Pontiac Underground | The Official Blog of Pontiac

Signing Off, but Not Singing Out...

A little over two years ago, we first introduced you to Pontiac Underground. It was a place for all of us Ponti-manics to gather and appreciate everything this 83-year automotive icon has given us.

We've made no distinction between our love for the classics and the contemporaries. Every one is special to us. From the Torpedo to the Bonneville, the GTO to the Firebird along with the Solstice and G8... they've all been our children.

We laughed along with you. We've gotten angry along with you. And we've cried along with you, perhaps no more so than when we had to announce the news that Pontiac was going to go away. We said then, and we can still say now, that there are good, logical, sound business reasons for making the decision. But that doesn't make it hurt any less.

Even though its a difficult time for us, we've challenged ourselves, and now we challenge you, to not allow this to be a funeral, but rather a wake...a celebration of the good times we've shared together bonding over a car.

And, just as Susan Docherty says her video message on Pontiac.com, we're open for business and still have great Pontiac models to sell. The G8 GXP and Solstice Coupe, in particular, are not only great performing Pontiacs in the best traditions of the brand, but they are destined to become collector editions. Less than 2,000 of each will ever be produced. Plus, you still have Vibe, G3, G5 and G6, all with warranties fully-backed by GM.

So that's it. This is where The Underground drives off into the sunset. Top down, wind blowin' and engine hummin'. Thanks really isn't enough for you, the true reason Pontiac made it this far. But it's what we offer. And it comes from the heart. Thanks for making Pontiac more than just transportation. You made it an icon. An icon that lives on at car shows, on websites.

Continue to track us and make comments, ask questions and share at fyi.gmblogs.com and fastlane.gmblogs.com.  To share your photos, videos and interact with other PMD lovers, join us at facebook.com/Pontiac or if you are on Flickr, add your photos to our Underground group.  We also encourage you to continue interacting with each other through your local car clubs dedicated to Pontiac or though the many website devoted to Pontiac lovers, by Pontiac lovers.  Find links to just some of those to the right, under "PONTIAC NATION."

Drive on friends!

The Official Word concerning Pontiac

Statement from Susan Docherty, GM North American Vice President, Buick- Pontiac-GMC:

“Anyone who has been associated with the Pontiac brand knows that this was a difficult decision. Pontiac has had a rich and storied history, but unfortunately, despite the efforts of all concerned, the brand has been unprofitable over the past several years.  We had hoped in our February 17 Viability Plan to convert Pontiac to a niche brand within the Buick-Pontiac-GMC channel. 

However, the Viability Plan as submitted was not acceptable. GM was further challenged to take more significant restructuring actions which would allow the company to be viable even in these unprecedented market conditions and in any future cyclical market downturns.  These restructuring actions require further sacrifice by all stakeholders: GM employees, suppliers, investors and dealers. 

As part of these renewed restructuring efforts, we spent considerable time formulating Pontiac portfolio scenarios that would allow the brand to be sustainable and profitable long term.  Unfortunately after careful evaluation, none of these scenarios proved viable.

Therefore, GM is announcing the phase out of the Pontiac brand by year end 2010.  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."

All that said, details are taking shape and we'll be back with you soon with more details and to answer your questions.  Thank Underground for your support!

 

VIDEO: KBB Reviews Solstice Coupe

Pontiac Solstice Coupe Video - Kelley Blue Book - Metacafe.com

The First G8 GXP: Leaving Them in the Dust

A few weeks back, we told you about one of our first Pontiac G8 GXP owners, Debbie Croy.  Debbie, if you recall, was so passionate about getting her hands on her new ride that she drove about 800 miles from her home in West Virginia to nab one of the first available cars.

That car, proudly named "Black Magic Woman," is already becoming a bit of a legend in the "Mountain State."  

It seems that there was a certain young gentleman driving a certain pony car that shall remain unnamed here... let's just say it rhymes with "rust-tang." Well, this young hot-shot  apparently thought he could pull one over on our heroine, running right up to the line beside her at a red light, engine revving, no doubt already writing his victory speech in his head.

