You’ve seen them – “Win a BRAND NEW CAR!” contests only to find out the “big prize” is a 2011 Toyota Yaris or Chevy Aveo. Screw that…

Luckily, Raybestos gets it. They (and Chicago’s Hot Rod Chassis & Cycle) have souped up a 1964 Pontiac GTO to 700 HP then ran it down the quarter-mile at an incredible 128 mph.

This Goat is stocked with a 7.4-liter engine, a Tremec six-speed manual transmission, Moser 9-inch rear-end, custom fabbed body and suspension, around $20,000 worth of Raybestos NASCAR brakes and a reverse-sweep 180-mph speedometer. Niiiice.

To enter, just head over to RaybestosGarage.com and click the red picture of the GTO on the right. Contest ends on September 15th.

Check out the first video for the build and more pictures below, and make sure to look at the other build videos at RaybestosGarage.com:

Related posts:

1. DeLorean To Return As Pontiac Solstice?
2. GM kills the Pontiac G8 ST. Unofficially.
3. 10 Years Later: Was the Pontiac Aztec So Bad?

Some days, I don’t know if I adequately express my love for automobiles in every post I authored. I am truly a car fan and it is an auto show that reminds me just how much I cherish that interest in automobiles. Knowing that so many Automoblog.net followers feel the same sense of emotion with a prized auto make or even the vehicle in general, it was a pleasure to attend media day of the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

While many vehicles are making Canadian debuts, many of the cast and faces have risen to idolization already across the auto show world. Nonetheless, when you truly set eyes on something so beautiful as a new car design, even the best LCD screen or finest glossy magazine paper does not completely radiate the full meaning of automotive existence. The scene at the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show media day provided the most upbeat messages to the future of the automobile.

Starting with an opening ceremony as well as a press conference with Ford Motor Company, media day of the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show supplied more energy than perhaps the entire 2010 exhibition. Unveiling first the Ford C-Max, a kinetic display at four acrobats brought a spectacle back to auto industry. A bright spot in American motoring, the Ford Motor Company’s engineering pride was more than evident through their use of floor space. Cutaway of a 2011 Ford Explorer, a simulator of Ford’s stability control program, engines and other various car components including their seat belt airbag were featured with as much attention as the whole vehicles.

Right after the Ford conference, BMW and MINI were next to highlight their showcases of 2011 so far. Presenting the BMW M6 convertible, the BMW 1M and the MINI Paceman concept, there was also details on the BMW X1. Reported by some publications earlier this year as being delayed until 2012, the compact sport activity vehicle X1 is set for release late this year starting at just under $39,000 Canadian.

Starting with the unveiling of the MINI Paceman, the automotive marketing of presenting beautiful women alongside the glorious new vehicles. Land Rover and Chrysler later in the day would also enlist the assistance of some photogenic females. With absolutely no offense against the women, my attention is only planted on the automobiles. Using star power, Kia Motors called in sports athletes from the professional soccer team Toronto Football Club to show off a special edition Sportage. For all the people able to present the vehicles during the press conferences, I keep in mind the numerous individuals behind the scenes of the auto companies as well as the Canadian International Auto Show.

Through a stop at the Honda exhibit, the 2012 Honda Civic Si coupe concept in between a tuned Honda Insight and Accord decked out in a white/carbon black paint scheme. Seeing the Civic concept up-close, there is no doubt this vehicle is be the dead-ringer for the upcoming production car. The only thing needed for the final 2012 Civic will be an interior.

Not seen at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Nissan came to Toronto presenting Canadian debuts of the 2011 Quest minivan and the Infiniti M35h. An enthusiastic Alfonso Albaisa, Vice President of Nissan Design America, eagerly presented the Ellure concept. Viewed as a designing precursor to a future Altima or Maxima, Albaisa brings much of the passionate new styling direction that was exhibited on his other creation, the Nissan Juke. Along with the NV commercial van, the new Nissan GT-R and the Nismo 370Z coupe, another live act stole the press conference. Influenced by a new advertising campaign around the all-electric Nissan Leaf featuring a polar bear, a bear-suited individual quietly wondered out bringing a welcomed comic relief to the morning surrounding the car business.

The second-to-last exhibit of the media day morning was General Motors. President of GM Canada Kevin Williams introduced Canadian press members to the Buick Verano as the company’s new theme was discretely unveiled. The trucks and large sport utility vehicles General Motors once depended upon as profit centers were moved literally pushed to the corner. It’s obvious that bets are being hedged on the new Chevrolet Cruze . At least 9 Chevrolet Cruze sedans of varying colours and configurations were scattered across the expanded GM exhibit (including a highly-modified tuner and a touring car version). The Canadian International Auto Show also saw GM feature the Buick Regal eAssist as well as the ‘not-for-the-United States’ Chevrolet Orlando.

Grant the fact the Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette are strong brand symbols, it is a relief those vehicles were prominent in Toronto. In fact, on special display for 2011 was an separate exhibit called Icons: Camaro and Firebird. Dedicated to an smaller floor of the convention center were special edition, Indianapolis 500 pace cars and vehicles relating to show business highlighting the best of almost 45 years of the General Motors pony car. A Pontiac Firebird paying tribute to the Knight Industries Two Thousand (affectionately known as K.I.T.T.) from the 1980s TV crime-fighting show Knight Rider and both Camaros representing the vehicle modes for the 2007 Transformers movie character Bumblebee are some stars of the special display. A more modern superstar, the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 surprised with its appearance within the Icons: Camaro and Firebird section. Less than a week prior to its debut in Chicago by General Motors, a blue coupe version shown is actually linked to aftermarket company SLP.  Only an hour down the road, the Oshawa, Ontario plant will produce the factory version models of the Camaro ZL1 in very limited quantities.

Three and a half hours of press conferences and vehicle unveils concluded with the Kia Motors exhibit. Covering only a small space of the convention center, Kia’s new Optima and Optima Hybrid supplied a big sense of growth for the South Korea-based auto company. Providing a guide to the brand’s styling direction, the concept Kia Ray was included within the showcase.

For part 2 of this journey, I’ll steer you through an afternoon with Canadian premieres or up-close looks at Mercedes-Benz, Audi and the Concorso Exotica.

Photo Source: Chris Nagy

Related posts:

1. Journey Inside the 2011 Canadian Auto Show Part 2
2. Fast Times at 2011 Georgian College Auto Show
3. Successful 2011 Auto Shows Warmed by Winter Crowds

Through 6 days of January, the 2011 Barrett-Jackson Auction offered a treat to the eyes and senses of any car crazy person. Antique, custom, historic, hot rods, sports cars and even race cars were sold in a field in Scottsdale, Arizona supplying a wealthof horsepower, flash and colour. Along with cars, personalities like actor Tim Allen, rocker Bret Michaelsand NASCAR car owner Rick Hendrick were a visible presence at this most popular automobile sale. With a lot of money changing hands in the 2011 edition of this 40th annual auction, Barrett-Jackson vehicles presented something for every taste.

Becoming the star from 1950s motoring, Saturday saw a 1956 De Soto Fireflite convertible draw some incredible interest. A truly perfect restoration of a rare example of the former Chrysler brand, the plum coloured De Soto sported a 3-speed automatic transmission and a rare optional steering wheel-mounted watch. The new owner of the 1956 Fireflite convertible has parted with $368,500 (including buyer’s commission) for the De Soto.

Featured previously on Automoblog.net, a GM LSX454R crate engine being auctioned off for the benefit of the American Heart Association. Selling on Friday night being wheeled onto the Barrett-Jackson car auction stage on a customized dolly, the largely turn-key engine raised $67,000 through passionate bidding. You could have some bidders had their heart set on owning the first LSX454R crate engine.

