If you’re someone looking to get into a Pontiac before General Motors shuts the brand down, you better act fast. Tweeting at its Twitter account, Pontiac today listed the number of units for each model left in its dealer inventory.

Here is the list as it stands today:

Pontiac G8 GXP: 16
Pontiac G8 GT: 570
Pontiac G5: 1500
Pontiac Torrent: 400
Pontiac Solstice Coupe: 139
Pontiac Solstice Coupe GXP: 160
Pontiac Vibe: 350
Pontiac G6 GXP: 530

Check out our review of the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP here.

Reviewed: 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP:

- By: Omar Rana

All Photos Copyright ©2009 Omar Rana – egmCarTech.

Source: Twitter

Just last week we introduced you to the Lingenfelter 455 T/A Concept, a car that will make its world debut at the 2009 SEMA Show later this week. We now have our first real look at the car before its official SEMA debut thanks to CARandDRIVER.

Besides the new redesign and the 20-inch honeycomb wheels, the Lingenfelter 455 T/A Concept gets a 455-cubic-inch V8 that helps pump out 655-hp with a maximum torque of 610 lb-ft.

Other modifications include:

- Corsa custom stainless exhaust
- Lingenfelter 6 bolt LS9 twin disk flywheel and clutch assembly
- Heavy duty driveshaft
- Nitto tires
- Custom classic interior
- Custom 71 Trans Am inspired exterior

Head over to CARandDRIVER for more pictures.

- By: Kap Shah

We absolutely love the new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro and we respect the old Pontiac Trans Am as a true American sports car. However, you will never catch us transforming a perfectly good 2010 Camaro to pay tribute to the Pontiac Trans Am. Well, Lingenfelter seems to disagree.

At the 2009 SEMA Show next week, Lingenfelter will show its new 2010 Camaro LTA, which will have an exterior and interior theme of the Pontiac Trans Am.

This Lingenfelter Camaro LTA car features:
– Custom RHS aluminum engine block
- 455 cubic inch displacement
- 655 hp / 610 lb-ft tq
- Corsa custom stainless exhaust
- Lingenfelter 6 bolt LS9 twin disk flywheel and clutch assembly
- Heavy duty driveshaft
- Custom honeycomb wheels — 20×10F / 20×11R
- Nitto tires
- Custom classic interior
- Custom 71 Trans Am inspired exterior

2010 Lingenfelter Camaro LTA:

- By: Omar Rana

With the death of Pontiac and now Saturn, GM’s rear-wheel-drive based Kappa-platform has been left to die – until now. According to our friends at Jalopnik, DeLorean Motor Company is planning on using the Kappa-platform for its upcoming car.

“JZD always said that the best memories of his automotive career were at Pontiac, and that connection between JZD and Pontiac is probably one of the better known associations among car enthusiasts,” said James Espey, Vice President of the DeLorean Motor Company.

The company has released drawings of a new model based on the Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe. The move could put several hundred people back to work at the Wilmington plant.

Check out our review of the 2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Jalopnik

Chevy plans to announce this Monday that it will be offering a new model for police use, likely to be based on the Pontiac G8. Chevy will outline their strategy to convention of police chiefs in Denver, Colorado, said the division in an e-mail today.

According to Automotive News, GM CEO Fritz Henderson told an Australian newspaper that the automaker is working on car for American cops, based of a Holden vehicle. “We’ve been working on a package for (U.S.) police applications. I think that’s going to work,” Henderson told The Sydney Morning Herald. “We’re pretty optimistic about it.”, reports Automotive News.

With GM set to drop Pontiac from its lineup, a spokesman from Chevrolet declined to acknowledge whether or not the G8 is the car in question.

GM also denied a story five months ago that they were considering rebadging the G8 as the Caprice and marketing it to police agencies. In July however, a GM source said the G8 would be rebadged and positioned as a pricier sedan above the Impala, but Vice Chairman Bob Lutz bloged a week later that the plan was dead.

“The G8 will not be a Caprice after all,” Lutz wrote. “Upon further review and careful study, we simply cannot make a business case for such a program. Not in today’s market, in this economy, and with fuel regulations what they are and will be.”

Check out our review of the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP.

Stay tuned to find out what happens.

Reviewed: 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP:

- By: Stephen Calogera

All Photos Copyright ©2009 Omar Rana – egmCarTech.

