Toyota and Honda top automotive brands in consumer perception

Automakers spend billions of dollars to promote their vehicles and build brand awareness. Yet, marketing alone does not shape consumer perception without a clear connection to the vehicles in the showroom. In the latest Auto Pulse survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, Toyota and Honda brands ranked first and second, respectively, by dominant margins over all others. Likewise, the vehicles from those brands have consistently performed well in our testing, often ranking among the best in their classes, and have been mostly at the top of our reliability ratings over the years. Lets your journey with world car brand.............

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

PONTIAC


2009 Pontiac Vibe
General Motors today unveiled its redesigned 2009 Pontiac Vibe. The five-seat, crossover SUV features revised exterior and interior designs and enhanced safety features, including a tire pressure monitoring system, OnStar and an electronic vehicle stability control system.
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.

2009 Pontiac Wave5
Pontiac Canada revealed the Wave5, a new model that will go on sale in 2008. It will be offered in two trims: base and SE, each backed by a "worry free" five-year/160,000 km transferable powertrain warranty, plus Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation.
The Wave5 is powered by a new, Ecotec 1.6L DOHC four-cylinder engine. The sophisticated engine uses Dual Continuous Variable Cam Phasing - two continuously adjustable camshafts - to optimize the charge cycle for fuel economy and performance. As a result, this 16-valve DOHC engine delivers more horsepower than the previous engine, with ratings of 107 horsepower and 106 lb.-ft. of torque.
The 2009 Pontiac Wave5 also comes standard with advanced dual-stage frontal air bags and the GM Passenger Sensing System, as well as standard head/thorax seat-mounted side air bags for front passengers. The head/thorax seat-mounted side air bags deploy during side impacts and are triggered by a sophisticated sensor system in the front doors.
2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe
Pontiac will unveil at the New York Auto Show the 2009 Solstice Coupe. It will arrive in dealerships in early 2009. The new model is inspired by the Solstice coupe concept shown at the North American International Auto Show in 2002.
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 coupe is powered by a standard 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder engine that generates 173 hp, while the GXP version is equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec engine with 260 hp.
2009 Pontiac G5
For 2009 the Pontiac G5 offers more power and better fuel economy, all thanks to a 2.2 liter Ecotec engine that delivers 155 hp and has a fuel economy of 37 mpg.
The G5 is available in base and GT models, all marked by clean lines, a spacious, five-passenger interior and standard rear spoiler.
Last year, the G5 made safety features such head curtain side-impact air bags and GM’s tire pressure monitoring system standard. For ’09, a passenger sensing system is added, complementing the standard dual-stage frontal air bags.
Also new for the ’09 G5 lineup is the addition of Bluetooth connectivity with the OnStar system (OnStar is now standard on all models). This wireless technology enables hands-free phone calls for safer, more convenient connections.
Two new exterior colors are added to the G5’s palette: Quicksilver Metallic and Silver Green Metallic (Nitrous Blue Metallic and Titanium Metallic are retired); and a new interior color combination is added: Ebony/Red leather-appointed seating is available on GT models.
2009 Pontiac G3
As a result of the high gas prices, Pontiac will bring one more small car on the US market: G3. This Aveo-based small car will be available on showrooms starting early next year. \
The G3 will be the fourth Pontiac model capable of more than 30 miles per gallon on the highway. The other three are the Vibe (32 mpg), G6 sedan (33 mpg) and G5 coupe (37 mpg), which make up in Pontiac’s “Over 30” club.
The G3 is powered by a 1.6L Ecotec four-cylinder engine that delivers 106 hp. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission.
The all-new Pontiac G3 hatchback arrives in dealer showrooms in March 2009 and becomes Pontiac’s fourth vehicle achieving highway fuel economy of 32 miles per gallon or higher. Pricing will start from $14,995.

2009 Pontiac G6
Pontiac announced today updates for the 2009 G6 family: coupe, sedan and convertible. The Coupe version will be priced at $22,890 (GT coupe starting at $25,280); the convertible at $32,970 and the sedan version from $24,125.
The G6 coupe will be available with GM’s fuel sipping, 164-horsepower 2.4L four-cylinder Ecotec engine with a fuel consumption of 33mpg. The engine will be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Pontiac will also offer: a E85 ethanol-based fuel, a FlexFuel version of the 219-horsepower 3.5L V6 will be available as a no-cost alternative to the standard 3.5L engine on all body styles. E85 ethanol-based fuel is readily available, a FlexFuel version of the 219-horsepower 3.5L V6 will be available as a no-cost alternative to the standard 3.5L engine on all body styles.
The new G6 features a new front fascia, revised headlight design with clear park/turn lenses and amber lamps, body color mirrors and painted rockers on the sedan and coupe. An updated spoiler is available for base model sedans and is standard on the GT models. On the interior there will be a revised center stack featuring the all new HVAC controls and an updated AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio with auxiliary audio input jack.

