Pontiac - 50 Cent Video from New York Auto Show

Pontiac at the New York Auto Show

March 2008 New York, NY: Superstar Hip-Hop Artist 50 Cent joined Pontiac to introduce new vehicles at the NY International Auto Show. 50-Cent is a passionate car enthusiast. He has previously worked with Pontiac to customize a G8 to his specifications.
Pontiac revealed its High-Performance Flagship - the superstar of the GXP performance series - the 2009 G8 GXP. The G8 GXP takes the G8's good looks to a new level. It also delivers an enjoyable driving experience, thanks to a 6.2L V-8 that produces in excess of 400 horsepower. A new 6-speed Tremec TR6060 manual transmission is optional. Pending final testing, the G8 GXP is expected to deliver 0-to-60 mph performance of about 4.7 seconds, and a quarter-mile time of 13.0 seconds at 108 mph. More than just raw power, the GXP delivers the sophisticated yet exciting driving experience that enthusiasts expect in a car costing far more than the GXP. It will join the Solstice, G6 and Torrent GXP models in Pontiac dealerships in late 2008. The top selling roadster in the U.S., the Pontiac Solstice - is being joined by a coupe model. Revealed at the NY Auto Show is the 2009 Pontiac Solstice coupe. Unveiled as a GXP model, the Solstice coupe builds on the success of the convertible model while offering a greater range of all-season driving opportunities. For drivers still wanting an open-air experience, the coupe also features a removable roof panel, fully opening the cockpit to all of the sensations of the road. Despite its dramatic new look, engineers made only minor structural changes to create the Solstice Coupe. And while the coupe is powered by a standard 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder engine that generates 173 horsepower, the GXP version is equipped with a 2.0 L turbocharged Ecotec engine with 260 horsepower. It is expected to arrive in Pontiac dealerships in early 2009.
Bader TV asked actress Anna Karin to check it out.

Pontiac G6 GXP 2008. Photos

Read about Pontiac G6 GXP 2008. Part IRead about Pontiac G6 GXP 2008. Part II

Pontiac G6 GXP 2008. Part II

Pontiac G6 GXP models have sporty, driver-oriented interiors with refined controls and instrument layouts. Standard features include highly bolstered, body-hugging seats, tilt/telescopic steering wheel,racing-style gauges with true-red LED instrument backlighting, automatic climate control, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, AM/FM/CD player, variable intermittent wipers, tachometer and theft-deterrent system. Available items include power adjustable pedals, six-way power seats, heated seats, leather seating surfaces, in-dash six-CD changers and remote vehicle start. GXP-specific leather-appointed seating with two-tone inserts is available.
On the road, the Pontiac G6 GXP coupe and sedan deliver the type of responsive ride and handling characteristics expected from Pontiac's performance series. They are equipped with GXP-specific sport-tuned suspensions, as well as GM’s StabiliTrak electronic stability control system as standard equipment.

The front suspension uses a MacPherson strut design, with aluminium lower control arms and a direct-acting stabilizer bar. Suspension components mount to a U-shaped hydroformed chassis cradle. Rubber mounts isolate the body from the chassis cradle to minimize noise, vibration and harshness. At the rear, a four-link independent suspension design uses twin-tube shock absorbers and another direct acting stabilizer bar, all intended to minimize body roll during cornering. High-performance braking is an integral part of the G6’s sporty nature. Large, heavy-duty four-wheel disc brakes provide excellent stopping power and great fade resistance. Front discs are vented and the rears are solid. Four-channel ABS is standard.

Base Pontiac G6 GXP models receive standard 18-inch aluminium alloy painted flangeless five-spoke wheels, while those opting for the Street edition will receive a unique 18-inch wheel. Black chrome-finished 18-inch aluminium wheels are also available.

Pontiac G6 GXP 2008. Part I

The 2008 Pontiac G6 GXP is rigged with a 3.6 liter DOHC V-6 VVT engine that that develops around 252 hp (188 kW) and 251 lb.-ft. of torque (341 Nm). The 2008 Pontiac G6 GXP has a Hydra-Matic 6T70 6 speed automatic transmission, a performance tuned suspension. The 2008 Pontiac G6 GXP sits on 18-inch wheels and has a specific exterior and interior styling.

