SEMA 2002 - Las Vegas

[admin]

If anyone happens to be in Las Vegas November 4-7, we are going to be driving a Vibe out to the SEMA show. Post here if you would like to setup a small Vibe get together.- Mike

[d_m_kolb]

If anyone has any info they would like Mike to find out for them and report back to genvibe members respond with questions to this topic.Mike will be traveling up in a Vibe and have lots of info and pics he will be bringing back. So ask your questions so he can find out first hand.

[DVader]

I guess I would like to know when we can expect Pontiac to start offering performance parts for the VIBE. We hear rumors here and there, but nothing see to develop from them. Another question I have is exactly how strong is the AWD drivetrain and can it accept a power increase from some type of force induction.Enjoy yout trip! From what I hear that is one impressive show.

[Steve]

I would also be interested in Canadian availability and pricing.

[wrench79]

I've heard about the spo supercharger. But i'm wondering which vibe model they're offering the upgrades for...vibegt or base or awd vibe.

[d_m_kolb]

The SC is for the Base model. It will also fit the AWD but not sure if GM will honor the warrenty if something breaks on the AWD. Something Mike can find out I'm sure.

[admin]

Here's the supercharger info...http://www.genvibe.com/html/features/au ... ibe.shtml- Mike

[Flip-Side]

What I really want to know is specific information on the supercharger.Such As:1) If an intercooler will be included2) Will internals need beefing up because of the extra power3) How much it will COST

[NovaResource]

1) No2) No if you keep the stock pulley ratios. If you start trying to add more boost then yes, internal mods would be a good idea3) Good questionI'd like to know if you can get the sport package in the 2-tone or it has to be monotone. Personally, I like the 2-tone but I doubt it will come that way. I guess this is a good way for those who bought a 2-tone but now want monotone.I was also thinking about just getting the roof rack spoiler but I may get nothing at all visually and save the money for the blower. I guess I'd rather look stock and go fast than the other way around. Plus, I removed the roof rack lateral bars because of wind noise, resistance and to be able to remove snow easier so why woudl I add back a spoiler?

[Vibe Rater]

Please ask them, why oh why, does it take 6 months to deliver a VIBE to Canadian customers? Thank you.

[MoteDai]

What I read at the GM site mentioned that the Sport Package items would come either "primed" or in the Salsa, Satellite and Abyss production colors. I assume the primed versions would be of similar hue to the body cladding on the two-tone vehicles. If not, that would be big oversight by GM. As it is, we Lava, Neptune, Frosty, Shadow, and Envy owners will have to buy the primed parts and have them painted.

[admin]

OK, I met with the Vibe team at SEMA. I will have a big article and update up this weekend.- Mike

[Vibe Rater]

Waiting with baited breath Drooling at the thought of it I hope they had an answer about the ridiculous wait times for Canadian buyers.

[admin]

OK, more info is now up...http://www.genvibe.com/html/features/au ... ger.shtml- Mike

[6slinger]

I was just reading the new link about the SEMA show. Is there a reason that was given why Pontiac won't be developing a supercharger for the AWD Vibe?

[d_m_kolb]

You could install it but not sure the trany would hold up. Same reason why it's not offered from Pontiac this way.

[Vibe Rater]

Here's an article from 'Automotive News' regarding Pontiac at SEMA. Pontiac wants to recharge its performance image By Rick Kranz Automotive News / November 18, 2002 Pontiac wants photos of its cars hanging on bedroom walls again. Hoping to rekindle its performance image, Pontiac will market low-volume, high-horsepower vehicles under the new GXP performance brand. It also will offer more dealer-installed accessories, such as a supercharger and spoilers for the Vibe. Pontiac needs a shot of excitement. An aging car line and a less-than-exciting strategy reduced car sales, which were down 6.7 percent the first 10 months of this year from the year-ago period. And Pontiac's last performance car, the Firebird, was phased out in the summer. Beginning early next year, Pontiac will begin shaking up its lineup with the introduction of a Vibe supercharger kit. In April, the brand will offer a redesigned Grand Prix, followed by a 300-hp-plus, V-8 GTO in November. And in early 2004, Pontiac will sell the Bonneville GXP, the first of several models planned under the new performance designation. More than horsepower Pontiac-GMC General Manager Lynn Myers said she wants cars "that young people buy or younger people will aspire to. I would like them to put pictures of GTOs in their bedrooms along with a picture of these GXP performance cars." Not since the days of the legendary 1960s GTO has Pontiac had a vehicle that has generated that kind of excitement. But while that car measured performance merely on 0 to 60 mph acceleration, many of the GXP-badged models are expected to have suspension, tire, wheel and brake enhancements. Each GXP also will have its own front and rear fascia styling. The product strategy was announced Nov. 4 at the Specialty Equipment Market Association convention in Las Vegas, where GXP concepts based on the Grand Prix, Grand Am, Vibe and Sunfire were introduced. While the 2004 Bonneville GXP unveiled there will go into production, Myers said she is developing business cases for the other GXPs The Bonneville GXP will be equipped with a 32-valve, 285-hp 4.4-liter V-8 that will be derived from General Motors' Northstar family. Pontiac is aiming to produce 5,000 Bonneville GXPs annually. Myers said a Grand Prix GXP could generate 10,000 to 15,000 annual sales and a Grand Am GXP based on the redesigned car possibly 15,000. The new Grand Am is slated for the 2005 model year. The sales estimate for a Sunfire GXP - if produced - is considerably less, possibly 1,000 units. "When you get down to the lower end, people are more price sensitive," Myers said. More Vibe equipment A supercharger and a sports-accessory package will be offered on the two-wheel-drive Vibe with the base engine. The estimated price for dealer installation is about $3,000. The Vibe sports-accessory package will include restyled front and rear fascias as well as roof and hatch spoilers. The package is expected to be about $2,000, including dealer installation. Estimated sales are 500 superchargers and 2,000 sports accessory packages in 2003. The 2004 Grand Prix goes into production in February; the ad campaign will start in April. Myers believes the vehicle will appeal to people considering imports, such as the Nissan Maxima and the upper-end Altima.