Of the 22 charity auctions at the 2011 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale sale, General Motors also offered another first-time purchase opportunity. A surprise announcement on the Arizona grounds Friday set was the introduction of the 2011 Indianapolis 500 pace car, a Chevrolet CamaroSS convertible. Styled with the same white and orange colour scheme as the famous 1969 Camaro SS convertible Indy 500 pace car, the new convertible proceeded for bids was 1 of 50 Indy 500 festivities vehicles to be used for the upcoming event. Earning $225,000 as one buyer won this initial Indy 500 pace car edition, the proceeds to the 2011 Camaro SS convertible pace car’s sale went to the David Foster Foundation.

General Motors was not the only auto company contributing a special product for charity listings during the 2011 Barrett-Jackson. Ford Motor Company collaborated with racing legend Parnelli Jones to create a special 2012 Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca. Benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the exclusive 2012 Mustang Boss 302 brought $450,000 to the respected charity.

The spotlight vehicles of the 2011 Barrett-Jackson Auction are brought to sale on a day known as “Super Saturday”. During this Saturday, the finest quality pieces of classic and collectible motoring is placed on the bidding stage. Exacting car collectors with deep pockets fill the auction tent as car after car earns dollar figures that earn either top market value or sets new market values. During a Barrett-Jackson Auction in Las Vegas in late 2010, a 21-window 1963 Volkswagen Custom Bus was hammered away at a stunning $110,000 eclipsing many exotic and muscle cars at the Sin City sale. For the 2011 Scottsdale auction, the Barrett-Jackson company provided a 1965 example of the Volkswagen Custom Bus. Selling for a more modest amount, the German-branded classic Custom Bus sold for $77,000 (the value of two brand new, well-loaded Routans).

In original and custom trim, Chevrolet Corvettes are prominent throughout the auction with around 100 variations of the American sports car showcased. Some of the selection used the 1998 Corvette convertible Indy 500 pace car replica sold for $27,500, a first-year 1953 Chevrolet Corvette and a hotly-customized 1,000-horsepower, mid-engined 1963 Corvette (the latter two vehicles both sold for $170,500).

The Chevrolet Corvette also stimulated the biggest sale of the 2011 Barrett-Jackson Auction Saturday night. In a auction lot of three items that combined for $742,500, a low-mileage 2008 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 included in the group offers inspiration. The largest vehicle of the Barrett-Jackson auction for 2011, a Marine Technology Inc one-of-a-kind catamaran boat was the darling of the the auction lot styled to fuse the 2008 Corvette Z06 design cues. Headlight housing, steering wheel and sport seats inside the 1,200 horsepower watercraft. Riding on a custom trailer, the Marine Technology Inc custom boat also includes a performance boating class.

Bringing a variety of emotions to the 2011 Barrett-Jackson car auction, a former United States Navy ambulance reached the auction block as arguably being a significant vehicle to presidential history. A 1963 Pontiac Bonneville ambulance, the consignor was able to convincingly provide evidence the vehicle transported the assassinated United States president John F Kennedy to Edwards Air Force Base on the journey to the Washington D.C. state funeral. While U.S. government paperwork corresponded with the converted Pontiac Bonneville’s VIN, rumours of the vehicle’s authenticity related to the presidential event was questioned. On Saturday, the 1963 Pontiac Bonneville ambulance sold for $132,000 with some suspicious for whether this vehicle once held former President Kennedy’s coffin.

As the 2011 Barrett-Jackson Auction wrapped with the Scottsdale, Arizona grounds clearing of valuable automobiles Sunday night, over 1,600 vehicles were ushered to new homes. Hammering away around 70 million American dollars of vehicles, the show’s buyers and spectators (car fans able to take in the sights of an auction for a general admission ticket) got a new year boost of automotive culture.

Information source: Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
Photo source: General Motors

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1. Barrett Jackson Auctioned 2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1 Earns $250,000
2. Yenko Collection To Be Auctioned at Barrett-Jackson
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Effective February 1st of 2011, the GM Goodwrench Service signs will disappear from United States General Motors dealerships ending 37 years of the name’s usage for manufacturer-backed auto care and maintenance. Proceeding on from this upcoming February, the auto service and maintenance will be undertaken by brand identified Certified Service centers (For example, Chevrolet Certified Service or Buick Certified Service). In typical fashion with companies phasing out household names, the media announcement from GM only mentioned the ceasing of the Goodwrench name in the last two lines of a press release.

Established in 1974, the General Motors specialized maintenance and service spouted nationwide in 1977 as a source for certified mechanics. Starting in the 1990s, the GM service provider adopted the persona of Mr Goodwrench. The manufacturer-backed service departments later reverted back to GM Goodwrench Service, often adding the word ‘plus’ to their name.

the GM Goodwrench brand will forever be known for their presence in motorsports. Sponsoring one of NASCAR’s most iconic Cup race vehicles, a black and silver #3 Chevrolet was owned by Richard Childress Racing and piloted by NASCAR Hall of Fame legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. Together, the grouping won 4 NASCAR Cup championships (GM Goodwrench also had a smaller associate sponsor in 1987) and the 1998 Daytona 500. Replicated millions of times on scaled die-cast cars and printed countless more times on assorted NASCAR merchandise, the GM Goodwrench name still maintains close association to the now fallen Dale Earnhardt Sr.

When Earnhardt died as a result of a Daytona 500 crash in 2001, Goodwrench stayed on the Richard Childress Racing team but took on a different identity and number to due their connection to the driver. Kevin Harvick was trusted with the sponsorship during his difficult time bringing some joy with 2 wins on the 2001 season. In time, GM Goodwrench Service corporately would drop the black and silver colour scheme electing for a blue and white instead. It would also be the choice of the auto service provider to leave NASCAR altogether in 2007 ending the long marketing partnership.

Beyond Earnhardt an aggressive marketing campaign in auto racing saw the Goodwrench brand residing in smaller stock car series as well as in sports car racing. Prior to the Richard Childress Racing/Goodwrench affiliation, NASCAR rival Hendrick Motorsports fielded a Chevrolet Corvette GTP vehicle in sports car racing in the 1980s. Through the Hendrick-backed effort was not a big success, the GM Goodwrench name would ride again on GM factory-backed Corvettes in 1999. The Corvette Racing team would carry Goodwrench to victory at the 24-hour of Daytona in 2001. Like in NASCAR, the sponsorship would come to an unceremonious ending.

In the later years of Goodwrench, efforts were exercised to rebrand it with the before mentioned colour change with a decorative ‘G’ logo (which many liken to the Quicktime video player ‘Q’). This attempt was ultimately futile as many dealerships did not update their signage.

Vice president/general manager of GM Customer Care and Aftersales Steve Hill explains the name change as strengthening a connection with General Motors vehicle owners. “Certified Service supports GM’s strategy to focus on the four brands – Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac — and is a natural extension of the customer’s vehicle purchase experience at the dealership.” Hill said. Under their dealership’s new Certified Service banner, General Motors promises a continuing commitment of qualified service technicians to customer services which includes using tools like OnStar.

Though the Goodwrench banner will be pulled in the United States, there could be life to the corporate name. For the time being, General Motors of Canada will retain the GM Goodwrench branding on their dealer service centers.

Information source: Automotive news, General Motors

Photo source:

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Every year, SEMA attracts countless custom cars. From mild to wild, tuners show off their latest creations. Each hoping to attract orders for their bodykits/cars/wheels/restoration services. And since beauty is in the eye of the beholder, you can always expect to find a few “misses” at the SEMA show. However, these entries are so hideous, that they bring new meaning to the word…hideous.