Pontiac G6 GXP

The new, 2008 G6 GXP performance coupe and sedan bring a new, performance-oriented dimension to the G6’s broad lineup. They will be available with both base and Street edition packages.

G6 GXP Street edition models are easily identified by their new front fascia, which features new fog lamps and braided polished stainless steel upper and outboard lower grille inserts with chrome surrounds on the upper grille sections leading to a revised hood with scoops. New body side rocker moldings lead to a redesigned rear fascia with two exhaust openings. Chrome, dual-wall tips exit through the openings. A rear spoiler also is part of the GXP package, but is specific to either the sedan or coupe; the coupe model receives a larger, more aggressive hammerhead spoiler. GXP-specific 18-inch wheels are also standard in the Street edition package.

All Pontiac G6 GXP models are powered by GM Powertrain’s 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing. It is rated at 252 horsepower (188 kW) at 6300 rpm and 251 lb.-ft. of torque (341 Nm) at 3200 rpm. The engine is a state-of-the-art, DOHC powerplant that uses full four-cam phasing, rapid date processing and torque-based engine management to optimize power, economy and emissions performance.

The 3.6-liter V-6 VVT engine is mated to a new Hydra-Matic 6T70 electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission. It is an advanced transmission with state-of-the-art clutch-to-clutch shift operation, designed for high-performance front-wheel drive applications. Clutch-to-clutch operation allows for reduced complexity and compact packaging. The six-speed automatic improves vehicle performance up to 8 percent and increases fuel economy up to 4 percent over current front-wheel-drive four-speed automatics.

Read about Pontiac G6 GXP 2008. Part II

Pontiac G6 Design Quirks and Oddities

The launch of the G6 was a major publicity stunt: 276 of the cars were famously given away to audience members of The Oprah Winfrey Show on the talk show's fall 2004 season premiere. This promotion garnered international attention, a reported US$110 million in publicity, and put the G6, a previously unknown name, solidly on the lists of many shoppers.

Pontiac G6 Reliability and Maintenance

There have been numerous reports of problems with the brakes on the 2005 and 2006 G6 models. Most likely it is an issue with the calipers. GM is refusing to honor its warranty and has repeatedly denied claims for defective rotars and calipers. The problem seems to be wide spread and there is currently a federal investigation into the issue. Brake pads on many 2005 and 2006 models only last for approximately 10,000 miles. After a certain mileage the brakes begin to shutter and slide. GM claims the problem is not mechanical but maintenance related and thus denies claims on this basis. However, most qualified mechanics believe the problem is related to faulty rotars and calipers and is certainly a manufacteurs defect which should be covered by the standard bumper to bumper warranty.

Pontiac G6: Current Generation (Plant, Engine, GXP)

Plant

The Pontiac G6 is the replacement for the Pontiac Grand Am which ceased production on May 2, 2005, when the 100-year old Lansing, Michigan assembly plant closed. Most of the 3,500 workers affected will be moved to the new Delta Township, Michigan assembly plant in late 2006. The G6 is produced in the Orion Township, Michigan assembly plant.

Engine

The G6 base comes standard with the 2.4 L Ecotec four cylinder engine.
The GT Model comes standard with the 3.5 L LX9 engine which produces 201 hp (150 kW) and 222 ft·lbf (301 N·m) of torque. This was the only engine available for the 2005 and 2006 model years. The 2007 model has the 3.5 L LZ4.
New for 2006, the G6 GTP comes with GM's 3.9 L LZ9 engine, producing 240 hp (179 kW) and 241 ft·lbf (327 N·m) of torque.
In 2007 the 3.9 L V6 will go into the GT + Sport Package, making way for the 3.6 L V6 and the new 6-speed automatic in the GTP.

