Pontiac: G8 and Solstice not being canceled
Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, Pontiac, Rumormill
Click above for hi-res gallery of the Pontiac G8 GXP
Pontiac hopes to clear things up with a post on Pontiac blog regarding the future of its current products, namely the G8 and Solstice. It was just the other day that rumors of the brand's two rear-wheel drive vehicles possible being canceled hit the interwebs, and we dutifully reported on the story as we always do. According to Pontiac, though, those rumors are nothing more than speculation and should not be taken as gospel unless you hear it from the horse's (or Mr. Lutz's) mouth, which we have not. Still, the rumor in question indicates that the G8 will live on at least another five years, assuming it continues to sell that long, but would not be replaced after that. This could still be the case. Likewise, the Solstice has not been canceled, but it's replacement in GM's lineup still seems unlikely given the low volume of sales the vehicle attracts. In short, nobody can predict the future, but sometimes the handwriting on the wall isn't that tough to read.
[Source: Pontiac Underground]
Pontiac: G8 and Solstice not being canceled originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
6,000 Camaros ordered so far, 84% with V8
Filed under: Car Buying, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet
Click above for high-res gallery of the 2010 Chevy Camaro
Chevrolet has reportedly taken more than 6,000 orders for its new Camaro so far, and why not? The car is great looking, excitement is high, and fuel prices have eased up a bit. You'd think that the prior spike in the cost of fuel would still be fresh on everyone's mind, thus making the V6 a popular choice. Wrongo. While the V6 has similar lip-smackingly great styling, and won't be a slowpoke, it seems that everyone wants that small block rhythm thumping away under the hood of their neo-ponycar. 84% of orders have been for V8-powered SS models so far, which may mean a longer wait for delivery since GM is likely building a very different ratio of V8 to V6 models. Thanks for the tip, Doug!
[Source: Camaro5]
6,000 Camaros ordered so far, 84% with V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
How quickly we forget: Cheaper gas = higher pickup and SUV sales
Filed under: Car Buying, SUVs, Trucks/Pickups
Pickup and SUV sales plummeted when gas hit $4 per gallon, and many thought these gas-guzzling segments would never fully recover. That may be true, but for now Americans are once again getting more comfortable with trucks and SUVs. Truck sales fell below 10% of overall vehicle sales back in May and June, but the price of gas falling from an average of $4.11 per gallon to $2.78 has helped the share of trucks rise to 14.1% of the overall market for September. Depending on how buyers react to the financial crisis, October could be even better as gas prices have continued to go down. SUVs have seen a smaller but still significant jump in overall share, going from 1.9% in May to 2.5% in September - a big improvement for a shrinking segment.
Much of the increased interest in trucks and SUVs can easily be attributed to huge incentives on the hoods of these hefty haulers, but gas prices are a big factor, as well. And while most analysts feel the truck market won't recover until construction picks back up, we're sure automakers are happy to see an increase in sales for their most profitable vehicles, even if it takes a pile of cash on the hood to get them moving.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd, Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty ]
How quickly we forget: Cheaper gas = higher pickup and SUV sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Porsche Boxster/Cayman facelift leaked?
Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Porsche
Click above for a gallery of the 2010 Porsche Boxster and Cayman
The team at Autoweek.nl supposedly snatched a few images of the facelifted Boxster and Cayman from Porsche's configuration page, revealing a slightly revised set of headlamps and air intakes, along with restyled LED taillights inspired by the 2009 911. But what's mounted amidships is far more important.
The 2010 Porsche Boxster and Cayman will go on sale next year, rumored to be powered by a new 2.9-liter engine. The standard models will be putting out approximately 265 hp and 222 lb.-ft. of torque, while the S-equipped line will feature the same engine equipped with direct injection. Output is reported to swell to 320 hp and 274 lb.-ft. of torque, with power being sent to either a six-speed manual or Porsche's new PDK dual-clutch gearbox.
Expect more details to be revealed next month.
[Source: Autoweek.nl]
Porsche Boxster/Cayman facelift leaked? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
No 2009 Volkswagen R32 for the U.S.
Filed under: Car Buying, Hatchbacks, Volkswagen
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Volkswagen R32
The Volkswagen R32 has a die-hard following here in the States. Unfortunately for the sprightly hatchback's groupies, you'll have to head overseas if you want a 2009 model. Volkswagen spokesman Thomas Wegehaupt confirmed the R32's early exit out of the U.S., which means the original 5,000-unit allotment of hot hatches will be the only current-generation R32s to make it Stateside. Part of the reason for the discontinued R32 could have something to do with next year's arrival of the MK VI
The folks over at Kicking Tires say there are still 276 '08 models left in the US, so there are a few chances left to pick an R32 up. The remaining copies of the $32,995 hatch has $2,000 on the hood, too, so those last examples come at a discount. Is a 250-hp Golf with AWD worth a $31,000 entry price when the GTI is almost as fast for nearly $10,000 less? That may have something to do with the fact that we won't have an '09 R32 in the first place.
[Source: Kicking Tires]
No 2009 Volkswagen R32 for the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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