Left Lane News: Spied: Redesigned 2008 Pontiac Vibe

Robert G · Post by **Robert G** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 2:57 am

Sorry if this is a repost. "Spy photographers have snapped some photos of the 2008 Pontiac Vibe. While similar in size to the current Pontiac Vibe, the new model has a more slanted windshield and rear window. The beltline is higher, resulting in shorter side windows, and the overall stance looks lower. . . ." http://www.leftlanenews.com/20...vibe/

drunkenmaxx · Post by **drunkenmaxx** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 3:01 am

looks kind of like my maxx boinked a calibur.expect this thread to explode!

KNINE · Post by **KNINE** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 3:02 am

BOOM!It looks like the Vibe lives on!

Sputnik · Post by **Sputnik** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 3:08 am

The vibe has been available since Jan 2001? Interesting since I couldn't buy one until 2002.

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 3:10 am

Looks interesting...I'm wondering if that "thing" on the back over the window is part of its "disguise" and not part of the car. I think that's what makes it look like a Caliber or Maxx. It almost looks like some sort of wing-ish sunshade. And reminiscent of the Aztek. I think the big question here is...is this still a Toyota? Or is it now a "real" GM vehicle?

Sputnik · Post by **Sputnik** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 3:11 am

Quote, originally posted by Kari »Looks interesting...I'm wondering if that "thing" on the back over the window is part of its "disguise" and not part of the car. I think that's what makes it look like a Caliber or Maxx. It almost looks like some sort of wing-ish sunshade. And reminiscent of the Aztek. Exactly what I was thinking. I decided its gotta be part of the disguise since who would buy a vehicle when they can't see out the back window?

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 3:13 am

Yeah, it definitely obstructs the rear view. Plus the taillights and the back bumper look like they're covered by cardboard. I can only hope they aren't that boxy in real life. The front end looks good...but I'm not feelin' the back.

northvibe · Post by **northvibe** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 3:14 am

the whole car is covered in cardboard so it wont look like the caliber it does in those pics. i like the side skirts though!

drunkenmaxx · Post by **drunkenmaxx** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 3:18 am

i'm saying use your imagination to pretend the thingy on the back isn't there, you can see how much the back windshield slopes, compare it to my sig.here is a quick and dirty photoshop of a tinted window instead of the disguise over the back window.

305798=10863-dirtychop.jpg

BlueCrush · Post by **BlueCrush** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 3:21 am

Yeah it looks like less headroom. Back end looks like the Caliber or Malibu Maxx. Option for roof rack or not. Interested to see the rest of it.

NascarXprt · Post by **NascarXprt** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 3:47 am

it looks like they went back to the recesed grill and i LOVE those alloys!!!! in the pic DM posted it looks Sharp i cant wait to see it with out all that carboard crap.

SeattleJeremy · Post by **SeattleJeremy** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 3:52 am

Edmunds thinks it's the new Vibe.http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/1623 Autoblog seems to think this is the next Matrix.http://www.autoblog.com/2006/1...atrix/Either way it's good to see some R and D going in to the Platform.

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 3:55 am

Looks good but I won't be buying one... most likely trading or selling the Vibe for an STi... if I can't afford both.

GMJAP · Post by **GMJAP** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 3:59 am

The grill doesn't look recessed to me. That's just all the cardboard crap taped over the front end.It's hard to make much judgement with so much covered up. But on the overall shape, based on the guys sitting in it, it doesn't look like less head room. Don't like the slanted back - makes it harder to fit bulky stuff. Then again, it may make it look less "minivanish".

ajflan · Post by **ajflan** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 4:06 am

Long live the Vibe!!

NascarXprt · Post by **NascarXprt** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 4:22 am

if you look alittle closer it seems pushed back "recesed" from where it is presently. and i was looking under the cardboard.

GrayFox · Post by **GrayFox** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 4:34 am

hard to tell but so far i like it

Atomb · Post by **Atomb** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 5:44 am

i'll put my 2 cents in and say that there is little to barely any change from the current 2006 vibe. i agree the back hatch looks a little more like the max, the front may have that 'swept back' look like that new suzuki, but generally it's some more lipstick and a bit of blush. no silicon plastic surgery here folks.

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 6:10 am

Either the pic is mirrored or I am seeing a big change... the exhaust pipe is coming out the right side instead of the left.

SeattleJeremy · Post by **SeattleJeremy** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 6:17 am

Quote, originally posted by Mavrik »Either the pic is mirrored or I am seeing a big change... the exhaust pipe is coming out the right side instead of the left.Haw, I just saw that too. It looks like its right, because of where the driver/sterring wheel is.