This year, Michigan-based tuner Heide Performance Products (HPP) decided to do what so many other custom shops have already done; turn a perfectly good Chevy Camaro, into a Pontiac Trans Am…and try to turn a Camaro into a Z/28.

Now remember, Pontiac is dead. Kaput. Six-feet under. There’s no bringing it back.

And the Camaro looks just fine the way it is. But that didn’t stop the guys at HPP.

Oh no. They took a perfectly good Camaro, and festooned it with…well, look at the pictures.

It sort of looks like a ’69 T/A…if you were really really drunk. And what’s with the wheels on that Z/28? It looks like they came off my niece’s Barbie Jeep.

It’s really surprising that HPP got these cars so wrong. Because if you look closely, the quality of their work actually seems pretty good.

So, the most obvious question to ask is; which looks worse, the cars, or the models?

Related posts:

1. SEMA 2008: Camaro LS7 Concept
2. Chevy Unveils the Camaro Hot Wheels Concept at SEMA
3. Chevy Camaro Wins “Hottest Car” Award at SEMA 2010 – Totally Deserves It

At the beginning of the last decade, the sport utility vehicle (SUV) was the bread and butter of the auto industry. Wanting load-hauling abilities without the gutless performance potential of the minivan, customer interest in SUVs or early crossover vehicles required every automaker to present one such vehicle into the marketplace.

For summer of 2000, General Motors were encouraged to add a crossover vehicle their largely car-based Pontiac brand. The Pontiac Aztec was introduced in the 2001 model year was a potential ace in the hole for capturing a slice of the emerging market. However, as we look at the auto brand in hindsight, some critics would even consider the Aztec as the harbinger for Pontiac’s recent demise. Tim Magazine even judged the Pontiac Aztec as ‘one of the most cars of all time’. Could this really have been the case or is the Pontiac Aztec a misdirection of automotive hate.

Flashing back 10 years, you probably remember the high-profile roll out of the 2001 Pontiac Aztec on the first season of the smash hit series Survivor. Sporting accessories such as all-wheel drive Versatrak system, a rubberized rear cargo floor and even a tent canopy the Aztec wanted to be unlike any other vehicle on the road. Providing some eye-catching utility attributes, the list price of the Pontiac Aztec was quality as attractive with a well-loaded model available for under $25,000. So where did the Aztec go wrong in appealing to the American driving public?

The dominating source of criticism was always the exterior styling. The production Pontiac Aztec was founded on the design inspiration of a concept vehicle which married car styling over a sport utility stature. A new concept with SUVs remaining truck-based behemoths, the crossover vehicle was still a product which has yet to determine the tasteful balance between both artistic qualities. Resulting in an appearance which has polarized the market, the Aztec would be faulted for using too much car inspiration in creating what appearance like a tall hatchback. Another design issue which injured the Aztec’s favour was a tired use of a gray body cladding. This styling cue worked on cars through the 1980s and maybe into the early 1990s but the presence on a 2001 model year crossover vehicle did not capture admiration. Replaced with colour-matching body mouldings from 2002 and on, the restyle after 1 year also sat poorly for Pontiac. Personally, I was never a harsh critic on the Pontiac Aztec’s design preferring something bold to a rebadged Chevrolet (Much the result of the Pontiac Aztec’s successor, the Torrent). I even find it interesting looking at the all-new Acura ZDX almost being reminded of the Aztec.

Hoping to new younger buyers, the Aztec’s customer’s demographic resulted in the vehicle transporting families in suburbia. Falling short of GM’s sales expectation, the Aztec did sell 108,449 units between the 2001-2005 model years. With Pontiac being a brand focused on providing a passionate on-road driving experience, the addition of the crossover could have immediately been viewed as a mismatch and a difficult sell.

From 2001-2005, the Pontiac Aztec was the most ridiculed showroom car. 10 years after the crossover vehicle was listed for sale, was the criticism ever founded? Among all the Aztec critics, there are also admirers or perhaps Aztec warriors. The Pontiac Aztec continue to enjoy the unconventional looks which reignites feelings of personal tastes. Over the decade, many Pontiac Aztecs are still going strong with relatively few issues. In fact, the only recall needing to be served was on 2001 models for an air bag problem. Overall, these are not characteristics of the worst car of all-time. Perhaps the least loved car, fans of the Aztec is again proof of love being in the eyes of the beholder.

Information Source: General Motors, Time Magazine
Photo Source: General Motors

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For the 2010 model year, there was just under 70 brand new or heavily redesigned vehicles entering the marketplace. With thousands of parts combining to fabricate a vehicle, automakers are terribly concerned for their freshman products. Despite all the virtual and physical testing has been conducted prior to release within a vehicle’s development stage, the fact remains that the first buyers are somewhat like the tech-seekers who lined up for the new Apple iPad. With reputation for quality at stake, the chances of minor problems could injure ongoing respect of a vehicle. While quality is sold to the automotive buying public as a general term, automotive technicians actually have tools which detects and records a vehicle’s quality.

Of course, many of us are familiar with the safety-related recalls which receive mainstream media attention. When manufacturers identify a problem which could endanger the motorist and anyone else in the public, they have to contact their customers and perform a fix free of charge. However, another less known vehicle defect record is known as a Technical Service Bulletin(TSB). Regarding general quality issues not immediately related to safety concerns, TSBs are issued when service technicians and/or even the engineers discover a reoccurring problems which may be reported in customer vehicles.

Though a few Technical Service Bulletins are not entirely a major concern for a vehicle, too many have been known to sink a car’s popularly once the defects are known. The Ford Focus was greeted in the United States warmly for the 2000 model year but would quickly become a major thorn in the side of Ford in the North American market. Amassing over 150 TSBs in 16 months, items from cassette tape deck to body structure issues were listed.

Though rare, TSB issues have turned into safety recalls as in the case with Toyota and the all-weather floormats. Reported on the 2007 Lexus ES350 in April of the model year, the floormat issue would be taken more seriously a few years later.

For the class of 2010, the Kia Forte was currently (as of June 11th 2010) recorded 15 technical service bulletins. TSB issues include Oil Control Valves, seat belt warning sensors and power steering complications. Though a praised vehicle, the new territory which this vehicle is charting for Kia, as a true family car contender, deserves a little time to mature.

Because Technical Service Bulletins pertain to minor part of a vehicle, even vehicles built on a similar platform may not compile the same number of issues. In one case, the all-new GMC Terrain has 14 TSBs registered with the NHTSA while the Cadillac SRX and Chevrolet Equinox, built on the same Theta platform, each suffer just one such report.

With several 2010 model year vehicles affected by 0 or just a single Technical Service Bulletin, included below note vehicles with 4 or more TSBs.

2010 Model Year Vehicles Affected By More Than 4 TSBs:

Kia Forte 15
GMC Terrain 14
Mercedes S-Class 13
Nissan Sentra 12
Nissan 370Z 10
Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan 8
Pontiac Vibe 8
Volvo XC60 8
Nissan Cube 6
Madza3 5
Mercedes-Benz E350 4
Lexus RX350 4
Subaru Legacy 4
Subaru Outback 4

Please note if you have a vehicle is thought to be affected by a Technical Service Bulletin that you do not need to bolt for your car service center. Since TSBs are non-safety related items, a technician will address the problem in the next vehicle service. On one final note, keep in mind that these issues should often be remedied for free under warranty or sometimes off the advertised vehicle warranty.

