Pontiac SD-290

According to GM, the Pontiac SD-290 concept is "Designed to evoke the emotions of classic sports cars". Introduced at SEMA, the vehicle is derived from a Pontiac Solstice but has been transformed into a pure single-seat race car with its passenger compartment made obsolete by a hard tonneau cover.

Despite its competition red paint scheme, it is difficult not to relate the SD-290 to the timeless shape of a D-Type Jaguar. We can also see the influence of BMW's 2004 H2R land speed record breaking concept in the SD-290's asymmetrical layout, with its racing cockpit protected only by a small windscreen in front of the driver and a faired headrest and roll-bar behind the seat.

The car's power-to-weight ratio has been optimized by the removal of some amenities. The direct-injection and turbocharged 2-liter Ecotec engine generates 290hp and to improve aerodynamics, the front clip, hood and front fenders have been altered. It's plausible that these elements could reappear on a future Solstice revamp.

Pontiac Vibe

One week after Toyota introduced its new Matrix at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, Pontiac presented the new redesigned Vibe at the LA Auto Show, a five-door hatchback short wagon that - like the Matrix - is derived from a lengthened and widened Corolla platform.

Clear brand differentiation between the two cars is done through the styling of the Vibe's excusive sheet metal and different interior finishes and trim. To better relate the Vibe to the Pontiac Solstice or G8, designers wanted to express more muscle and leave behind last generation's "mini-SUV" look. Chief designer Ron Aselton says: "Clean lines, minimal overhangs and wheels pushed to the corners give the vehicle its muscular stance."

In addition to the front-wheel-drive base model, the Pontiac Vibe will have an AWD version and a performance oriented version: the Vibe GT that gets its own front fascia and many sporty exterior accents. Inside it gets standard leather-trimmed seats. AWD and GT models step up to a multi-link independent rear suspension instead of a torsion-beam.

Related Stories:
Pontiac Vibe - Los Angeles 2007
Toyota Matrix - Los Angeles 2007
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Pontiac Solstice

The 2009 Pontiac Solstice adds a sleek new coupe with a fastback roofline, rear glass hatch, ducktail rear spoiler and a removable roof panel for open-air driving. The Solstice Coupe is offered in both base and GXP trim levels with the GXP powered by a 260-horsepower turbocharged Ecotec engine with direct injection that is rated at 28 mpg on the highway. Also for 2009, ABS, StabiliTrak electronic stability control a limited-slip differential are standard for all trim levels of the Solstice in both roadster and coupe form. The standard 18-inch wheels also sport a new look for 2009.

Technical Specs

Standard Engine 2.4L I4

Standard Transmission 5 Speed Manual

Cylinders 4Horse

power @ RPM 173@5800

Torque @ RPM 167@4500 (foot-lbs)

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