GMC CROSSES OVER WITH 2007 ACADIA!

GMC yesterday announced the all-new 2007 Acadia, its first crossover. The Acadia brings a smooth, responsive driving experience, athletic design, a spacious interior and a comprehensive safety package to the fastest-growing vehicle segment in the U.S. “Acadia is a natural extension of the GMC brand,” said John Larson, Pontiac-GMC general manager. “Its combination of smooth, responsive driving traits and SUV versatility embody GMC’s professional grade philosophy. Acadia is a great looking vehicle that will attract customers who’ve never visited a GMC showroom.”

The smooth ride and agile handling come from a four-wheel independent suspension system mounted to a rigid body-frame integral structure. The structure enables a lower center of gravity, while the independent front and rear suspensions, combined with a precise rack-and-pinion steering system, provide sharp and immediate response to driver input.

Acadia’s agility is complemented by responsive performance from a 3.6L V-6 VVT – a high-feature engine with variable valve timing that is designed for good fuel economy, low emissions and exceptional smoothness. It is rated at 267 horsepower (199 kW) and 247 lb.-ft. of torque (335 Nm). The engine is backed by a new, fuel-saving Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission.

To see the Acadia, visit http://www.gmc.com/.

GM REPORTS $1.2 BILLION OPERATING PROFIT FOR 2ND QTR.!

Automotive News / July 26, 2006

DETROIT -- General Motors delighted investors and analysts Wednesday by posting $1.2 billion in operating profit for the second quarter -- a $1.4 billion improvement over the same quarter last year."Our turnaround has not just gained traction, it's accelerating into high gear," said GM CEO Rick Wagoner.Wagoner has been under pressure to show improvement as GM studies a possible three-way alliance with Nissan Motor Co. and Renault SA. He said the results vindicated the company's turnaround strategy."While significant work still remains, our ability to identify and initiate $9 billion in cost cuts over the past year is unprecedented in this industry," Wagoner said.GM's loss in North American operations -- the focus of its restructuring -- narrowed to $85 million in the quarter, excluding charges. That's an improvement of $1.1 billion from the year-earlier period on lower pension and other costs.

0% FOR 72 MONTHS! ONLY UNTIL JULY 5TH!

This is a once-a-year event. Get your favorite new 2006 Buick, Pontiac or GMC with 0% financing for 72 months. Or a new 2007 Yukon at 0% for 36 months. But hurry this sale will definitely end wednesday, July 5th!

SOLSTICE IS A HIT!

Automotive News - June 19, 2006

The MX-5 Miata and GM's two new roadsters are selling fast as the segment for two-passenger sports cars priced under $30,000 has expanded. Only four cars are in that category: the MX-5, Nissan 350Z, and the Solstice and Sky.

Pontiac sold 9,700 Solstices from January through May, but it wooed relatively few MX-5 owners. The Mazda accounted for only 3.0 percent of all Solstice trade-ins, according to the Power Information Network.

The Jeep Wrangler was the vehicle most often traded in for the Solstice, accounting for 3.3 percent.

Of all buyers who traded in a Miata for a new vehicle from January through May, 29.4 percent bought another Miata. The No. 2 choice of those trading in the Mazda roadster was the Mazda3 (4.3 percent) followed by the Ford Mustang (4.2 percent) and the Solstice (2.1 percent.)

The days supply of cars as of June 1 showed that both roadsters remain popular: Solstice, 21 days; MX-5 Miata, 43.But if the past is any guide, the market for most two-passenger sports cars likely will cool off, and only the strong will survive.

AUTOCITY OF PINECREST IS NOW THE CONVERTIBLE CAPITAL OF MIAMI!

Autocity of Pinecrest is the Convertible Capital of Miami. We have the best selection in town of Pontiac Solstices and G6 hardtop convertibles. They are available for immediate delivery, or you can order the color and equipment that you want. Come by and ask for a demo ride!

YOU CAN WIN A PONTIAC SOLSTICE FROM BELLSOUTH!

BellSouth customers click here to register today for free, or call 877-820-FAST(3278)

It's fast and easy to use 411 from BellSouth. And it's fast and easy to enter to win a new Pontiac® Solstice® or other prizes. After you register, every time you use BellSouth 411 service from your registered home phone, you automatically receive another entry. The more you use 411, the more chances you have to win.

GM CONTRIBUTES $3.5 MILLION TO VFW HOME!

EATON RAPIDS - We can now assign a figure to the pennies that fell from heaven upon the VFW National Home for Children: $3.5 million.

The home's director, Patrice Green, called it an "extraordinary blessing" Monday.

In the last 10 days of May, Buick, Pontiac and GMC dealers throughout the U.S. sold 35,000 vehicles. True to its word, General Motors Corp. will give the VFW Home $100 for every one of them.

