Flybrian
Members-
Posts
10,753 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Forums
Articles
Gallery
Events
Store
Collections
Everything posted by Flybrian
-
I've heard people use GM and GMC interchangably, so its possible the GMC referred to General Motors and not the truck division. Also, if by 'torched' you mean 'set alight by fire,' I'm very glad they incinerated a dime-a-dozen '77+ wagon over a -'76 clamshell.
-
C&G interview with Bryan Nesbitt, Troy Clarke, and John Howell
Flybrian replied to Flybrian's topic in The Lounge
Absolutely. Look forward to the full report this evening! -
That ad isn't as effective when the car is sitting still.
-
Actually, that whole commercial reaked of gheyness. Lame. Like any future filled with the Prius is an appetizing one.
-
That car doesn't look like it deserves to bear the 'Silver Arrow' badge, regardless of how streamline it was for its time. Rivieras do.
-
Pics of another color Sierra AT coming this evening. I took lots of photos of various new GMs at the Miami Show yesterday and since I'm going to Tampa this evening for our show, I want to coalesce the photos.
-
Miami Debut Gallery
-
Miami Debut Gallery
-
GM @ South Florida Auto Show 2008i Cadillac Escalade Platinum For release: Nov. 9, 2007, 12:01 a.m. EST ESCALADE PLATINUM: OFFERS UNPRECEDENTED LUXURY, STYLE AND EXCLUSIVITY MIAMI – Cadillac announced the introduction of the 2008 Escalade Platinum, a special edition of the segment-leading large luxury SUV that takes Cadillac’s dramatic design, elegance and technology to its fullest expression. Making its world premiere alongside the upcoming Escalade Hybrid, Cadillac announced the Platinum edition will come to market in the spring of 2008 as the most luxurious model in the Escalade lineup. It rounds out a full series of Cadillac Platinum models, including the XLR Roadster, DTS luxury sedan and STS performance sedan. Each model in the Platinum lineup is characterized by elegant cabins featuring handcrafted leather, advanced technology and unique design details throughout. “The new Platinum edition elevates and extends Escalade’s position as the large SUV of choice among luxury consumers,” said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. “The growing Platinum series highlights the handcrafted details and technical sophistication of Cadillac’s overall product renaissance.” Advanced technologies Offered on Escalade and the extended-length Escalade ESV, the Platinum edition includes a blend of technical innovations and aesthetic enhancements. Escalade Platinum will be the world’s first SUV to be equipped with Cadillac’s advanced Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) technology. Magnetic Ride Control, originally developed for performance vehicles such as the STS sedan, XLR Roadster and Chevrolet’s legendary Corvette, is the world’s fastest reacting suspension system and gives the Escalade Platinum more precise body motion control. It is a real-time damping system – “reading” the road in 1-milisecond intervals – that replaces conventional mechanical-valve shocks with electronically controlled shocks filled with a synthetic fluid containing minute iron particles. Under the presence of magnetic charge, the iron particles align to provide damping resistance almost instantly. Segment-first, innovative LED headlamps Escalade Platinum will be the first SUV – and one of the first vehicles of any kind – to offer Light Emitting Diode (LED) headlamps. Used previously only on concept vehicles or exotic sports cars, LED headlamps mark another step in Cadillac’s application of advanced lighting technology and design. LED headlamps emit a greatly more precise light pattern, while emulating the characteristics of natural daylight much more closely than traditional auto lighting. LEDs are environmentally friendly, using much less power and lasting more than 20 times longer than traditional halogen bulbs. LED headlamps will be an enhancement added to the Escalade Platinum in the summer of 2008, shortly after the start of production of the Platinum model itself in the spring of 2008. “Escalade is world renown for making a distinctive design statement,” Taylor said, “With the introduction of the world’s first large luxury SUV hybrid as well as the new Platinum edition, Cadillac Escalade is now bringing some of the world’s most sophisticated automotive technologies into the luxury SUV category.” Dramatic exterior, elegant interior Escalade Platinum also elevates the already-dramatic design of Escalade. The exterior features a unique front fascia and grille patterned after Cadillac’s acclaimed and hot-selling CTS sport sedan. The Platinum includes unique 22-inch wheels and wears exclusive Platinum exterior badges. The cabin is the latest example of Cadillac’s 21st-century return to handcrafted luxury details. The instrument panel, center storage console and door trim are wrapped and stitched by hand. They feature decorative French seams that convey an elegantly tailored look and feel. Materials include rich leather on the instrument panel, with unique wood inlays and aluminum trim. Aniline leather is unique to the Escalade Platinum and is used to trim the first- and second-row seats. Contrasting-color stitching is used on the French seams for a distinctive, luxurious appearance and the seatbacks feature embroidered Cadillac wreath and crest insignias. The leather-covered seats are comfortable and convenient, with the