LAIAS: 2009 Pontiac Vibe

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LAIAS: 2009 Pontiac Vibe























High-Resolution Images

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.


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.

[mikesright]

Well, GM didn't exactly have a lot to work with when they were handed the lump known as "the Matrix." The front end is decent enough, and the profile is good, but the back half looks like it was designed for blind people.

The interior is horrible, too.

[Phoenix]

Toyota can keep their ugly, bloated, melted plastic looking crap. When can we end this deal?

[skylark68]

Originally Posted by Phoenix

Toyota can keep their ugly, bloated, melted plastic looking crap. When can we end this deal?

Unfortunately probably not until we can get sharks with freakin' laser beams attached to their heads...

I thought the Vibe looked palatable until i saw the rear end. The Pontiac guys being handed the Matrix is like Leonardo da Vinci being handed a sketch by a blind 10 year old and being told to make it into a masterpiece.

[mbukukanyau]

Originally Posted by skylark68

Unfortunately probably not until we can get sharks with freakin' laser beams attached to their heads...

I thought the Vibe looked palatable until i saw the rear end. The Pontiac guys being handed the Matrix is like Leonardo da Vinci being handed a sketch by a blind 10 year old and being told to make it into a masterpiece.

Blind people have a sense of design too. Better than most of us.

I will wait until I see the car in person before passing Judgement.

[I-Love-Pontiac]

It's funny how the best looking part is the area where GM was able change the styling the most.

[minnfang]

I HATE the dash / center stack / console. It's either really stupid and cheap looking or I'm just getting old. I actually like the rest of the interior (for this price range and type of vehicle). I like the exterior of the current Vibe better.

[EllwynX]

Looks nice enough to me. And I like the interior just fine. But WHY do manufacturers insist on putting the shifter as part of the center stack?!?! It's ugly and a lot are doing it now.

[Mr. Burns]

I've downgraded it's looks from good to decent. The interior is pretty bad, at least the gauges. I think the profile is very uninspired and a step back. The front and rears look good.

[CobaltSScrazy]

Vibe GT, LOL w/ an auto also. Cobalt Sport or G5 GT will KICK this cars collective arse. a LNF Turbo Cobalt will just run past it like its standinig still, sadly they'll probably be around the same cost. Still, I'd rather have an Astra XR 3door than the Vibe GT. Interior, exterior, etc.

CobaltSScrazy

[mgescuro]

Not too shabby at all.
I'd still get an Astra 5-door over this though.

[DuSpinnst]

You can tell the interior is from a Toyota.

Like what they did with the GM corporate radio though, if they can integrate it here, no excuse not to do it in other cars.

[SCCA1995]

Wow! They shrunk the Aztek! What's worse is, I'd rather own an Aztek than this Vibe. And WTF is with the GT's engine; 2.4L with only 158 hp?!?!? Looks like the Vibe has been neutered compared to the HHR SS & even the PT Turbo.

[bcjohnso99]

Too close to Toyota styling - I'll keep our 2003 a little longer, it's lines have aged very well.

That gauge cluster is disgusting - should have been three circles.

[EldoFan]

And I thought the G5 was an embarrassment to Pontiac......wow....

The Astra will shred this thing to pieces.....