The 2011 Pontiac FireBreather
Pontiac realized their vision by taking the upcoming redesigned Tempest and giving it a “Super Tempest” equipment package. Since the GTO was an option package and not standard equipment, Pontiac was able to navigate around the restriction. However, GM was not fond of such tactics, and those in charge at Pontiac stood to lose a lot due to their deceit if their efforts were a failure. However, the 1964 Pontiac GTO was anything but a failure. Limited to just 5,000 units initially, Pontiac sold 10,000 units prior to the 1964 calendar year, and sold 32,000+ units in total.
The Pontiac GTO changed all that. Back in the day, so called hot rodders knew that if you wanted to go faster, you had to go smaller and that is what General Motors did with the GTO option. The car maker didn’t even promote the car in the beginning, not even putting out a brochure on it until after it was a success. Sales of the Pontiac GTO caught car makers off guard and sent them scrambling to clone the success. Just one year after its introduction to the marketplace, the 1965 Pontiac GTO sold more than 75,000 cars in one year. This figure was double the number of 1964s sold the previous year. Sales were boosted by word of mouth as well as an article in Car and Driver magazine in which a GTO was matched against a Ferrari.
The Vibe is currently being marketed in GT, AWD, and base trim levels. 2011 Pontiac FireBreather The base trim Vibe models have only front-wheel-drive and are incorporated with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine for generating 132-horsepower along with a torsion-beam rear suspension. Similarly, the models with all-wheel drive have a free rear suspension along with an improved 2.4-liter mechanical engine for 158 hp. The sporty GT trim level comes with front-wheel-drive with a great 2.4-liter engine as well as a free rear suspension.
For the 1965 model year, backed by a potent GM-powered advertising blitz, Pontiac sold 75,000+ GTO units. The following year, sales of the GTO peaked at close to 100,000 units. 2011 Pontiac FireBreather The 1967 GTO marked the end of the vehicle’s first generation, and sales fell to 81,000+ units. However, this was still a very strong number since Pontiac was facing stiffer competition from new entries into the market as well as a redesigned Ford Mustang that was receiving a great deal of attention.
Even though all models are using different engines, a five-speed manual transmission comes as a standard on all versions, excluding the all-wheel drive model that is installed with a four-speed automatic. On the trim GT, a 5-speed automatic transmission is optional and a four-speed automatic transmission is added on base models. The trim Base in the Vibe also is installed with a 2.4-liter engine added with a four-speed that replaces the five-speed automatic transmission at additional cost. Read the rest of this entry »
2011 Skoda Yeti Review
This Macho look SUV got the solid body and best in class suspension well suited for Indian bumpy roads. Take this vehicle in any surface, it will not disappoint you. Wide 17 inches tyres, provides an excellent grip and smooth sharp turn. Hyundai Santa Fe comes with 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. It is very responsive and hit the 0-100 km mark in just under 10 seconds.
But the Skoda Yeti isn’t overshadowed by it’s more established competition. Starting at just £13,750 (GBP) for the entry level 1.2. petrol turbocharged model, the Yeti is significantly cheaper than it’s rivals. The 1.2 petrol and 1.8 petrol versions offer a smooth and refined drive… something that Skoda were no doubt keen to get right targeting this fickle market.
In it’s diesel format the top-spec Skoda Yeti is 4WD 2.0 TDI which comes with a whopping 170BHP, for this performance you’ll be looking to pay at least £21,500. However the cheaper 110 BHP engine offers an elegant drive and actually feels smoother than the 140BHP engine.
Hyundai Santa Fe is very comfortable for both driver and passengers provide huge leg and head space with thigh support. Seating is based on 3 rows and easily accommodates 7 peoples. The quality of interiors is exceptionally good and no compromise in features. This Hyundai SUV is loaded with excellent features like dual-zone climate control, audio system with aux-in, USB support, big LCD screen, navigation system, smart key, cruise control, audio controls on steering and many more. Safety features are as per international standards, it includes 10 airbags, advance Anti-Lock Braking System and ESP.
The Yeti really scores some major points over it’s rivals with a wide variety of options designed to increase the flexibility and functionality of the vehicle. The 3 rear seats fold down to increase luggage space or can be removed completely to free up room for long journeys and driving holidays. Read the rest of this entry »
2011 Vauxhall Ampera Review
This car will be known as the Chevrolet Volt in the US and it will be released by Vauxhall in Europe as the Ampera and is scheduled to hit the market in November. Another hybrid concept but with a bit of a twist, the car travels up to 40 miles solely using the lithium-ion battery powered engine then the normal engine takes over meaning it has a range of over 300 miles.
Hybrid technology was pioneered by Toyata and since then Mercedes, BMW, GM, Ford, Honda and Nissan have all followed suit but relative to the car market the number of hybrid vehicles available is tiny. Hyundai are the latest manufacturer to come up with a hybrid concept, a version of its Sonata model that was displayed for the first time at the LA auto show back in November. The Sonata Hybrid has a 2.4 litre engine but also a 40bhp electric motor that combines with the combustion in the normal engine to drastically reduce emissions.
