Pontiac takes part in National Military Appreciation Month
As a gesture to America?s men and women in uniform, Pontiac has partnered with the organization A Million Thanks in an effort to express gratitude to those serving in the military. Three General Motors divisions ? Buick, GMC and Pontiac ? are involved in National Military Appreciation Month, with the goal of collecting one million ?thank you? letters at various dealerships. Upon compiling the notes, A Million Thanks will handle distribution to soldiers, marines, sailors and airmen/women all over the world.
?The reaction we?ve received from the military who have been reached by our efforts has been so rewarding,? said Shauna Fleming, founder of A Million Thanks. ?The support of Buick, Pontiac and GMC will allow us to greatly expand our ability to reach out to members of the armed forces around the world, exactly at a time when they need our support the most.?
Last year Pontiac partnered with the VFW National Home for Children, providing over $3 million to the support network for military families requiring assistance.
Source: General Motors media
Pontiac Solstice shows sales strength, outperforms Mazda Miata this year
Since its debut in 1989, the rear-wheel-drive Mazda Miata has defined the entry-level two-seat sports car segment. Balanced handling, eager powertrains, simple styling and reliability have attracted a loyal band of followers, from fuel economy fans to cone-avoiding autocross artists. But part of the Miata?s success must be attributed to lack of competition, as few other vehicles have ever matched up at the Mazda?s price point.
Enter the Pontiac Solstice, General Motors Excitement
Division?s response to Mazda fever. Having debuted for the 2006 model year, the closely-priced Pontiac Solstice makes for a perfect comparison with the third-generation Miata, which was revised in its new skin for model-year 2006.
According a report by Automotive News, the 2006 Pontiac Solstice has outperformed the well-respected Miata substantially this year. From January to November 2006, Pontiac has delivered 18,361 Solstices in the United States, outpacing the Miata?s 15,873 tally. In November alone, Pontiac sold 1,305 Solstice units, compared with 995 Mazda Miata sales.
Upcoming specialty models will intensify the competition further. A high-performance Pontiac Solstice GXP with a turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine makes 260 horsepower and will hit the mainstream next year. Mazda will offer a folding metal roof to Miata customers, a feature usually not found in the low-$20,000 range.
Source: Automotive News [Subscription required]
Image: GM/Pontiac media
Pontiac revs up for 2007: What?s new this year?
Hot off last year?s successful release of the Pontiac Solstice, Pontiac delivers an brand-new model for the 2007 model year while updating the company?s existing lineup.
The all-new Pontiac G5 coupe is unveiled in two trim varieties: base and GT. While base models get a 2.2-liter inline four-cylinder engine yielding 148 horsepower, Pontiac G5 GTs utilize a 2.4-liter inline-four with variable valve timing (VVT) good for 173 horsepower. Both engines are backed by either the standard five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic. Base Pontiac G5s include air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, carpeted floor mats, a CD audio system with MP3 capability and four cupholders. GT versions add four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS, 17-inch alloy wheels and tires, cruise control, fog lights, leather interior accents, body panel extensions and a chrome exhaust tip.
Midsize Pontiac G6 coupes and sedans now include the 252-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 with VVT and six-speed automatic transmission as standard on GTP models. Curtain airbags become standard on all models except the convertible. Hydraulic Power Steering equips Pontiac G6 GTs and a rearview electrochromic mirror with a built in compass becomes available.
The Pontiac Solstice convertible is supplemented by a GXP model featuring a 260-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, sport suspension, StabiliTrak stability control, 18-inch wheels inside 245/45-series tires, unique embroidered seats and mild exterior enhancements. All Pontiac Solstice models receive power driver?s seat height adjustment, a new availabe latte-colored top, an optional rear spoiler and sport metallic pedals.
In the small SUV segment, the Pontiac Torrent now includes standard StabiliTrak stability control, side-impact curtain airbags with rollover sensing, standard four wheel disc brakes, tire pressure monitoring and new wheel, color and audio system choices (including one with navigation).
Midsize sedan Pontiac Grand Prix models carryover mostly unchanged, save for new exterior colors, unique 17-inch wheels and a revised tire pressure monitoring system. The Pontiac Vibe is also specified as last year, expect a new color (Wave Blue) and rear cargo cover are now offered.
Source and image: General Motors/Pontiac media [2007 Pontiac G5 pictured]
Pontiac Solstice: What?s new for 2007
The widely-renowned Pontiac Solstice roadster that debuted last year has been updated for the 2007 model year in several significant capacities. Performance, convenience and comfort have all been improved, and a new exterior shade of yellow yields even more visual distinction.
A turbocharged Pontiac Solstice GXP joins the mix this year, utilizing 2.0 liters of engine displacement, variable valve timing and direct fuel injection to the tune of 260 horsepower and 260 foot-pounds of torque. The GXP model also includes sport-tuned fully independent suspension, StabiliTrak stability control, 245/45-series high-performance tires on 18-inch wheels, polished stainless-steel dual exhaust outlets, fascia body extensions front and rear and special embroidered seats.
Other model-line changes are less drastic, although rewarding in themselves. The old Power Package is replaced by the ?Preferred Package? and includes power windows, power locks, power outside mirrors and remote keyless entry. Driver?s seat power height adjustment moves in two directions, while sport metallic pedals may be fitted to all models. ?Mean yellow? exterior paint pops conspicuously, while a latte-colored cloth top appears luxurious. All models also may be fitted with a rear decklid spoiler.
Source and image: GM media
