Posts Tagged ‘Pontiac’

2008 Pontiac G8 Showcar to Debut at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show

In Chicago: Pontiac has rolled out a showcar version of the new 2008 Pontiac G8, announcing that it is “a representative of the production GT model” that will hit showrooms early next year. The automaker has also released details about the G8 saying that it is going to be the new Pontiac flagship sedan and will be built in Adelaide, Australia.

The G8 is the first North American application of GM’s new global rear-wheel-drive architecture developed by Holden, GM’s Australian subsidiary. The G8 is an important vehicle not only because of its importance to Pontiac but because it is the sister vehicle of the 2009 Chevrolet Camaro.

The G8 showcar is equipped with 362hp V8 and optional six-speed manual transmission. It includes items that are not found on the production model such as 20 inch “shadow chrome” wheels and performance tires, a ride height lowered by about half-inch, high performance brake rotors with painted brake calipers, custom interior trim color with leather-wrapped dash and “phantom gray” exterior paint. Pontiac has also employed a concept monochromatic “modernized” Pontiac badge to get public opinion.

The production G8 lineup will be comprised of two models: G8 and G8 GT. The base G8 is equipped with a 3.6 liter DOHC V6 rated at 261 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 250 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm. It is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission and a manual shift model.

The G8 GT for its part is given a 6.0 liter small block V8 rated at 362 hp at 5,700 rpm and 391 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. It is also equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode as standard feature. The six-speed manual transmission is going to be offered after the launching of the G8. Fuel economy numbers are not yet available for both models.

The G8 is fitted on a 114.8 inch wheelbase with 196.1 inch overall length. Its base has a curb weight of 3,885 pounds while the G8 GT weighs 3,995 pounds. GM says that G8 has a close to 50/50 front-to-rear weight balance ratio courtesy of its new architecture.

The global architecture for the G8 is designed to suit the production of both left-hand-drive and right-hand-drive markets around the world. Pontiac has also stressed that the two production G8s will include four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control, electronic stability control, 18 inch aluminum wheels, power adjustable front seats, quality auto accessories like GM door handle covers, and fog lamps. A sport package will also be offered with the addition of 19-inch aluminum wheels and performance tires on the GT as well as a rear wing spoiler, leather shift knob, leather wrapped steering wheel, and alloy pedals.

The two production G8 models have distinct styling features. The G8 models are identified through its red tail lamp lenses and twin chrome exhaust outlets while the G8 GT models are given clear tail lamp lenses and quad chrome exhaust tips. Inside the cabin, the G8 GT models have an optional two-tone cloth or leather combination that pairs black with red or blue inserts and color matched instrument faces on certain exterior color combinations.

The G8 is going to compete with Dodge Charger and Nissan Maxima.

Borcherding Buick Pontiac Gmc Tandems With Ask Patty to Appeal to Women Consumers

Family owned and operated since 1970, Borcherding Buick Pontiac GMC, will partner with Ask Patty to depict an increased commitment to the female car buyers that would provide a safe and comfortable buying experience. Borcherding Buick Pontiac GMC owes this distinction to their high standard of customer service as well as to their excellent image in terms of total customer satisfaction.

For more than 35 years of having built an identity in the Tri State Area as Cincinnati’s premiere Pontiac, Buick, GMC, Explorer Van and Certified Used Car Center, even more dedication lies ahead for Borcherding’s full service dealership.

In a latest survey conducted to Borcherding’s customers, it was found out that the major reason for doing business with Borcherding was the fact they were trustworthy and that their depicted appeal for service was of high standard. With these findings, it can be deduced further that Borcherding lives up to their promises. And this has been a progress in a constantly changing and dynamic environment of business.

Also selling GMC spark plug wire, Borcherding Buick Pontiac GMC is accessibly located in the Kings Auto Mall off Interstate 71. They recently reinvented their entire dealership while making a commitment to continuous improvements. The reinventions include a customer café, daily newspapers together with refreshments that would complement the customers’ reading pleasure, internet connection, private work areas and the stress removing massage chairs. And for those customers who have different service wants, Borcherding also offers their courtesy shuttle and loaner vehicles. Furthermore, they have an on-site collision center with Enterprise replacement cars, too.

Kim Borcherding, the Dealer Operator of Borcherding Buick Pontiac GMC, said that Borcherding was so pleased to be associated with the Ask Patty quality Internet resource for women automobile buyers and fanatics. Also one of the newest members of Ask Patty’s Automotive Expert Advisory Panel, Kim Borcherding helps answer the queries of customers – everything about automotive.

The decision to tandem with Ask Patty exudes the kind of sound thinking that is needed to provide consistent excellent results in customer satisfaction and sales growth to the women, who are part of a significant consumer segment.

Women population comprises more than 50 percent of all vehicles sold yearly in the United States with revenues reaching billion annually. When Ask Patty was not yet in the industry, there has been no website that is exclusively devoted to the needs and concerns of the women.