Information Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation

Photo Source: Chris Nagy

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Put this story in the “Strange Bedfellows” department, but word has it that a resurrected DeLorean Motor Company is considering keeping the Pontiac Solstice alive and bringing it back to market by 2011. No, seriously. I’m not sure if this is either one of the most brilliant ideas I’ve heard for a while, or one of the daffiest; like the Titanic rescuing a drowning man.

The DeLorean Motor Company still exists. A lot of people don’t know this, but yeah, it’s still out there, and not in name only. Based in Texas, DMC is still building “new” DMC-12s, just like the ones you could by in 1982, just like the ones that Doc Brown modified in Back To The Future. Essentially what the current DeLorean Motor Company did was get all of the leftover parts that Johnny Z had stacked up and ready to go for series production, and, in addition to providing those parts to current owners as needed, assembles them into “new” DeLoreans.

On the other side of this coin, we have the Pontiac Solstice. Everyone knows that Pontiac as a brand is dead (sniff), and that although there was talk of the Solstice continuing on in some form, it’s also dead as well.

So what we have, set up-wise, is DeLorean Motor Company as a make without a car and the Pontiac Solstice is a car without a make. Could the two combine forces, and could the new DMC somehow save and continue to build the Solstice?

James Espey, Vice President of the DeLorean Motor Company, has this to say: “JZD [John DeLorean] always said that the best memories of his automotive career were at Pontiac, and that connection between JZD and Pontiac is probably one of the better known associations among car enthusiasts.”

Hmmmm … that sounds like a definite maybe, doesn’t it?

Now add this to the fire: DeLorean Motor Company put out the drawings you see here and has gone so far as to obtain a Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe for test and evaluation. And on top of that, the new DMC says they’re energized at the possibility of “putting several hundred people back to work” at the Wilmington plant where the Solstice is made, and currently sits idle.

Sure, this is very, very much in the “candy and nuts” stage, but stranger things have happened. Hell, people are still making DeLoreans.

Source: Jalopnik

Related posts:

1. An Electric DeLorean? DMC Announces New DMC-12 EV For 2013
2. 2009 Solstice Gets a Toupe, And it Looks Good!
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A favorite genre of many auto fiends is the “sleeper” – a car that looks like grandma’s Mercury but goes like stink. In this day and age of flashy, showy performance – with all the standard body kits, huge spoilers and obnoxious red badging automakers seem to believe belong on performance cars, the sleeper is a dying breed. The streets used to be littered with them, too. Buick Regal T-Types with Grand National running gear and a freaking landau roof, Galant VR-4′s with turbocharged 4G63′s and 4WD stuffed into an innocuous Galant body, heck – even the Fox-body Mustang LX 5.0 was a sleeper, with the thundering fuel-injected 302ci “5.0″ (actually a 4.9L) V8 but none of the GT’s plastic trashy bodywork.

Still, for those that would rather not have any show with their go, there are still sleepers left to pick from – if you know where to look. Sometimes you have to look in the strangest of places, but you can find burly horsepower under the hood of some unassuming cars these days. Let’s take a look at the top ten.

10) Toyota Camry SE V6

“A Camry? Really?” I know, I know. The Camry is the equivalent of the Antichrist to anyone that actually likes cars. But that makes it the perfect sleeper, at least in SE V6 trim. You see, under the hood is a very modern 3.5L 24v V6, which makes a rather considerable 268 horsepower coupled with a 6-speed auto.

Without a doubt, the rest of the car is mind-numbingly boring – but if you’re after velvety-smooth horsepower and strong mid-range in an utterly unassuming wrapper, the Camry SE V6 has got you covered. Just remember to take a No-Doz on long trips… the Camry might’ve misunderstood what “sleeper” means, and when you’re not smoking tires with your torquey V6, it’s likely to put you to sleep. Fast enough to embarrass a V6 Mustang, and good enough for 10th place.

Specifications

Price: $25,490
Layout: transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive 4 door 5 passenger sedan
Engine: 3.5L DOHC 24v V6
Power: 268bhp@6200rpm
Torque: 248lb-ft@4700rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Weight: 3483lbs
Lbs/bhp: 13.0
0-60mph: 6.2 seconds

9) Audi A3 3.2 Quattro

Audi’s smallest model in the US, the Golf-based A3, is an attractive small hatchback made with premium materials which exudes a luxury feel. What it doesn’t really exude is a performance vibe, unlike the (mechanically identical) VW Golf GTI. The base A3, with the 2.0L DI Turbo I4, is a respectable performer. But if you really want to surprise some people off of the stoplights, give the A3 3.2 Quattro a try.

Powered by VW’s highly regarded 3.2L VR6, the A3 3.2 Quattro is basically a VW R32 in less exciting attire. With a 250bhp V6 and Quattro 4WD, along with Audi’s trick S-Tronic twin-clutch gearbox, the A3 3.2 Quattro is a hot performer in an inconspicuous wrapper. What’s not to love? Besides that price tag…

Specs – Audi A3 3.2 Quattro

Price: $36,975
Layout: Transverse front engine, four wheel drive 5 door 5 passenger hatchback
Engine: 3.2L DOHC 24v V6
Power: 250bhp@6300rpm
Torque: 236lb-ft@2500-3000rpm
Transmission: 6 speed twin-clutch automated manual
Weight: 3450lbs
Lbs/bhp: 13.8
0-60mph: 6.1 seconds

Hyundai Genesis 4.6

The Hyundai Genesis is a likable enough car, but it looks a bit like those fake “anycar USA” illustrations you might see on the front of an auto-shop pamphlet. Still, it’s pretty attractive – looking like a mixture of 5-series BMW and new Mercedes S-class, (or rather, the S-Class looks like the Hyundai) the Genesis is the Korean brand’s first foray into the luxury car realm.

And what a good first try. The rear-wheel-drive Genesis sedan can be had with a perfectly adequate 290bhp V6, but for maximum shock factor, go for the V8. Designated “Tau,” this state-of-the-art powerplant cranks out 375 silky-smooth horsepower, channeled through a ZF 6-speed automatic. It’ll get the sleepy looking Genesis moving in a righteous hurry, too. And at under $40k, it’s quite a bargain. This is why I love Hyundai these days – what’s not to love, if they continue making powerful RWD sedans and coupes that look good and have attractive price tags?

Specs – Hyundai Genesis 4.6

Price: $37,250
Layout: Longitudinal front engine, rear wheel drive 4 door 5 passenger sedan
Engine: 4.6L DOHC 32v V8
Power: 375bhp@6500rpm
Torque: 333lb-ft@3500rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Weight: 4012 lbs
Lbs/bhp: 10.7
0-60: 5.9s

7) Pontiac G8 GT

Pontiac’s G8 is a “captive import” from GM Australia’s Holden division, basically a Holden Commodore with a Pontiac kidney grille. It’s the kind of car that enthusiasts have been saying GM needs to be building for years – an attractive, full-size RWD sedan with good suspension and a powerful motor. It’s also selling like ice to eskimos, unfortunately – just like the GTO that proceeded it.

Still, the G8 stands up on it’s own merits pretty well. The G8 GT comes with a torque-rich pushrod 6.0L V8 cranking out a healthy 362 horsepower, enabling it to deliver the kind of performance for $30k that BMW offers for $60k. And it’s rear-wheel-drive just like God intended. Sure, it doesn’t have the most aggressive styling – but combine that with the low number that’ve been sold, and you have a hot rod that no one even recognizes. For the power-crazed, there’s a G8 GXP with a 6.2L LS3 with 415 horsepower and an available six speed manual, but it’s a bit showier and the price is pushing $40,000. The regular G8 GT serves up 7/10ths the performance without all the show. It’s perfect.

