2009 Pontiac Vibe spy shots

[jetsetter]

The phrase 'change is the only constant' could accurately describe the state of the Pontiac division as of late. News of a partial or full switch to rear-wheel drive vehicles for the next generation, talk of a new GTO, an Alpha-based G6, and the persistant rumor of GM shuttering the brand completely have only added to the general confusion regarding the performance division. One of the most cryptic futures to be determined was that of the 5-door Vibe wagon. Introduced for 2003, the Vibe was the latest in a line of vehicles created from a partnership between Toyota and General Motors. The Vibe, along with its Toyota Matrix sister, was the first of these cars to be a true collaboration instead of a light rebadge - Toyota supplied the powertrain while GM did much of the design work. Both cars sold well, so well in fact that Matrix production was relocated to Toyota's Cambridge, ONT plant due to capacity issues at the NUMMI factory in Fremont, California.

Fast forward to today where the future of the Vibe was a subject of debate, mainly whether a front-wheel drive vehicle has any place in the 'new' Pontiac. Apparently, it does.

We're happy to be among the first to bring you these very candid shots of the next-generation Pontiac Vibe, courtesy of a poster from GenVibe, a Pontiac Vibe enthusiast site. As you can see, the 2009 Vibe (GMX-126) takes the cladding molt of the 2005 refresh a step further with truly clean bodypanels free of even bodyside moldings. Medium-sized headlamp elements sweep up along the fender as the trend is today with amber directional indicators resting above the white beams. The trademark Pontiac twin-port grille is present and has been squared off in keeping with more recent models. Folding sideview mirrors debut for 2009 as does a subtle beltline dip in the sheetmetal, recalling the lines of the G6. In the rear, the taillamps are stacked and the larger, upper unit appears to contain reverse lamps.

Inside, the interior show improvement from the first-generation with a modest but distinct evolution. The podded gearshift quadrant is now more intergrated with the center floor console and the radio headunit is completely integrated for a cleaner look. The passenger side now features a seamless airbag housing. Over on the driver's side, extra bright electroluminescent displays are housed in three seperate pods - one for the tach, one for the speedometer, and a third offset oval pod for fuel/temp gauges and a driver's info center. Trademark Pontiac red illumination is present in the gauge demarcations. A large Pontiac Arrowhead occupies the center of the steering wheel, flanked by redundant stereo controls. Metallic door panel trim is new and combined with the two-tone, adds a touch of sportiness and class to the cabin. The center stack, however, loses the 110v power outlet found on the current model.

Like the current Vibe, this 2009 model will carry Toyota powertrains. The base model is likely to recieve Toyota's 2ZR-FE inline 4-cylinder, which produces 136hp and 129lb-ft of torque and is currently found in the Corolla and Scion xD or the 2AZ-FE I4 making 157hp and 162lb-ft of torque and found in Scion tC, new xB, and upcoming Toyota Blade. Its possible the base model may also carry the new ValveMatic I4 as all Toyota models are slated to have the technology by 2010. The GT model will return for 2009 and is rumored to have an automatic option.

One thing not known at this time is whether the next Vibe will even be called the Vibe. Its possible it may carry a G-prefix designator as other Pontiacs do, possibly G4. We'll know shortly, though, as the Vibe is scheduled for an introduction at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. The next-generation Vibe will continue to be assembled at the NUMMI plant in Fremont.

http://www.cheersandgears.com/forums...pic=19181&st=0

I wasn't even entirely certain that this car would be produced but it looks like it is. Odd.

[Shawn]

Is it still gonna be the same thing as the Toyota Matrix?

[jayhawk]

Too bad they dropped the 180 horsepower screamer known as the 2ZZ-GE in 2005. My friend has a 2003 Vibe GT 6 speed with that engine, and it is the perfect sleeper car. Probably would outrun my WRX.

[BlaRo]

Never seen the door lock integrated into the handle like that...cool.

[NecroJoe]

*yawn*

Looks exactly like the old Vibe, with Dodge Avenger lookin' headlights.

[bartboy9891]

That gauge cluster looks stupid.

[Aiolos]

Lame.

I agree, gauges look stupid. And I hate that center console and right side vent, they look funky.

[Wizegui]

Toyotas soon dropping the Matrix and then comes GM announcing a slight facelift of an already outdated car.

[amdforever]

I smell a huge lawsuit.

[Deanodriver]

I seriously thought it was an SUV at first.

The outside looks OK, the inside, eww

[KaJuN]

I like the current Vibe and if I had about $10k to spend on a car it's probably what I would get. But when I like a current model I usually hate the restyled version. It looks like this is going to follow that trend.