2008 PONTIAC NEW CAR MODEL GUIDE

Pontiac, the performance-driven division of General Motors, promotes sport-tuned coupes, slick sedans and car-based crossover utility vehicles (CUV). For 2008, Pontiac adds firepower with new GXP editions for the mid-size G6 coupe and sedan, as well as Tthe orrent CUV.

Solstice
Pontiac's two-seat roadster looks swift with a long nose, mid-ship cockpit and stubby tail crowned by dual nacelle blisters trailing behind seatbacks. Built on GM's rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Kappa platform, the roadster has 50/50 weight distribution with independent suspension, Bilstein monotube shocks, 18-inch alloy wheels and all-season tires. For the base engine, Solstice employs GM's Ecotec 2.4-liter, in-line four-cylinder engine netting 177 horsepower through a five-speed manual stick or five-speed automatic. The Solstice GXP features a twin-cam 2.0-liter Ecotec four-in-line with direct-injection turbo-charging and air-to-air inter-cooling. It zips to 260 horsepower.

G6
Riding on a long, front-wheel-drive (FWD) platform, Pontiac's mid-size cars comes as sleek four-door sedans, sporty two-door coupes and cool hardtop convertibles. The G6 base sedan packs GM's 2.4-liter Ecotec four-in-line engine and a four-speed automatic shifter. The GT model draws from a 3.5-liter V6 making 219 horsepower through a four-speed automatic with manual shift mode, while the new GXP coupe and sedan use a dual-cam, 3.6-liter V6 with variable valve timing (VVT) to generate 252 horsepower via a six-speed automatic. The GXP models wear modified fascias front and rear with leather-covered seating.

G5
The compact-class G5 from Pontiac conforms as a slickback, two-door coupe. Its architecture — GM's Delta platform — is shared with the Cobalt from Chevrolet and Saturn's Ion. The G5 comes in two trims, each with a different Ecotec four-in-line engine. The base model uses a 2.2-liter plant, while a dual-cam, 2.4-liter VVT Ecotec worth 173 horsepower motivates the sporty GT edition. Air conditioning and a load of power equipment apply even to the base G5 models, with new standard safety gear like curtain-style side air bags and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) on board. However, the GT gets additional features like GM's StabiliTrak skid controls.

G8
Pontiac's new G8 performance sedan rolls out in early 2008 as the first North American application of GM's global RWD architecture. The G8 is available in both the V6-powered base edition and the V8-powered GT. The entry model uses a dual-cam, 3.6-liter V6 with VVT. It rates at 261 horsepower and links to a five-speed automatic with manual shift mode. The G8 GT rocks with a 6.0-liter, small-block V8 posted to 362 horsepower through a six-speed automatic with manual shifting. The G8's V8 also features Active Fuel Management (AFM) technology to pare cylinders when the boosted power is not needed.

Grand Prix
Pontiac's mid-size Grand Prix presents curvy styling on a four-door body, offering a big cabin with flexible, flip-and-fold seating. For 2008, there are two trim designations available, each with a different engine. The entry edition Grand Prix pulls from GM's 3.8-liter V6 racked to 200 horsepower. The performance-geared Grand Prix GXP has a 5.3-liter aluminum V8 with AFM, which rips to 303 horsepower. Body enhancements go to the GXP model with new front and rear fascias plus rocker extensions. New paint shades show up for 2008 as well, like Gold Mist Metallic, Dark Mocha Metallic and Dark Slate Metallic available.

Torrent
The mid-size Pontiac CUV runs large for its compact class, with a broad track and extended wheelbase. The Torrent cabin contains front buckets and a rear, three-place bench that slides fore and aft by eight inches, varying legroom and cargo space. Two available traction versions — FWD and AWD — pack safety equipment like anti-lock brakes and StabiliTrak skid controls. The base Torrent uses a 3.4-liter V6, which generates 185 horsepower with an automatic five-speed shifter. The new Torrent GXP, with a dropped suspension and 18-inch wheels, employs the dual-cam 3.6-liter VVT V6 for 263 horsepower off a six-speed automatic.

Vibe
The fuel efficient Vibe crossover wagon — charted for FWD traction — mixes the spry road manners of a small sports sedan with the cargo capability of a SUV. It's part sports car, part station wagon and part thrifty runabout that's not only practical, but fun to drive. The sole trim for 2008 stocks a dual-cam, 1.8-liter VVT four-cylinder engine, which musters 126 horsepower with a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic shifter. The Vibe offers choices such as four-wheel ABS brakes, StabiliTrak skid controls and 17-inch alloy wheels.

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