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General Motors today announced an online vehicle discount program for active and reserve military members that can save military families thousands of dollars when purchasing a new car or truck from Chevrolet, Saturn, Pontiac, Buick, Saab, Cadillac, GMC or HUMMER.

“The GM Military Discount Program” is an online web site that enables active and reserve members of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, National Guard and Coast Guard to get a new vehicle discount. Under the program, military members can receive as much as a $1,500 discount off the MSRP of a new Buick Enclave crossover; $2,200 off a new Chevrolet Impala sedan; or as much as $4,200 off a new GMC Sierra pickup truck. Specific saving examples are available online at: http://gmmilitarydiscount.com

“As a former Marine fighter pilot, I know how important it is to save every possible dollar when buying a new car or truck – especially when deployed overseas or starting a new family,” said Bob Lutz, GM vice chairman. “Many of our current and retired employees have proudly served our country in all branches of service. ‘The GM Military Discount Program’ is just one more way we can say thank you to millions of active and reserve military personnel struggling to balance the needs of their families against their service to their country.”

The GM Military Discount Tour will be visiting several military bases around the country. There are 19 showroom visits planned with product specialists available to answer questions about the military discount and GM’s lineup of exciting cars and trucks. Vehicles scheduled in the showrooms include the Pontiac G8, Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado and Malibu, HUMMER H3, Cadillac CTS, Saturn Sky, and GMC Yukon Hybrid among others. Visitors to the showroom can also enter the “Big Choice Sweepstakes” for a chance to win an exciting Pontiac G8 GT or a trip to the Super Bowl or Daytona 500. No purchase is necessary and complete sweepstakes details are available online at: http://gmmilitarydiscount.com

“The GM Military Discount Program” enables military members to know the discounted price of their vehicle before ever walking into a dealership. Many other incentive programs can be combined with this discounted price. GM’s previous military program was a $500 discount from MSRP and had more limitations.

50 Cent Pontiac G8 Unique Automotive Edition
2010 Pontiac G8 sport truck Announced

Drawing inspiration from classic sports cars, the 2009 Pontiac Solstice coupe was created for drivers who appreciate both dramatic styling and balanced performance. Unveiled at the New York Auto Show as a GXP model, the Solstice coupe builds on the success of the convertible model while offering a greater range of all-season driving opportunities.

For drivers still wanting an open-air experience, the coupe also features a removable roof panel, fully opening the cockpit to all of the sensations of the road.

“Today’s Solstice is the top-selling roadster in the U.S., and we believe this new model has even broader appeal,” said Jim Bunnell, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager. “The coupe has all the design cues and pleasing performance of the original roadster, and is an all-season alternative for people who enjoy open-air driving.”

The coupe is expected to arrive in Pontiac dealerships in early 2009.

The making of a coupe

The new coupe was inspired by the Solstice coupe concept shown at the North American International Auto Show in 2002. True to the concept, it is a modern sports car with classic lines. The roofline has a “fastback” shape with stylized “rails” that run from the front of the roof to the rear, culminating in a stylish and functional ducktail-style rear spoiler.

The coupe’s roof is fixed aft of the B-pillars, with side windows and a rear liftglass for access to the cargo area. The roof panel is easily removed from the passenger compartment, and an optional soft roof cover stores in the cargo area. A home storage case for the roof panel will be offered through GM Accessories.

Engineering the design

Despite its dramatic new look, engineers made only minor structural changes to create the Solstice coupe. The rear fenders and rear fascia are the same as those on the convertible. New taillight assemblies flow more smoothly into the tapered roofline.

“The Solstice coupe represents a major collaboration of design and engineering,” said Bruce Kosbab, chief engineer. “The sleek lines of the new roof give the car a fresh appearance, yet only minimal changes were made to the body structure – it’s a great example of building on an already solid foundation.”

Lightweight structure

The roof’s structure was strengthened with additional support elements, including an aluminum roof bow attached with aluminum brackets. The bow and brackets are stiff, yet low in mass, a design feature that pervades the coupe’s overall construction. The roof includes a lightweight sheet molding compound cover affixed to a rigid aluminum frame for additional lightweight support. A lightweight magnesium roof panel frame weighs just 31 pounds (14.2 kg) and can be removed by one person. The cover is also made of sheet molding compound.

Powertrain and suspension

Because the change to a coupe body style resulted in only a slight increase in curb weight, no drivetrain or suspension changes were necessary to shift from the convertible body structure. Initial tests have shown that the Solstice coupe will deliver ride and handling, acceleration, braking and fuel economy comparable to the convertible model.