Now, don’t get us wrong, we don’t encourage or condone any sort of moving violations. And Debbie, a modest, gentle soul, surely obeyed all rules of the road. (She’s got family members in law enforcement for cripes’ sake) but, come on, this was a blatant throw-down.  As she puts it: "I've really tried hard to be good but, if harassed, my right foot gets a little heavy."  Were sure she kept it under 55. You go, girl!!!

Needless to say, tensions mount, gasoline is burned in some quantity, a certain patch of West Virginia highway now has a nice coating of vulcanized rubber on it, and the young upstart was put quickly in his place by our hip-hop-lovin' grandmother, backed by the power of a 415 hp LS3 V8.   We're sure that he loved the view of the Pontiac dart fading out of view in the cloud of smoke in front of him.

"He stayed way behind me after that," said Debbie, who is now referring to herself as "The Little Old Lady from West Virginia."  

Well, Debbie, you're not that old, but we at Pontiac Underground still salute you.  Not only did you defend your honor and that of Pontiac, but you've proven once again that the only "ponies" that matter are the ones under the hood.

Here is a video Deb posted on YouTube of her exhaust, she videotaped this at the request of many enthusiastic users on one of the G8 fan sites.  We love watching your chatter, keep it up! 

SOLSTICE GXP STAGE KIT, YOU ASK. WE ANSWER.

We’ve been getting requests for information on the Solstice GXP stage kit, so here’s the latest.

If you’re not familiar, a stage kit isn’t some minor cosmetic tweak. It’s a dealer-installed performance upgrade that adds power to the already impressive Solstice GXP, giving those craving an added boost exactly what they want. And considering that the standard Solstice GXP already rockets from 0–60 in just 5.5 seconds, we’re talking some serious street-legal muscle.

Designed for the Solstice GXP Roadster and new GXP Coupe, the stage kit has a suggested MSRP of $650 and consists of new sensors, wiring harnesses and a series of calibration changes to the GXP’s turbo engine. Drivers get plenty of bang for their buck, starting with horsepower—the upgrade adds 30 horses, boosting the GXP’s total to a potent 290 hp. Automatics also get an additional 65 lb-ft of torque (325 vs. 260), while manuals bump up an extra 80 lb-ft of torque (340 vs. 260).

Given these numbers, it’s no shock that demand has been high.  Your local dealer can fill you in on the latest availability details—just ask about part #19212670.

And if you’re wondering how the kit affects the warranty, we’ve got more good news. Unlike other after-market performance upgrades, this kit has been subjected to intense, official testing. That means owners taking delivery of a new Solstice GXP with the stage kit installed get the same exact industry-leading warranty that all Pontiac drivers get. And if added after purchase, the stage kit warranty equals 12 months/12,000 miles or the remaining new vehicle warranty, whichever is longer.  But a word of warning to any hot shoes out there—the warranty is tossed out if the stage kit is used for racing.

Thanks to Jim S, DaltonT and Dave for thier Underground chatter .  Keep the questions coming.

LINKS:
GM Performance Parts
Pontiac Dealer Locater

G5: We Beg to Differ

In a recent story appearing in U.S. News and World Report (and picked up online in several other places), the publication lists what they call their "worst cars for the money."  The exact criteria they use to determine this is a little fuzzy, but they supposedly based this on the "collective opinion of the automotive press" while tossing in words like "value" and "cost of ownership."

Fine.  Just say that it's your opinion.  Everyone is entitled to one.  

Interestingly, the same article notes that "if you really like one of [the worst cars], then chances are you'll be happy driving it no matter what - which means that in the end, it could be the best car for your money."

That's like saying that Coke is the best soft drink on the planet, hands-down...unless you like Pepsi, then it's the best.

Guess it proves that, just because you publish a magazine that passes judgement on other products, your conclusions may be wrong.  Okay, we can buy into that.

