Vibe Redesign - Your Ideas!

[ZubenElGenubi]

We've heard that GM & Toyota are headed for a redesign of the Vibe for 2008 (with a probable mid-2007 release). Okay, that's only about 12 months from the date of this posting. But, if you had Pontiac's ear, what would you suggest for the redesign? We know our cars better than most, and I like to think that, even though we're enthusiastic, we're also objective about what could be improved.Let's light up this thread with some good ideas...

[drunkenmaxx]

different seats. i love them, they are comfy, but they stain because of water. WATER!more options on interior color. my headliner looks like total (removed) from having the windows down and the sunroof open. a darker color would help out enormously.perhaps cut the cord with toyota. the service guys from gm know squat about these drivetrains.optional v6 that way you can have power before you hit over 6k RPMs.tougher material in the cargo area. i could fart and leave a huge hole in that stuff.adjustable dash color - hell why not?

[Mrizzle05]

Better clutch!!!!Better handling.More body options... fronts and rears

[northvibe]

the gt should have ramair hoodimo the rounded front grills dont look mean enough for being pontiac.

[NascarXprt]

i agree with northvibe.-also alittle more color veriaties and a true twotone like the Voltz-gauge cluster with different colors like the mustang-better wheel designs.

[kostby]

One of the major mistakes auto manufacturers make is to assume that they NEED to change a successful vehicle design in any substantial way. IMHO the Matrix and the Vibe don't NEED major redesigns, because they're successful as they are. Sure, refresh the front and rear end caps, or offer new interior fabrics, but leave the basicdesign AS IS.If I wanted lots more power and lots more room, I'd have gotten a Dodge Magnum with a Hemi. If I wanted lots better fuel economy, I'd have gotten an electric golf cart.For the last forty years or so, it's almost always been: Bigger, Bigger, and Bigger. See: Toyota RAV 4 becomes RAV 7 and two/thirds.The only notable exception I can think of was the Mustang II based on Pinto mechanicals circa 1974.

[BlueCrush]

Telescoping Steering wheel/columnMore seat adjustmentHeated seat optionBetter & More Wheel Wheel OptionsMore powerful engineAuto Stick Sport ShifterSeparate HVAC controls for driver & passenger.Stock Turbo OptionFactory HID lightingFactory LED Tails & TurnsBetter Quality Exterior Paint

[Baltovibe]

Quote, originally posted by BlueCrush »Telescoping Steering wheel/columnMore seat adjustmentI second that!

[P-Fernandez]

- wheels- they should have an Auto GT- Gages- Available V^ or I6or I5 something bigger- CAI on GT ???

[ZubenElGenubi]

Quote, originally posted by kostby »See: Toyota RAV 4 becomes RAV 7 and two/thirds.I hear ya on the RAV4. My wife owns a 2002 RAV4 and loves it, with few exceptions. We like the interior upgrades on the 2006, but don't know why they felt compelled to stretch it another 14 inches. There's a good chance they could have improved the fuel economy even more than posted (from 24/29 in 2005 to 24/30 in 2006).

[Mrizzle05]

You guys know... all these new modifications and options leads to... yea you guessed it... more $$$$ on the price of the car

[Atomb]

make it so when i'm driving in snow (i have 2004 base by the way)...BOTH my wheels have drive to them

[ramenboy...]

what kostby said...just freshen it up a bit. the 'redesigns' seem to be coming from dodge and the other 'lookalikes'.BUT, more aftermarket stuff would helpby the wya, zuben...great idea for a topic!