2008 Pontiac G6 GXP
Pontiac announced new 2008 G6 GXP model at the North American International Auto Show. These high-performance variants join the popular Grand Prix GXP and Solstice GXP models, affirming Pontiac ’s commitment to progressive design and balanced performance.
The G6 GXP is available in coupe and sedan models, broadening the G6 lineup with performance and style not typically found in the midsize segment. G6 GXP models receive a sophisticated, 3.6L DOHC V-6 VVT that produces approximately 252 horsepower (188 kW) and 251 lb.-ft. of torque (341 Nm). The engine is backed by a Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission and complemented with a performance-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels and specific exterior and interior appointments.
The new, 2008 G6 GXP performance coupe and sedan bring a new, performance-oriented dimension to the G6’s broad lineup. They will be available with both base and Street edition packages.
2008 Pontiac G6 GXP.R
Pontiac unveiled the GXP.R racecar, which will compete in the GT class of the 2007 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve. The GXP.R hits the track running later this month at the famed Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona race in Florida.
With the bodywork inspired by the Pontiac G6 GXP Street edition coupe, the GXP.R is the next step in the evolution of a successful racing program that began with the purpose-built GTO.R. The GTO.R was retired after winning the 2006 GT championship; the new GXP.R is built on the same winning foundation as the GTO.R.
“The GXP.R begins the next chapter in a very successful racing campaign that has put Pontiac over Porsche and
BMW in the highly competitive GT class,” said John Larson, Pontiac general manager. “The GXP.R promises to pick up the GTO.R’s momentum and carry it into another winning season.”
Built to the specifications of the Grand American GT class, the GXP.R features a rear-drive layout and a racing version of the LS2 V-8 engine that produces approximately 450 horsepower (335 kW). It is based on the same Gen IV V-8 engine design as found in the production Grand Prix GXP. The production G6 GXP is powered by a sophisticated, DOHC 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing that produces approximately 252 horsepower (188 kW).
2008 Pontiac G8
Confirming its commitment to style and performance, Pontiac introduced a show car version of an all-new, rear-wheel-drive performance sedan at the Chicago Auto Show. The 2008 Pontiac G8 will be available in dealerships early next year.
“With the balance of rear-wheel drive and the availability of V-8 power, the G8 represents another step in Pontiac ’s commitment to its performance DNA,” said John Larson, Pontiac general manager. “Added to the Solstice and the recently announced additions of the G6 and Torrent to the GXP series, the G8 demonstrates that Pontiac has never been more serious about the business of performance – and we expect this vehicle to be very competitive in the segment, even against cars that cost far more.”

2008 Pontiac G5
The 2008 Pontiac G5 coupe continues to expand on the car’s impressive performance and styling while offering additional standard features for enhanced safety and driving comfort. Available in base and GT models, the G5’s athletic design showcases a black split grille, clean lines, a spacious, five-passenger interior and standard rear spoiler. Constructed on GM’s global small car platform, it emphasizes ride comfort and crisp handling, with quality materials and stylish appointments throughout .
The G5 is powered by a choice of two high-quality GM Ecotec four-cylinder engines: The base model features an efficient 2.2L I-4 engine. The GT version has a more powerful Ecotec 2.4L I-4 engine with variable valve timing.
2008 Pontiac Solstice
Pontiac has taken what customers love about the popular and powerful Solstice roadster and upgraded it for 2008 with new technologies and many standard and optional features. With two Ecotec compact powerplants and a choice between a standard Aisin five-speed close-ratio manual transmission and an optional five-speed automatic, the Solstice and Solstice GXP are true roadsters.
The 2008 Solstice kicks up the excitement factor with new standard features that were once options, turning up customers’ appreciation for the vehicle. New standard equipment for the base model and GXP include a premium acoustic headliner, an enhanced sound system with an MP3-compatible stereo and an iPod jack, XM Satellite Radio, OnStar and GM’s driver information center, which offers important information such as current fuel economy, fuel range, oil life and warning indicators. Also standard for 2008 is GM’s tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), which alerts drivers to changes in tire pressure that could lead to premature tire failure or a potentially dangerous and expensive breakdown. The system uses sensors mounted in each wheel to monitor tire pressure in real-time.
2008 Pontiac G6
The 2008 Pontiac G6 portfolio provides an exhilarating family of distinctive, midsize cars that offers something for every driver looking for a powerful and responsive vehicle. The line up includes the base G6 sedan, with its zippy, fuel-efficient Ecotec 2.4L engine; the GT sedan, coupe and convertible – with its top-down styling; and the all-new GXP sedan and coupe, with their aggressive design and output.
Features made standard for 2008 include seat-mounted, side-impact thorax air bags for additional driver and passenger safety, four-wheel anti-lock brakes with traction control, auxiliary audio jacks for iPod/MP3 players, XM Satellite Radio standard on all GT models and OnStar standard on all models.


2008 Pontiac Torrent GXP
Pontiac takes the SUV driving experience to an unexpected level of performance with the 2008 Torrent GXP, which offers new levels of performance, with a 264-horsepower (197 kW)* 3.6L V-6 and a host of new standard features, such as GM’s OnStar safety and security system. Ride and handling characteristics have also been enhanced for the 2008 model.
How many SUVs in Torrent’s segement can achieve a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds? Like its GXP siblings, the Torrent offers an uncompromising balance of performance, style and comfort, and is differentiated from the standard Torrent with an aggressive stance and exterior design that includes a unique hood, a new front fascia with cooling inlets and detailed grille inserts.

2008 Pontiac G8 GT SEMA Edition
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.
2008 Pontiac G8 test drive
The brand new 2008 Pontiac G8 is a lovely car with tons of power, respectively 361 BHP for the 6 liter V8 and 256 BHP for the 3.5 liter V6. To enjoy and control all this power the G8 is putting at your disposal all the modern features you would only expect in a German sedan: multi-link suspension, ventilated disk brakes and rear wheel drive propulsion.
Priced at $33k for the loaded V8 model, this new Pontiac G8 cannot be ignored, that’s why we went all the way to San Diego to test it for ourselves. (full road test after after the jump)


2008 Pontiac G8 sport truck
At the New York Auto Show, next to the G8 GXP, Pontiac will also display the sport truck version of the G8. 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.
The sport truck draws its strength from the same powerful 6.0L V-8 engine used in the G8 GT. It puts out 361 hp and 385 lb.-ft. 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.
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.
Check out the pre-release video from
pickuptruck.com