industry-exclusive power fold-and-tumble second-row seat feature that eases access to the third-row seat. Additional standard interior features include Platinum-specific door sills and floor mats, a heated steering wheel and heated and cooled cup holders and a power liftgate that opens and closes with the touch of a button. Also, the DVD entertainment system adds screens integrated into each front seat headrest, in addition to the existing roof mounted screen. Each front-row headrest screen has its own driver and input controls. The headrest units can be operated independently or in tandem. This system enables passengers in different seats to watch or listen to different entertainment choices, while leaving ultimate control with the driver. Escalade Platinum models will include the acclaimed Bose 5.1 Digital Surround system, as well as the eight-inch touch screen for DVD-based navigation and control of the DVD, CD, MP3 and XM Satellite radio entertainment. Plentiful power Platinum models are powered by the Escalade’s exclusive 6.2L V-8 rated at 403 horsepower (301 kW)* and 417 lb.-ft. of torque (565 Nm).* It is an all-aluminum engine that uses variable valve timing (VVT) to optimize camshaft timing to improve low-rpm torque and high-rpm horsepower. The introduction of variable valve timing through the unique, dual-equal cam phaser is the industry’s first application of VVT on a mass-produced V-8 overhead-valve engine. A Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission is matched with the 6.2L engine. One of the industry’s most advanced automatics, the 6L80 features clutch-to-clutch shifting and has a wide, 6.04:1 overall ratio – including two overdrive gears – that helps deliver an excellent balance of performance and fuel economy. Image Gallery Miami Debut Gallery
-
Miami Debut Gallery
-
GM @ South Florida Auto Show 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid For release: Nov. 9, 2007, 12:01 a.m. EST ESCALADE HYBRID: CADILLAC PREMIERES THE FIRST HYBRID IN A LARGE LUXURY SUV MIAMI – Cadillac announced the world premiere of the Escalade Hybrid, the world’s first fuel-saving hybrid applied to a large luxury SUV. Powered by an innovative, fuel-saving 2-Mode Hybrid system, Escalade Hybrid will deliver more than a 50-percent improvement in fuel economy in city driving – all while delivering the same distinctive style, segment-leading features and full-size capability that have made the Escalade an icon. “Escalade, already the sales and style leader among large luxury SUVs, now adds the desirability of a fuel-saving, technically advanced hybrid system,” said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. “The arrival of Escalade Hybrid means that consumers can now use less fossil fuel, reduce emissions and still enjoy the benefits of a full-size luxury SUV.” The Hybrid goes on sale in the summer of 2008 and is the newest example of Escalade’s technology leadership. “No other manufacturer offers a hybrid than can seat eight luxuriously while simultaneously carrying or trailering lots of cargo comfortably,” Taylor said. “And no hybrid delivers the dramatic presence that is synonymous with Escalade.” Escalade Hybrid is available in 2WD and 4WD configurations. It delivers up to 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg) of usable towing capacity on 2WD models and 5,700 pounds (2,585 kg) on 4WD models. All of Escalade’s standard comfort and convenience features are included. This includes an eight-inch, touch-screen navigation system that displays performance readouts of the 2-Mode Hybrid system on the screen. Escalade Hybrid extends Cadillac’s leadership in the large luxury SUV category. Escalade sales have grown in the face of changing sales trends and increased competition. In fact, Escalade sales increased 22 percent in September over year-ago sales. Other models in the Escalade lineup include the extended-length Escalade ESV and the versatile Escalade EXT luxury-utility truck. The Hybrid model is available with the standard Escalade body style. Patented 2-Mode Hybrid technology The Escalade’s 2-Mode Hybrid system allows it to return exceptional fuel economy in both city and highway while delivering the capabilities of a true luxury SUV. In city driving, this advanced hybrid power system enables Escalade to launch and drive low speeds on electricity alone. As additional power is demanded, the system blends output from the battery and gas engine smoothly. GM’s patented 2-Mode Hybrid system consists of an advanced electrically variable transmission (EVT) and 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System (ESS). These systems work in concert with the standard 6.0L V-8 Gen IV gasoline engine with Active Fuel Management (AFM) and late-intake valve closing (LIVC) technology. AFM enables the V-8 engine to seamlessly shut off half of its cylinders when less power is needed, such as during highway cruising. This new hybrid system not only enables the Escalade Hybrid to drive low speeds on electricity alone, it also allows the 6.0L V-8 engine to operate in its more economical four-cylinder mode for longer periods. The key to Escalade’s 2-Mode hybrid system is that the electric power used to propel the vehicle is generated by the hybrid system itself. When the brakes are applied or the vehicle is coasting, the electric motors within the hybrid system create electricity that is stored in the 300-volt battery. This stored energy is