REDESIGNED 2009 PONTIAC VIBE MOVES TO NEW BEAT, OFFERS
STYLISH FUNCTIONALITY IN SMALL CROSSOVER
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.”
The
2009 Vibe includes a number of all-new and enhanced
features, including:
Engine
performance 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.
Fuel economy 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.
Ride and
handling 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.
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS
are standard on all models, as is electronic stability
control and traction control. Steering control is augmented
with an electric power steering system, providing
variable-effort performance and (because there is no
engine-driven power steering pump) enhanced fuel economy.
Exterior design 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.
Interior design and features Like the exterior, the ’09 Vibe’s interior is all-new
and has a driver-focused cockpit design more common to
sports cars. The controls and gauges were redesigned for
easier use, but retain a performance-oriented look and feel;
and the interior quality and craftsmanship are reflected in
class-leading gap/flush tolerances.
Interior
material refinement is also stepped up a notch in the new
Vibe, with a combination of low-gloss materials, varied
grains on the instrument panel and other trim components,
and satin-metal accents. New, knit-fabric seating surfaces
are durable and have a premium look, while GT models are
enhanced with standard leather-trimmed seats, three-spoke
steering wheel and shift knob. Seating for five is standard
on all models.
The
Vibe’s interior also is loaded with standard amenities not
typically found in other vehicles in the segment, including
a steering column with telescoping/rake adjustability; a
115-volt, three-prong auxiliary power outlet, six-way
adjustable driver’s seat and front active headrests.
Audio systems 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.
Cargo versatility Vibe’s roomy interior provides generous storage space
for all kinds of stuff, starting with a 60/40-split rear
seat that folds flat to create 49.4 cubic feet (1,399 L)
behind the front seats. Rubberized cargo floor strips help
prevent items from sliding. Additional storage solutions are
offered from an oversized glove box, an overhead console, a
dual-tier center console and other integrated cubby holes
located throughout the vehicle.
A rear
cargo compartment storage organizer is standard on all
models equipped with a 2.4L engine (optional with the 1.8L
engine) and provides an almost unlimited number of cargo
solutions, thanks to a multitude of hooks and net-divided
compartments. It also conveniently folds into the floor when
not in use. Vibes equipped with the 2.4L engine also come
with a fold-flat front passenger seat that expands the
interior’s storage versatility - for times when you need to
haul a ladder, small kayak or other long items.
Wheels
and tires Sixteen-inch wheels and touring tires are standard on
base and AWD models. Seventeen-inch aluminum wheels are also
available on these models, featuring a bright machine finish
on the base model and chrome-clad finish on the AWD. The
Vibe GT comes standard with 18-inch bright machine finish
aluminum wheels and 215/45-series all-season performance
tires.
Safety The new Vibe was designed from the outset to be one
of the segment’s safest vehicles, with a comprehensive
system of design and technology features that help protect
occupants before, during and after a crash event. Standard
features include:
StabiliTrak electronic vehicle stability system
Tire pressure monitoring system
Dual-stage frontal air bags with a passenger sensing
system
Head curtain side air bags
Side thorax air bags for the front passengers
Active head restraints
Three-point safety belts in all seating positions
Front safety belt retractors
Rear-seat LATCH child safety seat provisions in all
three seating positions
The
standard OnStar system’s digital equipment includes enhanced
hands-free voice recognition capabilities, including more
intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice
recognition accuracy. Using the GPS satellite network and
wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services
and OnStar Hands-Free Calling, which allows drivers to make
and receive voice-activated phone calls.
Vibe history Introduced in 2002 as a ’03 model, the Pontiac Vibe
was an immediate hit with customers who sought a
contemporary, roomy utility vehicle that was also efficient.
Sales topped 39,000 in that abbreviated first-year and
continued to climb in the years after - reaching more than
64,000 in 2005. By the end of calendar-year 2007, total Vibe
sales will number approximately 300,000.
# # #
2009 PONTIAC VIBE
SPECIFICATIONS
Overview
Model:
Vibe base, AWD and GT
Body style / driveline:
front-wheel-drive, transversely mounted front engine
and transaxle
Construction:
unibody, steel frame and steel body panels
EPA vehicle class
compact
Manufacturing location:
Fremont, Calif.
Key competitors:
Chrysler PT Cruiser, Dodge Caliber, Mazda3 5-door
Engine
1.8L DOHC I-4 VVT
2.4L DOHC I-4 VVT
Application:
Vibe base model
Vibe AWD and Vibe GT
Displacement (cu in / cc):
110 / 1798
144 / 2362
Bore & stroke (in / mm):
3.17 x 3.47 / 80.5 x 88.3
3.48 x 3.78 / 88.5 x 96
Block material:
aluminum alloy
aluminum alloy
Cylinder head material:
aluminum alloy
aluminum alloy
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel delivery:
sequential fuel injection
sequential fuel injection
Compression ratio:
10.0:1
9.8:1
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):
132 / 98 @ 6000 (est.)
158 / 118 @ 6000 (est.)
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):
128 / 174 @ 4400 (est.)
162 / 224 @ 4000 (est.)
Recommended fuel:
regular unleaded
regular unleaded
Emissions controls:
close-coupled catalyst; variable valve timing, PCV,
evaporative system
close-coupled catalyst; variable valve timing,
evaporative system
16-inch steel with cover (std. on base and AWD)
17-inch aluminum with diamond finish (opt. on base)
17-inch aluminum chrome clad (opt. on AWD)
18-inch aluminum (std. on GT)