Specs

Price: $31,755
Layout: Longitudinal front engine, rear wheel drive 4 door 5 passenger sedan
Engine: 6.0L pushrod 16v V8
Power: 362bhp@5300rpm
Torque: 384lb-ft@4400rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Weight: 3995lbs
Lbs/bhp: 11.0
0-60 mph: 5.6 seconds

6) Buick LaCrosse Super

Don’t laugh… yes, it’s a Buick. The Super is the slow-selling top of the line variant of Buick’s sleepy midsize LaCrosse sedan. While the vast majority of LaCrosses pop out of the factory with underwhelming V6 powerplants (including the venerable 231ci Buick Six), the LaCrosse super is equipped with a 5.3L small-block Chevy V8, shared with the Impala SS and the now-defunct Pontiac Grand Prix GXP. With an even 300bhp going to the front wheels through an archaic 4-speed automatic, the drivetrain layout is less than ideal – especially compared to the cheaper, larger, more powerful G8 GT.

Still, it’s a V8 powered 300bhp Buick. No one’s going to see that coming, are they?

Specs: Buick LaCrosse Super
Price: $33,805
Layout: Transverse front engine front wheel drive 4 door 5 passenger sedan
Engine: 5.3L pushrod 16v V8
Power: 300bhp@5600rpm
Torque: 323lb-ft@4400rpm
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Weight: 3770lbs
Lbs/bhp: 12.6
0-60 mph: 5.7 seconds

5) Saab 9-5

Saab’s 9-5 sedan and wagon are admittedly getting a little long in the tooth. After all, it’s been in production with minor updates unchanged since 1997. Still, there are positive attributes to the 9-5 that can’t be ignored. For one thing, it’s the last real Saab left, and it’s the last one still using a real Saab engine.

And in this sleepy looking midsize luxury sedan, it’s the engine that no one’s really expecting. Displacing only 2.3L, the I4 uses massive amounts of turbocharging and intercooling to generate a healthy 260bhp – as well as 258lb-ft of torque at an ultra-low 1900rpm. This means the 9-5 posts a respectable 6.7 second 0-60 time, but what’s really impressive is the mid-range passing power of the turbo four. Just downshift to fourth and show that G35 who’s boss! Plus, the Saab 2.3L turbo has been out for going on 2 decades, so although you might not suspect it there is considerable aftermarket support for those that want some more juice.

Specs: Saab 9-5

Price: $38,380
Layout: Transverse front engine front wheel drive 4 door 5 passenger sedan
Engine: 2.3L DOHC 16v I4, turbocharged and intercooled
Power: 260bhp@5300rpm
Torque: 258@1900rpm
Transmission: 5 speed manual
Weight: 3540lbs
Lbs/bhp: 13.6
0-60: 6.7s

4) Lexus GS450h

Lexus’s GS450h introduced a unique concept when it hit the market – a Gas/Electric Hybrid with performance, rather than economy intentions. And the GS450h has performance in spades. For starters, the engine is Toyota’s unique 2GR-FSE 3.5L V6, featuring direct AND port fuel injection. This generates a respectable 292bhp. In combination with the powerful electric motor that’s also riding along, Lexus estimates the GS450h makes about 340 horsepower – just shy of the 342bhp offered by it’s V8 powered GS460 sibling.

With all the instant on-demand torque offered by the electric engine plus this considerable power of the 3.5L V6, the GS450h will rocket to sixty in five and a half seconds, while returning relatively impressive mileage numbers for the performance – 22 city and 25 highway is roughly comparable to competitor’s less powerful V6 models, while delivering V8 performance. And let’s be honest, the current Lexus GS is hardly the most interesting looking car out there – and with Lexus’s “I’d rather not be driving” clientele, no one’s going to expect your GS450h to rocket off the line. Downsides? Well, it’s 56 thousand dollars, and all those batteries make it rather heavy, checking in above 4100lbs kerb weight. Still, alarming performance and good mileage is an appealing combination.

Specs: Lexus GS450h

Price: $56,550
Layout: Longitudinal front engine rear wheel drive 4 door 5 passenger sedan
Engine: 3.5L DOHC DI 24v V6 + electric motor
Power: 292bhp@6400rpm gasoline engine, 340bhp combined
Torque: 267lb-ft@4800rpm
Transmission: electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission
Weight: 4134lbs
Lbs/bhp: 12.1
0-60 mph: 5.5 seconds

3) Chevrolet HHR SS

Chevrolet’s HHR people carrier is a shameless ripoff of Chrysler’s genre-bending PT Cruiser, but let’s ignore that obvious fact for a minute. In fact, let’s ignore that the HHR SS comes with gigantic shiny chrome wheels and a bottom-feeder front fascia for greater air intake volume. On the outside, the HHR SS is a dorky high-roof 5-door hatchback, like what’s driven by countless boring 45 year olds everywhere.

Only under the hood… well, there’s some serious firepower. Power comes from GM’s high-tech LNF 2.0L turbocharged inline four, making a surprising 260bhp as well as 260ft-lbs of torque. So while the HHR gives the impression that you’re delivering flowers, the HHR SS can deliver the mail: thanks to a low 3280lb curb weight, the SS will shoot to sixty in the low sixes. It’s also got a no-lift-shift program with the 5-speed manual, which means you can keep your right foot flat to the floor while you slam gears. Hardcore. Then there’s the Nurburgring-developed chassis, the huge brakes, the sport seats, and all that good stuff. The price of entry is attractive, and GM Performance offers staged upgrade kits for the LNF to boost power even further.

Specs: Chevrolet HHR SS

Price: $24,815
Layout: Transverse front engine front wheel drive 5 door 5 passenger hatchback
Engine: 2.0L DOHC DI I4, Turbocharged and Intercooled
Horsepower: 260bhp@5300rpm
Torque: 260lb-ft@2000rpm
Transmission: 5 speed manual with no-lift-shift feature
Weight: 3280lbs
Lbs/bhp: 12.6
0-60 mph: 6.2 seconds

2) Volvo S80 V8 AWD

Volvo’s S80 has always been the choice for luxury buyers who’d prefer to play it safe. It’s got a gazillion airbags, every stability control program under the sun, and even a feature for the ultra-paranoid – a heartbeat monitor that warns the driver of someone hiding in their car.

However, when Volvo redesigned the S80 in 2006, they decided the top of the line model needed a bit more firepower. Rather than upping the power on the aging twin-turbo T6 motor, they co-designed a 4.4L V8 with Yamaha. The block has an especially narrow angle – Volvo wanted to maintain a sizable crumble zone, always thinking about safety – and the compact powerplant makes 311 silky-smooth horsepower. Coupled with Haldex four-wheel-drive, the S80 V8 delivers the kind of performance you wouldn’t see coming with it’s tenured-professor image. It’ll out-accelerate a base Porsche Boxster – you really can have your cake and eat it too.

Specs: Volvo S80 V6 AWD

Price: $51,850
Layout: Transverse front engine four wheel drive 4 door 5 passenger sedan
Engine: 4.4L DOHC 32v V8
Power: 311bhp@5950rpm
Torque: 324ft-lbs@3950rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Weight: 3840lbs
Lbs/bhp: 12.3
0-60mph: 6.7 seconds

1) Lincoln MKS EcoBoost

In my mind, there’s no more clear winner of the title of “current production sleeper” than the recently introduced Lincoln MKS EcoBoost. It’s the epitome of the “hot-rod Lincoln” that up till now has never really been fulfilled. Sure, there’ve been some notably hot Lincolns in years past – the LS V8 was a reasonably rapid car, as was the MkVIII LSC with it’s 32v 4.6L V8.

