Pontiac Roars Forward

FINALLY!!! The Solstice coupe was sweet looking 4 years ago as a concept. I always wondered why GM didn't release it with the roadster. The sleeping giant has awoken!!!

Both a home run (G8 GXP) and a swing-and-a-miss (G8 truck).

Pontiac is trying to appeal to the Euro car buyer, and go a bit upscale, yet they are hitting the market with a recreation of one of the most lowbrow vehicles ever (El Camino).

I'll be laughing at the G8 trucks sitting on the dealer lots as I drive off into the sunset in my GXP.

The G8 sedan is pure Pontiac (ok, Holden-Pontiac), and the Soltice coupe is long overdue. But the G8 "sport truck"?? What were you guys thinking? That thing is DOA. How about a G8 coupe (like the recent Holden coupe 60), or maybe a new RWD G6 for Pontiac? Those are real products that will really sell. The G8 sport truck is a niche vehicle for a niche that barely even exists. Come on guys, anyone can see that. Do everyone a favor and stop this thing before it's a reality.

If you actually build the G8 sport truck, you're insane.

It makes the Aztek look good.

In my informal poll of 10 people, 11 thought it was ugly and would not buy it.

I'm a Pontiac guy. I own two Trans Ams, am waiting for the G8, used to own a Fiero, swore I'd never do FWD (and haven't), and the G8 El Camino is almost enough to make me buy a Honda.

My tip - build them to order. At least that way you won't have them sitting on the lot scaring small children.

The only reason I didn't buy a Solstice (yet) is because I needed a family car (kids) and I might be buying a G8 as soon as I can get one with a stick. But the G8 sport truck? Not. And so far, no one I've spoken is going to buy one either.

Pontiac. We build excitement. And the odd really ugly truck.

"The G8...a European-inspired performance sedan with American attitude built in Australia." Jim Bunnell

Must do wonders for the confidence and morale of your Detroit-based designers and UAW car builders, eh?

"All three Pontiacs introduced here in New York will be on the streets within 18 months." Pontiac scores a hat trick! And right on the heels of the G8 itself. To paraphrase Mark Twain - reports of Pontiac's demise have been greatly exaggerated. Now to complete the package we need AWD in the G8 and the next-gen G6 as well as hybrid versions of each.

I love GM and I love Pontiac, but please, please, please don't build the truck. It is absolutely awful and after selling the first 5K or so, you will need huge incentives to move it. This vehicle would be Pontiac's SSR. Use the design money for this truck to advertise the awesome G8.

Back in the day Pontiac Division was just that, dividing the suits at headquarters from Pontiac, the reason was the conterversal designs back when DeLorean was at the helm, we don't want a truck! if so we go to Chevy give us a break and get a spine and create some spirit like for instance lets say how about a TRANS-AM!!! even if is for a few years before the the V-8's are gone forever.

thanks

I totally didn't get the Australian Ute thing before actually arriving in Australia 4 months ago. All i can say is, don't dismiss this until it is seen in the flesh. You might consider it too small for the American market. I can't comment on that. However, this thing looks as hot as it is fast and with the versatility the flat bed offers you can really use this as a tool or a play thing. Maybe a bigger higher riding truck can give you thrills and utility. Show me another truck that will perform as well on the asphalt. There isn't one.

GM are definately taking a punt trying this on in the American Market. They aren't aiming for major volume. I think they will achieve quotas. Just wait until journalists get hold of them there will be plenty of 'this thing drives like a sports car' to rival the 'not quite sure we get the concept of this vehicle' comments.

Its a shame they chose the dark blue colour for the marketing shots. This thing is 'loud' and should have been marketed in the orange, green or yellow its most often seen with in Australia.

Mr Bunnell:

The G8 GXP and Solstice Coupe should be winners but I dont see that happening with the G8 Pickup Truck. I base this on recent history: the Chevy SSR. Once the few guys who are El Camino fans buy their copy, this will become a very niche vehicle. My prediction is that you will be stuck with them on dealers lots after the first year and even reducing the price drastically wont give them away. Obviously you guys have no idea what Pontiac means to the public. If you were serious about bringing back Pontiac, you would have the next generation GTO or the Trans-Am on dealer showrooms at the same time as the G8. You have not done that and soon you wont be able to do that because of fuel economy standards. Also I have seen something called a Holden "Coupe 60" that was shown at the Melbourne show: well, please dont sell that here as a GTO. It wont work. Look at what happened to the last generation GTO. You were stuck with those on lots for a half a year after the last one was made. That car was not a GTO and the public rejected it. That car was a two door Cadillac Catera and it was plain to see by all. The styling was needless to say - jellybean. The way you have gone with the Camaro is the correct way to go. I am going to have one of those and who cares about Pontiac - that division has nothing for me.

Wiz, Mike, Ray, why the need to hate on the G8 ST like you have? If you don't like it, don't buy it. This will never be a volume product. There is a small group that wants this vehicle. I'll concede that it would have fit better as a GMC or Chevy but to suggest this vehicle is ugly like an Aztek is absurd.

I knew they would have to up the power in the 6 liter, and I definatly like the 400 plus idea. As the the sport truck, it will take off more than people realize. Look at how the ridgeline sells. Its nothing but a van with a pickup bed. The sport truck is a great idea for those who dont need a true pickup truck. I would buy it to replace my silverado because I don't haul all that much, and only pull a trailer once or twice a year. Also, look at where who drives the elcaminos now. Mexicans. And what ethnicity will soon be the most abunant in the USA? Mexicans. So, this is right up their alley, they will buy them before they can get off the truck..the sport truck i mean...

That coupe and G8 GXP are so on point, I'm anticipating a massive uptick in GM sales. But they at least need to rebadge that heinous truck as a Chevy..

I think we established Jim that Pontiac got it's mojo back when they introduced the Pontiac Solstice a couple of years ago. When I layed my eyes on that car, I was feeling thing, emotions, and sensations that one should only get when they walk through maybe a Porsche dealership or a Maserati showroom.

What GM and Pontiac did was perfect the concept of exactly what the essence of the Pontiac brand should do. Design like a Porsche, run like a BMW, and deliver the vehicle for not much more than a Chevrolet.

Mission accomplished, no question. Now with the G8, G8 ST and G8 GXP and the unique and exclusive design and body style particularly of the sport truck just goes to show the genius behind the relationship of Pontiac and Holden and what I call those stone walls that a brand needs to stand and deliver.