The coupe is powered by a standard 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder engine that generates 173 horsepower (129 kW), while the GXP version is equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec engine with 260 horsepower (194 kW).

Interior additions

Much of the coupe’s interior remains the same as that of the convertible. However, the area behind the seats was redesigned for easy access to the cargo area, and a storage tray was mounted directly behind the headrests.

Removing the folding-top mechanism made way for a new, flat cargo floor and several storage compartments. The cargo area’s covered bins provide secure storage for smaller items. Cargo tie-down hooks help secure irregularly shaped items.

PONTIAC INTRODUCES SEGMENT-BENDING G8 SPORT TRUCK
The 2010 Pontiac G8 sport truck blurs the line between cars and trucks and is creating an all-new segment in the North American car market. This dramatically different vehicle blends the sporty handling of a performance coupe with the cargo capabilities of a light truck.

Based on the all-new Pontiac G8 performance sedan, the newest member of the G8 family has a longer wheelbase and a cargo bed suitable for either work or recreation. The G8 sport truck significantly stretches Pontiac’s commitment to style and performance and is expected to arrive in dealers’ showrooms in late 2009.

“Pontiac has never shied away from offering segment-defining vehicles, going back to the original GTO,” said Jim Bunnell, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager. “There’s simply nothing else like the G8 sport truck on the road today, and we definitely believe that there are customers who will be excited by its distinctive design, performance and cargo capabilities.”

Consumer named

Another unique aspect of this new vehicle is the fact that it will be named by a consumer. Beginning today (March 15, 2008), consumers can visit www.pontiac.com/namethiscar and submit their name ideas. “As an important part of the G8 family, we know that ‘sport truck’ doesn’t fully describe the vehicle’s ability to blur the lines between sports car and truck,” said Craig Bierley, Pontiac marketing director. “Because its fans will surely be as unique as the vehicle itself, we’re giving them a voice in selecting a name that reflects its appeal.” The winning entry will be announced April 15.

Design

The G8 sport truck maintains the same sporty exterior design as its namesake sedan. Flared fenders wrap around the 18-inch wheels and give it a wide, confident stance. The roofline has a coupe-like profile that reflects the vehicle’s performance pedigree.

The doors, roof and exterior panels aft of the B-pillars are unique from the G8 sedan. One-piece outer body panels give the vehicle a sleek appearance. Wrap-around taillamps and fully concealed tailgate hinges add to the sculpted look. A color-coordinated, soft tonneau cover conceals and protects items in the cargo bed from the weather.

Performance

The sport truck draws its strength from the same powerful 6.0L V-8 engine used in the G8 GT. It puts out 361 horsepower (270 kW) and 385 lb.-ft. (522 Nm) of torque. The combination of a six-speed automatic transmission and Active Fuel Management technology provides both car-like fuel economy and an unexpected 0-to-60 time of 5.4 seconds.

While these performance numbers are respectable by sports car standards, the G8 sport truck offers flexibility unlike that of a sports car. A 73.9-inch (1878 mm) cargo bed has 42.7 cubic feet (1208 L) of cargo space and a durable composite bed liner. It also can carry a payload of more than 1,074 pounds (488 kg) and tow a 3,500-pound (1,600 kg) trailer.

Structure

The G8 sport truck is based on the same rear-wheel-drive architecture as the G8 performance sedan. However, the sport truck’s body structure was reinforced in key areas to support its cargo and towing duties. More than 60 new components were added to strengthen the structure. Compared to the sedan, the 118.5-inch (3,009 mm) wheelbase is approximately four inches longer and the overall length is six inches longer.

Suspension and wheels

A four-wheel independent suspension with electronic stability control delivers confident handling, whether loaded with weekend home-improvement supplies or towing a pair of personal watercraft to the lake.

The steering box is located ahead of the front axle line for a quick, direct feel. The sport truck’s front stabilizer bar is one mm larger than the sedan, and the rear suspension has been enhanced to support payloads without adversely affecting handling.

The G8 sport truck rides on 18-inch machine-faced aluminum wheels with a P245/45R18 summer performance tire. All-season tires are available. An optional Sports Package includes 19-inch machine-faced aluminum wheels with P245/40R19 summer performance tires.

Brakes and steering

The sport truck shares the G8 GT’s four-wheel disc brake system, featuring 12.64-inch front and 12.76-inch rear rotors. Front rotor thickness is 1.0 inch, while the rear rotors are 0.87-inch thick. Twin-piston, front alloy calipers and vented rotors and single-piston, alloy rear calipers with vented rotors are standard, as is ABS.