But we’re talking about a Lincoln sedan that runs a 13.8 second quarter mile at 104mph out of the box. A 4,200lb Lincoln sedan! Power comes from Ford’s ballyhooed EcoBoost V6, a 3.5L twin-cam V6 with direct injection and twin turbochargers. Then there’s the electronic 4WD, enabling rocket-ship acceleration from the stoplights. To me, it’s the modern Grand National – a very powerful blown V6 nestled in a sleepy old man’s car. I would rock it, and I’m not the greatest fan of Lincolns. And next year, there’s the Taurus SHO – with the same drivetrain – which’ll come in with a more palatable pricetag and more dynamic looks. It’s a great time to be a fan of the sleeper, that’s for sure.

Specs: Lincoln MKS EcoBoost

Price: $47,760
Layout: Transverse front engine four wheel drive four door five passenger sedan
Engine: 3.5L DOHC 24v V6, twin turbocharged and intercooled
Power: 355bhp@5700rpm
Torque: 350ft-lbs@1500rpm
Transmission: 6 speed automatic
Weight: 4,276lbs
Lbs/bhp: 12.0
0-60 mph: 6.0 seconds

Related posts:

1. Toyota Venza Begins Production
2. Production Bound Subaru BRZ Sports Car Debuts in Tokyo
3. Detroit 2009: Production Fisker Karma is revealed, jaws begin dropping

Mind you, this isn’t a plan designed to save GM from a very likely bankruptcy, as that would take an angel from car heaven to flip a switch in everyone’s head so that they suddenly buy American. Rather, this is a plan designed to fix GM, and to ensure that the General’s current predicament will never happen again after GM bounces back. Also keep in mind that this is a plan only for GM North America (for I propose cutting Buick, which would alarm the reader living in, say, China).

UPDATE: Well, looks like this is strictly a plan to fix GM after recovering, as the (once) powerful General went into bankruptcy today. Strange and scary times we are living in

1) Keep Pontiac

I’m still reeling over GM’s decision to axe Pontiac. Next to Chevrolet, this is the brand that has the highest potential to make money! After all, look at all the effort GM has put into this brand. They’ve spent all that money developing the Solstice GXP Coupe, the Pontiac G8 and variants, and now they are going to just kill the whole thing off? That doesn’t make sense. What’s more, the decision to return to the four “core brands” of GMC, Chevrolet, Buick, and Cadillac does not make sense either. Chevrolet and Cadillac should be kept, of course, but GMC and Buick? Neither are making GM enough money to justify their continued existence, and neither fulfill a market that the other two (Chevy and Cadillac) can’t.

2) Cut models, not brands

It’s necessary to do what you can to conserve cash in a financially hard time, but GM is going about it the wrong way. But this should have been obvious. When you cut an entire brand, you cut all of the models, regardless of whether they make money or not. By cutting specific models, however, you can pick and choose, and weed out everything that is non-essential. If it was me, I would cut everything in Pontiac except the Solstice and G8 (and their variants), the useless Colorado, HHR, Impala, Equinox, and Trailblazer from Chevy, either the STS or DTS (or both) from Cadillac, the Lucerne from Buick, and everything from GMC except for the Sierra and Acadia. I’d even keep Saturn, just weed out everything but the Sky, Aura, and maybe even the Vue. But Hummer and Saab have got to go.

3) Ditch the Volt

This may seem like a shocker, but it’ll make sense if you think about it. The much ballyhooed Chevy Volt sounds like a great idea, but it’s really nothing more than a publicity stunt. I’m not saying that it isn’t applicable, I’m saying that it won’t make money. And all GM needs right now is money. The reason it won’t sell is because of it’s price. No matter how advanced it is, no one in America will spend $40,000 on a small Chevy sedan. It’s just that simple. And Bob Lutz has already announced that even at 40K, GM won’t make a nickel, because the technology is so expensive. Solution? Ditch the Volt, but make the Cadillac Converj. The Converj is the same thing as the Volt, only dressed up in Cadillac style and swagger. One of the sexiest concepts GM has ever produced, it will not only be a huge image car, but also has sales potential. Why? Because while GM can only charge $40K for the Volt, it can charge a lot more for the Converj, due to the brand. And while people won’t pay that much green for a simple Chevy, a surprisingly large target consumer base has the cash and the desire to pay up to $60,000 on such a nice Caddy. The end result? GM will still make money on the whole Volt idea, but will also please the airheads in Congress and boost its self-image.

4) Create an aftermarket division

The aftermarket demographic is huge, as proof, just listen to that ricer roaring down the street. What GM needs to do is tap that market. Take the models that will be modded, and offer everything tuner markets do but at a lower price, with a GM backed warranty. Not only will buyers flock to dealers, but this will also give GM a leg up over the competition, because no one else has it yet. Divisions like AMG, M, and SVT don’t count, because they are for the high end performance models. GM’s aftermarket division will be for the common car buyer, while offering aftermarket mods such as body kits, grilles, wheels, interior kits, performance mods, etc. at a lower price than private companies with a company backed warranty.

5) Create an exotic division

My idea of creating rather than destroying brands seems completely out of sync with what GM is doing, but that’s because what GM is doing is wrong. Cutting and consolidating is only happening because the stock holders and upper brass of General Motors are scared and are only looking after their own retirement funds, and are searching for a way to secure them by being cowards and retreating from action. GM will not survive this way. It has to take a gamble, and reach out with everything it’s got, and hope that the world will respond. Which is why GM should create an exotic division. This division would be the dream car division, and would host models that directly take on the likes of Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, Maserati, and the other uber-exotics. And I’m not talking about models like the Corvette. While it certainly is world class, foreign competitors still see it as a lower breed. GM needs to build cars to combat the aforementioned brands, but on their terms. It don’t think there is any dispute over GM’s ability to build beastly cars. But these news cars will need to be flawless, they need to be luxurious, they need to be elegant, but above all, they need to be insanely expensive and be worth the price.

6) Have aggressive commercials

Believe it or not, but commercials have a huge impact on what people buy. More than anything else, commercials spread the news about a certain product, and when done right, they all but guide the viewer to the nearest dealer. So GM needs to utilize commercials. Stop with the boring, typical stuff. Stop advertising the cars that no one cares about. Instead, advertise the cars that get viewer’s blood pumping, that get them excited, that get them motivated. A crazed human being will do stuff they wouldn’t do otherwise, and GM needs to take advantage of that. And as the final coupe de grace, they need to take these hormone inducing cars and crush the competition with them. Attack the competitors. Slam their faults while glorifying your merits. Take the Camaro and show it thundering ahead of the Mustang and Challenger. Play soft gentle music when showing the M3 ambling along, and play loud crashing rock music when showing the CTS-V blasting through a curve. Stop showing the Malibu slowly rotating on a stand with a calm narrator and start showing the Corvette tearing up a track with only the scream of rubber, the roar of the exhaust, and the howl of the engine for narrative description. Stop showing a man or woman calmly talking while driving in a CTS, instead, show an ultra-smooth dude coming out of his CTS at a nightclub and picking up three hot, sexy girls right on the spot. Emphasize beastly-ness, emphasize sex appeal, show on national television that not only is your car the one to buy but that there is no better, and you have the nation’s viewers in the palm of your hand, and what’s more, you have their cash, too.