And the jackpot, Green said, goes beyond the cash.

"Even if we hadn't received any money, the positive press was a windfall in itself," Green said.

"We got calls from all over the country from alumni who saw the TV commercials."

Visits to the home's Web site have increased 800 percent since the promotion began.

Of course Green will take the $3.5 million, too. .

"It will allow us to continue providing services during these economic hard times," she said.

VFW National Home to Receive Millions from Buick, Pontiac and GMC!

EATON RAPIDS, Mich. – As a nation honors its veterans for Memorial Day, Buick, Pontiac and GMC are asking people to remember the families of soldiers, especially those who have experienced loss.

Buick, Pontiac and GMC are rallying behind the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) National Home, a place where families who have experienced loss as a result of military service can heal and learn to move on with their lives. The home, set on over 600 acres in central Michigan, is a collection of housing, education and recreational facilities designed to help the families of veterans who have experienced tragedy in their lives.

In honor of Memorial Day, Buick, Pontiac and GMC are honoring America's heroes by supporting the families at the VFW National Home. Buick, Pontiac and GMC will donate $100 for every car sold to the VFW National Home between May 22 and May 31. The divisions expect to donate several millions dollars.

“In service since 1925, we give children, spouses and other displaced family members of veterans and active military personnel the help they need to get back on their feet,” said Patrice Green, Executive Director of the VFW National Home. “Some need a place to stay after losing parents or spouses overseas. Spouses need continuing education for careers to help them raise their kids as single parents. Many of these children need counseling or help with the life skills like finding a job or applying for college when they find themselves with no one left to help them.”

“On Memorial Day, it is especially appropriate to help the families who have sacrificed the most. We hope to make more people aware of these displaced families and the resources available to them through the National Home,” said John Larson, general manager for Buick, Pontiac and GMC.

To find out more about the VFW National Home and its’ mission to serve the families of America’s veterans, visit their website at www.vfwnationalhome.org.

CITGO-SAMAX RACING GOES TO PHOENIX!

May 9, 2006, Los Angeles, CA – Fresh from a 7th place finish at Laguna Seca
in Monterey, CA last weekend, Milka Duno and the CITGO Racing team travel to
Phoenix with high hopes for another strong finish at the Gainsco Grand Prix
at Phoenix International Raceway this week - May 11-13, 2006.

Duno and the CITGO Racing crew scored their 2nd top-ten finish of the season
on Laguna Seca’s 2.238-mile road course and will now work hard to set up
their new #11 CITGO Pontiac Riley for the 1.51-mile course at PIR – which
uses part of the track’s one-mile oval.

Corvette Racing driver and four-time 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner
Olivier Beretta will join Milka and CITGO Racing at PIR for the first of
their races together. It will be Beretta’s first race in the Daytona
Prototype.

"We bring with us to Phoenix a lot of positive momentum from our result at
Laguna Seca and I’m really looking forward to my first race with Olivier,"
said Milka. "We’ve all done a lot of work since debuting the new chassis at
Virginia and we’re hoping to continue to improve with each outing. Olivier
will bring with him a lot of experience to the CITGO Racing effort and we’re
all anxious to work with him and welcome him to the team."

A strong believer in the value of education, Milka, a qualified Naval
Engineer with four master’s degrees, feels a responsibility to help promote
the importance of a strong educational background and will get that chance
this week in Phoenix. Milka, together with GAINSCO/Blackhawk Racing driver
Jon Fogarty, will visit the Metro Tech High School in Phoenix on Wednesday,
May 10 to speak to and interact with the students as part of the APS Power
Players Program.

CITGO RACING BY SAMAX ANNOUNCES NEW EQUIPMENT & DRIVERS!

May 2, 2006, Los Angeles, CA…The Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series has become ultra competitive in 2006. Top equipment is a necessity to compete at the front and CITGO Racing by SAMAX is proud to announce that the #11 CITGO Pontiac Riley has undergone a complete transformation. The car is now the newest race car on the Rolex Series grid. The #11 boasts a brand new Riley chassis, new Bosch electronics, a Pontiac engine from Hasselgren Engineering and an all new paint scheme.

In addition, the team welcomes Corvette Racing driver Olivier Beretta to race with CITGO Racing regular Milka Duno in up to 6 of the remaining 9 races and Riley Technologies Factory driver Marc Goossens to compete in 3 races - beginning with the race at Laguna Seca. CITGO Racing is also pleased to announce that Champ Car veteran engineer Steve Challis will join the program starting with the upcoming race at Laguna Seca. Olivier Beretta, a Corvette Racing driver, is one of the most successful drivers in international endurance racing. He is a three time American Le Mans Series (ALMS) champion and a four time class winner of the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. Since 2000, Beretta has also worked as a Formula One test driver with Michelin developing tires and since 2002 with the Williams F1 Team. “I’m very happy to have this new challenge in front of me and to drive for CITGO Racing and SAMAX. I’ve been watching the Daytona Prototypes because of the Pontiac involvement and to see my friends in action. The competition is extremely fierce and I am extremely anxious to help my new team beginning at Phoenix!”