GrayFox · Post by **GrayFox** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 6:23 am

Quote, originally posted by Mavrik »or I am seeing a big change...It is supposed to be a redesign, ya know.

NewNeptune · Post by **NewNeptune** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 6:27 am

*drool*Looks nice! If you look at this pic:http://www.leftlanenews.com/wp...idi=4It doesn't look like they went back to the inset grille. I think the smooth look is much nicer. Also, look at this pic:http://www.leftlanenews.com/wp...idi=2The dashboard is definitely changed. There is something shiny up top in the center stack. And I don't see the huge circular vents that the current one has.

GrayFox · Post by **GrayFox** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 7:03 am

Quote, originally posted by From The Article »...indicating that this is a high-performance sports modelGXP? Anyone else notice that one of them has roof-racks and the other doesn't. Maybe the racks will be optional? another slight difference I notice is that they've changed the headlights to have high/low beams in seperate bulbs. The front end (as far as I can tell) has alot of similarities to the current 05 design... sort of

jwalcik · Post by **jwalcik** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 7:29 am

Quote, originally posted by drunkenmaxx »i'm saying use your imagination to pretend the thingy on the back isn't there, you can see how much the back windshield slopes, compare it to my sig.here is a quick and dirty photoshop of a tinted window instead of the disguise over the back window.ack. that rear end looks way too much like the aztek.

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 8:45 am

Quote, originally posted by ANO_Vibe »It is supposed to be a redesign, ya know. Well they did something if you look at the pic... our exhaust runs down the right side, bends past the rear axle, turns to the left into the muffler and then bends to come out at the left side of the rear bumper. that pic shows all that but opposite.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 1:40 pm

Quote, originally posted by NewNeptune »The dashboard is definitely changed. There is something shiny up top in the center stack. And I don't see the huge circular vents that the current one has. I'm not sure about that.From my perspective I think all you see is the silver colored trim on the radio stack...

GMJAP · Post by **GMJAP** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 1:55 pm

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »I'm not sure about that.From my perspective I think all you see is the silver colored trim on the radio stack...I would tend to agree with raging.

NewNeptune · Post by **NewNeptune** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 5:03 pm

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »I'm not sure about that.From my perspective I think all you see is the silver colored trim on the radio stack...Take a look at this one:http://www.leftlanenews.com/wp...idi=5You're right, it is silver colored trim. And I do see the big vents, but looking to the right, I don't see the emergency flashers button.

GrayFox · Post by **GrayFox** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 10:46 pm

Quote, originally posted by Mavrik »...that pic shows all that but opposite.Maybe they switched from the sideways muffler to one that runs parrallel to the car? or just turned everything around for some reason...This is probably irrelevant but the Vibe GT-R's exhaust exited on the right, alsoabout the gauges the only differences that I see is the hazard button is gone and it looks like they put a larger overhang above the gauges, probably b/c of all the complaints about not being able to see them well in direct light.

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 1:10 am

Quote, originally posted by ANO_Vibe »Maybe they switched from the sideways muffler to one that runs parrallel to the car? or just turned everything around for some reason...This is probably irrelevant but the Vibe GT-R's exhaust exited on the right, alsoabout the gauges the only differences that I see is the hazard button is gone and it looks like they put a larger overhang above the gauges, probably b/c of all the complaints about not being able to see them well in direct light.no you can see the muffler is the same as our current ones... only flipped around.

jake75 · Post by **jake75** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 1:11 am

It seems like it is just change for the sake of change. I'd be happier if they would just keep the same body design, improve the technology/mechanicals, and pass the savings on to the buyers.

BLAQJAQ · Post by **BLAQJAQ** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 1:20 am

hmm I think that what we are seeing is actually two different test mules the one with the roof rack...is a vibe..one without a Matrix... remeber the cars are built bya joint effort (NUNNI)..I would venture a guess that pontiac is going to try and and more of a Japanese look to the Vibe (front end..and keep a bit of North american flare...Maxx rear end).The Matrix is probably going to have a more Vibe aggressive front end....that joint effort thing could potentially ruin a great looking car for a basterdized AZtek Vibe thing...I hope not...

Mrizzle05 · Post by **Mrizzle05** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 1:26 am

so... vibe + azteck + malibu maxx= VIBTECKABU???