used to move the vehicle and the regenerative braking cycle is renewed. The 2-Mode Hybrid system provides seamless, dependable power on demand in an efficient package. In fact, its electric motor is less than half the size of those in single-mode hybrid systems. This technology was developed and is still used in fleets of hybrid transit buses on the streets today in dozens of major North American cities. Scaled-down for use in full-size SUVs, the 2-Mode system delivers fuel savings where it is needed most – in large vehicles with high levels of capability. It is a core part of GM’s energy diversity efforts, which are centered on reducing dependence on petroleum, improving fuel economy, reducing emissions and minimizing the automobile’s impact on the environment. Cadillac’s smooth and quiet power Acoustic details specific to the Hybrid model ensure it delivers the superior luxury that has been an Escalade hallmark since its inception. The details include: A new exhaust system and resonator specially tuned for the 6.0L LIVC engine’s Active Fuel Management operation. It ensures comfortable interior acoustics and a pleasant exhaust note during both V-4 and V-8 operation An electrically driven, 300-volt air conditioning compressor reduces vibration and allows the HVAC system to cool the passenger compartment even when the gasoline engine is shut off. It includes the standard tri-zone climate system An electrically driven, 42-volt variable-assist power steering reduces vibration and provides up to a 0.5-mpg fuel economy improvement by reducing parasitic losses common in belt-driven hydraulic systems The Energy Storage System cooling system’s internal fan is tuned to be quiet at low vehicle speeds, when the fan could more easily be heard by the occupants. Escalade aesthetic The Escalade Hybrid retains the qualities that have made it the leading large luxury SUV and a standard-bearer of Cadillac’s overall product renaissance. It is instantly identifiable as a Cadillac and incorporates styling cues from the landmark Sixteen concept vehicle, including a detailed signature grille, front fender vent ports and layers of chrome accents. The Escalade’s warm and inviting interior features a premium layout. It is available in two colors, Ebony and Cashmere. Standard features include a distinctive instrument panel; gauges with white needles and blue light inlays with continuously lit, white-LED backlighting; Nuance leather-covered seats; leather-covered door trim and center console; and a power-assisted rear liftgate that opens and closes with the touch of a button. Image Gallery
-
Its an accounting transaction. You wish Chrysler was worth $39B.
-
The dash or the car? IMO, that car never looked good. And talk about a pointless rear seat.
-
C&G interview with Bryan Nesbitt, Troy Clarke, and John Howell
Flybrian replied to Flybrian's topic in The Lounge
I'm bumping this because I know some of you must have some good questions........right? -
2nd Annual C&G Member's Rides Calendar Its that time of year again and we're proud to announce the continuation of another C&G tradition. Please join us in assembling our 2nd Annual Member's Rides Calendar by submitting photos of your vehicle. Up to Twenty-Four lucky C&G members will have their vehicles featured in a beautiful 8 1/2" x 14" wall calendar available directly from C&G, profits from which go to funding the site. is $9.95 for one calendar or $15.95 for both styles. These prices do include shipping and handling to US and Canadian addresses. All other shipments will be priced accordingly. To Enter: Please submit a high-resolution photo of your vehicle to [email protected]. Include the following information: Your full name (if you choose) Your Screen-name Year/Make/Model/Trim (i.e. 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue GLS, 2002 Chevy Camaro SS) Your location (city & state/province/etc) Your vehicle's nickname (if applicable) A short description, comments, or interesting story regarding your vehicle if desired. Remember to keep it clean! Please include in e-mail subject line "C&G PHOTO CONTEST" You may post different photos in the Member's Rides Forum if you'd like opinions on which photo to submit, but final submissions must be e-mailed! Rules:Photos must be 1600x1200 or greater Entries must be submitted by 11:59PM on Saturday, December 1, 2007 Photos must be of a General Motors product or a product of a General Motors affiliate. See list below. Allowed Vehicle Marques: Geo, Saturn, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick, Cadillac, GMC, SAAB, HUMMER, Opel, Vauxhall, Holden, Suzuki. P.S. Oaklands, LaSalles, Vikings, and Marquettes are welcome, too, so all sixteen of you... P.S. Yes, you may submit the same vehicle you submitted last year, as long as the photograph itself is different. Any Photography Tips? In general, whatever you feel makes you car look best. Keep in mind basic lighting rules and lens cap removal, but anything else is up to you. If you want a beautiful city skyline, a grand house, or just an open parking lot as a backdrop, its your choice. Experiment with the angles to make your car look the best and most of all, have fun! Remember, you're free to share as many photos as you'd like, but you may only submit one! Pre-Ordering If you know that you're definitely going to want either or both C&G Member's Rides Calendars this year, you may pre-order today at the above price. Thanks and GOOD LUCK!