Marc Goossens, a Riley Technologies factory driver, has raced top level prototype sports cars for over 10 years. Highlights include 3rd place finishes in the 2004 Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 2002 12 Hours of Sebring. “It’s encouraging to see the team moving forward on an aggressive path”, said Bill Riley, President of Riley Motorsport. “Having Marc in the car we should be able to work more closely with them on engineering and set up issues and help advance the development of the car.

With the upcoming testing and our support we expect to see the car at the front.” Steve Challis has been a Champ Car engineer for the past 10 years and has helped some of the top names in open wheel racing reach the podium and victory lane, including Paul Tracy, Jimmy Vasser, Dario Franchitti and Greg Moore. Duno said "We have been working really hard to make our team and car as strong as possible and I would like to thank Marino Franchitti for his valuable contribution this season.

The addition of factory drivers and a top engineer proves that we are on the right track. The series has become so competitive that it is critical to get as much help as possible to get to the front, which we will be making every effort to do." Milka Duno, Marc Goossens and the CITGO Racing by SAMAX team will now head west for the 6th round of the 2006 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series Championship – the U.S. Sportscar Invitational at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, CA May 5-7, 2006. The Sunday race will be televised live on the SPEED Channel beginning at 3:00pm EDT.

PONTIAC INTRODUCES 2007 SOLSTICE GXP!

By Ward’s StaffWardsAuto.com
April2006

General Motors Corp.’s Pontiac division has takenthe wraps off its new G6 GXP coupe show car at the New York International Auto Show.

Based on the coupe version of the brand’s volume-leading G6 sedan, the new GXP show car illustrates the model’s performance potential, while also serving as a test bed for public reaction that could spur it into production.

“Although the GXP performance series has been very successful in the past, we’ve never attempted to introduce a GXP on our largest-volume vehicle and we want to be sure we do it right,” says Pontiac Product Director Dennis Maraone.
Power for the G6 GXP comes from a 270-hp version of GM’s 3.9L V-6 engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

A functional ram air hood with twin inlets adorns the front of the car and complements a redesigned front fascia sporting a more aggressive air dam. Other exterior highlights include special chrome accents, a new rear bumper with dual, chrome exhaust tips, rocker panel extensions and a unique “hammerhead” spoiler, GM says.

A lowered suspension, vented, cross-drilled brake rotors and special 19-in. wheels round out the GXP’s performance upgrades.

Inside, the standard G6 interior is accented by red leather seat and door panel inserts and red chrome trim on the instrument panel, center stack and door controls.

Pontiac’s GXP performance line was introduced in 2003 with the Bonneville GXP sports sedan. A Grand Prix GXP debuted last year, while the latest edition, the 260-hp Solstice GXP, launches this fall, the auto maker says.

NEW BUICK ENCLAVE CROSSOVER!

This is the all-new 2007 Buick Enclave....it will be available at the end of this year. It looks like a winner!

MORE PHOTOS FROM REVISTA MUJER'S MILKA COVER PARTY!

MUJER MAGAZINE THROWS MILKA DUNO COVER LAUNCH PARTY!

It happened saturday night at Post Restaurant and Lounge on Coral Way near Brickell Avenue. Over 200 guests enjoyed drinks and music. The media was present and so were many actresses and actors from popular TV programs. Milka was the honoree and reaggetton artist DMoney performed a song specially for her.

HYBRIDS ARE NOT SO GREEN!

From Dealers Edge

CNW Marketing Research Inc. collected data on the energy necessary to plan, build, sell, drive, and dispose of a vehicle from initial concept to scrappage. The results included a "dollars per lifetime mile" figure, also deemed the "energy cost per mile driven."

According to the report, the most "energy expensive" vehicle sold in the United States in calendar-year 2005 was the Maybach at $11.58 per mile. The least expensive vehicle was the Scion xB at $0.48 cents.

However, the report found that driving a hybrid vehicle costs more in terms of overall energy consumed than did comparable non-hybrid vehicles. One example compared Honda models: The Honda Accord Hybrid had an energy cost per mile of $3.29, while the conventional Honda Accord was $2.18.

According to the report, while the industry average of all vehicles sold in the United States in 2005 was $2.28 cents per mile, the Hummer H3 was only $1.949 cents per mile. That figure is also lower than all currently offered hybrids and the Honda Civic at $2.42 per mile. For the complete list of all vehicles sold in the U.S. in calendar year 2005 and their energy cost, visit www.cnwmr.com and click on "Dust to Dust Energy List."