lifestyle leader

The GXP version of the Pontiac Solstice debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006. It is powered by a new 2.0 L Ecotec engine equipped with a dual-scroll turbocharger. The engine's output is 260 hp (193 kW) and 260 ft·lbf (353 N·m). This is the highest specific output of any engine in the history of General Motors at 2.1 hp (1.6 kW) per cubic inch, and it is the first gasoline direct injection engine from an American automaker.

Just this week the $25 billion federal loan package was approved for the car industry, and already insiders are hinting that the extra cash could revive plans for GM's rear-wheel drive Alpha platform. Movement toward more RWD models had been shelved on concerns over spending and efficiency regulations earlier this year, despite the large investments that had been made in that direction.

Bringing the Alpha platform back might help recuperate some of the R&D money that would otherwise have been lost on the project. If the reports prove true, GM won't just be barging forward with an outdated model of RWD excess, according to GM Inside News. Instead, they would be working to make the Alpha platform more flexible, so that it can accommodate a whole range of vehicles from compact coupe to full-size sedan. That's a smart business move in terms of maximizing the investment they've already made, despite the minor efficiency and cost issues of RWD designs when compared to easier-to-package FWD cars.

Last year, speculation about a possible RWD Pontiac G6 began to build, but the plan was later dashed on the grounds of cost and economy issues. A flexible Alpha platform vehicle may yet revive those hopes as well, however, since the G6 would be within the scope of vehicle sizes that are reportedly being considered. Similarly, the recently speculated end of the Kappa platform may see a migration to Alpha as well, meaning the Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky/Opel GT line of cars may yet live on as well. readmore

Pontiac G3 will be headedto the United States as a 2009 model year five-door hatchback. Yes, folks, GM's decided the Chevy Aveo was just so nice, they couldn't let Chevy have all the fun, now foisting the rebadged Korean econobox onto the brand that was once all about "driving excitement." But that time seems so long ago. Don't get us wrong, we're of the opinion the Chevy Aveo's a very nice little fuel-sipper that's great for the driver who never wants to, you know, enjoy driving. readmore ...

Since the new Pontiac G8, which is based off the European Holden Commodore SS-V, will be introduced tomorrow at the Chicago Auto Show, I thought it would be nice to add some wallpapers to the database. And for information purposes, the new G8 will be packed with a 6.0L V8 with 362 horsepowers. If you like it, the new G8 will arrive in showrooms by early 2008. Those 20-inch wheels look lovely as well.