-
Same junk switchgear found in the Corolla.
-
NASCAR Coach Reveals Winning Strategy: 'Drive Fast'
-
I just really cannot believe how poorly-equipped this car is on paper. I understand Toyota buyers are neither as demanding nor intelligent enough to understand that these things have been standard on many entry-level cars for about three decades now, but c'mon. We're talking about domestic customers here.
-
Fleet sales are up. Attribute that to the lack of any other GM vans, its affordability, the lack of an Astro, and the fact that for most people its damn good value for hauling stuff around in an enclosed, fuel-efficient manner. I'm frankly a little surprised there isn't more attention on the cheap midsize van market anymore. GM vans are gone save for fleet Uplanders, Ford vans are gone, Chrysler ditched 4-bangers and short-wheelbase models for the latest van, the Astro is dead, the Sprinter is awkward, pricey, and very foreign, and the Econoline is too larger and otherwise garbage on wheels. There are many who miss vans like the Aerostar and Astro because they were affordable and did double duty as true all-purpose haulers that could tow a boat or trailer while hauling a load of people. And the car-based minivan market has become a contest to see who can out-equip the other guy. Werd 2 yo motha, folks, not everyone needs power folding third rows, DVD screens for every seat, and a 270hp V6. Some people simply need a cheap vehicle that can seat seven. Unfortunately, the market has abandoned them, so they're left to pick at the used scraps. I've been on the lot for a little over two weeks now and I've seen it already. Two things we can't keep in stock - Expeditions and cheap vans. That said, I conclude that keeping the CSVs around in Uplander form with minor updates for several more years may not be such a bad idea. If you focus on delivering two good vans - the Chevy Uplander and a GMC Safari version (yes, I said a GMC minivan) - you could keep Doraville busy well into the next decade. Roll equipment changes in when its cost-effective to do so. Use whatever cheap off-the-shelf powertrain is available this time around. Market the Uplander as a bare-bones van for retail and fleet, pitch the Safari to the retail market with standard leather, an off-the-shelf nav, power sliding doors, and that's generally it. But mainly as a GMC, outfit it for general contractor use. Bill it as the efficient and affordable alternative to a truck or SUV. Haul your crew to the site, get your materials during the day, haul them back at night.
-
The choices are narrowing for me. I won't buy a Cadillac because the local dealers are one tier above rapists. I won't buy a Chevrolet because I can't bring myself to spend money on any Chevrolet regardless of what it is. This leaves the G8, Lucerne, and LaCrosse. Maybe AURA. And that wraps it up for me. Killing Olds killed half of the most desireable of GM's potential lineup. I would've gladly chosen any Oldsmobile product over anything offered by any other division.
-
That's like saying, "Did you see Rosie on YouTube today? She's about as attractive than she's ever been." I don't look at the camel-snout, grille-heavy, Camry with misaligned decklid badging as taut and muscular, nor do I view the piecemeal, mishmash detailing of the Accord in that fashion either. IMO, Chevrolet has the cues and the detailing in its bag o' tricks to make such a large midsize car; Honda and Toyota absolutely do not. No Accord or Camry have ever been good-looking in a taut, muscular way. Upscale? In certain years, certainly. But in a very soft, flowing way...a Buick way. Never strong and with purpose. Not now even. Seeing a Camry in person doesn't give me the feeling of a strong car, just a bloated sedan that someone attempted to lightly chisel. The new Malibu? Now that's[/b] something to aspire to in terms of design. A car so good-looking up front you don't care how the back looks.
