![]() Sadly, missteps executing the idea led to terrible engines and other general design flaws plus a few engine fires and some very angry customers early on.īy 1988, Pontiac had resuscitated the Fiero, and the restyled 1988 Fiero GT was a striking car that finally offered decent performance thanks to its V6 engine and upgraded suspension. Furthermore, it was meant to bring a car with sporty driving characteristics built using the principles that underpin supercars to a wider audience through its affordable price. Being such a potent and clever package, the Pontiac G8 will be the future classic everybody wants.īuilt with an innovative space frame and plastic body panels, the Fiero demonstrated that Pontiac could bring to market a completely different kind of car with a lot of appeal to buyers of cars who like to drive. It is a sleeper and that is just fantastic. The best part is that it resembles a regular sedan, hiding the monster under the hood. The best part about the G8 is not the stylized design or flashy curves. Nostril-like scoops adorn the hood while a small deck lid spoiler completes the look. Long crisp lines run the length of the body while the bumper rests low to the ground, creating a sort of built-in air dam effect. Its power was unheard of for an American passenger sedan in the middle price range. With the steering wheel moved to the left and Pontiac badges affixed all around, the G8 went on sale with an optional 6.0-liter LS3 V8 that, in the 2009 GXP model, pushed 415 horsepower to those rear tires. But before that, in looking for another model to bring some excitement back to Pontiac, it went south to Australia to find a Holden to import. The end of the brand was announced shortly thereafter. The first year model was 2008 and it continued until 2009. When you look at one, you know you want to put the top down, get in, and cruise. ![]() ![]() The two-tone colors extend to the interior where they are also split on the dashboard and vinyl seats while the classic gauges are adorned and accented by an abundance of chrome. With its huge chrome bumper, two-tone paint split by a railing of chrome, hood stripes, jet plane hood ornament, and generously shapely curves all over, the Star Chief is stunning. While the Star Chief shares dimensions with the Chevy Bel Air, it is its own car. With the Power Pack four-barrel 287-cubic-inch V8, the Star Chief had 200 horsepower, but it is the styling where it shines. This was the only engine offered in the Chieftain and buyers who wanted it in its top trim level opted for the Star Chief, which was also the only way to get a convertible. Furthermore, OHV V8 engines quickly became the norm during the period, and Pontiac introduced its Strato Streak V8 in 1955. The Chieftain was Pontiac's bread and butter for the years after WWII and the 1950s. Regardless, the Solstice is a cool-looking car whether it has a roof or not, and it remains an affordable and fun option for driving today. Handling is tight and responsive, making the cars a pleasure to drive, although, it is said the interiors are laden with a bit too much cheap plastic. Powered by either a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder or a turbocharged 2.0-liter, performance is spirited, especially with the 260-horsepower output of the turbo model. Given the untimely demise of the brand, the coupes are extraordinarily rare. Initially, only a roadster was offered but Pontiac added a coupe variant for the 2009 model year. Solstices began selling in 2006 and lasted until the brand's demise, with even a handful of 2010 models built before production lines stopped. It was the only roadster built by GM since the days of the C1 Corvette, and its curvy exterior presents a car that looks like it's ready for driving with no destination, where fun is the only purpose - just what roadsters are for. The design of the Solstice looks as though it derived inspiration from the original 1953 Corvette.
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