I guess I disagree with this guy. It looks to me like they have finally found a direction for Pontiac where there has not been one in a long time. They are letting them have performance related firsts such as getting exclusive use of some high output engines before other divisions receive them (such as the 5.3L in the Grand Prix, the Northstar in the Bonneville), putting out performance niche vehicles like Solstice and GTO, offering performance models of everyday cars (G6 hardtop convertable and coupe with the 6 speed manual and 3.9L VVT motor!)

A few years ago, Pontiac performance meant either of two things. Buy a Trans Am, or any other car with bodyside cladding. These days it means big horsepower, much more sporty suspension handling packages (GP Comp G package for instance), multiple sports car niche vehicles (Solstice, GTO).

Sure, things like the Torrent, or the Montana minivan, or some ubiquitous commuter version of a sedan will be in the lineup. Sporty car buyers are more of a niche market, and Pontiac does need bread and butter cars for sales volume reasons. However, those sportier versions are better now than they have been in decades. I am not worried where Pontiac is going because they seem to finally be on track, and as these cars start hitting the roads and word gets around, sales will follow suit.

 

Sure, things like the Torrent, or the Montana minivan, or some ubiquitous commuter version of a sedan will be in the lineup. Sporty car buyers are more of a niche market, and Pontiac does need bread and butter cars for sales volume reasons. However, those sportier versions are better now than they have been in decades.

Personally, I liked the Torrent,however, although I'm not in the market for a minivan, I don't think keeping the Montana name brings anything spectacular to that vehicle, compared to other minivans... I'd expect this to sell less than imports and those from Chysler.

I like the direction Pontiac is trying to take, but I think it should push this further with its "bread and butter" vehicles. I can see it with the G6, and I'd hope they would be able to do the same with the Torrent. Whatever lower-cost entry level sedan or coupe needs to have a little gusto too.

Now, the part of the editorial about his position on keeping Kappa architecture Solstice-only for a few years, I really don't agree with. I don't think bringing out more Kappas from other divisions will hurt the Solstice's meaning to Pontiac's spirit. Unless every division just gives Solstice a facelift and releases their own version, but hey, that'd be okay by me.

 

Personally i believe that Pontiac And GM in general are finally getting back into working for the love of the cars. GM has been coming out with some extremelly nice cars that actually inspire the rest of the GM family to actually love the work that they do.

Pontiac is just trying to get back into the market and is heading in the right direction! The release of the GTO was good, but they could of made it look a little less like the Grand Prix; the Solstice would deffinately have to be one of the coolest looking sport convertibles that I have ever seen.

So mad props for GM for creating a new lineup with cars and trucks that are extremelly well built and look bad ass!