2009 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 2009, Pontiac adds firepower with new V8-powered GXP editions for the G8 rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sports sedan. Also new for 2009 is the Vibe, a five-door CUV for the compact class in the first redesign since Vibe's debut in 2002.

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 RWD Kappa platform, the roadster has 50/50 weight distribution with independent suspension and Bilstein monotube shocks plus 18-inch alloy wheels and all-season tires. Solstice base trim stocks GM's Ecotec 2.4-liter in-line four-cylinder engine netting 173 hp. Solstice GXP features a twin-cam 2.0-liter Ecotec four with direct-injection turbo-charging and air-to-air inter-cooling. It zips to 260 hp. Look for a sleek new coupe model with a removable roof arriving later to the 2009 line.

G6
Pontiac's mid-size cars, riding on a long front-wheel-drive (FWD) platform, conform as a sleek four-door sedan, sporty two-door coupe and cool hardtop convertible. G6 base sedan packs GM's 2.4-liter Ecotec four-in-line engine and a four-speed automatic shifter, or a new six-speed automatic with the Sport Package on base sedans. GT issues draw from a 3.5-liter V6 making 222 hp, yet the GXP coupe and sedan tote a dual-cam 3.6-liter V6 with variable valve timing (VVT) to generate 252 hp via the six-speed automatic. GXP models wear modified fascias front and rear and have leather hide seats.

G5
The compact-class car from Pontiac conforms as a slickback two-door coupe. Its architecture — GM's Delta platform — is shared with Cobalt at Chevrolet. 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 hp motivates the sporty GT edition. For 2009 the 2.2-liter plant is new and more efficient with VVT technology applied. Net effect is improved fuel economy numbers up to 37 mpg for highway driving. Safety gear for G5 models includes curtain-style side air bags.

G8
Pontiac's G8 performance sedan scores as the first North American application of GM's global RWD architecture. It comes together in Australia, by Holden, the Down Under subsidiary of GM. G8 trims as a V6-powered base edition and the GT powered by a 6.0-liter V8 posted to 361 hp through a six-speed automatic with manual shifting. The V8 also features Active Fuel Management (AFM) technology to pare cylinders when boosted power is not needed. But new GXP G8 packs even more muscle — a 6.2-liter V8 pulling 402 hp. XM satellite radio service is new to every 2009 G8.

Torrent
The mid-size Pontiac CUV runs large for the compact class with a broad track and extended wheelbase. Its cabin contains front buckets and a rear three-place bench that slides fore and aft by eight inches to vary legroom and cargo space. Two traction versions — FWD and AWD — pack safety equipment like anti-lock brakes and StabiliTrak skid controls. Base Torrent uses a 3.4-liter V6 which generates 185 hp with an automatic five-speed shifter. Torrent GXP with a dropped suspension and 18-inch wheels employs the dual-cam 3.6-liter VVT V6 for 264 hp off a six-speed automatic.

Vibe
This CUV combines spry road manners of a sports sedan with the cargo capability of a SUV and fuel efficiency of an economy car. Vibe for 2009 improves everything with new sheetmetal styling outside, a fuel-efficient new engine, more standard safety features and a new chassis and suspension for an enhanced ride quality. Trim tiers for 2009 models consist of four designations — Vibe 1.8L, Vibe 2.4L, Vibe AWD (all-wheel-drive) and sporty Vibe GT. Vibe 1.8L employs a 1.8-liter four-pack with VVT for 132 hp. The three other trims use a 2.4-liter four with VVT making 158 hp.

Detailed Pontiac pricing and ownership information.

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