Ask Patty Female Friendly dealers represent many brands such as Chrysler, Jeep, HUMMER, GMC, Cadillac, Pontiac, Buick, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Saab, Acura, Nissan, Kia, Hyundai, Mercedes Benz, BMW and a lot more.

Ask Patty gives women consumers the avenue where they can send queries about car buying, selling, repair and maintenance to a panel of expert automotive women. It claims that is it a safe online place to share and discuss their car buying experiences. The advisory panel of automotive expert women of Ask Patty is led by Deborah Renshaw, a professional NASCAR driver. The panel is composed of women who hold various leadership posts in the automotive industry.

Auto Tech Program Gives Students Great Kick Off

The automotive technology program of the South Brunswick High School offers great kick off for students aiming to be in the automotive industry. Run by teacher Michael Andrusiewicz, the program encompasses Auto I, Auto II and Auto III. It runs for three years and students have found alternatives to take all three classes while remaining involved through their senior years.

Here, the students are taught to build and rebuild automobiles and their parts like Geo oxygen sensor.

Anthony Provenzano, a senior, had been taking auto shop since he was a freshman and did an independent study with auto shop for his senior year.

Brian Korodan, another senior, took one auto class every year. And now, for his independent study, he is helping the Auto III class do a job on a ’64 Pontiac Valiant.

In his entire high school career, Senior Chris Calefati has been taking the auto classes and also opted to do an independent study this year where he chose his own projects. In the beginning of his senior year, he along with other students did an independent study that rebuilt a motorcycle. Then they rebuilt the motor that will be placed on one of the cars they are working on. Toward the end of the year, they started putting the parts of one of the cars back together.

After Anthony and Brian graduated from SBHS, they will both be attending Universal Technical Institute. But Anthony will go to Exton, Pa., while Brian will go to Orlando, Fla. – two different campuses.

Anthony said that one guy went to their house and showed them the program from UTI which he and his parents have been looking for. He further said that he wanted to learn more so he went at the UTI to enroll at the marine school. But he suddenly liked the car school so that was where he got into. Anthony said that the school helps in looking for a job which is very attracting to would be students.

Both Anthony and Brian grew up watching their fathers do vehicular works. Anthony’s dad even drove a taxi that he repaired on his own while Brian’s dad owns a garage where he often works.

According to Anthony, when he was a kid, he had 13 bicycles which he was tearing apart and putting back together. He bought his maiden car when he was 14 and began putting it together. He said having his first car was pretty exciting since he used to always work on his sister’s Geo and now he could mess with his own vehicle.

The automotive business of Brains’ dad was the teen’s first stepping stone toward the business. But it was the auto classes at SBHS that really caught him.

Brain said that he took the class because he needed an elective subject so he decided to have one with his football coach, Mr. (Philip) Ricci. But then suddenly, he liked the subject so he stuck with it.

Meanwhile, Chris will be attending engineering at Rutgers University. His first exposure to vehicle repairs was doing his neighbors’ vehicles. His passion for designing car was discovered in his classes at the SBHS.

Chris said that while he was hanging out with his classmates, he was helping them at the same time. He added that the more he is involved, the more his interest arises. He took the classes because he just wanted to work on his car so he does not have to pay for a mechanic. But he said that the more he took the classes, the more he got interested with it. As a matter of fact, he already started to customize his own car.

Taking the auto classes at SBHS, the seniors adhere that these were beneficial to the paths of their chosen careers as well as to the common knowledge they have acquired.

Anthony said that just a few years ago, his dad would not even want to touch his car because of the fear that his teen might destroy something else on it. But now, his dad tells him to fix it whenever it does not work accordingly.

Chris added that one should at least know the basics of car repairs such as fixing a flat tire or changing an air filter or wiper blades because all cars are subject to breakdown.

Tony Bertucci, a former student who graduated from SBHS last year and is currently attending the UTI campus in Exton, can testify to the quality of the school’s auto shop classes. He said in his present school, he is ahead of everybody. Because he was so overwhelmed by the quality of teaching in SBHS, he could not even explain how much the auto classes at the high school helped him. He added that he never got lower than an A in his auto classes.

Through UTI, Tony already has a job and he was very grateful to give Mr. Andrusiewicz much of the credit for his success. Tony added that Mr. A had been his close friend since he was a freshman. He further said he always got into trouble and Mr. A was there to straighten him out.

Other students also believe that Mr. Andrusiewicz is the very reason why the auto program has been such a huge success. According to Chris, Mr. A teaches well that he makes sure everyone has the chance to learn everything. Brian said Mr. A always guided him in the right path and helped him make the right decision.

Above all, the automotive students feel very fortunate that they have been given the chance that other students do not get.

The former students are encouraging the teens to take the program as it is really beneficial to their future.