-
So, this means an igloo that used to cost $60,000USD now costs $62,000USD? Will it cost me more to take the dogsled to work at the lumber mill? Should I just buy a plaid shirt and jeans here in the States rather than cross the border to the capital, Toronto, if I want a Canadian tuxedo? I demand to know these answers, eh?
-
Its an incredibly handsome car and has a taut, muscular presence that the Camry and Accord woefully lack.
-
2009 PONTIAC VIBE Press Release & Image Gallery All-new version of one of the segment’s most popular small crossovers Return of the AWD and GT models 1.8L and 2.4L engines produce more power and torque without sacrificing fuel economy Revised exterior/interior design augments vehicle functionality Enhanced standard safety features REDESIGNED 2009 PONTIAC VIBE MOVES TO NEW BEAT, OFFERS STYLISH FUNCTIONALITY IN SMALL CROSSOVER DETROIT – The all-new 2009 Pontiac Vibe is a modern re-mix of a classic hit, infusing the functionality of a compact crossover with a bolder attitude of muscular styling, increased performance and tight handling. It arrives in dealer showrooms in early 2008. Adding a richer harmony to the tune, the popular all-wheel-drive and GT models return to the Vibe lineup. Regardless of the model, each Vibe offers a level of athletic design, boosted performance and everyday versatility uncommon in the price range. “With the 2009 Vibe, we knew we wanted to take everything we liked about the original and push it to the next level - more power, more style, more versatility,” said Craig Bierley, Pontiac marketing director. “It has the interior room and cargo capability expected of a larger SUV, but with the precise handling characteristics you would expect from any Pontiac.” The 2009 Vibe includes a number of all-new and enhanced features, including: More powerful 1.8L base engine and a new, high-output 2.4L engine (optional on the base model, standard on the AWD and GT) Athletic exterior styling with a faster windshield, all-new sheet metal and lighting elements Refreshed, driver-focused interior styling with more harmonious integration of the controls Standard electronic vehicle stability control and tire pressure monitoring systems Six standard air bags Enhanced functionality with integrated cargo management system and fold-flat front seat Engine performance Packing more off-the-line power than ever before, the ’09 Vibe delivers the type of responsive performance needed to safely navigate those unexpected everyday driving situations. A 132-horsepower (98 kW) 1.8L DOHC four-cylinder is standard on base models and delivers 128 lb.-ft. (174 Nm) of torque. The engine benefits from dual variable valve timing, optimizing both performance and efficiency, and is matched to a standard five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. Customers desiring higher performance can opt for the larger, 2.4L DOHC engine with 158 horsepower (118 kW) and 162 lb.-ft. (224 Nm) of torque. The 2.4L engine is standard on AWD and GT models, and is optional on the base model. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard on the AWD. Customers of the 2.4L-equipped base or GT models can choose between a standard five-speed manual transmission or a new, five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission featuring Driver Shift Control (DSC), which delivers a great combination of performance, fuel economy and smoothness. With DSC, the driver can manually select gears via tap up/tap down controls. Fuel economy With the 1.8L engine and the standard manual transmission, EPA fuel economy is estimated at 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway; with the automatic, fuel economy is estimated at 25 in the city and 31 on the highway. The 2.4L engine on the GT is estimated at 21 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway with the manual transmission and 21 city/29 highway with the five-speed automatic. On the AWD model, the 2.4L/four-speed automatic combination delivers an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway. Ride and handling Driving dynamics of the new Vibe have been refined to deliver a responsive driving experience, with a special focus on reduced noise, vibration and harshness. An array of chassis control systems enhances ride and handling, as well as safety. The Vibe has a body-integral structure with underbody rails running from front to rear, giving the structure exceptional strength and a strong foundation on which to anchor the suspension systems. All models employ a MacPherson-strut front suspension design. The base model has a torsion-beam rear suspension that is revised for a more comfortable ride, while the AWD and GT models use a multi-link independent rear suspension for even sharper responses and enhanced driving control. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard on all models, as is electronic stability control and traction control. Steering control is augmented with an electric power steering system, providing variable-effort performance and (because there is no engine-driven power steering pump) enhanced fuel economy. Exterior design The Vibe has the looks to back up its performance. With a lean, athletic form, the Vibe’s new exterior exemplifies the future of Pontiac’s design - clean, purposeful shapes and a decidedly sophisticated aesthetic. The new Vibe’s appearance melds the space-enabling design of a small SUV with a forward-looking profile, furthering the groundbreaking design pioneered by the original Vibe, launched in 2002. All of the sheet metal is new, with minimal gaps that reinforce the Vibe’s tailored appearance. A faster windshield angle contributes to the sleeker look, while large wheels and minimal overhangs give the vehicle an aggressive, firmly planted stance. “The new Vibe’s design is sporty yet completely functional,” said Ron Aselton, chief designer. “Clean lines, minimal overhangs and wheels pushed to the corners give the vehicle a muscular stance.” Vibe’s three models - base, AWD and GT - are distinguished from one another with unique styling cues. For example, the AWD features a standard roof rack perfect for outdoor activities. The GT has its own front fascia - with larger fog lamps and lower-fascia air intake - rocker moldings, roof spoiler and a bright exhaust tip. All models offer distinctive wheel options. Interior design and features Like the exterior, the ’09 Vibe’s interior is all-new and has a driver-focused cockpit design more common to sports cars. The controls and gauges were redesigned for easier use, but retain a performance-oriented look and feel; and the interior quality and craftsmanship are reflected in class-leading gap/flush tolerances. Interior material refinement is also stepped up a notch in the new Vibe, with a combination of low-gloss materials, varied grains on the instrument panel and other trim components, and satin-metal accents. New, knit-fabric seating surfaces are durable and have a premium look, while GT models are enhanced with standard leather-trimmed seats, three-spoke steering wheel and shift knob. Seating for five is standard on all models. The Vibe’s interior also is loaded with standard amenities not typically found in other vehicles in the segment, including a steering column with telescoping/rake adjustability; a 115-volt, three-prong auxiliary power outlet, six-way adjustable driver’s seat and front active headrests. Audio systems All Vibe models come with an AM/FM radio with CD and XM Satellite Radio. The XM band is integrated for seamless switching between all three signal bands. An auxiliary audio input jack is standard, too, allowing the MP3 players and other portable devices to play through the Vibe’s speakers. A four-speaker sound system is standard on Vibe base and AWD models. True audiophiles can step up to a premium Monsoon™ 320-watt audio system, including MP3 capability and seven-speaker sound. The Monsoon system is standard on GT models and available on base and AWD as part of the Sun and Sound package. Cargo versatility Vibe’s roomy interior provides generous storage space for all kinds of stuff, starting with a 60/40-split rear seat that folds flat to create 49.4 cubic feet (1,399 L) behind the front seats. Rubberized cargo floor strips help prevent items from sliding. Additional storage solutions are offered from an oversized glove box, an overhead console, a dual-tier center console and other integrated cubby holes located throughout the vehicle. A rear cargo compartment storage organizer is standard on all models equipped with a 2.4L engine (optional with the 1.8L engine) and provides an almost unlimited number of cargo solutions, thanks to a multitude of hooks and net-divided compartments. It also conveniently folds into the floor when not in use. Vibes equipped with the 2.4L engine also come with a fold-flat front passenger seat that expands the interior’s storage versatility - for times when you need to haul a ladder, small kayak or other long items. Wheels and tires Sixteen-inch wheels and touring tires are standard on base and AWD models. Seventeen-inch aluminum wheels are also available on these models, featuring a bright machine finish on the base model and chrome-clad finish on the AWD. The Vibe GT comes standard with 18-inch bright machine finish aluminum wheels and 215/45-series all-season performance tires. Safety The new Vibe was designed from the outset to be one of the segment’s safest vehicles, with a comprehensive system of design and technology features that help protect occupants before, during and after a crash event. Standard features include: 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 for the front passengers Active head restraints Three-point safety belts in all seating positions Front safety belt retractors Rear-seat LATCH child safety seat provisions in all three seating positions OnStar The standard OnStar system’s digital equipment includes enhanced hands-free voice recognition capabilities, including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Hands-Free Calling, which allows drivers to make and receive voice-activated phone calls. Vibe history Introduced in 2002 as a ’03 model, the Pontiac Vibe was an immediate hit with customers who sought a contemporary, roomy utility vehicle that was also efficient. Sales topped 39,000 in that abbreviated first-year and continued to climb in the years after - reaching more than 64,000 in 2005. By the end of calendar-year 2007, total Vibe sales will number approximately 300,000. Image Gallery - Vibe Base Image Gallery - Vibe AWD Image Gallery - Vibe GT