But Jim come a little closer here, read a little slower and pay attention to this. We as a company can deliver and have delivered world class cars second to none in design, quality, and craftsmanship but where we still lack is in brand building.

Building a great car, that has been achieved with the original Solstice, building a great brand, can GM do this, well the jury is still out. We definitely have done it with Cadillac and Saturn but now you have three in your court shooting 30% is not going to deliver GM the ball game. So we can build world class cars nearly 100% of the time but we can't win the game because our players feet are tied together.

A couple of years ago Lutz and GM came to an epiphany...that Toyota's foray into the hybred technology with the Prius for it's investment, a perfectly executed operation if not for anything else, it was a perfect vehicle for advertisement. If GM had likewise diverted just a tenth of their advertising budget to a similar vehicle, GM would have gotten 10 times the amount of free press and positive feedback than it could have ever wished to gain from even the most savvy add campaign.

In a similar way we need to think about building distinct brand identities. I said from day one of this blog "You Yoke Em, You Choke Em". The bottom line with brand is we all will drive a GMC, most will consider a Pontiac, some will surely consider Buick. But just like AMC/Jeep/Eagle, there is not a person on earth that wants or will consider ever driving a B-P-G...Period.

Here is advertising 101. When I needed to advertise my book I payed for a $2000 add in the New York Times. Problem was, my book would share a square with 12 other books. Out of that investment I sold not a single book. The bottom line is you try to communicate too many things, you communicate nothing. Now we can't and do not need to open up 1,000 individual Pontiac dealerships, that is nonsense. So too for individual Buick or GMC stores. But here is the solution...

Consider it an advertising expense, and what GM needs to do to build its brands and to make sure they are not "yoked" as AMC/Jeep/Eagle, Chrysler/Plymouth, Lincoln/Mercury, yeah I know, proud, exciting brands, the standard bearer of the world's auto brands, not, in fact, yoking brands has better than a 60% mortality rate. Would you give your children something with a 60% mortality rate?

What we do to build a distinctive brand, to make sure our brands stand with the best in the world, to do this we take lets call it a 5-10% piece of the advertising budget and create just a few stand alone dealerships in certain of the most successful markets that will bear the best design, image, and layout of the highest retail experience.

A dealership that is the flagship store for the brand which we can use in commercials and show what I call the image and face of the brand.

In the end you got what you want, a symbolic dismantling of the individual brand store to create a perceived net gain in profit and an imagined reduction in cost, yet the brand gets, a real, actual, and intelligent face to show to the public, to save face and show the public the brand is not dying, dwindling, or dissolving, but indeed has a promising future.

When I was a broker we called it a reverse stock split. Mr. Jones your 100 shares @ $1.00 each is now 10 shares @ $10.00. Then the public isn't fooled in a short while the stock price dissolves back down to $1.00 a share and everybody loses out.

In the same way we are awaiting a real strategy for increasing the value of GM's brands, especially the B-P-G conjoined triplets.

In short...

We know you can build car, but can you build a brand?

Yo Raymond, guess you've never been to Australia. The ute will be a niche-market product, but ugly it certainly isn't. I predict it'll attract a modest but rabid fan base.

In Oz utes are commonly work trucks, and it's not unusual to see one with anything from a flatbed to - Godalmighty - a bug-spraying tank rig with a couple big 200-gallon insecticide tanks.

Australian cars (Holden and Ford) are kind of an Easter Island version of US product, starting from a similar root in the '60s but evolving with a different set of influences (e.g. no CAFE and little snow.) Holdens aren't BMWs in their material quality but the designs are excellent and the general standard of build is roughly equal to the better US-assembled Japanese product (e.g. Acura TL and MDX, Subaru Legacy, etc.)

Give me a stick GXP wagon and I'll be at the dealer that day, M5 pink slip in hand.

Oh, and I hope by now someone at GM has a Commodore running around with that new 4.5L Duramax. Is there a market for a 2010 G8 GXD, 350HP and enough torque to make municipal street repair crews tremble in their boots?

Wow, love the Solstice Targa, and both G8's. With the Camaro and Solstice coupe hitting the streets at about the same time, it will be an embarassment of GM riches. OK, I still want the Chevy Nomad...but great job, guys!

What's with the negative comments on the Sport Truck. These people are INSANE!!! That thing is awesome. I want one. GM, bring it on!

Here is a name for the G8 truck... Lets call it a "Not-a-Pontiac" I can see the tag line now...

"Now at your local dealer, the Pontiac 'Not-a-Pontiac'... it has style, power, and it's the only Pontiac thats not actually a Pontiac! That's if you don't count the G5 and the G8 and the Vibe and the Torrent... Test drive your 'Not-a-Pontiac' now and receive a free GMC or Chevy badge conversion kit so you can keep your dignity while driving this abomination unto real Pontiac's."

the G8 GXP is exactly what you needed. It will be the best performance sedan under $40k and all the folks who have been clamoring for a manual now have one.

Excellent work on all 3. I like the Ute and many others will too... it would be nice if we could get a Maloo type package for an upper model. For the GXP, please have the 20" rims from the G8 concept (the HSV GTS rims) as an available option... they are perfect for this car.

It's great to see Pontiac finally getting the attention that it deserves, but don't stop here. Please build the Coupe 60... Pontiac needs this car!

"All three Pontiacs introduced here in New York will be on the streets within 18 months."

That's just ridiculous. Why on earth is GM still announcing vehicles so far ahead of actual availability? Why bother to build up enthusiasm for a product that won't be available for a year and a half!?!?!

I like the sport truck. I used to own a GMC Caballero, which I really enjoyed, but I know from experience that this design is a love it/hate it vehicle. I'd get one if I could get a decent mileage V6. I lease a 2006 G6GTP Coupe until December, but I'm looking at an Altima 4cyl Coupe as my next car, as the gas mileage on these new Pontiacs is pathetic. 23mpg city is a lot better than the 17mpg city on the G6 coupes. I looked at a G5,and a Saturn Astra, but the lease rates are too high, apparently due to GMACs projected low resale value. Nissan apparently has a higher opinion of their own vehicles, as the lease rate is lower even though the car is more expensive. I'd prefer to buy a GM, but much as I like the high HP cars, as gas prices rise its just not economicaly or socially responsible to buy one anymore as a daily driver.