GXP

Pontiac unveiled a G6 GXP concept at the 2006 New York Auto Show in April. It includes a lowered suspension and redesigned front clip with an integrated air dam and more chrome on the grille. A twin air-scoop hood will be most noticeable, however, as will the 19 in wheels. The GXP concept uses a 270 hp (201 kW) and 259 ft·lbf (351 N·m) version of the 3.9 L High Value V6.

Pontiac G6: Current Generation (2007–Present)

Although the G6 was new to the public, in many respects it could be considered the sixth generation of the Grand Am, even though that name was retired. Within a year, this new car had become the 11th best selling car in the United States (2005), and won several consumer-based industry awards from JD Power (APEAL), Strategic Vision ("Total Quality" and "Delight") and became a Consumer Reports Recommended Buy. Car of the Year by the Spanish magazine Automundo.

Pontiac introduced a coupé convertible version of the G6 at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show. The G6 convertible began arriving on dealership lots during the Spring of 2006. The starting price for the GT trim level was $28,490; while the GTP started at $29,990. At launch, it was the most inexpensive retractable hardtop available in the U.S. market.

The other bodystyles available are coupe and sedan. In its May 22 2006 issue, Time magazine put the G6 on a two-car list, along with the Buick Terraza, of GM cars that "aren't going anywhere." Time continued to say that "GM did not capitalize on the G6's good reviews for interior styling and power train. It delayed a cheaper, four-cylinder version, as well as a coupe and convertible. Sales now rely on incentives and fleet deals."

Beginning in April 2005, the G6 became one of the first General Motors vehicles since the electric-powered EV1 to wear a "GM" badge. It is placed on both fenders behind the front wheels. Currently, all GM vehicles wear similar badges.

Pontiac G6 Styles and Major Options

The 2007 G6 comes available in 4 trim levels: The Value Leader, Base model, GT, and GTP. In addition, the GT and GTP are available in either 4-door sedan or 2-door coupe body styles, and the GT is also available in a convertible. There are 6 engines 4 transmissions available, depending on trim and body style, but all versions come equipped with front wheel drive. Some of the standout features include:
Value Leader
- 2.4L 169hp I-4 engine
- 4-speed automatic transmission w/OD
- 16" steel wheels
- 6-way (2-way power) driver's seat
- Cloth seating trim
- Manual front air conditioning
- 6-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo
- Power windows, locks, mirrors
Base Model
- 2.4L 169hp I-4 engine
- Available 3.5L 224hp V6 engine
- 4-speed automatic transmission w/OD
- 17" silver alloy wheels
- Cruise control
GT Sedan
- 3.5L 224hp V6 engine
- Available 3.9L 240hp V6 engine
- 4-speed tip auto w/OD
- ABS and driveline traction control
- 17" alloy wheels
- Premium cloth seating
- Leather steering wheel and leather/chrome shift knob
- 8-speaker Monsoon AM/FM/CD audio system
GT Coupe
- 3.5L 224hp V6 engine
- Available 3.9L 240hp V6 engine
- 4-speed tip auto w/OD
- 6-speed manual transmission w/OD
- Sport suspension
- Rear bucket seats
GT Convertible
- 3.5L 217hp V6 engine
- Available 3.9L 227hp V6 engine
- 4-speed tip auto w/OD
- Power convertible roof
GTP
- 3.6L 252hp V6 engine
- 6-speed tip auto w/OD
- StabiliTrak electronic stability control
- 18" polished alloy wheels
- 8-way (6-way power) driver's seat
- Automatic air conditioning
- Rear lip spoiler

Pontiac G6 Reliability and Safety

Reliability

Because it is still a young model, long-term reliability information is not yet available for the Pontiac G6. However, Consumer Reports does state that so far, "reliability has been average."
However, preliminary reports indicate that there seems to be problems with the Panoramic sunroof option. It has been reportedly the cause of severe wind noise and in some cases may actually leak. For the Pontiac 2008 year model the option has been deleted.
Another issue is reported cases of batteries running flat. The problem has been, in some cases, traced to a faulty body control module that continues to draw current even when the vehicle is shut down.