[NascarXprt]

Quote, originally posted by BlueCrush »Auto Stick Sport ShifterSeparate HVAC controls for driver & passenger. i.e. dual climate control***Better Quality Exterior Paint*most defenatly this one

[ZubenElGenubi]

Quote, originally posted by BlueCrush »Telescoping Steering wheel/columnMore seat adjustmentHeated seat optionBetter & More Wheel Wheel OptionsMore powerful engineAuto Stick Sport ShifterSeparate HVAC controls for driver & passenger.Stock Turbo OptionFactory HID lightingFactory LED Tails & TurnsBetter Quality Exterior PaintHow you gonna pay for all dat? Seriously, there are some things better left with the aftermarket (like "steering wheel options"). And from the low demand for the superchargers, I just don't see any GM turbos coming out.OTOH, better paint (with better color options) is near top of my list (post to come soon...)

[Psychobroker]

Quote, originally posted by BlueCrush »Telescoping Steering wheel/columnMore seat adjustmentHeated seat optionBetter & More Wheel Wheel OptionsMore powerful engineAuto Stick Sport ShifterSeparate HVAC controls for driver & passenger.Stock Turbo OptionFactory HID lightingFactory LED Tails & TurnsBetter Quality Exterior PaintAll great ideas, but these would easily put the Vibe up to $25,000 base..

[Vibeman GT]

Manual AWD5 speed auto GT with manual shift modemaybe a larger 4 cyl (The 2.4L from the old Camry ?) for the base FWDABS on all models (it's VERY dangerous without them especially in Canada )

[ZubenElGenubi]

Here's what I'd like to see in 12 months. I'm not including any engine/drivetrain suggestions because I don't think there's enough time.Standard Features - Exterior:Upgrade base wheel to 16" aluminum rims (adds $350-$400)Reduce ride/spring height by 1-1½" (less SUV-looking and more sportswagony and since there'll be no AWD,it's not necessary to have existing ride height; add $100)Powdercoat roof rails to black (no price change)Redesign headlamps to follow bodylines better (IMO, they "bug out" a bit and could be sportier; adds $100)Extra clearcoating on hood (adds $100)Audible Lock/Unlock for remote use (adds $10) Replace (with glass mount) or move antenna (adds $50) my first post @ GenVibeStandard Features - Interior:Lumbar adjustment on driver's seat (adds $50)12VDC outlet in cargo area (adds $20)Revert armrest to '03-'04 style (with top lid; no price change)Upgrade dash display (try dark on light instead; no price change)Add shoulder harness for rear-center passenger (adds $250)Improved rear passenger cup holders (no price change)DRL Disable switch (like Toyota has on some vehicles; adds $5) From an earlier threadOptional Features - ExteriorSports Appearance Package (like '03 & '04; about $2,000, but should be MUCH less!)Pontiac Performance Package (CAI and catback exhaust; about $600)Optional Features - InteriorHave AUX input on all HU upgrades (don't change price)Hard plastic cargo cover/tray (about $60-70)Auto-dimming rearview mirror w/compass & temp (about $250)DC/AC inverter upgrade to 200w (about $50)-------------------------------------------------------My list of standard feature changes adds $1,085 to base price, which I think is reasonable.Disclaimer: This list may be modified at any time at author's discretion!

[Mrizzle05]

nice one... good layout on the options.

[NascarXprt]

thats nice and simple and less expensive to. great idea Glenn

[GMJAP]

+12V in cargo area.03-04 style center armrest.re-add center +12V.better fuel economy, or add a little HP with no loss in MPG.AUX jack on Radioskeyless entry beep (can be turned on/off like with the Passenger seatbelt alarm)optional AWD with manualdoor lock opens with inside handle (other Toyota's do this)keep the separate dimmer / dome light switch as in the 2006compass option (mirror or with ODO/temp)window switches and mirror controls backlitCan change the cabin air filter without a screwdriverretained accesory power (at least on the windows)AC doesn't automatically turn on with Defrost settings (or at least indicates it's on!)Others that I don't care about but wouldn't mind:heated seats optiontelescoping wheel I don't the paint issue requires a "re-design". That's just a manufacturing process change and could be done with the current model.In general, though, I agree with Kostby, and would prefer to not see other changes made. (although a tasteful "freshening" of the exterior would not be unwelcome.)