Comfort and convenience

Given its heritage, it’s not surprising that the G8 sport truck offers many of the same creature comforts as the G8 GT, such as:

Air conditioning with electronic dual-zone climate control
Cruise control
Driver Information Center
Bluetooth connectivity
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel with DIC and radio controls
Power windows/locks/mirrors
Remote keyless entry and remote start
Theft-deterrent alarm system
Fully-bolstered, four-way adjustable cloth seats are standard. Heated, six-way leather seats are available. They can be customized with two-tone, black-and-red inserts and a coordinating gauge cluster.

Behind the seats is a surprisingly large interior cargo area with more than 8.5 cubic feet (245 liters) of storage space. There are two covered storage compartments beneath the load floor and a pair of cargo nets.

Sound system

The G8 sport truck’s 230-watt Blaupunkt AM/FM/six-disc CD changer has an MP3 input and five speakers. The 6.5-inch audio display controls both the sound and climate control systems.

Safety and security

A full list of safety features are standard, including:

StabiliTrak electronic vehicle stability system
Tire pressure monitoring system
Dual-stage frontal air bags with a passenger sensing system
Head-curtain side air bags
Side thorax air bags
Three-point safety belts in all seating positions
Safety belt pretensioners
OnStar

Coming this summer, the efficient, made-for-Canada Pontiac Wave5 also gets an injection of style and technology for the 2009 model. This small car now offers a new design inside and out, and gets a new, more refined engine with variable valve timing and improved fuel economy, and is sure to be a hit with Canadians when it goes on sale in 2008.

The new ’09 Wave5 continues to stir the waters in Canada’s small-car market with features expected in larger, more expensive cars – such as standard OnStar and available XM Satellite Radio – as well as its signature “tall car” design that enables surprising passenger and cargo room. It is powered by a new, fuel-sipping, 1.6L DOHC engine with variable valve timing that produces more power (107 hp / 80 kW) and strong torque (106-lb.-ft. / 143 Nm) – and has been tuned for quieter performance.

Indeed, the Wave5′s efficiency and flexibility go hand in hand. With its improved fuel economy among the best on the market using regular gasoline, the ’09 Wave5 can travel more than 640 km between fill-ups, resulting in fewer trips to the gas station and road trips that require fewer stops.

The Wave5 goes on sale in mid-2008, joining the recently redesigned Wave sedan. It is available in base and SE trims – each backed by a “worry free” five-year/160,000 km transferable powertrain warranty, plus Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation.

Bold, sporty, modern exterior design

The Wave5′s dynamic, contemporary European influenced design enhances the Wave5′s sporty exterior with premium details such as the three-dimensional, richly detailed headlamps that extend into the hood. Redesigned, body-colour fascias and chrome accents suggest a more expensive car, along with available features – such as its large power sunroof – that are unexpected in the segment, Wave5 retains its characteristic “tall car” configuration, enabling a spacious interior, with generous headroom that is greater than many midsize sedans.

The Wave5′s sleek styling accents longer, wider and taller dimensions, with sculpted lines and a wide, confident stance. Pronounced “shoulders” over the wheel openings and body-colour door sills convey the look of a larger car. A more assertive, dynamic look is accomplished with crisp, V-shaped hood edges, bold front and rear fascias with premium cues, such as larger, available front fog lamps; a rear-fascia lower grille; and a larger available rear spoiler located on the trailing edge of the roof.

Roomy environment

The Wave5′s exterior is complemented by a quiet passenger cabin that features well-crafted details and generous standard features that enhance comfort. It is one of the most spacious vehicles in its class, with features and refinement comparable to more expensive vehicles.

With its signature “tall car” design, the Wave5′s generous dimensions easily accommodate 6-foot-tall passengers in each of the five seating positions. It also is a quiet interior environment, with soundproofing technologies that complement quieting powertrain enhancements and improved aerodynamics to provide a quiet, comfortable and vibration-free ride, even at higher speed.

Attention to comfort is evidenced in elements such as standard driver’s seat armrests. Also, theatre-style rear seating provides a commanding view for all passengers. A 60/40-split rear seat expands Wave5′s interior cargo capacity; and when more cargo-carrying capability is required, the rear seat can be flipped and folded, offering 1,189 L (42 cu. ft.) of cargo space.