While we’re still mourning the death of the Pontiac G8 sedan, Holden has launched two special edition models of the Commodore, which the G8 was based on. The two models, based on the SS V-Series Special Edition sedan, Sportwagon and Ute, get styling treatments that are reminiscent of our beloved Pontiac G8.

The models ditch the original Australian style grille in favor of the two-part grille as seen on the Pontiac G8. Basically, the special edition models are a Pontiac G8 without the Pontiac badge.

Check out our review of the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP here.

Click through to learn more in the press release posted after the jump.

Holden VE Commodore SS V-Series Special Edition:

Press Release:

Holden to Launch Two New Special Editions

Holden will hit the streets with two new special edition models delivering very different approaches to Australia’s best-selling car range.

The SS V-Series Special Edition sedan, Sportwagon and Ute will achieve immediate attention with styling treatments even more aggressive than Holden’s established performance hero models.

For motorists seeking great value, International sedan and Sportwagon models will deliver $7,500 of extra features (based on recommended retail price of extra features) including leather seat trim and 18 inch alloy wheels.

Holden Director of Marketing Philip Brook said the two offerings highlighted the different ways in which Holden special editions stimulated demand in Australia’s best-selling range.

“These vehicles cater to motorists at both ends of the Commodore-buying spectrum – those looking for great value and those looking for striking performance looks,” Brook said.

“SS V-Series has always been about sports performance and ultimate road presence. Now we’ve dialled it up even further.

“The International edition is even better value when you combine extra features with the advanced 3.0 litre direct injection engine and 6-speed automatic transmission.”

SS V-Series Special Edition Sedan, Sportwagon and Ute

The SS V-Series Special Edition will boast a new aggressive twin nostril front fascia with unique lower splitter and twin letter-box hood scoops. The sedan variant will feature a decklid spoiler and chrome highlights.

On sale from November, the SS V-Series Special Edition will be available in three colours – Phantom black, Red Hot and Voodoo blue.

The Recommended Retail Prices (RRP), not including dealer delivery or Government charges, for the three SS V-Series Special Edition packs are carryover from the standard SS V-Series models and are as follows:

- VE Ute SS V-Series Special Edition (man) $47,490 RRP
- VE Commodore sedan SS V-Series Special Edition (man) $55,290 RRP
- VE Sportwagon SS V-Series Special Edition (man) $57,290 RRP
- Six-speed automatic transmission +$2,000 RRP

The SS V-Series Special Edition Ute will make its debut at this year’s Deni Ute Muster which starts on Friday 2 October.

“Holden has sponsored the Deni Ute Muster for 11 consecutive years and its popularity continues to grow,” Brook said.

“The event that attracts the country’s most passionate Ute enthusiasts is the perfect place to launch this special edition Ute.”

Special Edition International Sedan and Sportwagon

The new International offers an impressive level of standard features, five star safety and the performance and refinement of the all new 3.0 litre Spark Ignition Direct Injection V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission. The new powertrain offers fuel efficiency that is better than some major four cylinder competitors.

In addition to Omega, the Special Edition Commodore International includes:

- 18 inch alloy wheels (4)
- Berlina front grille
- Leather appointed seat trim
- Leather wrapped steering wheel
- Bluetooth for compatible mobile phones
- International badge
- Chrome decklid eyebrow moulding (sedan only)
- Rear Park Assist (sedan only as already standard on all Sportwagon models)

On Sale from November, the driveaway pricing for the two International packs is as follows:

- VE Commodore International Sedan (auto) $35,990 driveaway
- VE Commodore International Sportwagon (auto) $37,990 driveaway
- Metallic paint $500

A 3.6 litre dual fuel LPG Alloytec V6 engine with four-speed automatic transmission is available on Commodore International sedan only.

- By: Stephen Calogera

It seems like General Motors CEO can’t keep up with all the questions pouring in from his “Tell Fritz” website, so our main man Maximum Bob Lutz decided to step in. Bob Lutz answers questions about what we can expect from GM advertising, how the automaker plans to attract the younger audience to Buick, why GM is keeping GMC around and whether or not Pontiac is really dead forever.

So, without any further ado, here is Bob Lutz…

Click through to watch the videos.

What cane we expect from GM marketing, advertising and communications going forward?

The new Buick LaCrosse looks great, but how are you going to convince younger audience to give the car – and the brand – a chance?

Chevy and GMC seem to have an awful lot of product overlap, so why keep GMC around?

Is Pontiac really dead…forever? Any chance of Pontiac coming back?

