Pontiac Blog
Video: How did that Pontiac Grand Prix end up in a tree?Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Pontiac 
Click above to watch the video after the jump
We see a lot of weird, sometimes funny stuff on our nation's streets and highways, but we usually don't feel compelled to share any of it with you. Until today. Wednesday, March 3 was a cool, dry day in southeast Michigan, so we weren't expecting any significant traffic backups on our way home. But sometimes that's precisely when the most interesting situations unfold.
Hit the jump to see the end-game of what had to be a really odd incident. It involves a 15-foot hill, a Herculean pine tree and a very determined "Wide Track" Pontiac Grand Prix going all "Dukes of Hazard" on unsuspecting passers-by. We have no idea how this happened and we're hoping nobody was injured, but at the same time we're showing this video to any teenagers who think texting and driving is a good idea. Please forgive us for the iPhone-quality video and the AM soundtrack, but we feel this is definitely worth your time. Continue reading Video: How did that Pontiac Grand Prix end up in a tree? Video: How did that Pontiac Grand Prix end up in a tree? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGM recalls 1.3 million Cobalts, G5s for power steering problemFiled under: Recalls, Safety, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac 
2010 Chevrolet Cobalt XFE - Click above for high-res image gallery
Communications professionals know that the best time to release bad news about a company is at 5:15 pm on a Friday afternoon before a long weekend. By the time everyone comes back to work the following week, so much other stuff has happened that the story often gets lost in the shuffle. In the auto industry, another good time would be late in the evening just hours before a major overseas auto show while at the same time your biggest competitor is mired in a crisis of its own.
As many of the world's automotive journalists were converging in Switzerland for the Geneva Motor Show late Monday night, General Motors announced it would recall 1.3 million Chevrolet Cobalts and Pontiac G5s built between 2005 and 2010. GM will replace the motors on their electric power assisted steering (EPAS). Over time the motors can reportedly fail and lead to a loss of steering assist.
When the EPAS fails, the result is similar to a belt breaking on a hydraulic power steering pump. The car is still drivable and controllable, but the steering effort at low speeds rises significantly, making it difficult to maneuver at parking lot speeds. At higher speeds, relatively little steering assist is needed and drivers should be able to make it safely to the side of the road if the warning lamp comes on.
[Source: General Motors]Continue reading GM recalls 1.3 million Cobalts, G5s for power steering problem GM recalls 1.3 million Cobalts, G5s for power steering problem originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGM tests Pontiac Vibe brakes against unintended acceleration in wake of Matrix recallFiled 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.
[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 | CommentsThe Autoblog Weekender: Motley Fools editionFiled under: Motorsports, Videos, Dodge, Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Pontiac, Saab, Misc. Auto Shows, Peugeot, Canada, Skoda 
The Autoblog Weekender - Click above to find out what you missed
This week's bag of news is all about cars, cars and cars. Was anyone else aware that the Canadians know a thing or two about tuning Lamborghinis? That's a new one on us. Peugeot and Dodge have new logos, and the Pugs have a new, Ratatouille-esque commercial that involves a blender, a bicycle and a three-wheeled car. The as-yet-unveiled Nissan Patrol Safari gets caught with its doors open, and a bespoke Ferrari, the P450 Superfast Aperta, gets introduced in Florida. It's a little odd. And when some Mercedes engineers get a prototype SL Coupe stuck in the snow and it takes two other Mercedes' to rescue it, let's just say a good time was had by all. Except the Mercedes engineers. Finally, back to those Canadians, while those first lads will get crazy money for their wares, another Canuck wants crazy money for a 1975 Pontiac. Must be the weather. Follow the jump for the feast.Continue reading The Autoblog Weekender: Motley Fools edition The Autoblog Weekender: Motley Fools edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Toyota was legally required to stop selling recalled modelsFiled 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.
[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 | CommentsDon't Forget Me! Pontiac Vibe also included in Toyota recallFiled 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.
[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 | CommentsGearhead Performance Group plans another Camaro-based Trans Am replicaFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Specialty 
Gearhead Performance Group 2010 Pontiac Trans Am - Click above for high-res image gallery
How many Chevrolet Camaro-based Pontiac Trans Am replicas can what we assume to be a rather small market support? We've already seen Kevin Morgan's Phoenix T/A revival as well as our personal favorite, the Lingenfelter 455 T/A Concept that we saw last November at the annual SEMA Show in Vegas, and now it seems that we can add a third Trans Am to the growing list of replicas, this one from Gearhead Performance Group.
One thing that certainly caught our attention that the Gearhead T/A will supposedly offer as an option is a 900 horsepower 6.2 liter twin turbo LS9 V8 engine. Besides that, we see the typical and fully expected split front grille, fender vents, ducktail spoiler and snowflake wheels. There will also be a gaud gold-accented interior option for the ultimate in 1970s style. Just add a CB radio and you'll be good to go.
[Source: Gearhead Performance Group via Jalopnik]Gearhead Performance Group plans another Camaro-based Trans Am replica originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsGM wooing current Pontiac owners with free serviceFiled under: Car Buying, Buick, GM, GMC, Pontiac 
When General Motors put Oldsmobile out to pasture, many owners defected from GM brands all-together. In an effort to make sure history doesn't repeat itself with soon to be displaced Pontiac owners, the General is extending an olive branch in the form of a year of free maintenance.
Automotive News reports that GM is offering four years of free service visits - including oil changes and tire rotations - to specific Buick-GMC dealerships for owners of 1999 and newer Pontiac vehicles. Brian Sweeney, general manager of Buick-GMC, told AN that the plan is to "to keep the relationship with the Buick-GMC dealer." Customers will be given specific Buick-GMC dealers to utilize for the free service in order to help the dealers develop a relationship with said customer in hopes that they will use that dealership to purchase future products.