Enough with the negative comments on what you guys miss as a golden opprotunity to have something no one else does. ANd you all are dead wrong on the potential. There are those of us who do not need nor require 4wd jacked suspension mud hogs for daily driver trucks. There are those of us that do not need to haul an Airstream or Caterpillar but an occasional sailboat, garden tractor, building materials. The SSR was never intended to be a truck, just a Corvette with a bed. (heresy for emphasis only - my apologies to 'vetteophiles)

Speaking of Corvette, how about that for a vehicle that has no logical purpose in life, 2 doors, 2 seats starting at $10k higher than the most expensive Solstice, and then astronomically breaking $100,000 without breaking a sweat. There's your illogical GM vehicle for you, almost as illogical as a XLR-V. Yet you don't chastise GM for those? Come on, if I didn't know better I would start to think that the vast majority of nay-sayers to the G8 and its variants are domestic UAW members scared out of their shorts.

The sport truck is NOT stupid, it's stupid-smart and I applaud everyone at GM that desipte the negativity will stay the course and bring it on!

Oh, and wait until you nay-sayers get a load of the 2.0 turbocharged 4 that might just be the base engine in the Camaro.

The Ute has no business being sold in a Pontiac showroom, it should be either a GMC Caballero or Chevy El Camino. This is another case of GM not understanding its customer base. This vehicle doesnt fit Pontiac's brand image. A very nice vehicle if put in the correct showroom.

If Pontiac really had its mojo back, you would be telling us about a new GTO and Fiero GT. How about taking the gloves off Jim?

The Solstice is a series of compromises, no real trunk, no interior head or legroom, no fixed hardtop coupe and no volume sales either (look at Fiero sales figures).

Where is Pontiac's flagship model?

Scott - one would note that the Lexus IS (and certainly the IS-F), the Hyundai Genesis, among hundreds of others, were being prattled about in the press long before they got to the showrooms.

I've noted my opinions on the G8, I'll just say once again that it'd be very nice to see an automaker selling a product line (that is, sedans, wagons, and other variants off a platform) rather than just a sedan. There's lots of sedans out there - IMO the G8's strongest competition is not other new cars but used BMW 530s and 545s and Benz E350s. I have no use for more sedans, I'd dearly love a Benz E63 wagon but I've got other uses for my money right now.

As for the Solstice - it's not a bad driving car though with its relative bulk and blatting long-stroke motor the feel is more old big British roadster than Miata or even Z3 - but I've never gotten past the utterly embarrassing, cheesy interior. The first time I got into a Solstice, I watched that horrid hard-plastic door panel flop around as I closed the door, and immediately took the car off my mental 'good things' list even before I'd driven it.

Love the ST "ute" as do tons of guys on the LS1 forums. It will sell, these guys have no clue, I for one would love to buy one with a V8!!

I know i loved the S-10 and then GM went made the Colorado, worst truck ever produced by GM. Lack of power, looks, interior like a import. Come on GM, you lost more than half of your market share to the Yota Taco. Update the Colorado already, i'm so tired of seeing tacos.

That G8 Sport Truck is one of the ugliest vehicles I have ever seen... I think it is uglier than the Aztec believe it or not. Are we trying to bring the El Camino back or what? Don't build this car, wanna be truck. GM styling / GM's reputation for building nice looking vehicles is improving - please don't waste your time on this vehicle. Do an internal poll within the GM organization and I am sure the majority will feel the same.

El Camino - Subaru tried it too. They failed, as will this.

The G8 is wonderful. Solstice Coupe is a winner.

I think all three are great. One car Pontiac or Buick needs is a personal luxury car. Chevy has the Camaro there is no need for a firebird. I still think there is a market for more luxurious coupes in the Buick, Pontiac price range.

Nice job on the G8.

Let's name the truck "why are you doing that?"

I have one simple question: why didn't this sport truck go to Chevy and resurrect the El Camino name? Everyone is going to call it an El Camino to begin with, and even those who don't remember the El Camino specifically will ask "didn't Chevy used to have something just like that?"

I would really like to know from those who make this kind of decision at GM why it is not going into the Chevrolet portfolio.

Thank you.

The sport truck is a winner . Call it the BANSHEE.

I'm telling you, that G8 truck is a huge mistake. First of all, if Pontiac is to be the "American BMW," there can't be a pickup truck. I don't care if it's a truck-car....trar, caruck?....it's not what Pontiac is about. People trash the Torrent as being non-Pontiac, but at least "respectable" brands like BMW have SUVs. No trucks!!! What happened to "Pontiac is car"; that lasted for about a minute. To quote that commerical: "that is not car." The Pontiac marketing folks must be in shock that their campaign is ruined already.

What could be better than introducing three new products you ask? Your lame ad campaign for one. For those that are not aware, it goes something like this: These are so "CAR". Never has a car been so "CAR". I hope you didn't actually PAY somebody to write this juvenile play on a word. It is just plain horrible advertising, and makes an absolute joke out of Pontiac.

PLEASE - kill the CAR stuff now before it damages the Pontiac brand any further.

G'day Jim,

Is there any thought on making the GXP but with the 3.6L DI CTS engine, AWD, and 6 speed manual? Not everyone can afford the petrol that the 400+ Hp LS3 engine will be drinking. Also put in a decent stereo system? I've listened to the Blaupunkdt in a Commodore in Melbourne and it's just not good at all. Way too much distortion at volume.

Thad

So GM can make a business case for a half-pickup car but can't for a production version of the Holden Coupe 60 show-car? This doesn't make any sense, GM should know that they will sell a lot more Coupes than half-pickups. The upcoming Pontiac lineup is good but by not having a V8 Coupe GM is making a mistake.

A rhetorical question that GM needs to consider: How big would production of the now-discontinued Monaro have been had Holden been producing the export models for North America, the Middle East, and England from the moment it entered production? I know for a fact that when production ended Holden had produced around 50,000 total for all markets. If my guess is correct GM would have sold more than twice that number at minimum if the export models had been in production from 1991 until the end of production.

G8 (GT/GXP) Sportwagon....

PLEASE!

Does GM have any plans for a performance car between the Solstice/Sky and the G8/Camaro?

A compact rwd 4 seater that could fit larger people, offer respectable performance, and get better than 20mpg city would have a substantial market.

With gas closing in on $4 a gallon here in CA, the G8s 15mpg city isn't going to cut it.

Maybe I just have to give up on GM. The Prius seats 5, gets 40+mpg, and goes over 100mph. Maybe that's the combination of performance and economy I need.

I love the Solstice Coupe, but I'm not a fan at all of the current interior. If the materials improve greatly for the next generation, it would be very high on my list of potential next cars.