- By: Omar Rana

The Pontiac G8 is one car that many keep hoping will see resurrection. At first, there were rumors that the much-loved G8 my be revived as a Chevrolet Caprice. General Motors’ Bob Lutz even confirmed that the Detroit automaker will go ahead with a Chevrolet based on the Pontiac G8, only to disappoint us later saying that the company can’t make a business case for it.

Yesterday, during a live chat session on GM FastLane Blog, Buick/GMC manager Susan Docherty was asked whether the Buick Grand National could be revived based on the Pontiac G8.

“The G8 won’t become the Buick Grand National,” said Docherty. Furthermore, she confirmed that there will be no Buick Coupe and no return of Pontiac.

Check out our review on the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP.

“There continues to be lots of questions about a Buick coupe and even specific questions about a Riviera for Buick’s future,” she said. “We don’t have any plans in the short term, however, we’ll continue to evaluate what would be best for Buick. We have had great response for the Riviera concept revealed in Bejing.”

Docherty said that Buick plans to introduce two more sedans, one will be mid-sized and the other will be compact.

However, she did say that the brand is “keeping our fingers crossed on a future Buick Riviera — it would be a nice addition.”

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Inside Line

During a live chat on GM’s FastLane Blog, general manager of Buick and GMC Susan Docherty said that the company will convert 3,000 dealerships that sold Buick, Pontiac and GMC brands into 2,000 Buick/GMC duals by October 2010.

“All our franchise agreements will be renewed then, and we’ll only offer one contract: a dual Buick-GMC,” Docherty said.

According to a report by Automotive News, there will be no stand-alone Buick or GMC dealerships after that.

Docherty said that GM is getting rid of discontinued Pontiacs faster than it expected. By tomorrow, GM expects to have only 16,000 to 17,000 units left.

- By: Stephen Calogera

It’s true – less than a year since production commenced on the 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe, it has ceased. July 29, 2009 marked the last day of production for General Motors Company’s Boxwood plant in Delaware, which is responsible for making GM’s Kappa-platform, the Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky and the recently introduced 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe.

The hard-top Solstice Coupe took the 2008 New York Auto Show by storm. The more aggressive and sleeker looking targa-top fastback offers up an alternative for those who aren’t always looking for fun in the sun, but alas, as the rest of the Pontiac faces extinction, so does the Solstice.

“To me, it’s not a celebration,” said James Graves, a 29-year veteran of GM’s Boxwood plant. “It’s a sad day. It’s like a funeral.”

Click through to read more and to view the high-res image gallery.

Reviewed: 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe GXP:

2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe GXP Specifications:

Base Price: $30,375
Price as Tested: $33,140
Engine: 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder Ecotec – 260-hp/260 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission: 5-Speed manual
Curb Weight: 3018 lbs
0 to 60 mph: 5.5 seconds
Fuel-Economy: 19/28 mpg city/highway

Exterior:

“The new Solstice coupe has all the design cues and pleasing performance of the original roadster, and is an all-season alternative for people who enjoy open-air driving,” said Susan Docherty, vice president of Buick-Pontiac-GMC.

There is no doubt that the 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe looks outstanding. Put it on the road next to any other coupe or sportback, and it is sure to attract the lion’s share of the attention. However, despite the dramatic new look, GM says that engineers made minor changes to create a hard-top version of the Solstice. The model features a fixed roof aft the B-piller, complete with side windows and a rear lift-glass providing easy access to the storage compartment behind the seat. The sloping roofline provides the look of a classic fastback, as it runs from the front of the roof and merges with the ever fashionable ducktail style rear spoiler.

The roof, which weighs 31 pounds, can be removed easily by one person – or so GM says. I personally had trouble taking the roof off myself, and not because I’m weak. It was because it is just too big for one person to take off without fear of damaging it. A soft roof-cover is available as an added option though, just in case you get caught with your top down on a rainy day. Gm Accessories also sells a storage case for the removable roof.

Interior:

Not much differs between the Coupe and the Roadster. However, GM did do a little redesigning though in the area behind the seats, providing easy access to the cargo area. It also seems that GM’s engineers couldn’t find place for a cupholder, so they haphazardly placed them behind the headrests.

Interior options include AM/FM and CD stereo with six speakers, an enhanced sound system with an MP3-compatible stereo and an iPod jack, XM Satellite Radio and of course, OnStar.