Refined modern interior with a twist

The interior’s contemporary appearance is achieved through sleek lines and the clever use of rich materials, including a new, available two-tone, charcoal/light gray design (on charcoal interiors) that provides a premium look and feel. Other premium appearance elements include technical-grain, low-gloss surfaces; wood grain, satin-chrome or carbon-fiber finishes on the instrument panel and door panels; and even perforated faux leather seating surfaces, steering wheel cover and shifter knob.

Additionally, clever details abound, such as a sunglasses holder; door pockets for books and maps; and hooks that can secure shopping bags. Unexpected value is delivered through more standard and available features – features not typically found in the segment, including:

Fully reclining front seats with convenience hooks
Six-way-adjustable seats – plus driver lumbar adjustment
Tilting steering wheel
Driver information centre
Oil Life Monitoring System
Cruise control
Power windows and locks
Heated, dual power body-colour foldaway outside mirrors
On-key (no separate fob) remote keyless entry
Air conditioning with cabin filtration
Large, power-operated sunroof

The sale of ‘Travolta Fever’ coincides with the 30th anniversary of ‘Saturday Night Fever.’ Hollywood, Calif. – Years before mega star John Travolta started piloting his own jumbo jet, he cruised around in ‘Travolta Fever,’ a custom celebrity show car created just for him as his career took off. Now this piece of Americana is up for auction on eBay.

The most famous Pontiac Firebird ever to hit the streets was designed by famed car customizer George Barris who is also responsible for the Batmobile, the Munster Koach, the General Lee and the Monkee Mobile.

“Travolta Fever is an important piece of entertainment history,” says James Monroe, the car’s current owner from Ventura, Calif. “It is a time capsule that highlights the Hollywood fads of the late 70′s and early 80′s.”

Saturday Night Fever, the movie that catapulted Travolta to stardom and into Grease and Urban Cowboy, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

“Hollywood promoters wanted to create a special car that would fit Travolta’s superstar image and tied into Saturday Night Fever,” says Monroe. “Travolta Fever was built to promote John Travolta and his rising career.”

In 1980, when Travolta inspired a nationwide country music craze with Urban Cowboy, George Barris transformed the interior of Travolta Fever with an Urban Cowboy theme complete with appointed cowhide seats and an authentic saddle for the center console. Travolta Fever is also equipped with NASCAR-inspired, sculptured fender flares and a large rear whale tail.

Revell, the famous plastic model maker, produced and sold scale model kits of the Barris customized Firebird. In fact, John Travolta’s “Firebird Fever” was one of the first celebrity car model kits ever offered by the company.

After a short time of being shown on the West Coast, Travolta Fever made its way to the Midwest, where it was leased from Barris by American car and custom hot rod designer Darryl Starbird and featured in several of his shows.

Travolta Fever, John Travolta’s custom celebrity show car, along with the TravoltaFever.com Web site are being auctioned together on eBay (Item number 160175750913).

The 10-day listing ends at 5:00 PM on Sunday, November 18.

All-new, but still retaining the original’s blend of style performance and versatility, the 2009 Pontiac Vibe also signals the return of the popular all-wheel drive and performance-oriented GT models. The 2009 Vibe will make its public debut at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show and will be available at Pontiac dealerships in early 2008.

Designed for enthusiasts who are passionate about performance, the all-new Pontiac G8 performance sedan – arriving at dealerships in early 2008 – is the first North American application of GM’s new global rear-wheel-drive architecture. The V8-powered G8 GT SEMA Edition was displayed at the ’07 SEMA Show with a host of tuner-inspired custom touches, including a hot orange paint scheme with matching leather seat inserts, door panels and instrument panel pad.

Under the hood is the production 6.0L V-8, rated at 361 horsepower (268 kW) and 385 lb.-ft. of torque (520 Nm). A six-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control backs the powerful small-block engine and complements a four-wheel independent suspension outfitted with unique 20-inch wheels and performance tires.

The G8 GT SEMA Edition car is equipped with production equipment that includes:

-Standard ABS and traction control augmented by high-performance HSV brakes
-Electronic stability control
-Seat-mounted thorax air bags and dual-stage frontal air bags for front passengers, with automatic passenger sensing system
-Roof rail side-impact air bags for both seating rows
-OnStar with available Turn-by-Turn navigation
-Power-adjustable front seats
-Fog lamps
-Quad polished stainless steel exhaust tips
-Rear lip spoiler
Augmenting the SEMA Edition is a series of modifications, including:

-Custom orange exterior paint
-Orange-accented interior components, including seat inserts, door panels and instrument panel pad
-Enhanced brake package with drilled and slotted rotors
-Lowered performance suspension package
-Twenty-inch wheels with performance tires
The G8 has a progressive styling package highlighted by strong Pontiac design cues, such as a dual-port grille, fog lamps, bold wheels and a confident, wheels-at-the-corners stance. The car’s design accents Pontiac’s performance lineage, with fenders that flare over the wheels, seemingly hugging the wide tires and enhancing its athletic stance.