The G8 in GT and GXP trim is absolutely amazing, but it is a bit bigger than what I need now. For people with kids though it could be a great choice. I think the DI 3.6 should replace the normal 3.6 in the base model.

The G8 Sport Truck will attract a pretty small niche, but considering it costs very little to slap Pontiac panels and badging on Utes, I don't think it will matter much either way.

There are two Pontiacs I'm still waiting for: G5 and G6 replacements. The G5 replacement should have an AWD ultra high performance variant to compete with the WRX STI and Evo and let Pontiac break into the Rally world. The G6 replacement should be a small (3 series size) RWD coupe, sedan, and convertible powered by the 2.4L 170+ hp ecotec (base), 2.0L 260 hp ecotec (GT) and 300 hp 3.6L DI (GXP). Pontiac is niche enough to go after the performance car crowd. Let Chevy, Saturn, Buick, and Saab go for ultimate fuel economy. And finally give them some proper names. G# just isn't doing it.

> There’s a big difference between some people liking that “Aztek 6.0 Sport Truck, Special Fuel-Sucking Edition” and actually buying one. I’d prefer an SSR, if I were to get out my wallet, and I still remember Rick Wagoner’s (first) nutty comment about it: “Do you think we priced it (SSR) too low?!” No, way to high, as a matter of fact.

> What GM needs right now is a nice-sized 40-50MPG gas-fueled car, not more “performance machines” with 6.0 engines. This decision will look more stupider when gas hits $5, and the bankrupt, China-owned, GM whines about its 15% market share.

> Pontiac! Pontiac! Restoring the glory of the Pontiac brand!! What in the world are you talking about? In my nearly 5 decades of life, Pontiac has just been another failing, substandard, badge-engineered GM entry. Are you marketing to 60-70-80 year olds? I thought automakers wanted the younger customer? Is the goal to make Pontiac the number one brand at final ‘Estate Sales?’

> Will the Solstice Coupe be last place in quality scores like the convertible? Like the Hummer? Like the SSR? Like every GM, half-baked, flash in the pan? All the while, the Camry, Accord, Civic, Corolla, etc., quietly soldier on (at a profit).

Once upon a time, Pontiac was a great division of GM. Then it got hit with a wave of shoddy design and even shoddier construction and engineering. Wide track? Remember that? Gone now. Quality? Out the window. But now, that hideous excuse for a middle class El Camino? You might as well just grease the skids for Pontiac's slide into the Oldsmobile graveyard. Mark my words--when that piece of poor design and even poorer market research hits the streets, it will make people nostalgic for the Aztec.

You just have to wonder what the geniuses running GM are thinking. Oh, yeah, I know: What's good for General Motors is good for the USA, so the fools will buy this piece of total garbage.

Aztec, HHR, Cimmaron, and soon the Pontiac Abberation. All winners--not.

I love the new offerings from Pontiac, especially the Solstice coupe. It could be the best coupe GM ever offered in quite some time, no GM coupe got me wanting it so much, not since the late TransAm, hopefully it will be mine after college.
Keep up the great job, and GM will continue to lead the way with innovation and passion.

1. For those of you who are criticizing the G8 for being "European inspired" and "Australian Built".. Stop being so xenophobic.. international influence will create better products. The "American Built" and "American inspired" Pontiacs almost killed Pontiac!! Let's never go back there again!!

2. The few negative comments towards the sport truck are just another example of how close-minded the OLD Pontiac market is. GM needs to shed all of this old blood.. bring on the Sport Truck.. bring on the new global products.. bring on the new Pontiac!!

"1. For those of you who are criticizing the G8 for being "European inspired" and "Australian Built".. Stop being so xenophobic.."

Frank,

Not being xenophobic at all. I rather like the idea of driving a "European-inspired" and "Aussie-built" car. (Being a Europhile, I've come to enjoy almost anything "European-inspired.")

But were I GM senior management, I'd be concerned over the bad effect those terms might have on the confidence and morale of my Detroit-based designers and UAW car builders.

Cheers,

Nigel

the sport truck will be a SMALL VOLUME vehicle. People need to stop complaining. If they dont like it they do not have to purchase one but Pontiac is correct in trying to offer something different. The Suburu flopped because it was UGLY. The G8 ST isnt ugly and it will have genuine performance.

I saw the G8 GXP in the flesh at the NY show and it is HOT. Looks great inside and out. It will make import V8 sedans look like rip offs.

Oh yes... Solstice coupe... it's a winner! Is it going to have a Sky badge on one too?

It appears that the Ute would be a better fit at Chevrolet.

Yeah... we need a TransAm and a Camero.

JEM said "I've never gotten past the utterly embarrassing, cheesy interior. The first time I got into a Solstice, I watched that horrid hard-plastic door panel flop around as I closed the door, and immediately took the car off my mental 'good things' list even before I'd driven it."

Another fine example of GM decisions being driven by cost over function. GM will NEVER be a BMW or Lexus, because performance barely comes into play anymore. Sure they'll brag about the G8's 400Hp engine and drivetrain components because it would be too expensive to make a change to what the Aussies already have engineered. But anything that gets changed in the interior - you can bet it will only be for cheap cheap cheap. It is the GM way!

A Big Thanks to Mr Lutz and all responsible for getting the green light from G.M. on the Solstice Coupe. My wife and I have been waiting since the NAIAS Detroit 2002 when Pontiac "Rolled out" the Fire Frost orange coupe along side the roadster concept. AWESOME! We will be buying one ASAP, maybe two. I hope there are some sharper colors offered than the current pallet.
d. fernandes

Dear Mr. Lutz,

I agree with you that the new "zeta" cars are world class. My only concern is that of the Pontiac g8 Sport Truck. It seems to me that Chevy had the El-Camino and Pontiac did not have a version of the El-Camino. So it seems strange to me the Pontiac would get one in the first place. It would seem to be a Chevy product. Also I do not understand were this G8 ST fits into the Pontiac lineup. As I understand it Pontiac is going after the BMW crowd. Now if I check the BMW lineup they do not have such a car as the G8 ST.