Our 2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP included a two-way power driver seat height adjuster, racing-inspired sport bucket seats with GXP stitching, a leather-wrapped manual shift knob, an adjustable steering wheel, and a rear window defogger. Oh, and while we’re talking about the rear-window, there is a huge issue with rear-visibility, or the lack there of.

Performance:

Based on GM’s Kappa-platform, the rear-wheel-drive 260-hp 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe GXP goes from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds; pretty impressive for its class. The rough 5 speed manual transmission and subpar handling detract from the experience in a big way though.

Our test vehicle, the 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe GXP, was powered by a 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec that produces 260-hp and a peak torque of 260 lb-ft. Now, when you look at GM’s list of key competitors you might begin to wonder why you would spend $30,375 on this car.

GM says that the base model Solstice targets the Mazda MX-5 Miata and its retractable hardtop, while the Solstice Coupe GXP targets the Nissan 370Z. Why anyone would opt to spend a single dollar on the Solstice when they can pick up a 332-hp 2009 370Z for just over $29,000 is beyond us.

Overall:

So should you be glad the 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe is now dead? Well, it all depends on how much you love Pontiac and American cars, because if we had $30,375 to spend on a brand new car, we’d be heading into the Nissan dealership right about now.

Reviewed: 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe GXP:

- By: Omar Rana

All Photos Copyright ©2009 Omar Rana – egmCarTech.

By now we shouldn’t even be doing introductions to our Miscellaneous Thoughts posts (believe us we’re not close to wrapping up this day right now, but it’s time for a little break).

2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe GXP: After a week of driving, we are slowly starting to fall for the 260-hp little bugger. There may be things that make you think twice about dropping more than $33,000 for the GXP variant of the Solstice Coupe – but it’s definitely a vehicle to consider if you’re shopping in this segment (especially if you have a buy-American motto). Check out this recent pic of that we took of the hood popped up.

Iacocca Ford Mustang commercial flies you to the moon: The new commercial for Iacocca’s Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang features a wonderful piece by none other than Frank Sinatra. Based on the 2009 Ford Mustang, two engine options will be offered: a normally-aspirated 4.6L V8 making 320-hp and a supercharged version pumping out 400-hp.  - Motor Trend

- By: Kap Shah

As we told you earlier this morning, we’re test-driving the new 2009 Solstice Coupe GXP this whole week. We’ve already received a bunch of questions via Twitter on the site. So here are some of the answers.

Pat: How hard is it take the roof on and off…. GM says that one person can do it alone? Have you tried it out yet?

While GM says that it is very easy for one person to take the top off since it only weighs 31 pounds – it’s almost impossible without two individuals involved in the process. We’re not saying it can’t be done by one person – but we’d recommend two if you don’t want to damage the top.

Name: Does it feel like a quality car?

While some parts of the car do feel solid – we expect a lot more for a car priced over $33,000. After you take the top off and throw it back on – you hear a lot of crackling noises while driving.

TheoriginalASDF: How is the trunk space compared to the regular Solstice? Because in the regular solstice, you could almost fit about a bag of groceries in it if the bag was emptied around the giant lump in the trunk.

Trunk space is ridiculously small. You can fit a bag or three of groceries or two laptop bags with ease.

Make sure you keep asking us more questions here and on Twitter. We’ll keep you up-to-date as we go along.

- By: Omar Rana

Last month, we were officially told that the Pontiac G8 will not survive as a Chevrolet Caprice.

“I’d mentioned it, and said we were studying it, giving it a serious look, because a car like the G8 was just too good to waste,” said Lutz. “That’s all still true. But I have to say that, with my new “marketing” hat on, upon further review and careful study, we simply cannot make a business case for such a program. Not in today’s market, in this economy, and with fuel regulations what they are and will be.”

As reported earlier this morning, GM held a little group meeting with a bunch of PR folks and social media geeks. According to Twitterer Joel Feder, who spoke with Bob Lutz at the event, the G8 may actually come back as a high-end Chevrolet.

Lutz said that the G8 may return “as a really high end Chevy” not as a caprice. Expect “high end brakes, huge engine, big and fast. Like four door Corvette.”

Take this with a grain of salt because nothing is official unless it’s confirmed by GM itself. Not to mention, GM is well known for changing their mind.

Reviewed: 2010 Pontiac G8 GXP:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Twitter

Last month, General Motors Company shut the doors on its Boxwood plant in Delaware. The plant was responsible for building GM’s Kappa-platform roadster, the Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky and this… the 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe.