[NascarXprt]

sorry to stray off topic but GMJAP you going to the Dallas meet this year? cause i havent head from you in the south central thread in a while.

[mcgusto82]

i'd like to see: soft padded dash board.door side armrest that CAN be used.3 prong AC outletrear seat recling adjustment (caliber)rear seat center console ac vent.auto dimming rearview mirrornavigation option (grand prix gxp version)and maybe HUD optionohh and a revised engine. 130hp just can't compete against the likes of the caliber.

[Mrizzle05]

Quote, originally posted by mcgusto82 »i'd like to see: soft padded dash board.door side armrest that CAN be used.3 prong AC outletrear seat recling adjustment (caliber)rear seat center console ac vent.auto dimming rearview mirrornavigation option (grand prix gxp version)and maybe HUD optionohh and a revised engine. 130hp just can't compete against the likes of the caliber.id rather look good losing... than win with a few mor horses, and look ugly!!!

[joatmon]

Quote, originally posted by ramenboy... »by the wya, zuben...great idea for a topic! that's why MadBill rocks! anyway, Factory tintI'd also like to see a minor redesign of the back window. The glass looks big on the outside, but a lot of it is blacked out and obscured by the hatch frame. Would be nice to have more of that glass be transparent/usableQuote, originally posted by GMJAP »Can change the cabin air filter without a screwdriverYou don't need a screwdriver to remove the glovebox. Instead of unscrewing the damper thing from the glovebox, just slip it off the post that it hooks on on the glove box frame, leave it screwed to the glove box

[ballrub]

I'm pretty happy with most everything on my Vibe, but if I could have a "say" over at Pontiac, I would suggest coming out with a GT-R, or GXP model (call it what you like), and offer it with this 215-hp supercharged engine......and my hood with 18" tire/wheels, tightened up suspension, and AWD!!!!! I bet they could do this for close to $27-28,000. With an aftermarket following, this could become as potent as a WRX, Mazdaspeed 6, or even an Evo!!!!!Now to see if I can get ahold of my buddies at Pontiac, and show them this thread!

[GMJAP]

Quote, originally posted by joatmon »You don't need a screwdriver to remove the glovebox. Instead of unscrewing the damper thing from the glovebox, just slip it off the post that it hooks on on the glove box frame, leave it screwed to the glove boxThanks for the tip.... I'll try that next time.Quote, originally posted by mcgusto82 »3 prong AC outletUnfortunately, that isn't possible. The third prong is earth ground, which means that it's actually wired into the moist ground. This is a safety precaution to ensure that the metal frame of an appliance has a direct path to ground, so any voltage on it won't try to go through you. When you've got a car that's only touching the ground through four rubber tires, you've got no earth ground. This would be really unsafe, as a product designed for this would have no earth ground, and any voltage on it would try to go to earth ground through you, as that's an easier path than a rubber tire. (Assuming you were standing on the ground. In the car itself, if the 3rd prong were connected to the chassis you'd be a little better off, but it would still be dangerous, not useful, and send GM's corporate lawyers into epileptic fits. (Not that lawyers having fits it a bad thing in itself ))If you are willing to take the risk yourself, the simple solution is to get a $0.99 adapter at the supermarket.

[JoeKat]

Sweet topic. Telecoping wheel.Rear quarter windows that vent (a la minivans) works great when the roof is open.Optional DVD player for the little ones in back.All wheel drive hybrid with the GT engine. Better gas mileage and low end torque. Put the batteries in the back and let them power the rear wheels. Let the engine power the front. Send it to lexus school for a little refinement-less buzzing.Do this and I'll line up for a new one.Make it fatter and bigger with the same corolla drive train and I'll keep my GT a few more years and get something else.