G8 ST What are you idoits thinking!!! Two seat vehicles do not sell period. The long standing problem of what vehicles GM approves for production has not been corrected. Hey start listening to the customer instead of building doomed from the start vehicles like the G8 ST, 2009 Camaro, SSR, Aztek, Lumina APV, 90's Buick Roadmaster, 80's Cadillac El dorado Vega etc, etc, etc. Look at the history of any 2 seat vehicle and you see the same problem. Even if its a great car and people love it, they don't buy them (Crossfire comes to mind). Mark my works the new Camaro will not sell after the first year because its not functional and you built again what you wanted instead of listening to the customer again. The customer wants a 69 replica car with all of today's great braking, handling and performance. Its a miss...

come on guys!!
just because pontiac never had a sport truck in the past doesnt mean it cant have one in the future
if you havent noticed already, pontiac isnt about reviving old cars and nostalgia. Get that out of your minds!!
Chevy might be doing a retro thing but solstice and g8 are both new names and new ideas
GM - make sure you don't fall into the trap of building old pontiac firebirds and transports PLEASE keep the fresh new Pontiac coming!!

Gawd! I am falling in love with Pontiac again.

And I am remarkably pleased to hear we won't have to wait a decade for GM to surge ahead of the pack.
18 months is stupendous!

Thats just great Gm releasing a car that will compete against their own products. So lets make cheap gas guzzlers. Lets reduce our sales of Cadillacs and Corvettes. Heck while we are at it lets destroy the future sales of our new camaro. Another bone headed decision by bone heads that aren't fit to run a McDonalds restaurant.

Actually I think it's a pretty smart step to introducing the G8 Sports Truck (or however it finally will be named). Just a few days ago I was visiting Florida and saw the rising gas-prices also there. Doubtlessly the fuel-efficiency of the G8 ST will be significantly better than it's found at conventional trucks with similar towing-capacities and performance. Already the lower weight and drag of the G8 ST should be very favorable at this comparison. GM didn't have to pour lots of money in this idea, since Holden developed this model anyway. So it's much more a chance than a risk to bringing this vehicle to the US, even more, since I can't think of any comparable model from the competition.

"That's just great Gm releasing a car that will compete against their own products. So lets make cheap gas guzzlers. Lets reduce our sales of Cadillacs and Corvettes. Heck while we are at it lets destroy the future sales of our new camaro. Another bone headed decision by bone heads that aren't fit to run a McDonald's restaurant."

Ron, not everybody who wants a Corvette may be able to afford one. GM does need a flagship model for Pontiac however, since only Cadillac is a allowed to have a V8 sports-car besides Chevrolet that means that Pontiac is going to have to make do with something else. I think that they need to produce a Pontiac version of the Holden Coupe 60 Show-car to be that flagship model. GM also needs to remember that some buyers will have no desire to buy a Camaro but might be interested in a larger coupe with a usable back seat and with a higher quality interior. I don't want GM to become like Toyota (who seem to think that one size fits all and that cars are like refrigerators) One car (Camaro) does not fit all buyers and based on quotes I have seen in car magazines GM is not going to bring back the Firebird as a higher content Camaro.

P.S. I incorectly posted in my previous post that Monaro's started production in 1991. Monaro production actually began in 2001.

I've always like the idea of the car-based pickup; when used as a single-passenger commuter car, it has less "footprint" than a SUV, but has the capacity for hauling big items when needed. Now, devise a slide-in "passenger module" for the pickup bed so I can haul around a couple extra passengers in the back, and you have something I'm interested in.

-----------------------------
Since the giveaway truck will be awarded based on a random drawing, I'll make my case for my name suggestion here:

"MAGNI," in Norse mythology, son of Thor; the name means "Strong."

From Wikipedia:
"...Then Magni came up, son of Thor and Járnsaxa: he was then three nights old; he cast the foot of Hrungnir off Thor, and spake: 'See how ill it is, father, that I came so late: I had struck this giant dead with my fist, methinks, if I had met with him.' Thor arose and welcomed his son, saying that he should surely become great..."

Thunder and lightning, Norse Gods, heroic deeds-

That would be a killer TV ad, I'm thinking, Super Bowl quality stuff.

So the God of Thunder and his son climb into the Pontiac Magni and roar off into the eye of the storm...

Gotta be a ruby-red truck with electric neon yellow lightning stripes.

Okay, go back to whatever you were doing.

I suggested the Pontiac ST idea when I first saw it on Holden's website, around 2005 I think. I'm still not sure why it wasn't done sooner. I am told that the Chevy version sells very well in other countries and it isn't nearly as powerful as the proposed Pontiac model.
I just don't get the haters. Any successful model is good for GM. I would like to see Pontiac get away from negative advertising using rap artists, but that isn't going to make me sell my cars. Here's another one of my famous ideas, quit using controversial celebrities in ads and focus on showing the cars. Let the vehicles speak for themselves. The quality is there now isn't it? Show that.
I currently don't own anything but Pontiacs, and I would be happy to see a GM sport truck come to America with any name plate on it. Why not just call it a Holden?

Has a great look!
What are the versions available in it?

Why the UTE and not the wagon puzzles me. Why are the only wagons GM plans to offer here only Saabs and Caddys??? What about the G8 wagon (Already tooled)? Why can't there be a Grand Prix to Malibu wagon??? With the new push for fuel economy isn't a wagon off a car platform beter than a SUV for the same about of space??? Please resurect the

What GM and Pontiac has done?
they have added one mor efeather in their cap, but i would like to see if GM moves the ZAP's way . For more details logon www.zapworld.com

Saw the G8 at the car show, very nice. The car needs heated mirrors, auto dimming mirrors and auto dimming rear view mirror for cold climates. This should be a option. Wheels and paint on the G8 give it a very rich look. Seats were good in black leather.

I'm with Brian. How about a midsize AFFORDABLE station wagon? Also, love the idea of the Solstice coupe but hate the low roofline. The T'bird suffered from the same look and is now extinct.

First off being a Canadian resident can't enter you Truck name contest but it should be G8 MXT ( Muscle crossover Truck) goes with your G8 GXP thinking. Speaking of names the Solstice is as boring as it gets why not Fiero for the coupe. Heck G5, G6, G8 just make me think 80's 1000, 2000, 6000 Pontiac needs emotion with names and cars like Firebird, Trans am heck the G5 was Pursuit up here first great name.Not numbers look what happend to Saturn no personality and now they might have the best small car with the Astra and great name by the way but it may be too late don't do the same to Pontiac.

The G8- Awesome! I am a current Grand Prix GXP owner, and would love to feel the power of the G8. I agree with some of the other readers that it would be nice to have a name on the car??!! And please cancel the truck before you destroy the image of another good brand.

Gas is approaching $4.00/gallon with no end in sight.

You have got to be kidding

i owned several new el caminos back in the early 70s and would buy one now as i do not need a full size pick up to haul my ATVs.

