What is it?
2003 Pontiac Vibe GT
What's special about it?
The Vibe GT follows hard on the heels of the base Vibe that was introduced at last week's Los Angeles Auto Show. Outside it looks the same and the interior also features chrome accents, Pontiac's red analog display, a 200-watt Monsoon audio system with six-disc changer and a 110-volt household-style electrical outlet. The major difference is that this model is fired by a high-revving 1.8-liter, DOHC, 16-valve four-cylinder variable valve timing (VVTL-i) engine that delivers a hot 180 horsepower at 7,600 rpm and 130 foot-pounds of torque at 6,800 rpm. Mated to a six-speed manual tranny, Pontiac claims the powerplant will launch the Vibe GT from zero to 60 mph in "just over 8 seconds." The automaker also claims the Vibe GT averages a miserly 28 mpg on the highway. The 1.8-liter VVTL-i is the same engine that's found in the current Toyota Celica GT-S, which we've consistently praised for its terrific performance. (Incidentally, the base Vibe features the 130-horsepower 1.8-liter four-banger found in the Toyota Corolla.) Four-wheel disc brakes and 18-inch wheels add to the Vibe GT's sporty demeanor. General Motors and Toyota cooperated to produce the Vibe, which explains why it looks a lot like the Lexus RX 300. In fact, later at the Detroit show Toyota will unveil its all-new Matrix model - a veritable twin to the Pontiac Vibe. The Vibe and Vibe GT are 2003 models that are due in dealer showrooms by mid-2002.
Why should you care?
This is what the Pontiac Aztek should have looked like. The Vibe looks like an Aztek that was passed through an erosion chamber. It has none of the Aztek's jerky lines and discontinuous proportioning. The Vibe is a sleek-looking, well-equipped, functional vehicle. And the Vibe GT adds spirited performance to the mix. Good for GM. After the Aztek's relative flop, the Vibe and Vibe GT are great steps toward regaining positive public attention for Pontiac.
2003 Pontiac Vibe GT
What's special about it?
The Vibe GT follows hard on the heels of the base Vibe that was introduced at last week's Los Angeles Auto Show. Outside it looks the same and the interior also features chrome accents, Pontiac's red analog display, a 200-watt Monsoon audio system with six-disc changer and a 110-volt household-style electrical outlet. The major difference is that this model is fired by a high-revving 1.8-liter, DOHC, 16-valve four-cylinder variable valve timing (VVTL-i) engine that delivers a hot 180 horsepower at 7,600 rpm and 130 foot-pounds of torque at 6,800 rpm. Mated to a six-speed manual tranny, Pontiac claims the powerplant will launch the Vibe GT from zero to 60 mph in "just over 8 seconds." The automaker also claims the Vibe GT averages a miserly 28 mpg on the highway. The 1.8-liter VVTL-i is the same engine that's found in the current Toyota Celica GT-S, which we've consistently praised for its terrific performance. (Incidentally, the base Vibe features the 130-horsepower 1.8-liter four-banger found in the Toyota Corolla.) Four-wheel disc brakes and 18-inch wheels add to the Vibe GT's sporty demeanor. General Motors and Toyota cooperated to produce the Vibe, which explains why it looks a lot like the Lexus RX 300. In fact, later at the Detroit show Toyota will unveil its all-new Matrix model - a veritable twin to the Pontiac Vibe. The Vibe and Vibe GT are 2003 models that are due in dealer showrooms by mid-2002.
Why should you care?
This is what the Pontiac Aztek should have looked like. The Vibe looks like an Aztek that was passed through an erosion chamber. It has none of the Aztek's jerky lines and discontinuous proportioning. The Vibe is a sleek-looking, well-equipped, functional vehicle. And the Vibe GT adds spirited performance to the mix. Good for GM. After the Aztek's relative flop, the Vibe and Vibe GT are great steps toward regaining positive public attention for Pontiac.
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