For example, the Pontiac G5 makes USNWR's list of worst cars for a number of listed reasons that we won't go into here.  They suggest other vehicles in the segment are a better possibility, including the Honda Fit.

Huh?  The Honda Fit is a five-door compact hatchback.  The G5 is a two-door coupe.  Talk about comparing apples-and-oranges.

Look, we admit that we are biased, but let's at least state all of the facts and let the customers (who are far smarter than most auto critics give them credit for) make up their own minds.

We know the G5 not perfect and isn't for everyone. That's fine because that's what choice is all about.  But, it also has been recognized recently as one of the "greenest" cars in America and gets up to 37 miles per gallon on the highway.  That's better than the Honda Fit, and the vast majority of other vehicles on the road.  Funny...that's not in the USNWR article.

So consumers...do your research, examine all of the possibilities and figure out what's best for you.  If that's the G5, your local Pontiac dealer would love to talk.

RELATED LINKS:
http://www.g5club.net
G5 on Flickr
Shop G5
Locate Dealer

Pontiac: Rumors of Our Demise...Part IV

Another day...another negative story in the media.

Now, we are not denying that the automotive industry is in a world of hurt right now.  Between the credit crunch, the housing crisis and the cruddy economy, in general, it's not very fun sitting in our seats right now.  Trust us...we know there are problems and we are working our tails off to fix what we can and get past this mess.

But, for every genuine piece of negative news out there (the recent tough decisions about Hummer, Saab and Saturn come to mind), it seems that our friends in the media can't resist piling on and indulging in speculation being reported as "fact".  As much as we try to ignore it, we also know that it affects you, the Pontiac faithful, so we need to say it again...

Pontiac is not going away.

Yes, we are going to change, and change can be difficult.

Yes, there will be fewer Pontiacs in the future.  Just how many, we don't know yet.

Yes, Pontiac will become even more tightly integrated into the Buick-Pontiac-GMC retail channel, which actually will make each of those three brands stronger by allowing each to focus on building vehicles that best
highlight their unique character.  For Pontiac, that means youthful,
sporty, fun-to-drive cars.

So, no, we don't have all of the answers, yet.  And that uncertainty is
probably the toughest part about this whole situation... for all of us.

But, sticking our heads in the sand and allowing all of the rampant negativity overwhelm us isn't going to do anyone any good.  That's why a whole team of really dedicated folks are still working so hard.

Yes, Pontiac is still alive and kicking...and we're working hard on our future right now.  When we know more, we promise that you'll be among the first to know...

G8 IN JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE BIT

Solstice Coupe: Counting Down to Counting Up

You know that the Solstice Coupe is coming.

We just mentioned earlier this week that we'll start building them in late March, so dealers should start seeing them trickle in the spring.  Plus, we've been told that the Coupe will also grace the April issues of Motor Trend, Car and Driver and other auto magazines.

You also may have heard that the base model Coupe will start at $26,845 while the turbocharged GXP version will start at $30,995.

What you didn't know (until now) is that we're actually going to sequentially number the VINs on the 2009 Solstice Coupes.  The first cars will be randomly assigned to dealers, so, if you one of the lucky ones already on a waiting list at your local dealer, you could walk away with quite a collectible.

Now, before you ask, we're hanging on to VIN 001, at least for now.  But, we'd be interested in your ideas on what we should do with it.  Just respond in the comments section below and we'll make sure your thoughts and ideas get to the team making those decisions.

"Give VIN 001 to me" will no doubt be a popular, although highly unlikely choice.

LINKS:
Pontiac.com Sosltice Coupe page
Pontiac Dealer Locator

Life's Little Questions

Why is the sky blue?

Why are we here? 

Would a fly without wings be called a "walk?"

These are just a few of life's questions that we all ponder from time to time.  And, while the folks at the Pontiac Customer Assistance Center may not have the answers to these little gems, they do answer hundreds of questions each day from folks who want to know a little more about our vehicles.