You want to change the name of the G8 Sport Truck because it doesn't convey the emotion that the G8 will create. G8 doesn't convey emotion either. The design of the G8 does but the name G8 does not. G8?! C'mon. You need two names. I like the sedan much better than the truck, whatever you call it. I would've liked the truck much better if it had four doors with a bed like the Avalanche.

I hope the names that made Pontiac legendary will be back sooner than later - once the tarnish of poor quality and the less than inspirational designs associated with them fade. G5, G6, G8 - Uh, no! Come on?! Bonneville, Grand Prix, Le Mans - Oh, hell yes - yes! Say those out loud and get a clue. At least quality and design are alive and well at GM again. Thank you for that.

Mr. Lutz - you are quoted in Ward's Auto World as saying that "the Firebird's day is done. We don't want to attract those kinds of people to the brand." My kinds of people supported the brand and made it what it was before GM dropped the ball. You're a car guy, I thought you understood?! How dare you make that kind of comment. You're looking for a name that conveys pure emotion. I have two for you. They have and always will - Firebird Formula and Firebird Trans-Am.

Make BMW want to be the German Pontiac. They could only hope to convey as much emotion as Pontiac.

Build them - and we WILL come!

One more thing...

The new Pontiac logo on the G8 concept was brilliant. A beacon of hope what could be. I loved the new logo - where did it go?!

Ok - I'll settle for it on one of the new Firebird's when they're back.

Thanks!

G8 Sportwagon!!

Bob - you gotta bring on the G8 Sportwagon!!!

I'm sure GM will say no to Sportwagon until Bob and his crew see it in the metal and drive it.. then Bob will say "we Gotta have the Sportwagon" and 2 years too late, it will hit the showrooms.. another great idea 2 years too late!

Come on!! its so OBVIOUS it will sell!!

To all of you that think the G8 Sport truck won't sell: It will sell for one good reason, the I5 in the Canyon and Colorado. Nobody I've spoken to likes that engine. They find the huge 2.8L four to be a but much as well. Quite honestly, if GM wanted to kill the sales of this ute, they could do it by making some minor changes for truck use and putting the 2.4l ecotec as the base engine of the Colorado/Canyon, and the 4.3l V6 from the Sierra/Silverado as the upgrade.

Will the G8 finally get a navigation system?

the problem the dealerships have now is half the people who come in to buy a car can not get financing because of their credit rating.

Please Rick Wagoner listen to me when I tell you that Pontiac needs a Coupe much more than it needs a half-pickup car. Today I see that Edmund's inside line has a article: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=125393?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..1.*
saying that the G8 Coupe may not be dead. Please build it! Pontiac needs this car much more than they need a pick-up.

The problem with the G8 Sport Truck has less to do with the vehicle itself than how it will reflect, in public perception, on the G8 and Pontiac as "brands."

You guys are pitching the G8 sedan as a sort of ballsy budget BMW--rightly so--and hoping its desirability will rub off on the rest of the brand.

Now, think about it. How would your perception of the BMW 5-Series change if it was offered with a pickup bed (called the BMW BRAT, perhaps?) How 'bout a G35 Baja? Or a Chrysler 300 Rampage? Buyers of leather-lined V8 sports sedans do not want to see themselves coming the other way with a load of fertilizer in the bed.

If the idea is to move the public's perception of Pontiac away from "hormonal Chevy" and towards a sort of sporty-sophisticated American Acura/Infiniti, this is a horrible thing to do to your intended image leader. Doesn't matter what you call the ST; it's simply poor brand positioning.

PJ McCombs is right on the money.

The Solstice coupe, G8 and G8 sport truck are great now could you please do something about the G5.

There are a lot of people out there that can’t afford more then a compact car. These are the young buyers and they are incredibly important. If these people go out and buy a Civic or Scion tC they are probably lost to GM forever. At a bare minimum you need give the G5 some unique styling.

PJ and Tom, neither of you is being forced to buy a sport truck from Pontiac. And unless teh intro of such vehicle devaluies your portfolio of GM stock (how can it go lower)what's the difference what they build (other than another Aztek or Phoenix). You don't have to buy - but on the other hand, I can't wait. Neither can enough others to make it worthwhile. Small survey, but my 25 yr old daughter is prepared to trade her Vibe for the sport truck - bet you never saw that demographic coming, 25-35 sf.

Great, another blunder from "Down Under". Why not call the truck G-String? Pontiac hasn't "built excitement" in over 40 years and GM deserves everything that's happened to them. What a pathetic mess you made of a once great company...

I also could get into a wagon. BMW is selling wagons very well, and it supports thier brand just fine. Demi-pickups dont work for a high end luxury/sport brand. Note that Lincoln is killing their "pickup", and Caddy would be wise to follow suit. Let GMC go hog wild with the luxed out pickup, and call it a day. The only competition is Ford. El Caminos with thirsty engines are probably not going to work these days. It is a very different market than the '60's when GM last did well with these things in this country.

With current bottom feeders like the G6, Pontiac can't move much further downhill, can they? The current issue of CR shows how far that Pontiac has come under Bob Lutz' watch. Still at the bottom of the pack with poor performance, cheap interior materials and hardware, poor fit and finish, and poor reliability. For a mere $1500 more, you can have a VW EOS that gets most everything right. Pontiac POS, or VW EOS , which would you rather own? Another example of beancounters win, we lose.

I am quite tired of people such as Tommy Rudd from above assuming poor reliability of GM vehicles. This isn't the 1980's anymore. Things have changed, and newer GM vehicles hardly ever break down anymore if maintained properly. Taking a look at the issue of CR referenced, I see that a huge number of GM vehicles now seem to be recommended vehicles by the CR staff. If CR is recommending them, then they can't be as bad as many assume them to be can they? GM does need to work on interior materials, true. The textured hard plastic has worn quite thin on many buyers, and really needs to go away in favor of a more finished look using vynils and fabrics.

As for the ST. I'd have preferred a Malibu or Impala style nose on it, and it being sold as the new ElCamino at Chevy dealerships rather than it being sold as a Pontiac. It just seems to make more sense.

The Pontiac truck saddens me deeply. How can the portfolio people be so far off? I questions GM's ability to trun around when products like this are being shown to the public. Building the right vehicles is serious business. People's livelihoods are at stake. GM cannot afford more mistakes!

The financial records of whoever creathed the G8 Sport Truck monstrosity will surely reveal they have heavily shorted GM stock.

