The 2009 Pontiac Vibe in Detail

General Motors Corporation's (GM) Pontiac division now releases the details and the availability of the 2009 model of the Pontiac Vibe compact car. Although GM did not release the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of the 2009 Pontiac Vibe, the Detroit-based automaker said that the vehicle is scheduled to roll out in dealer showrooms all over the US early in 2008.

Craig Bierley, Pontiac marketing director commented: "With the 2009 Vibe, we knew we wanted to take everything we liked about the original and push it to the next level – more power, more style, more versatility. It has the interior room and cargo capability expected of a larger SUV, but with the precise handling characteristics you would expect from any Pontiac."

The all new Pontiac Vibe will roll out in the US market available in three model trim level - base model, AWD, and GT. For the 2009 model year, the Pontiac Vibe comes with a host of new features and enhancements.

The car is now equipped with a standard DOHC four-cylinder 1.8-liter engine under its hood that is capable of delivering 132 horsepower (98 kW) and generates 128 lb. ft. (174 Nm) of peak torque. For customers who wanted more power and performance, Pontiac offers the 2.4L DOHC engine that pumps out 158 horsepower (118 kW) and 162 lb. ft. (224 Nm) of torque. Unfortunately, this power unit is only available for AWD and GT models. Four-speed automatic transmission is standard on the AWD. The 2.4 L engine on GT models will be coupled with a standard five-speed manual transmission or a new five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control (DSC).

The 2009 Pontiac Vibe also features a comfortable ride and handling performance, thanks to the improved driving dynamics which include MacPherson-strut front suspension design, torsion-beam rear suspension, and multi-link independent rear suspension.

The car's exterior design features sporty and muscular stance, resembling the design cues of a small SUV model. Exterior highlights include faster windshield angle, standard roof rack, larger fog lamps, lower-fascia air intake, rocker moldings, roof spoiler, and a bright exhaust tip (GT only). Chief designer Ron Aselton commented about the exterior of the Pontiac Vibe: "The new Vibe's design is sporty yet completely functional. Clean lines, minimal overhangs and wheels pushed to the corners give the vehicle a muscular stance."

Inside the 2009 Pontiac Vibe comes a wide range of interior and safety features. These include an all-new driver-focused cockpit design with redesigned gauges and other components like New knit-fabric seating surfaces, standard leather-trimmed seats, six-way adjustable driver's seat and front active headrests, three-spoke steering wheel and shift knob, floor mats (like Porsche floor mats), and steering column with telescoping/rake adjustability. For audiophiles, Pontiac offers AM/FM radio with CD and XM Satellite Radio and auxiliary audio input jack for MP3 players and other portable devices.

A host of active and passive safety features is also included like the StabiliTrak, dual-stage frontal air bags with a passenger sensing system, head curtain side air bags, side thorax air bags for the front passengers, Active head restraints, three-point safety belts in all seating positions, front safety belt retractors, and rear-seat LATCH child safety seat, just to name the few.