Press release: Aug. 1, 2007
2008 HERALDS NEW PONTIAC PERFORMANCE GXP MODELS
AND THE RETURN OF THE RWD SEDAN
DETROIT – Pontiac continues its mission to provide vehicles that feature progressive design, are exciting to drive, and make no compromises in power, performance or comfort.
Headlining the fall introduction of the 2008 Pontiac portfolio are the new Torrent GXP and G6 GXP. Pontiac enhanced what drivers already love about these two vehicles and injected them with the automotive equivalent of steroids, both in power and appearance. Both models arrive in dealerships in the fall of 2007 and join their high-performance siblings, the popular Grand Prix GXP and Solstice GXP models, to make up Pontiac’s performance series.
The G6 GXP’s design and performance take the midsize segment to a new level performance with coupe and sedan models. A 3.6L DOHC V-6 VVT engine powers the G6 GXP and produces 252 horsepower (188 kW) and 251 lb.-ft. of torque (341 Nm). A Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission complements the engine. Other GXP standard features include the performance-tuned suspension with standard four-channel ABS, 18-inch aluminum alloy painted, flangeless, five-spoke wheels and specific exterior and interior appointments.
The Torrent GXP delivers an exciting, sporty competitor to the SUV market, with a lowered suspension, 18-inch wheels and a powerful, 263-horsepower (196 kW) and 251 lb.-ft of torque (340 Nm) 3.6L DOHC V-6 VVT engine and six-speed automatic transmission. This potent powertrain combination propels the vehicle from 0-60 mph in less than seven seconds. The Torrent GXP is differentiated from the base model with a more aggressive stance and exterior design elements that include a shaped hood, a new front fascia with cooling inlets and detailed grille inserts.
In early 2008, Pontiac will introduce the all-new Pontiac G8 performance sedan, the first North American application of GM’s new global rear-wheel-drive architecture. The 2008 Pontiac G8 lineup will offer a V-6-powered base model and a V-8-eqipped GT model. Each will come with a host of standard performance, convenience and safety features. (A full release on the G8 will appear in the Product Information Guide at a later date; stay tuned to GM Media Online for further updates.)
The base G8 is powered by a 3.6L DOHC V-6 with variable valve timing, rated at 261 horsepower (194 kW). It is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. The G8 GT is driven by a commanding 6.0L small-block V-8, rated at 362 horsepower (270 kW) and 391 lb.-ft. of torque (530 Nm). A six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode is standard and features the fuel-saving Active Fuel Management system, which enhances fuel economy by alternating between eight- and four-cylinders. The G8 will be in showrooms in January 2008.
“With the addition of two new GXP models and the G8 performance sedan, we continue to expand our vehicle lineup to provide powerful vehicles with stunning design characteristics for every driving preference,” said Jim Bunnell, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager. “Pontiac is synonymous with performance, and our customers expect nothing less.”
Pontiac models for 2008:
G5: The G5 is powered by a choice of two efficient GM Ecotec four-cylinder engines: The base model features an efficient 2.2L I-4 engine. The GT version has a 2.4L I-4 engine with variable valve timing. The 2008 Pontiac G5 coupe continues to expand on the car’s impressive performance and styling while offering additional standard features for enhanced safety and driving comfort including standard XM Satellite Radio, head curtain side-impact air bags and GM’s tire pressure monitoring system.
G6: The 2008 Pontiac G6 portfolio provides an exhilarating family of distinctive, midsize cars that offer something for every driver looking for a powerful and impactful vehicle. The base G6 sedan, with its zippy, fuel-efficient Ecotec 2.4L engine; the GT sedan, coupe and convertible with its top-down styling; and the all-new GXP sedan and coupe, with their aggressive design and output; give customers a variety of exciting performance choices.
Grand Prix: Performance, functionality and a sporty profile converge in the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix and Grand Prix GXP. The 2008 Grand Prix ensemble features the well-equipped base Grand Prix and the performance-minded Grand Prix GXP. The Grand Prix is powered by the popular 3.8L V-6, producing 200 horsepower (149 kW). The 303-horsepower (226 kW) GXP is equipped with a 5.3L V-8 achieving 0-to-60 mph times in 5.6 seconds. A four-wheel independent suspension with MacPherson struts forms the basis of the Grand Prix’s handling package, and provides a smooth, street-connected ride. GXP-specific body enhancements complement the car’s forceful stance, with front and rear fascias along with rocker extensions accentuating the low profile.
Solstice: Pontiac has taken what customers enjoy about the popular and powerful Solstice roadster and upgraded it for 2008 with new technologies and many standard and optional features. With two Ecotec compact powerplants and a choice between a standard Aisin five-speed close-ratio manual transmission and an optional five-speed automatic, the Solstice and Solstice GXP truly define what a sports car should be.
The Solstice GXP’s Ecotec 2.0-liter turbo engine produces 260 horsepower (194 kW) at 5300 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. (353 Nm) at 5300 rpm, and is one of GM’s first direct-injection offerings in North America. The base Solstice is powered by a 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder engine.
Torrent: Providing the power, performance and agility of a passenger car with the capability of a sport-utility vehicle, the Torrent features an efficient 3.4-liter V-6 60-degree V-6 engine generating 185 horsepower (138 kW) at 5200 rpm and 210 lb.-ft. of torque (285 Nm) at 3800 rpm. The engine is mated to a five-speed AF33-5 transmission featuring multiple shift schedules that adapt to varied load conditions. Horsepower and torque are at a premium for the Torrent GXP, showcasing a 3.6L V-6 SFI aluminum engine that keeps the competition in the dust, accelerating from 0-to-60 mph in under seven seconds while still towing up to 3,500 pounds (1,588 kg).
Vibe: The Vibe’s dual-overhead cam design gets going in a hurry with a 1.8-liter I-4 engine producing 126 horsepower (94 kW) and 122 lb.-ft. of torque (165 Nm). The engine uses variable valve timing to optimize fuel economy and performance. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is available. The Vibe continues to be the crossover of choice for customers with active lifestyles who are looking for a sporty vehicle that combines exciting driving characteristics, innovative design and a variety of user-focused features.
