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Possible local newspaper article? (long post)

1K views 8 replies 8 participants last post by  spyderone 
#1 ·
I proposed to my dealer that he keep the car on the showroom for a week and run this article - in exchange for waiving the processing fee. He passed. Maybe someone might be able to make it work.


NEW EXCITEMENT AT XXXXX XXXXX PONTIAC!!

The most exciting car to arrive in Pontiac Showrooms this summer is here in XXXXX XXXXX – the 2006 Pontiac Solstice! XXXXX XXXXX Pontiac on XXXXX XXXXX Boulevard is one of the few dealerships across the country to have one of these First 1000 Limited Edition Pontiac Solstice roadsters. Introduced as a concept at the Detroit International Auto Show in 2002, this “sexy, two-seat roadster” is the first Pontiac developed from sketch to product under General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz. He is known for turning Chrysler around in the 1990’s with the introduction of the Viper, Prowler and LH sedans. GM is hoping that he can bring the same renewed momentum to Pontiac. Today, Pontiac Excitement seems to be stronger than ever.

The ordering process for this limited edition car was tied to a promotional campaign on Donald Trump’s The Apprentice. Kendra, the winner of last season’s The Apprentice with roots in Virginia Beach, stayed up all night to design a sales brochure that won her team the weekly competition on the April 14th episode. The brochure that she designed was only slightly changed for use in showrooms. On the afternoon, of April 15th, the First 1000 Limited Edition Solstice roadsters sold out in less than 42 minutes. Like Kendra, Mr. XXXXX XXXXX went the extra mile for his customer and stayed on-line for nearly 40 minutes just to order one of these special cars. Sales Representative, XXXXX XXXXX, is XXXXX XXXXX’s resident expert on the Solstice. He has been tracking its development since the introduction of the prototype – and tracked the progress of this Solstice from his customer’s first email in the spring of 2004 to delivery in 2005. Even though Pontiac has been tight-lipped during the Solstice development, XXXXX has been scouring the internet for details and can answer most questions that could take hours to Google.

For the entry price of $19,995, Pontiac lived up to the promise made by Bob Lutz over 2 years ago. Even though the base price includes shipping and destination charges, it does not include some creature comforts like air conditioning and power windows. A back-to-basics roadster is great for the limited few that live with the perfect climate, but most of us will need the $960 air-conditioning option. That option does not make the Solstice expensive, but adding the Power Package (power windows/locks/mirrors and remote keyless entry - $625), Convenience Package (Driver Information Center, fog lights, and cruise control - $465) and Premium Package (leather seats/shifter/steering wheel and steering wheel radio controls - $590) will put the out-the-door price just under a similarly equipped Mazda MX-5. Currently, Pontiac does not allow custom “pick-and-choose” for the most popular options, but will require buyers to get a whole “Package.” Additionally, the Premium Package requires the buyer to also order the Convenience Package. A single-CD 6-speaker stereo with MP-3 inputs is standard, but you can upgrade to a 6-CD/MP-3 capable in-dash changer for only $495. A Monsoon 7-speaker sound system with subwoofer is available for $395.

The aggressive and modern lines of the Pontiac Solstice indicate a watershed for Pontiac. Breaking from the recent use of heavy body-cladding and spoilers, the Solstice has a clean flowing design accented by a long dash-to-axle ratio and incorporates a traditional Pontiac Wide-Track stance. The dual grille design marks the front-end and ties this breakout design to other Pontiacs. GM is pioneering mass-market automotive sheet-steel hydro-forming on the Solstice. Hydro-forming uses water to press the shape of the hood, doors, deck lid and quarter panels into the sheet metal, rather than a traditional molded press. So far, it has only found application in low-volume automobiles like the Mercedes-Benz Maybach. The process’ main advantage is that it allows GM to create complicated designs using lighter high-strength steel for body panels. Colors choices for the Solstice cover the standard range, but they come with stylish names like Sly (Shadow Gray Metallic), Aggressive (Victory Red) and Envious (Emerald Green Metallic). No matter what body color you choose, the windshield surround and trunk-lid accent behind the driver will be Cool (Liquid Silver Metallic).

Pontiac anticipated comparisons to the Mazda Miata, now known only as the MX-5 (Mazda is dropping the Miata name for 2006). The Solstice may be directly compared to the revised 16-year veteran, but Pontiac is also hoping that buyers will consider the Solstice against higher-end models like the Honda S2000 and BMW Z4. Solstice Program Chief, Lori Queen, is insisting on the highest quality standards for this new Pontiac. The Wilmington, Delaware, plant practiced building cars and then reversing the process, since at least June, to ensure that no manufacturing detail or efficiency is missed. She also called for delays to the Solstice introduction to revise and refine the interior details. Playing against the performance and feel of senior roadsters is not going to be easy, but Pontiac is also using a lot of ideas found on its corporate big-brother – the Chevrolet Corvette.