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 1:32 am

The back end doesn't really look like a Maxx or a Caliber, I'm thinking. The weird sunshade thing is just cardboard and part of the "disguise" and the rear end is almost entirely covered by cardboard which further boxes it off. Those are the elements that are making it look like the Maxx. From the few body contours you can see, it doesn't seem to be much different from the current shape.

drunkenmaxx · Post by **drunkenmaxx** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 1:34 am

keep in mind, the rear window is said to be slanted, which would make it definitely more maxx like.

ashleymc_38 · Post by **ashleymc_38** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 1:36 am

Quote, originally posted by jake75 »It seems like it is just change for the sake of change. I'd be happier if they would just keep the same body design, improve the technology/mechanicals, and pass the savings on to the buyers. I do agree with you here but to a certain extent. I read the post that someone made that possibly the Vibe will be phased out by the end of the decade so maybe they are trying to design it different to catch "the peoples eye" and hope to boost sales. If you have something that crosses the Aztek, the Matrix and the Malibu though, i dont think you are going to boost to many sales with that design. Heres a part of an article I just read on the Aztek "The Pontiac Aztek, a vehicle with extreme features aimed at a young audience, was ridiculed in the press. Since General Motors introduced the Aztek in the summer of 2000, its abysmal sales (half of projections) contributed to GM temporarily shutting down a production line. At a time when the U.S. appetite for sport-utility vehicles was enormous, the Aztek sold poorly because it did not offer value to its target audience. Shoddy construction, bizarre styling, and a price tag that put it out of reach of the very buyers it seemed to be courting all contributed to its failure. Clearly, the product as it was released did not tie to customer requirements." So if they are lookin for an Aztek style, it seems it needs to go.As a Vibe owner, I would love to see them stick with more of the orginal style and not make too many dramatic changes but I understand that yes they need to boost sales. But like you said, if they changed the technology and all aspects in regards to that, I think that the car would be more appealing to consumers who are especially looking for something to improve on gas miles.

drunkenmaxx · Post by **drunkenmaxx** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 1:39 am

the biggest change they need to make IMO is the sissy (no offense 05+ owners) front end. they also need to change to an engine with more low end power and more torque throughout.

Mrizzle05 · Post by **Mrizzle05** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 1:47 am

+ 1 on that... i think the front end makes it look like a lil granny car.If the 05's came stock with the sports package front bumper.... THEN it would look a lot better

ajflan · Post by **ajflan** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 2:26 am

The engine could definitly use some more grunt.

ashleymc_38 · Post by **ashleymc_38** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 2:47 am

Quote, originally posted by ajflan »The engine could definitly use some more grunt.haha...i feel you on that one. I feel like the people behind me are going to run me over on the road sometimes..lol.

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 3:09 am

Quote, originally posted by ajflan »The engine could definitly use some more grunt.265HP should do the trick with a stock turbo under the hood.

NascarXprt · Post by **NascarXprt** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 3:13 am

i have to disagree cause both have the same looking front end and rear end the only diff. i see is the body extensions, wheels, and roof rack.

GrayFox · Post by **GrayFox** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 3:13 am

Mav, lol! right. Maybe GM will do the right thing and put the turbo ecotec from the Solstice GXP in it

drunkenmaxx · Post by **drunkenmaxx** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 3:22 am

yeah, but then you'll have wheel hop/tq steer.

ashleymc_38 · Post by **ashleymc_38** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 3:34 am

Quote, originally posted by Mavrik »265HP should do the trick with a stock turbo under the hood. See, now why isn't anyone suggesting these ideas to GM? lol

ToolGuy · Post by **ToolGuy** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 3:43 am

I see it has a Mich plate. I have not seen one yet but will keep my eyes open.

GMJAP · Post by **GMJAP** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 3:57 am

Tossing out $0.06Quote, originally posted by drunkenmaxx »keep in mind, the rear window is said to be slanted, which would make it definitely more maxx like.Here's a comaprison of the rear window slant. Less than I originally thought - somewhere between the current Vibe and a Maxx(yes, that's D-Maxx)I think it looks so Aztec-ey from the disguise cardboard and tape. I think you'll find it loses that when we get to see the actual bodywork.Finally, I wouldn't want them to add more OOMPH unless it's an option (like the GT)! I like my mileage, and would rather see them improve that in the base.

306040=10867-slants.JPG

SeattleJeremy · Post by **SeattleJeremy** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 3:59 am

Quote, originally posted by drunkenmaxx »yeah, but then you'll have wheel hop/tq steer. I have wheel hop now! (in the rain)A little more HP would be a great thing, but the more power they add the more gas the car will drink. I hopue they don't add too mch weight to it. If the Next Base Vibe is rated 140HP, with about 30/35 gas millage estamets, and not look too much like the Aztec, it will be winner.

drunkenmaxx · Post by **drunkenmaxx** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 4:01 am

not necessarily, i have 200hp and 220ft/lbs yet i get 30 mpg on the highway.

SeattleJeremy · Post by **SeattleJeremy** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 4:05 am

Generally speaking more HP means greater fuel consumption.