We just picked up our press car, a 2009 Solstice Coupe GXP on Friday. Why? Well, think of this as a farewell review. As usual, ask us questions you want answered about the car – we’ll be providing daily updates. So far, all we can say is – don’t purchase this car if you’re 6 feet or taller. It’s a very small car on the inside. Other than that, the 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec engine producing 260-hp really allows this small, lightweight, targa-top coupe to loosen up when you’re in the mood to step on the accelerator.

So let us have it. Ask us all you want to know about the 2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP.

- By: Omar Rana

As we look forward to our 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe GXP press car next week, today marks the last day of operations for GM’s Boxwood plant in Delaware – the plant responsible for building GM’s Kappa-platform roadster, the Pontiac Solstice and the Saturn Sky (and the recently introduced Solstice Coupe).

Both models, which sold well for General Motors Company, were killed off when the Detroit automaker announced that it will kill Pontiac by the end of 2009 along with selling Saturn to Penske Automotive Group.

“To me, it’s not a celebration,” said James Graves, a 29-year veteran of the factory. “It’s a sad day. It’s like a funeral.”

GM spokesman John Raut said the plant’s final vehicle was a silver Solstice, which rolled off the assembly line this morning.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: DelawareOnline

We know the title of this article angers a lot of you (and no one is probably more angry then us who had the privilege to experience the top-of-the-line Pontiac G8 GXP for a whole week).

During a live chat earlier this week, Maximum Bob Lutz said that the Pontiac G8 will be saved as a Chevrolet Caprice when GM kills the Pontiac brand at the end of this year.

“The G8 has finally been discovered by a broader percentage of the buying public. The owners are ecstatic about them, many calling it the best sedan they’ve ever driven,” said Lutz. “We consider it too good to waste. So we’re studying the feasibility of bringing it in as a Caprice for both law enforcement and the public.”

Writing over at GM’s Fast Lane Blog today, Bob Lutz said that the “G8 will not be a Caprice after all.”

“I’d mentioned it, and said we were studying it, giving it a serious look, because a car like the G8 was just too good to waste,” said Lutz. “That’s all still true. But I have to say that, with my new “marketing” hat on, upon further review and careful study, we simply cannot make a business case for such a program. Not in today’s market, in this economy, and with fuel regulations what they are and will be.”

Lutz said that the GM must be very careful as to where it allocates its budgets for the time being. He said that for now the resources must be allocated elsewhere. He reinforced that the move does not mean that GM is backing away from performance or rear-wheel-drive.

“We have a tremendous RWD team in Australia that gave us the beloved G8, a team that we will tap into at some point again in the future for its expertise and sheet metal. Just not right now.”

Reviewed: 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: GM FastLane Blog

We already know that the much-loved Pontiac G8 may be rebadged as a Chevrolet Caprice. We actually found some additional details while digging through our notes from the live chat with Bob Lutz that we participated in earlier this week.

When asked if he would elaborate on potential plans to keep the Pontiac G8 and rebadge it as a Chevrolet Caprice Maximum Bob Lutz said: “The G8 has finally been discovered by a broader percentage of the buying public. The owners are ecstatic about them, many calling it the best sedan they’ve ever driven. We consider it too good to waste. So we’re studying the feasibility of bringing it in as a Caprice for both law enforcement and the public.”

So – would you rather be pulled over by a Dodge Charger, Chevrolet Impala, or a Pontiac G8 wearing a Chevrolet Caprice costume?

Let us know in the comments section below and check out our full review of the Pontiac G8 GXP and learn why everyone loves this American/Australian sedan so much.

2009 Chevrolet Caprice (Middle East):

- By: Omar Rana

General Motors Company CEO Fritz Henderson has been very vocal about his dislike for rebadging. He has repeatedly denied that the now dead Pontiac G8 would not be rebadged or imported as a Cadillac, Buick or Chevrolet. However, ‘unretired’ Bob Lutz is back and he’s telling the media that the G8 will live on.

In an interview with Automobile Magazine, Bob Lutz said that the G8 would find its way into Chevrolet showrooms under the Caprice name.

“The last time we looked at [the G8], we decided that we would continue to import it as a Chevrolet,” Lutz said. “It is kind of too good to waste.”

Lutz also confirmed that the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe is still in the pipeline along with a possibility of a CTS-V Wagon. He said that the government’s auto task force has shown special interest in the CTS-V Coupe.

2009 Chevrolet Caprice:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automobile Magazine