A potential problem with the plan is that Pontiac and Buick/GMC models aren't exactly in the same price range, though (potential) future products like the Buick Excelle and the GMC Granite concept could be priced competitively enough to keep some Pontiac owners in the GM family.
With new service customers on the way, we're sure the Buick-GMC dealers are excited about this program. Many Buick-GMC dealers used to sell Pontiacs as well, so many of the brand's former customers won't even have to go to a new dealer to cash in on the free maintenance.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty]GM wooing current Pontiac owners with free service originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsAustralian "Pontiac" G8 given extended run?Filed under: Sedan, Truck, Wagon, Pontiac, Holden, Australia 
Holden VE Commodore SS V-Series Special Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery
We kind of have the Aussies to thank for it, so we guess it's all right that they get to keep it... but we can still be jealous. Four months ago General Motors' Down-Under division unveiled the Holden VE Commodore SS V-Series Special Edition, essentially a Commodore with the front end from the late Pontiac G8, minus the Pontiac badges.
The old company line was that they would be made until the parts ran out. Then buyers started tripping over themselves to buy the sedan at a $1,000 Australian premium ($923 U.S.). The new company line is that Holden will offer the G8 look "indefinitely," for the same premium. Dealers have also been ordering Pontiac and G8 badges to make the no-longer-limited-edition sedans closer to the real Yankee thing. The package will remain available on the three models in the line: Pontiac G8 SS-V ute, sedan, and wagon, all of which come with a manual transmission. Have a look at Australian fortune in the high-res gallery below, and excuse us while we drown our frustrations with the nearest hammer.
[Source: CarPoint]Australian "Pontiac" G8 given extended run? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsVIDEO: Mythbusters tests skipping Lambo from Speed Zone, a.k.a. Cannonball Run 3Filed under: Etc., Videos, Lamborghini, Pontiac 
In the movie Speed Zone, familiarly known as Cannonball Run 3 and ripe for an award for one of the most incredible ensemble casts ever, the opening sequence ends with a Lamborghini Countach eluding the police by skipping over a lake. You know, like a rock.
Mythbusters' new gearhead Kari Byron wanted to see if that could really be done, so they tested the stunt out on a scale model Lamborghini over an appropriately scaled body of water. Then they tested the stunt again with a full-sized car - Pontiac Fiero, not a Countach - over a real pond, and the results made us go something along the lines of "That's awesome."
Follow the jump for the videos, which are broken up into a couple of segments. The scale model Lamborghini segment is cut short - they want you to watch the show - but the final test of the Pontiac Fiero Water Skimmer Edition is at Mythbusters.
[Source: Mythbusters]Continue reading VIDEO: Mythbusters tests skipping Lambo from Speed Zone, a.k.a. Cannonball Run 3 VIDEO: Mythbusters tests skipping Lambo from Speed Zone, a.k.a. Cannonball Run 3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsREPORT: GM may let dealers sell remaining "non-core" vehicles as used with big discountsFiled under: Car Buying, Pontiac, Saturn 
You've seen the dealer commercials before. "Now is the time to buy.... year end sale!" Well, if you want the Pontiac or Saturn of your dreams, this really is the best ever time to deal because it's literally the last chance to get a new vehicle from these brands. The Wall Street Journal reports that General Motors is offering dealers $7,000 in cash for each new Saturn or Pontiac model sold until the deal ends January 4. Edmunds reportedly told the WSJ that it expects GM will have about 4,200 Saturn and Pontiac models by January 1.
That $7,000 in cash goes straight to dealers, meaning that a dealer can give you all or only some of the $7,000 off the vehicle if they so choose. But if you do get the entire $7,000 rebate, it could amount to 46 percent off the price of a new Pontiac G3 - you know, if driving a rebadged Chevrolet Aveo is your idea of excitement. But hey, how many new cars can you buy for $8,000 outside of India? A more compelling deal could be $7,000 off the price of a Saturn Astra. Getting a brand-new Astra with tons of options and a $13,000 price tag could be considered a steal.
The catch to the sale is that the vehicle will be sold as used since dealers will officially be the first owners of the vehicle. That could effect customers' ability to purchase a new vehicle with a GM employee or supplier discount, but in the majority of cases, the $7,000 would likely be the better deal. Hat tip to Keerthi!
[Source: The Wall Street Journal | Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty]REPORT: GM may let dealers sell remaining "non-core" vehicles as used with big discounts originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsWhile Supplies Last: Pontiac says only 16 G8 GXPs left at U.S. dealers (among other things)Filed under: Car Buying, Pontiac 
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.
[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. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSEMA 2009: Pinkee's ignites lust for a Pontiac FirebirdFiled 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.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
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. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGM recalling 53,000 Chevy Cobalt, Saturn Ion, and Pontiac G5 models over fuel leak concernFiled 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. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSEMA 2009: Lingenfelter T/A Concept a throwback to the 455 Super DutyFiled 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.
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.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. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSEMA 2009: Breaker, breaker, we got ourselves a BanditFiled 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.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips, Weblogs, Inc.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. Permalink | Email this | CommentsThe Lingenfelter 455 T/A Concept really is badassFiled under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Pontiac 
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. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSEMA Preview: Lingenfelter to show off Camaro-based Pontiac Trans AmFiled 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.
[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. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSTUDY: Ford owns brand loyalty in 2009; Scorned Saturn, Pontiac buyers will look outside of GMFiled 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. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGreat Vengeance and Furious Anger: Samuel L. Jackson Pontiac voiceover outtake *NSFW* [w/VIDEO]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. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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