Distinctive elements include hood scoops and front fender vents, as well as projector-beam headlamps housed in crystal-clear lenses. At the rear, taillamps feature bright detail work surrounding the red lighting elements.

Designed to evoke the emotions of classic sports cars, the Pontiac Solstice SD-290 race concept captures the purposeful design of vintage racecars. The design is dramatic, featuring a passenger cockpit tonneau cover and a driver windscreen, creating a pure racecar that looks ready to take the checkered flag even while sitting on the starting grid.

Aerodynamics have been improved and the SD-290′s weight reduced with the removal of the windshield, side glass, window regulator, convertible top, climate system and windshield wiper system. Complementing the design are new side fender gill panels, a new hood with heat extracting grilles and a competition red paint scheme.

Backing up the race-ready appearance is the available Club Sport Z0K suspension package and an all-business cockpit filled with auxiliary gauges, a roll bar and racing seat.

Vehicle highlights:

-Pontiac Solstice SD-290 race concept-2.0L Ecotec direct-injected and turbocharged generating 290 horsepower

PONTIAC SOLSTICE

With lyrics that don’t pull punches and themes that are brutally honest, rapper 50 Cent (a.k.a. Curtis Jackson) has risen to the top of the hip hop scene. He’s also a passionate car enthusiast with a penchant for Pontiacs – his video for the song “Amusement Park” featured the G6 GXP and G8 concept cars.

Now, 50 Cent has teamed up with Pontiac and New York-based tuner to the stars, Will Castro, and his shop, Unique Autosports (the same shop featured on the television show “Unique Whips”), to build a one-of-a-kind G8 performance sedan. It debuted at the 2007 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

“Partnering with Pontiac has given me the opportunity to create something truly unique – a customized performance vehicle I am really proud of,” said 50. “The G8 is like none other and it pushes the boundaries of what people think a car has to be.”

The new G8 – which goes on sale nationally in early 2008 – is totally customized, with custom paint and exterior appointments, as well as a re-trimmed interior outfitted with an audio system that shakes the ground as much as 50 Cent’s three albums shook up the charts. The car is powered by an LSX 427 engine dyno-tested to more than 500 horsepower and assembled only with components available from the GM Performance Parts catalog or GM Parts.

Rockin’ the spot

The LSX 427 engine uses GM Performance Parts’ affordable, durable LSX cylinder block as its foundation. The engine assembly was filled out with a variety of production-based components used on the Corvette Z06’s 7.0L LS7 engine, including a forged steel crankshaft, lightweight titanium connecting rods, racing-derived aluminum cylinder heads and a complete LS7 intake/throttle body/fuel injection system. Engine operation is handled with GM Performance Parts’ new stand-alone LS7 crate engine controller.

Detroit-area Thomson Automotive oversaw the assembly, dyno testing and installation of the engine. From there, the car was shipped to Unique Autosports, on New York’s Long Island, for the rest of its transformation, which included:

-An all-new Spies Hecker Torch Red exterior paint job accented with a bold Ebony graphic that mimics the shape of Pontiac’s “dart” insignia; the graphic runs over the top of the car, starting at a point on the front fascia
-Twenty-two-inch chrome wheels from NC Forged that have a deep-dish, seven-spoke design
-Low-profile Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires
-Dark-tinted taillamps
-Tinted glass with Llumar film
-Custom “50 Cent Unique Autosports Edition” exterior badging
-Borla stainless steel exhaust system“The most interesting aspect of the project is what we didn’t do to the exterior,” said Will Castro. “We didn’t add a body kit, spoilers or lower the car. The G8 has the right stance and appearance, so we only accented the original form with details that made it unique to 50 Cent.”

Inside, the G8’s black, leather-covered seats were re-trimmed with perforated red leather inserts – with similar trim used on the armrests. The 50 Cent/Unique Autosports logo was embroidered into the seat headrests and custom floor mats. The finishing touch for the G8 is an 800-watt JBL audio system, with complementing amps and a subwoofer.

“A first-class audio system was a must for 50 Cent, and this one rocks the spot,” said Castro. “In fact, the G8 itself just-plain rocks and makes a great platform to build a custom, high-performance street car.”

Pontiac G8