Similarities to Corvette start at the chassis and suspension – both roadsters use hydro-forming technology to shape a light-weight and strong frame for the 4-wheel independent suspension. A strong central tunnel creates a spine that reinforces structural rigidity of the open-top car. The Solstice also copies the rear-mounted transmission placement and seamless open-top waterfall design using a rear-hinged deck lid to cover a stowed cloth-top. While the Chevrolet offers a 400-horsepower V-8 and a power-top option, there is currently nothing to indicate that the Pontiac will offer the same. The Solstice is about one-half the price of the C6 Corvette, but should offer all the handling and all the top-down fun.

Power for the Solstice comes from a 2.4-liter dual overhead cam inline ECOTEC 4-cylinder producing 177 horsepower at 6600 RPM and 166 pound-feet of torque at 4800 RPM. While the Solstice has a minimal horsepower advantage and a 10% torque advantage over the 2474-pound MX-5, its 2860-pound weight carries a 16% penalty. The Aisin short-throw 5-speed manual transmission is built by the same company that supplies the transmission for the Honda S2000. A five-speed automatic will not be available until next February. Some will argue that the 6-speed transmissions offered in other roadsters does not offer a speed advantage over a 5-speed; however, spy photos indicate that Pontiac may produce a more powerful turbocharged 6-speed version of the Solstice for 2007. For now, the Solstice will closely match the MX-5 at stoplights, but with forced-injection it could soon be taking pink-slips from Mazda owners. On the plus side, the Pontiac does not require premium fuel like the MX-5.

Handling of the Solstice should be quite impressive considering its wide stance and near 50/50 weight distribution. The first comparisons will be to venerable Mazda MX-5, and the Pontiac engineers have generated some impressive numbers. With a body that is nearly as wide as the Corvette, the 60.7 inch front and 61.4 inch rear tracks are 2 inches and 2.5 inches wider than the MX-5, respectively. At 95.1 inches, the wheelbase is nearly 3.5 inches longer than the MX-5, but the 157.2 inch overall length is within a hair of the Mazda. This wheelbase, similar in length to the Honda S2000, should offer a smoother and more stable ride than the MX-5. The Solstice will have the tire/wheel advantage over the MX-5 and S2000 with its standard 245/45 all-season tires on 18-inch painted wheels (polished and chrome wheels will be available after September). Mazda does not have plans to offer an 18-inch wheel, yet. They claim that the extra unsuspended weight would take away from ultimate handling, but Pontiac scores .90G on the skid pad. Either way, someone will eventually find room for 19-inch wheels under the flared fenders of the Solstice.

Pontiac is very serious about the overall performance of this new roadster. From the beginning, performance options and dealer accessories will be available. One performance option that is priced below expectations is the $195 limited-slip differential – increasing traction to the rear wheels for speed on the straights and the curves. Anti-lock brake assist for the standard four-wheel disc brakes can be ordered for $400 – this option also includes Electronic Brakeforce Distribution for more stable braking. To further enhance the performance excitement of this roadster while not violating the warranty, Pontiac will offer aftermarket performance accessories at the dealership. There will be a cat-back exhaust system combining reduced backpressure and a more aggressive exhaust note, a high-flow air cleaner housing, and an adjustable race suspension with upgraded springs and bushings.

The interior of the Pontiac Solstice is pure back-to-basics two-seat roadster. European inspired seats can be covered in standard ebony cloth or the optional two-tone ebony/sand or solid ebony leather. The driver will face motorcycle-inspired white-faced gages that will illuminate Pontiac-red at night. A fuel gage sits between the large, easy-to-read analog speedometer and tachometer. Pontiac must anticipate drivers will need a lot of water during long summer drives, since there are three retractable cup holders. Two are located below the center-console, and the third is on the passenger side below a center grab handle. The center-console glove box is deep enough for CD jewel cases, but is located behind the driver’s right elbow. For more storage, there are nets on the back of the seats, small storage bins at each door and a glove box below the passenger airbag.