Pontiac G6 Safety

The 2007 G6 received high marks from the NHTSA. For passenger front-impact crash tests and tests for rollover, the Pontiac G6 received 4-Star ratings, and for driver front-impact and all side-impact crash tests, it received the highest 5-Star rating. Some of the standard safety equipment found on all trim levels of the G6 includes:
- Front and rear anti-roll bars
- Driver/passenger front-impact airbags
- 1st/2nd row overhead airbags
- Occupancy sensors
- Side impact bars
- Ignition disable
- Security system

Pontiac G6

Pontiac G6

The Pontiac G6 is a mid-size car released in 2005. It uses the GM Epsilon platform, sharing it with the Chevrolet Malibu, Saab 9-3, Saturn Aura, Opel Vectra, and Cadillac BLS. Introduced at the 2004 North American International Auto Show, the G6 is a replacement for the Pontiac Grand Am (which previously shared its platform and components with the Oldsmobile Alero). It is currently reminiscent of the Mitsubishi Galant and Ford Fusion.

Recent Changes

As a model that debuted in 2005, the G6 has undergone very little change in the past couple of years. This remains true for the 2007 model, which stays cosmetically unchanged but incorporates some minor upgrades to the engine and interior options.

Pontiac Now

Like most manufacturers, the 1980's were a slow time in the development of Pontiac vehicles. During this time, Pontiac would introduce the Pontiac Fiero, the Pontiac Trans Sport minivan, and a 4-door Grand Prix. Since the 1990's, Pontiac has worked hard to reestablish itself as the "excitement" brand of General Motors, and brought back well-known names such as the GTO. While Pontiac cars share platforms with fellow GM stablemates, the brand gets uniquely aggressive styling touches.

Pontiac Progress Pre- and After-War

The last pre-war Pontiac rolled off the assembly line in 1942 so manufacturing capacity could be shifted to support the war effort. Pontiac shifts focus to produce rocket-propelled bombs for the US military. In 1946, production resumed using models last seen in 1942. Throughout the rest of the 1940's and 1950's, Pontiac would introduce several notable vehicles, including the 1956 Pontiac Star Chief Catalina, the 1957 Pontiac Bonneville with fuel injection and the 1959 Pontiac Wide Track models, which would win Pontiac its first Motor Trend Car of the Year Award.

Pontiac. Early History

The first Pontiac was the product of the Oakland Automobile Co. - a General Motors division acquired in 1909 - which produced the Pontiac 5-Passenger Coach for the New York Auto Show in 1926. It would only take 3 years for Oakland to produce 500,000 Pontiac cars. The Pontiac proved so successful, that the name of the Oakland division was changed to Pontiac. In 1929, the Pontiac "Big Six" produced 60-hp from a 200.4 cubic inch engine. Sales continued to rise throughout the 1930's and Pontiac would be one of the first automakers to target female buyers. The one millionth Pontiac would be produced in 1936. By 1937, the Pontiac 's most expensive model - the DeLuxe Eight convertible sedan - had a starting price of $1,235.

Pontiac History

The Pontiac is a marque of automobile produced by General Motors and sold in the United States, Canada and Mexico from 1926 to the present. In the GM brand lineup, Pontiac is a mid-level brand featuring a more sporting, performance-driving experience for a reasonable price, and a youthful feel to its advertising.

The Pontiac brand was introduced by General Motors in 1926 as the subsidiary to GM's Oakland Motor Car line. The Pontiac name had been used on by another manufacturer in 1906, but that company did not survive. The first General Motors Pontiac was conceived as an affordable six cylinder that was intended to compete with more inexpensive four cylinder models. Within months of its introduction Pontiac outsold Oakland. As Pontiac' sales rose and Oakland's sales continued to decline, Pontiac became the only sudsidiary to survive its parent brand.

A Native American Headdress was used as a logo until 1956. The current Pontiac logo was originally meant to represent a Native American arrow-head. An alternate slang term for the marque among performance enthusiasts includes Poncho. Another slang term used in the early stages of brand was "Indian" due the subject matter of its logo.