7) Build the damn concepts

I have lost count of the times where GM has a great concept and they can it. What GM doesn’t seem to realize is that concepts generate the greatest public interest, and by association, the greatest possible revenue. Just look at the huge response when GM showed the Camaro concept at the 2006 Detroit show. And when the public is all pumped up for a great concept, they get pissed and disappointed when they find out that they’re not gonna be able to buy it. They will be dissatisfied, not only with the decision, but with the company itself. And a dissatisfied customer tends to stay that way. So next time you do roll out a hot ride, those people who were pissed before are less likely to buy.

Charge more money where possible

GM needs money and one easy way to get it is to charge more. Not on the normal consumer models, as that would enrage the public, but on the cars that are already very expensive. Simply make the car a bit more appealing and charge a heckuva lot more. Take the Cadillac XLR, for example. Sharpen up the design, sharpen up the interior, increase horsepower, and generally just fix the little complaints that people have with it to make it more appealing. Spend about $5,000 in changes and charge up to $15,000 more. The trick is to make it seem like it’s worth it. Glitz up the exterior, shine up that chrome, use red stitching on the black leather and viola- Mr. Rich But Dumb Joe thinks he has the best deal ever. It’s a dirty trick, yes, but when your very survival is on the line you had better be prepared to do whatever it takes.

9) Speed up the bureaucracy

Right now, the whole process of making a car is just way too slow. From concept to production takes about 10 years, which is insane. That’s due mainly to the bureaucracy, where power over decisions is spread way to thin. What GM needs to do is centralize. Have one man be in total control of a specific area, and make his word law. If he wants something done, then it gets done. No bickering, no discussion, just direct action. By cutting out all the bureaucratic crap, I’m willing to bet that the process from concept to production could be more than halved. And that’s important, because in order to maximize sales, you have to take advantage of the period when your car is the craze. If you can sell a car at the exact time when people want it, then you’ll be netting in huge profits. Like I said before, when people are fired up, they’ll do anything. If a man is caught up in the Camaro craze, and he’s got the cash, he will buy a Camaro. But wait too long, like GM did, and the initial surge of interest will have died down, and you lose money in the long run.

10) Break the Union

This last point is perhaps the most crucial of all. None of the above points can be managed in the time needed if the union still lives. In fact, I accuse the union of bringing General Motors to the brink of anarchy and bankruptcy. It is because of the union that General Motors could not advance at the pace it needed. So in order to bring about GM’s renaissance, the General must first break the back of the union. And once it is broken, it must be insured that it never returns, or if it does, that it never regains the power it once had. The union here is key, because without it, GM can do so much more. The General can automate, it can cut out the bureaucratic crap, it can quicken production and make marketing more effective, it can safeguard against the cowardly acts taken by the top brass right now, it can be adventurous, it can be all that it was before the virus that is the union dragged it down.

Related posts:

1. Ford Beats General Motors Monthly Sales for March
2. Reports Point to Two BMW Introductions at Shanghai Auto Show
3. GM Goes Its Own Way On Electric Motors

So I just got off a conference call with the fine folks at the Pontiac Underground blog, and I thought I should answer a few questions that I’m sure many of you are asking yourselves regarding GM killing off Pontiac.

Needless to say, the tone of the call was somewhat bleak, but they were happy to answer all questions. I’ll go over a few questions that I’ve received regarding this, and a few other things that they mentioned on the call:

Jim Hopson, blogger for Pontiac Underground was the moderator, and came on the line clarifying that December 31st, 2010 will be the last day Pontiac exists. Along the line they will be stopping production on all models, but haven’t made a decision on when quite yet. The Q&A below is not verbatim, but summarized by myself.

Why Pontiac and not Buick?

This is the most frequently asked question I heard. In the United States, Buick is seen as a “Grandma’s Car” – a vehicle left for the folks collecting social security, and not a car a young person would even consider buying. However, Buick is a global brand. Especially in China, Buick is seen as a young brand. Teenagers and young buyers look forward to driving a Buick. GM sells more Buicks in China than Pontiac, Buick, and Cadillac combined in the US. Pontiac, however is not a global brand, and sells far less overall than Buick.

Buick is also very profitable in terms of profit-per-unit, as is GMC, whereas Pontiac is not.

If I have a Pontiac already ordered, will I still get it?

Most likely yes, and you can still order Pontiacs without fear of not receiving it. Pontiac will be updating us on when the ending production dates for each model will be. Now, I said “most likely yes” because the G8 is the most unpredictable model. It has a two-month delay on ordering because it has to be made and shipped from Australia. If you have any questions about this, contact Jim at pontiaciscar@gmail.com

Are there models that they will redistribute to their other brands like the G8 or the Solstice?

No. They thought about this long and hard, apparently, but ultimately decided that rebadging models cheapens both brands involved (interesting thing for GM to say!) Specifically regarding the G8 – since people are most upset about it – the Camaro and G8 share the same platform, and rebrading the G8 as a Chevy could take sales away from the Camaro, and would ultimately be a duplicate model in the line-up. I’m sure when they were thinking about each model, there was no car that didn’t have a sibling in another GM line. They said that this is a final decision, and that there was no way a model will be rebranded.

Will my current Pontiac be worth more money now?

Doubtfully, but it depends on the model. From the aspect of a collector or investor, it might be a good idea to buy a Solstice Coupe (only 800 made for 2009,) or a G8 GXP, which I could see being a classic after a few years. Pontiac really hit the nail on the head with the G8, so getting yourself a nice, fully loaded G8 GXP might be beneficial to your bank account, given some time. Might want to get a 2010 model year though (“last year made” could up the value.)

What about the warranty and service?

Warranties are served under GM, so your Pontiac warranty will still be honored in full. Service will also be performed at a GM dealership. They wanted to stress that the only thing changing about the safety of buying a car from Pontiac is perception. All other aspects will remain the same.

Overview

This was a quick summary of the call, and answers the main questions I heard about this piece of news. If you have any other questions or comments, leave them in the comments below.

Related posts:

1. GM Shrinking to 4 Brands, Pontiac to 4 Models
2. GM Kills Pontiac – Focuses on Boring Brands
3. Say Goodbye to the Pontiac GTO

GM announced today that they will be phasing out the Pontiac brand by the end of 2010. This news came right after they announced they will also be cutting 21,000 hourly jobs and reducing their dealer count by 42% within the same time frame. This, in an effort to stay out of bankruptcy, of course.

“This action will allow General Motors to devote its limited capital and other resources to GM’s four core brands: Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC.” So GM wants to kill off the only brand that made them look even slightly sporty and exciting, and focus on the oversized and ultimately “boring” brands.

While it’s always a shame to see any brand go under – especially one with as much history as Pontiac – there are always contributing factors that made this happen. It wasn’t like Pontiac just drew the short straw here. Just speaking from recent years, Pontiac tried to revive the GTO name in 2004 to bring back some of the muscle car pedigee they were known for. Sadly, the GTO ended up looking like a stretched Chevy Cavalier. While it may have been a good car to drive (a friend owns one and loves it,) you didn’t know this until you actually drove it, and then it was still very subjective. They failed to bring back the memories of the original GTO, and instead made an okay muscle car that looked like a Chevy Sedan. The GTO didn’t sell very well, and it doesn’t take a genius to figure out why. They said goodbye to this model in 2006.

Next, we have the Pontiac G5, which you’ll remember I thought was a pointless car anyway, considering the Chevy Cobalt exists.

Then we have the Pontiac Solstice, which has nothing wrong with it by itself, if only you forget that the Saturn Sky exists. The Sky and Solstice are essentially the same car mechanically, but the Saturn just looks so much better than the Pontiac version.

