

Continue reading ~~Leaked~~ Officially Official: 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT

~~Leaked~~ Officially Official: 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 12:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM pulling ahead production of 2009 Pontiac Vibe

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Pontiac

The current 2008 Pontiac Vibe

One General Motors model that hasn't received much attention lately is the Pontiac Vibe, but that will be changing in the next few months. The current Vibe has been around for six years and shares a platform and assembly line with the Toyota Matrix. Both cars are built at the GM/Toyota NUMMI joint venture in Fremont, California. Toyota has primary engineering responsibility for both cars and is pulling ahead production of the 2009 Matrix because it's unhappy with the sales mix of the current model. Production of both cars should be starting in the first quarter of 2008 and they will probably make their first public appearance at either the L.A. or Detroit auto shows in November or January, respectively. We briefly got a look at some spy photos of the new Vibe last month and the basic shape is carried over but still in keeping with other current Pontiac models. The styling, however, is much cleaner without the strakes and cladding of past Pontiacs.

[Source: Wards Auto World]

GM pulling ahead production of 2009 Pontiac Vibe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Sep 2007 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: 2009 Pontiac Vibe almost uncovered

Dan Roth — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, GM, Pontiac, Toyota

UPDATE: Image removed at request of owner.

With the Toyota vs. GM smackdown in full swing, the Vibe/Matrix always seemed inconsistent with the two companies regular practice of beating each other's brains out. The shared models have been popular enough to warrant a second generation, which we should see officially unveiled at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. Cheers and Gears has a bunch of great spy shots from GenVibe member EastBaySaint of the 2009 Vibe nearly devoid of camo, follow the link to see them. What is missing is any semblance of cladding, a change that's been propagating through Pontiac for a while now, and is welcome anywhere it goes.

Toyota power is still underhood, likely in the form of the 2ZR-FE or 2AZ-FE inline four cylinders, offering 136 or 157 horsepower, respectively. Toyota's Valvematic may show up, as well, along with the attendant efficiency gains. The slightly modish lines of the original Vibe have evolved nicely, gaining less anonymous swept-back headlamps but avoiding the other styling convention du jour, fender vents. There's now a dip in the beltline, recalling the G6. The interior, too, has had its elements pulled together in an evolution of the original's design. Every inch of the Vibe has been scrutinized and revised to good effect, and the name may also be nipped and tucked to an alphanumeric to keep up with the rest of its stablemates, possibly being dubbed the G4.

[Source: Cheers and Gears]

Spy Shots: 2009 Pontiac Vibe almost uncovered originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Aug 2007 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

CONFIRMED: Buick getting fourth model, Velite likely

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 31 May 2007 09:36:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Sedan, Buick, Pontiac

In an interview with Car and Driver, Troy Clarke, president of GM's North American efforts, confirmed that Buick would be getting another model by the end of the decade. The forth vehicle to join the Buick stable will be rear-wheel drive and take cues from the Velite concept that debuted at the 2004 New York Auto Show.

Whether or not such a vehicle will be a convertible or a large sedan remains to be seen, but it will share the Zeta platform underpinning the upcoming Pontiac G8 and Chevrolet Camaro. The Velite name may not carry over.

In the same article, Clarke espoused Pontiac's goal of being a performance-oriented brand, while at the same time suggesting that all of Pontiac's products will not sport RWD. Clarke confirmed that a redesign of the FWD Vibe is in the works, and may be released as early as this year.

[Source: Car and Driver]

CONFIRMED: Buick getting fourth model, Velite likely originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 May 2007 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments