Pontiac G6 Review

Until Pontiac bit the dust in the wake of GM's 2009 bankruptcy fiasco, the Pontiac G6 was the company's go-to midsize car. In a constant battle to steal sales from the class favorites, the G6 offered unusually tactful styling by Pontiac standards, solid performance from its V6 engines and the availability of a four-seat retractable-hardtop convertible body style. Volume-selling models were the five-passenger sedan and four-passenger coupe.

Unlike the Grand Am that it replaced, the Pontiac G6 had considerably more flavor than a generic rental car. Still, the traditional class favorites topped the G6 in the areas of engine refinement, driving dynamics and cabin materials. The G6 may still hold appeal for used-car shoppers, especially given its likely cut-rate pricing. GM has pledged to continue supporting Pontiac products in its service departments, so a used G6 isn't necessarily a bad idea.
Most Recent Pontiac G6
Based on General Motors' lengthened "Epsilon" platform, the Pontiac G6 was produced from 2005-'09 as a sedan, coupe and retractable-hardtop convertible. For '05, only the sedan was offered; the coupe and convertible debuted a year later. Three main trim levels were offered on the sedan: base, GT and GTP (which became the GXP in '08). Coupes were either GTs or GTP/GXPs, convertibles GT only. Plenty of standard features, such as air-conditioning, full power accessories and CD audio, came on the base model. The GT added niceties such as an upgraded Monsoon audio system. The GXP topped the range with items like sporty exterior styling tweaks and automatic climate control.

At the time of Pontiac's demise, the G6's engine lineup included a base 2.4-liter four (164 horsepower), a 3.5-liter V6 (219 hp), a 3.9-liter V6 available on the convertible only (222 hp) and the GXP's 3.6-liter V6 (252 hp). Four-speed automatics were standard with all except the GXP's V6, which got a six-speed; however, the four-cylinder got an optional six-speed for 2009 that raised highway fuel economy to a laudable 33 mpg. Some power ratings were a bit lower in previous years, notably the 3.5-liter V6, and a manual transmission was available on a limited basis until '08.

In reviews we found that the Pontiac G6 offered generous room for those riding in back, no matter the body style. And we noted that after years of enduring criticism about its overstyled exteriors and gimmicky interior designs, Pontiac stepped up its efforts with the G6. Outside, the G6 had a crisp and sleek look; inside, there was a restrained and attractive layout with none of the traditional dull gray plastic switches. Even so, the G6 still had a few too many cheap plastic surfaces for our tastes.

On the road, we appreciated the low and midrange torque of the 3.5-liter V6, and the ride was smooth. The convertible's optional 3.9-liter V6 should be avoided if possible, though -- it was barely more powerful than the 3.5-liter V6 and got worse fuel economy. Handling was respectable, but we disliked the electric power steering, which was too light and offered virtually no feedback. GT models from 2007 and up had an improved hydraulic steering setup, which we preferred. Along with the enhanced feature content of the later models, we'd recommend focusing your used Pontiac G6 search on the '07 or newer models.

of BMW Cars Sport

New Ferrari Sports Cars 612 Scaglietti

The 612 Scaglietti is the result of an avant-garde design that continues the great Ferrari 2+2 tradition. Styled by Pininfarina, the 612 Scaglietti is named in honour of Sergio Scaglietti, the Modenese stylist and coachbuilder responsible for bodying some of the most beautiful Ferraris Sports Cars of the 1950s and 60s.

The 612 Scaglietti is powered by an imposing 5,748 cm³ 65° V12 that delivers 540 CV at 7,250 rpm, 98 CV more than the 456M's 5,474 cm³ unit. The engine has been worked upon on various levels to optimise performance and improve fluid dynamics. Specifically, it boasts more direct air intake tracts with two ducts from the radiator grille opening on the front bumper, new exhaust system geometries and volumes to reduce back-pressure, a boosted compression ratio (11.2:1), and inlet tracts and exhaust porting with improved fluid dynamic characteristics.

Ferrari's team of highly-experienced, passionate artisan cockpit trim experts ensure that every 612 Scaglietti leaves Maranello with an elegantly sophisticated and sporty cockpit honed to meet the tastes of its owner. This bespoke quality and exclusivity means that owners can choose from a range of dash panel inserts, seat trims and side panels.

Sports Cars 911 Novitec R osso

The GT3 R offers 30 bhp more than the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup model. Both cars are based on the extra-wide body of the 911 GT3 RS street-legalPorsche AG continues to work deep into the 2010 competition season. The new Porsche 911 GT3 R replaces the 911 GT3 Cup S in the range of competing models of the brand. The 911 GT3 R participate in the tests based on international regulations FIA GT3. A sequential gearbox six-speed is responsible for transmitting that power to the rear axle.

The Ferrari California 4.3-liter V8 engine power increases by 40 hp / 29.4 kW to 500 hp / 368 kW. Simultaneously peak torque grows from 485 to 518 Nm at 5,300 rpm : 2010 NOVITEC ROSSO now also refines the new Ferrari California.Tasteful refinements with aerodynamic benefits characterize the NOVITEC ROSSO design program for the sports car from Maranello. All aerodynamic-enhancement components are made from especially lightweight yet high-strength clear-coated carbon fiber. The NOVITEC ROSSO front spoiler attaches to the production bumper and lends the sports car an even more striking face. Its sophisticated shape further reduces lift on the front axle for even better directional stability at high speeds.

Suzuki Esteem Pics & Wallpapers

Suzuki Esteem Front View

Suzuki Esteem

Classic Suzuki Esteem

Suzuki Esteem Old Cars

Suzuki Esteem Photo

Suzuki Esteem Gallery

Suzuki Esteem Cars Image

Black Suzuki Esteem Car

Suzuki Esteem Wallpaper

Cadillac Eldorado Cars Info & Pics

The Eldorado model was part of the Cadillac line from 1953 to 2002. The Cadillac Eldorado was the longest running American personal luxury car as it was the only one sold after the 1999 model year. Its main competitors included the Lincoln Mark Series and the lower-priced Buick Riviera.

Although cars bearing the name varied considerably in bodystyle and mechanical layout during this long period, the Eldorado models were always near the top of the Cadillac line. Nevertheless, and except for the Eldorado Brougham models of 1957–1960, the most expensive models were always the opulent, long wheel-based Series 75 sedans and limousines, not the Eldorado.
Cadillac Eldorado

Cadillac Eldorado Pics

Classic Cadillac Eldorado

Cadillac Eldorado Front View

Cadillac Eldorado Image

Cadillac Eldorado

Cadillac Eldorado Wallpaper

Cadillac Eldorado Background

Ford F3L Top Cras

Ford F3L Gallery

Ford F3L

Ford F3L cars

Ford F3L Pics

Ford F3L Image

Ford F3L Wallpaper

Ford F3L Car

The car was designed by GT40 designer, Len Bailey and built by Alan Mann Racing
In West Byfleet in Surrey, with support from Ford in Detroit. It was a radical departure from the GT40 and was powered by a Ford DFV F1 engine. Even though the shape was stunning for its day, there were aerodynamic problems and the cockpit was cramped. Two cars were built for the 1968 season and one was written off in an horrific accident in the Nurburgring 1000 km. Driver was Chris Irwin who was seriously injured and cause of the accident was a hare that ran across the road. The car did a massive backward flip and came down on its roof. I was told that it was so bad that the marshals ran away. Other drivers pulled up to assist Irwin.

One theory was that the hare got jammed into the left front brake thereby reducing braking by a critical 25% as Irwin was heading up a rise. More likely was that the hare broke the underbody mountings which caused the nose to lift and which created a wing effect with upward lift.

In 1969 one more coupe and a spyder version were built. As the car required more development money and never won a race Ford canned the project.

My brief involvement with the car, which is the rebuilt Irwin car and now owned by David Piper, is described below.

In February, 1987 I interviewed David Piper for my book on the history of the Kyalami circuit at his house in Windlesham, Surrey. David and co-drivers competed in the Kyalami Nine Hour and the Springbok Series from 1961 to 1969 and won the Nine Hour six times, five times in Ferraris and the last time in a Porsche 917. Imagine writing a book on Wimbledon and not including John McEnroe!

At the end of the interview David told me about the International Sports Prototype series that he and friends started in 1981 and that he would love to bring the series to South Africa. 'Done', I said. His body language said, 'Oh, yeah'.

The ISP series is for racing sports cars from the 1960s and early 1970s era, ie AC Cobras, Ferraris, Porsches, GT40s, F3L, Lolas, McLarens, Matras, Chevrons, etc. Even though the cars were worth fortunes at the time and much more today Piper and friends decided to race them instead of putting them in glass boxes. They were after all racing cars and as such Piper and company would enjoy driving them and would give pleasure to spectators, many of whom just love that era of racing. I don't think the current sports car series comes near. The atmosphere has gone particularly at the new clinical Le Mans with the old Esses no longer there. If the Bentleys were painted blue they could be mistaken for Donald Campbell's Blue Bird speedboat. Agree? Disagree?

David told me about his accident at Le Mans in 1970 when doing film sequences for Steve McQueen's film 'Le Mans'. Coming through White House corner a rear tyre deflated and the Porsche was totalled. The car broke in half and all that kept the two halves together was his right foot trapped under the throttle. He remembers lying in a ditch with brake fluid dripping on the open wound and two nuns bending over him to assist him.

Back in England the foot was amputated above the ankle. One day in hospital with his racing career apparently over old Piper was feeling a bit sorry for himself. In walked Ferrari engineer and works driver, Mike Parkes, with legless Battle of Britian ace, Douglas Bader. Bader glared at Piper, undid his belt and dropped his trousers. He said, 'Look at me, old chap, you have nothing to worry about!' David said with a grin that he suddenly came right BIG TIME! Some years later he discovered that he could drive a racing car again which lead to the ISP series. He stomps his plastic foot on the throttle and then brakes with the left foot. At Le Mans last June in the classic race before the 24 Hour he got his 917 to over 200 mph down the Mulsanne straight. In December he turned 73 and I really can't figure out how he does it. Bader and Piper – Bulldog breed as they say!

Anyway, when I returned home after my February, 1987 trip I set about organising David's ISP South African series. For about nine months I liaised with Liz Piper with regard to air tickets, shipping costs, etc. As sponsorship was required I handed my file to a committee member of the Western Province Car Club which controls our local Killarney Circuit. This guy can sell ice to Eskimos and persuaded the boss of Yellow Pages to sponsor the series. It was on and three races were planned, one at Killarney in Cape Town, one at the East London Grand Prix circuit (where Jody grew up - the city not the circuit!) and a Monaco type round the houses at Durban.

I was at Killarney when the containers arrived and to our horror we discovered that the red and gold Ford F3L had broken loose and for 10 days on the high seas it was thumped backwards and forwards against the container walls.. It was not a pretty sight. With little time at hand we rushed the car to my factory for repairs. My English partner and fibreglass expert, John Bishop, did the job and in double quick time the F3L as ready for practice. Would have been an ideal opportunity to pull a set of moulds – quickly! HeHe! In fact earlier someone on the forum asked about an F3L replica.