[ZubenElGenubi]

Wow! The 2006 Corolla Compressor is sweet! However, it's also priced at about £20,000 (about $35,000 US). 0-60 is an estimated 6.9 sec (!). Fuel consumption is 23/39 mpg (city/highway).Some articles and reviews:Channel 4 Driving ImpressionRSportsCarsBOT...the Compressor introduces two possible new options to see with the Vibe/Matrix. First, a new powerplant with improved performance and emissions. Second, a possible 2-door hatchback version. The Corolla Compressor looks so much more like the Vibe than the Matrix,I'd be surprised if Pontiac didn't have a hand in the exterior design.Still, I won't hold my breath on seeing this in mid-07...maybe a late-release, though. I'd be interested.

[Puckman27]

get back the all red gauges like in the '03.... its not a pontiac w/o thosethe cobalt SS Supercharged Ecotec!!definately a better clutch/tranny on the GT (There'd better be a GT or GXP!)Keep the useful stuff like the 12v outlets and storage compartmentsSome better plastic for the interior that doesn't break if you have to take a part off. More supportive front seats... they're comfy, but its hard to stay in them hitting lift on a curving highway on ramp (hey i can't help it)thats about all i can think about for now

[Mrizzle05]

Come on already... you guys for got.A base model with LIFT!!!And real racing seats!

[Toasted7]

- Better exterior paint/clearcoat... as mentioned before!- Tougher material for the cargo area- Light in the glovebox and maybe one under the hood - '03-like armrest, with padding- Bigger, better engine options- Different material for the dash (one that doesn't scratch so easily)- More durable material for the lower cladding for all the two-tone owners out there- More aftermarket parts avail. and not so expensive on the existing appearance package *ouch!*

[NascarXprt]

ohh and one more thing "BRING OUT A GXP VERSION!!"

[Toasted7]

My signature used to say: "All I want for Christmas is a GXP Vibe!"

[Man of Steel]

--Dropping AWD option a dumb idea. Keep AWD, offer it with a manual transmission, and properly market the damn thing.---a little more torque and horsepower would be welcome.---upgreaded seating and interior materials---4 wheel disc brakes, std abs, side air bags, all models.---and I know, it's asking for way too much for GM, but how about a decent paint job for once.

[ZubenElGenubi]

Maybe it's a cheat, but since it has a precedent and would be very easy to do, Pontiac should replace the GT with a GXP model like so:Sell the GXP Vibe with the supercharger instead of the 2ZZ!!This is so simple! The superchargers are already developed and proven;They have a definite improvement in performance;Supercharged engines would still meet the new emission standards;The change could be implemented in less than 12 months;Last but not least, they would be available in manual or auto!How easy is this? Tack on $3000-3500 for this...reduce cost by having factory installation rather than dealership install (also better QC). Also better warranty coverage for owners (36/36K vs 12/12K).Whaddya think? I would be first in line...

[GMJAP]

Quote, originally posted by ZubenElGenubi »Maybe it's a cheat, but since it has a precedent and would be very easy to do, Pontiac should replace the GT with a GXP model like so:Sell the GXP Vibe with the supercharger instead of the 2ZZ!!This is so simple! The superchargers are already developed and proven;They have a definite improvement in performance;Supercharged engines would still meet the new emission standards;The change could be implemented in less than 12 months;Last but not least, they would be available in manual or auto!How easy is this? Tack on $3000-3500 for this...reduce cost by having factory installation rather than dealership install (also better QC). Also better warranty coverage for owners (36/36K vs 12/12K).Whaddya think? I would be first in line...Sounds reasonable to me..... which is a good indication it'll never happen.

[jasonvibe]

telescoping wheel and electric seat adjust. Heated if leather. If it fits? a 2.0 litre under the hood. But since the AWD is not happening. Probably stick with the present engine. AND MAYBE find a way to put hydrualic valve train in? But that is a major task.

[slvrvibes]

I'd like to see:Better rim options.Better tires. Stop using Goodyear Eagle RSA tires. Those are some of the worse tires out there.A better cargo cover.telescoping steering wheel.Compass on rearview mirror.