I am a business student out west. I wrote this letter one night for fun. I thought I'd post it here since GM does not offer a direct email address to the CEO. I would have sent it to GM but didn't feel the need to waste a stamp. Enjoy...

March 7, 2008

Rich Wagner Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
General Motors Corporation
P.O. Box 33107
Detroit, MI 48232-5170

The Dinosaurs Didn’t Survive

Sir,

I am writing you this letter for a multitude of reasons, the most important being that once again I would like to be proud of the American automobile. It is more than a piece of machinery it is a representation of America. The second reason being, that I am a graduating marketing student seeking employment (I don’t expect an offer). Don’t fret you are not the only CEO receiving one of these letters, Ford will get one too, but I am going to skip Chrysler because they are beyond repair. While this letter may highlight only the negative, it can always be viewed as opportunity. I would like to see us/ GM on the cutting edge of manufacturing once again. I can remember when “made in America” meant something, and want nothing more than to see it as a reality once again. At present I would not even consider an American automobile; gas mileage and quality are light years behind the competition. It might be true that American automobiles have improved their quality in recent years but they still squeak, handle badly, and whistle in the wind which few foreign competitors products do. I know that this letter will never reach you but I think it is paramount to state the obvious.

General Motors needs to cease worrying about Toyota overtaking it in unit sales. GM might currently be the world leader in automobile sales, but Toyota turns a profit, while you run a huge deficit. What does market share really mean if the market leader cannot escape being in the red? GM needs to concentrate on quality and fuel efficiency. These attributes are the future, your SUV’s are not going to sell well with the coming recession (possible depression), housing crisis (which directly correlates to car sales), and five dollar a gallon gas prices. Your international brands possess the attributes your domestic brands lack. I have always wondered why you don’t bring those brands to America. I also wonder why you spend/ waste R & D funds on vehicles that are a success in other markets. Why would you change the look of something as beautiful as the Holden and retag it as a GTO? Leave the vehicle designs the same as they are in Europe/ internationally, just retrofit them with safety features which are required in America. You could allocate some of your gigantic marketing budget (the world’s largest) toward establishing these brands and still tie in the GM brand name. Or you could market them independently and avoid the negative connotation which many young people have associated with your corporation. The GTO retag was a disaster which I believe could have been avoided if it had remained a Holden (the Coupe 60 looks amazing!). Why do the American cars build outside America look distinctive and cutting edge, while your domestic cars appear to be outdated? Why offer a hybrid Malibu if its gas mileage fails to differ (much/ 2 mpg) from the Ecotec engine?
The first step I would take in the GM turnaround strategy would be to divest poorly performing brands. I would get rid of Buick, Pontiac, and GMC.

Paying Tiger Woods millions is still never going to get young people to drive old person cars. The sale of these brands might also provide you with some leverage over the unions allowing you to renegotiate their contract. Those folks are not worth the money you pay them, and health care costs are placing you at a huge disadvantage in the marketplace. Reposition your corporation’s mission statement to the effect “we want to provide the best vehicles in the world at every price point.” After which the focus should be quality and engineering as opposed to mass sales. If you make this change in your focus you might see that sales will fix themselves over time. Then you should introduce Holden, Opel, and Vauxhall to the American market as brands under the GM umbrella, or as I stated before you could market them independently. Marketing fewer brands will serve as an economy of scale for your advertising. I would also allow Saab more creative freedom. Currently they produce a nice product but it is in a boring package. I could just tell you this or you could spend millions researching these options from which I believe you would come to similar conclusions. I would also benchmark Toyota’s operation, adjust GM’s plants to just in time, and try to fix vendor relationships. Did you know that Toyota’s produced in America contain a higher percentage of American parts than your cars do? Did you also know that their parts travel much shorter distances than your parts do? Both of which provide cost savings.
The bottom line is this: Create cutting edge quality products and all your other problems will alleviate themselves. Become environmentally conscious, lately green is gold for corporations, and fix your manufacturing processes.

These may appear to be a lot of requests, but it seems as though every business major in America is aware of your flaws (GM’s), but nothing seems to be done about it. My question is why? Imagine how much more money you could make if share prices increased two-or-three-fold. That would mean you would receive 36, or 18 instead of only 9 million in stock options.
I guess what I’m really trying to convey is what would other CEO’s do if they were in your position. What would Steve Jobs do? Did Jobs sit on his laurels at Apple (both times), or Pixar? You’re the big guy make some waves!

Thanks for your time,

Kenton

The Solstice is perfect. It reminds me of the Z4 coupe, but with an easier price tag. I like that this styling is reflecting greats of the 60's like the TVR Griffith and Triumph GT6.

Kenton,

It's "Rick Wagoner," not "Rich Wagner." Getting his name wrong probably isn't "best foot forward" for a business grad seeking employment or offering advice.

Chris R,

The G6's poor reliability performance is not my assumption. It is a reality in the latest CR magazine, and is based upon real world experiences of owners.

The GM organization is supposedly driven by metrics, but the only one they really care about is cost reductions. That is why the competition continues to gain market share. The focus must be on the product - high quality content, first rate designs and engineering and class leading fit and finish. Does that sound anything like GM to you? Has that ever been what GM has been known for? Cheap and cheaper is the driving force over at GM. Is it any wonder then that even new designs are plagued with squeaks, rattles, hard cheap plastic, raspy engines, cheap interiors, wide turning circles, and yes, worse than average reliability? And this is progress? Seems like the 80's aren't so far away.

Brian C,

If by having 2 doors and 4 tires, the Solstice reminds you of a Z4 coupe, then so be it. Beyond that, the similarities end. Pontiac is by no means a BMW. Easier price tag is just a nice way of saying cheap cheap cheap. Get real, dude.

I'm sure I'm not telling you anything you don't know already, but your dealerships are about to shoot themselves in the foot (again).

My local Pontiac dealer has a $1,000 markup on the G8. From what I've read, some dealers go as high as $6,000. They did the same thing when the GTO came out. I don't need to tell you how that ended up.

I understand that GM cannot fix prices, but this is ridiculous. Other brands do markups, but none, in my experience, do so as consistently as Pontiac. It's not fair to customers, and it's also not fair to GM - you guys really came through with these cars, and your dealers are going to make it a waste.

Even pictures of the Pontiac Sport Truck are exciting GM outsiders. Its going to be a great way to attract new buyers to Pontiac and rekindle the El Camino enthusiasm. Magazine photos of the sport truck are exuding WOWs, and 'oh that caught my eye' from youthful readers.