Now, since you, the Pontiac faithful, are every bit as much ambassadors for the brand as the staff at the PCAC (Gesundheit!), we thought you'd like to know the answers to the top five questions customers are currently asking:

When will dealers start taking orders for the G8 GXP and when will the cars arrive?
Your dealer can order the hot new G8 GXP right now and the cars are already popping up on dealer lots.  However, quantities are still somewhat limited, so finding a car could still be quite a challenge.  Even if your local Pontiac dealer doesn't have a G8 GXP in stock, they still should be able to help you find one, plus we've got a lot more on the way.

When will the Solstice Coupe go into production?
The Coupe should begin production in late March, so you should start seeing the car show up in dealerships in the Spring.  Again, with more than 2500 dealers, it'll take a while for every dealer to get one, so be patient and work directly with your dealer to get the latest information.

What is different on the redesigned G6?
We slipped a good one in for you on the 2009.5 model G6.  The most noticeable differences are a redesigned front end (inspired by the G8) and a new "center stack" on the interior with an updated radio with USB input and Bluetooth capability, part of the new MY LINK Package as well as new HVAC controls.  We're also making a four-cylinder version of the G6 Coupe available - which brags a "best in class" 33 MPG on the highway and we also have a E85 FlexFuel engine available as well.

What are the trailering specifications (towing capacity) for Pontiac vehicles?
G3:  Not recommended
G5:  1,000 lbs
G6:  1,000 lbs - not recommended for convertible
G8:  2,000 lbs for Sedan & GT; 1,000 lbs for GXP
Solstice:  Not recommended
Vibe:  1,500 lbs
Torrent:  3,500 lbs

Why was the G8 ST cancelled?
Given the recent dramatic shifts in the auto market and the continuing economic crisis, we just didn't feel we could move forward with the G8 ST at this point.  When you look at the situation the auto industry is currently in, it was a tough, but necessary decision to make.

So, while the Pontiac Customer Assistance Center may not be able to answer the deep, philosophical questions like, "Why is there air?", they can probably tell you how much to put in each of your tires.  If you have a question about your Pontiac, give them a call at 1-800-762-2737 or email, cac@pontiac.com.

And now you can go back to pondering why your hair dryer has a warning label about not using it in the shower...

Roadside Assistance: The Best Things Really Are Free

In the good ol' days (about five years ago), the ominous thump-thump-thump of a flat tire was usually your first indication you were in trouble.  Or, if you were really unlucky, it would be the loud BANG of a blow-out followed by the sharp pull of the steering wheel as your well-oiled machine suddenly developed a mind of its own and made a run for the nearest ditch... a real "change-your-underwear" moment.

Today, tire pressure monitoring systems are standard equipment on all of our new cars, so you know when one of your tires is losing air, hopefully before it goes completely flat.

But one thing hasn't changed...if a flat tire is going to happen, it's going to happen at the most inconvenient moment possible.  Rain, snow, dark of night, the middle of nowhere... there's nothing like the misery of changing a tire.

But, here's something you may not know (heck, we're in the business and sometimes even we forget).  If your Pontiac is still covered under either GM's three-year, 36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty or five-year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty (on 2007 and newer models), you've got free roadside assistance available.  We'll say that again...FREE.

If you are an OnStar subscriber, hit the blue "OnStar" button, or just call 800-762-3743, and the Pontiac Roadside Assistance team will dispatch help directly to your location.

Need a tire changed?  It's free.

Locked out of the car?  If OnStar can't open the doors automatically, Pontiac Roadside Assistance will send a locksmith to help...free.

Stranded on the side of the road? Emergency tow-truck service is only a call away...free.

Dead battery? The jump-start service is free.

Run out of gas?  They'll get you enough fuel to reach the closest fuel station...and it's free.

The toll-free phone call?  Guess what?  It's free.

Oh, and did we mention that all of these services are "free?"

So, be sure to program that Roadside Assistance phone number in your cell phone.  It's just another of those unexpected little values offered by a new Pontiac, or any new GM vehicle, and it sure does make that thump-thump-thump of a flat tire on a dark, rainy road a little less scary.