So now we’re left with the G8, which could have been Pontiac’s savior. An exciting RWD sedan offered in multiple trims and engine sizes from an everyday V6, to the GXP with a fire-breathing 415hp V8, the Pontiac G8 was actually a pretty damn good car. An affordable sedan that could compete with the likes of BMW and Audi – it looked like Pontiac was about to get on the right track. The G8 also had one of the coolest car commercials I’ve ever seen.

But as they say…Too little, too late. Sorry to see you go, Pontiac.

Related posts:

1. GM Shrinking to 4 Brands, Pontiac to 4 Models
2. GM kills the Pontiac G8 ST. Unofficially.
3. Say Goodbye to the Pontiac GTO

Pontiac G5

An inexpensive compact coupe getting an excellent 37 MPG with a punchy 155 horsepower, 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine. What’s the problem here? Well this is one of the worst cases of rebadging I’ve ever seen. As you can see above, the Pontiac G5 and Chevy Cobalt are almost identical cars, inside and out. They didn’t even go through the trouble of trying to make them look different.

The G5 is a completely pointless car – the Chevy Cobalt offers a much wider variety of trims and options. Other than the sportier Pontiac image, there’s nothing the G5 offers that the Cobalt doesn’t. The sporty thing doesn’t even make sense, because the Cobalt (and not the G5) offers a supercharged version.

That’s not to say the G5 doesn’t sell a few models, but the cost that GM incurs having a extra model in their lineup instead of promoting the Cobalt seems wasteful, even though I’m sure the Pontiac G5 is very cheap for them to make, seeing as how the only difference is the front grill. I’m also not saying the Cobalt is a good model – I hated it when I drove an early model, but I couldn’t imagine the G5 being any better.

Do you own a Pontiac G5 or don’t agree with me? Chew me out in the comments section below.

Related posts:

1. GM Kills Pontiac – Focuses on Boring Brands
2. Say Goodbye to the Pontiac GTO
3. Pontiac G8 GT SEMA Concept

Ever since man began making cars for more than just getting from A to B, two-door coupes have been a sign of automotive enthusiasm and overall sportiness that a four-door sedan simply could not fulfill. A recent wave of sport sedans and four-door coupes have been introduced to the market, but for us sports car enthusiasts, they just aren’t good enough.

For the purposes of this article, we’re referring to a sedan as a car with four doors, and coupe as a car with two doors, even though the technical definition of the two terms are slightly different. Please see Coupe vs Sedan for more information regarding the technical differences.

So which new cars are produced as sedan-only, when they should be offered as coupes? Keep reading…

Lexus IS-F

The Lexus IS-F’s 5.0-liter V8 develops 416 horsepower and is controlled by an 8-speed paddle-shifted transmission through a RWD drivetrain. Why it looks almost identical to the weakling 2.5-liter IS250 is beyond me. If I’m going to buy a $60,000+ supercar, I don’t want it to be a 4-door sedan. Actually, I think the whole IS line should be offered in a two-door variation. It is, after all, Lexus’ sportiest model behind the overrated SC.

Pontiac G8

So Pontiac has the G6 – a capable and sporty midsize car with up to 252 hp, offered in coupe, sedan, and convertible variations. Then we have the G5 – a completely pointless compact, which is nothing but a rebadged Chevy Cobalt Coupe. But the only Pontiac which could be called a true sports car – the G8 – is only offered as a sedan.

The G8 GXP features GM’s LS3 engine – a 6.2-liter V8 producing 415 horsepower, propelling the car from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Pontiac’s most powerful car is also one of their only cars not offered as a coupe.

Acura TL

It’s no secret that I’m not a fan of the new design direction Acura has taken for 2009, but I can’t deny that they’re upping their game for all 2009 models. The Acura TL is a perfect example. It’s a step above the entry-level Acura TSX, and a sportier option than the luxurious RL.

Acura gave up on coupes when they canceled the RSX after 2006, but this didn’t make sense to me since Acura has always been a sporty brand. You could argue that the Acura TSX is better fitted to be a coupe, but it’s just a rebadged Honda Accord, and we already have a very capable Accord Coupe. The 2008 Acura TL offered a Type-S version which was very sexy, but the redesigned TL doesn’t get a sportier version. Hopefully 2010 will bring us a TL-S Coupe.

Honda Civic MUGEN Si

For the 2008 model year, Honda produced a very limited run of a MUGEN-tuned Civic Si Sedan. The Civic Si is available for both the coupe and sedan, but the MUGEN variation – which included a tuned exhaust, lightweight 18-inch wheels, sport suspension, and a body kit – only came available as a sedan. You’d think Honda would give the sportier Civic Coupe the honor of doning the MUGEN badges.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo has always been known for its excellent performance-to-dollar ratio. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine produces 291 horsepower and 300 ft/lbs of torque through a 6-speed paddle-shifting gearbox. Plus, it got around Top Gear’s test track faster than a Dodge Viper SRT-10. Doesn’t it deserve to look like a proper sports car? Yes, Mitsubishi has the two-door Eclipse available, and that’s the only reason I’m not bitching about the regular Lancer being a sedan only. But the Evolution? Come on.

Subaru Impreza WRX

Speaking of fast Top Gear lap times, the Stig pushed the Subaru Impreza WRX STi around the track 1/50 of a second faster than the aforementioned Lancer Evo. If Subaru doesn’t think this 305 horsepower, AWD, Alcantara-clad beast deserves sport coupe status, what do they think does?

Cadillac CTS

At the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Cadillac unveiled the sexy CTS Coupe Concept, which gave me hope for this whole domestic car thing after all. Instead, they released the beastly CTS-V for 2009, which boasts a ridiculous (in a good way) 556 horsepower, making it the fastest sedan in history. That’s OK though, since this means that if they do decide to make a CTS Coupe variation, the CTS-V Coupe will be unstoppable.

Did I miss any, or do you think I’m wrong about any (or all) of these? Please leave your comments below.

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1. 2007 Chicago Auto Show
2. Coupe vs. Sedan – What’s the Difference?
3. 2009 Acura RL – New Design Direction

That means Pontiac, Saturn, Saab and HUMMER face an uncertain future at best, or the chopping block for sure. HUMMER will most likely be sold off or cut entirely (a 60+% drop in sales can do that for a division). Saab probably faces the same fate. GM said it would sell or close Saturn. Since no one has yet stepped forward with cash, or even interest in Saturn, their future is not at all certain. So the rumors that Saturn would be folded in with Chevy or possibly Pontiac seem to be untrue.

Speaking of Pontiac, Bob Lutz said to Automotive News that Pontiac will shrink to offering only four models: the G8, G5, Vibe and Solstice. This news jives with what GM said to congress about making Pontiac a niche brand.

So, it looks like severe times are indeed ahead for what was once the largest, greatest car company on the planet. But let’s get serious for a second … after the jump.

For starters, GM never should have acquired Saab in the first place. They should have left HUMMER to AM General (the military contractor) and never tried to sell a truck like that to the general car buying public. Saturn? GM was doing with Saturn what they should have been doing in their own factories to begin with, manufacturing and process-wise. And if they were smart, Saturn would have started as a test factory, and then pulled into GM whole.

And Pontiac? Sadly, Pontiac is making less & less sense as time goes along. I’m surprised that GM didn’t fuse Buick and Pontiac into one brand, but maybe that would make too much sense.

Source: AutoBlog

Related posts:

1. GM Kills Pontiac – Focuses on Boring Brands
2. What If GM Cuts Off An Arm & A Leg?
3. Pontiac To Be Second Volt?