GM builds the best in the world. GM prices are the best values on the market. GM is the market leader in technology, design, and innovation. GM is such an amazingly wonderful company on the world stage (as are Ford and Chrysler in their own way).

GM enthusiasts already know it. The key is informing everyone else. Let's have more of the great GM cars. Just let the GM enthusiasts lead the way. We know about the issues and problems, but they don't worry us, because we have great confidence in the leadership. The Solstice, the G8 Sport Truck, the new Malibu, and the new CTS are a jolt of inspiration. And for the uninformed masses, one of the best kept secrets for a great cars on the market right now is the updated LaCrosse Super. Wow, what a nice ride (and why can't we special order the LaCrosse Super any color we want like pearl white or gold), we are actually considering the Mocha, since its the obvious high class color option.

I happened to be listening to the radio in my Chevy Camaro in Washington, DC when Rick Wagoner said of Oldsmobile 'these are what we thought were good products'. I still remember the broadcast. Yes, Oldmobiles still ARE GREAT products. Some people just hadn't heard the message. My family has an Aurora and what a fantastic car it is.

Let's have an all new Toronado like the Michael Sabatini Concept Toronado. The Toronado is a great name, the Cutlass Supreme is a great name too, and the right design would sell by the millions. Put it at the Buick dealerships don't even change the signs. At the car show, a popular car is the 1977 Grand Prix. It still turns heads and people would buy it today. After seeing it in person again, I was reminded of how attractive of a car it still is. Build some new Oldmobiles because its the right thing to do. GM enthusiasts are not quitters, we just demand nice looking cars, we don't give up and we don't give in. We drive the best cars in the world and we know it.

Its nice too keep up with all the touchie feelie stuff like Hybrids, but we want a V-8, and we are not afraid of the naysayers, its time to stand up to the numbskulls in Washington. The new Corvette on cruise control gets 34 mpg highway on regular gas (with the top down!). In reality, some of our GM V-8's get the same mileage as the V-6s and 4's from the competition. Stop letting the politians nickle and dime the average car buyer with their double talk and regulations. Speak up.

Love the Sport truck.

Also, love the Vibe.

Except, since it's a Toyota, I feel dirty for wanting it. Would Lutz rather have me buy a Saturn Astra or a Pontiac Vibe?

David

Pricing is controlled by the market. As long as the customer will pay the price a Dealer will charge the price. ALL car makers dealers have done it. Pontiac Dealers have done it a few times, and wow it's been with sports cars (ie GTO, G8, and the turbo Trans Am Pace car). As long as the price stays competative and the cars is well liked the price will eventually come down and stabilize. Toyota did it with the prius, VW bug, corvette ZR1, Viper, the list can go on forever. The consumer sets the price for Hot cars and the added cost is the result of wanting to be the first owner. I would never buy at he higher price but some can't wait. Capitalism is what drives this Country and you may need to wait till next year to get it for less than sticker.

Lou

My local Pontiac dealer has a $1,000 markup on the G8. From what I've read, some dealers go as high as $6,000. I understand that GM cannot fix prices, but this is ridiculous.

Wouldn't it be nice if GM sold the G8 through the Internet at MSRP?

Would Lutz rather have me buy a Saturn Astra or a Pontiac Vibe?

Don't you mean Opel Astra or Toyota Vibe?

These are great looking cars that perform fantastic. Now if Pontiac makes sure that there quality is better than BMW than I see them taking them on.

as a previous owner of 2 new elcaminos,71 and 72, but moved up to full sized PU in 73 because i needed a larger bed to haul dirt bikes and snowmobiles. i will look at the new pontiac sport truck to replace my present silverado 2500. even owning a full size car you need something to haul stuff from the home building stores and if it will haul my quad to the mountains it will be on my shopping list since it will have the same engine as my 2008 corvette !!!

Pontiac has the best products out since the early 1970's. The new G8 is a real contender.

Jim-

Great job with the G8 and Solstice.

I have been a Pontiac fan since the 1960's.

All that I can say is keep trying to save this division.

There is so much in it's history that could save it today.

Yes, you're going to have to shed the hallowed Grand Prix which is now as much of a joke as the last Taurus was, the Torrent (To-Rent?), and get a new G6 somehow.

Lastly, paleeeeessssee listen to me...the "Pontiac is Car" advertising leaves me cold.

You have your work cut out for you.

Best of luck!

A true Pontiac lover.

Driver Report -- Pontiac Vibe

The outfit I work for recently added some new 2008 Pontiac Vibes to our fleet motor pool. last week I got the first chance to drive one on an out-and-back day business trip.

Some minor problems, but I was favorably impressed.

Biggest complaint -- the automatic transmission

My biggest complaint was the automatic transmission. The one in this car was very slushy, and unless on level ground at steady speeds, spent a lot of time hunting for a gear. On the one big hill I had to climb, it had a great deal of trouble deciding which gear to use.

Starting from a stop, it also tended not to move until the RPM built up, and then jump forward. (I had the same problem with a new Impala in our fleet motor pool last year.) I'd be interested to know if this Vibe had a GM or a Toyota-built transmission.

Fuel mileage -- better than the EPA figures

On this 250 mile round trip I averaged 36 mpg -- better than the EPA estimate of 31 mpg for a Vibe with an automatic transmission. I'd probably gotten close to 40 mpg with the manual transmission.

My impression

The car was well built and was solid with no rattles. Fit and finish were fine. (Who gets the credit? GM or Toyota?)

Two minor problems

The window sill is too high. With the window rolled down, the window sill was too high to comfortably rest my elbow on while driving. I suppose most people will keep the windows up and us the A/C, but I like to drive with the window open.

The center console was also too low to rest my right elbow on while driving.

When my daughter graduated high school a few years ago I bought here a new Ford Focus. If I were buying her a new car today, I would choose the Vibe over the Focus. It would be a very good choice for a young single.

But, I'd definitely get one with a manual transmission. (I'm proud to say she knows how to drive with a stick. Her Focus has a manual and she passed her driver's test using a Mercedes diesel with a manual transmission.)

Jim-

Please don't build the G* Sports Truck.

You are shooting yourselves in the foot.

The G8 is a worthy BMW beater.

Would BMW offer a truck?

Do you see my point?

The Truck waters all of the G8 brand equity down!!!

If you really want to bring the truck over, put a GMC face on it, and give it to GMC.

That would be most prudent.

The G8 is one step in the right direction to save Pontiac.

The truck is 2 steps back.

By the way "Pontiac is no loner "CAR" if you put the truck in the lineup...