For the weekend road-trip, trunk space is very limited for more than the fewest necessities. The cargo room is 3.8 cubic feet with the top up, and it shrinks to 1.4 cubic feet with the top down. A luggage rack with integrated luggage system will be available as an accessory. Those numbers make the 5.3 cubic feet available in the MX-5 seem cavernous. Incidentally, the Mazda top does not intrude on the luggage area. Pontiac showed a coupe version of the Solstice, when it debuted the roadster concept - but they have not confirmed its potential for production. A coupe version would hit a market that the MX-5 misses, and it would answer the demand for more cargo capacity.

Pontiac is rolling out four new and exciting affordable cars in the next six-months. The Solstice comes between the introductions of the G6 coupe and the Chevrolet Equinox-based Torrent this fall. Early in 2006, a hardtop-convertible version of the G6 coupe will be in showrooms. The Solstice has all the makings of the next “big thing” on automotive landscape. Future improvements and options should keep it on the front-page for years to come. Mazda has had great success with its roadster and is credited with reinventing the genre. Pontiac is well aware of the industry competition and plans to take the lead in the performance, value and quality. With the Solstice, Pontiac has taken a design leap forward, while remaining true to classic sports cars and its own rich design history. The modern performance and feel of this new roadster should live up to the latest Pontiac tagline – PONTIAC – ACTION.










Picture 1 –

The 2006 First 1000 Pontiac Solstice “sexy, two-seat roadster” on display in the showroom of the XXXXX XXXXX Pontiac dealership.



Picture 2 –

Sales Representative XXXXX XXXXX and New Car Manager XXXXX XXXXX examine all the interior details of the newest Pontiac.



Picture 3 –

The convertible-top is lowered into the rear-compartment from outside of the car – the vertical rear-backlight should stay nice and clear on those dewy mornings at the beach.
 
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#3 ·
Yep ... I've got to agree. It reads more like a research paper than an advertisement or even a new car review. It also brings to light a number of unfavorable characteristics of the car and casts its competitor in a way too favorable manner. It appears to be a fairly unbiased and factual summary of the car, but dealers would probably be looking for something a lot shorter and with a bit more zing. Don't mean to criticize, but I just don't see it as anything dealers would want to see in print.
 
#4 ·
...zzzzzzzzzzz

WAAAAAY too long. I fell asleep after the first line. :cool:
 
#5 ·
SlySol said:
Yep ... I've got to agree. It reads more like a research paper than an advertisement or even a new car review. It also brings to light a number of unfavorable characteristics of the car and casts its competitor in a way too favorable manner. It appears to be a fairly unbiased and factual summary of the car, but dealers would probably be looking for something a lot shorter and with a bit more zing. Don't mean to criticize, but I just don't see it as anything dealers would want to see in print.
:agree:

I did some editing and I think I came up with something that might work for an ad.

"NEW EXCITEMENT AT XXXXX XXXXX PONTIAC!!

The most exciting car to arrive in Pontiac Showrooms this summer is here in XXXXX XXXXX – the 2006 Pontiac Solstice! XXXXX XXXXX Pontiac on XXXXX XXXXX Boulevard is one of the few dealerships across the country to have one of these First 1000 Limited Edition Pontiac Solstice roadsters."

That's about all you need. Plus a picture. If people don't know it by name they will, by now, know it to look at it.
 
#6 ·
I was going more for the front page article to the Auto section of our newspaper rather than an advertisement. Something with a large picture, some smaller ones, and a specification box. It is a little dry - didn't want to seem over the top. Mazda may have the Solstice on cargo room - but that should be about it. Of course, the proof will be the first drive.
 
#7 ·
I personally really like it. I agree that a paper probably wouldn't print all of that but a decent paper should love to have all the details so that they can choose the clip they want to print. A lazy paper won't print anything that's not already exactly the word count they're looking for to fill their white space. Good job with this, and thanks for posting it. I personally think your dealer is being short sighted, if they can get a free press release in the paper and 20 people to come in and look at it they would have gotten a lot more for they're money than the full page color newspaper ads dealers love to print.
 
#8 ·
I am glad to see most people on this thread understand that news papers print news and sell advertising.

Why do some people thing otherwise? Dressing up advertising as NEWS isn't going to fool a paper into giving someone ad space for free.
 
#9 ·
If you watched "The Apprentice" when they had the task of designing the brochure the girls team had the winning brochure because Donald liked the pictures and the one word descriptions and the guys team had a picture and a log drawn out explanation of the car which was kind of boring. I agree with The Donald and the girls haad a better brochure. Let the car speak for itself. I have been following this car since inception and as passionate as I am about this car I had trouble trying to read the post you would want to put in the newspaper. Way too long and too much detail!!!!
 
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