Pontiac Grand Am and GM Accessories Offer Racy Appearance Options
FOR RELEASE: February 7, 2002Pontiac Grand Am and GM Accessories Offer Racy Appearance Options
CHICAGO – In the crowded, fiercely competitive compact coupe and sedan segment, the Pontiac Grand Am has long enjoyed a strong reputation for sporty styling and exciting performance. In fact, Grand Am is Pontiac’s best-selling vehicle, consistently ranked as one of the top-10 selling automobiles in the industry. Now, driving has gotten a lot more exciting as Grand Am and GM Accessories are partnering to offer racy SC/T appearance options.
And hinting at potential for future Grand Am direction is another show vehicle, the Grand Am Hot Wheels,* which debuted at the 2001 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show.
“People who drive Grand Ams are really passionate about driving and they like the way they look and feel in their Pontiacs,” said Lynn Myers, general manager of Pontiac-GMC. “The SC/T appearance options and the Grand Am Hot Wheels show vehicle are both examples of our commitment to continue providing products that people love to drive.”
“Grand Am delivers sports car excitement with room for your life,” said Jim Panaretos, Pontiac Grand Am brand manager. “We believe these accessories take the excitement to a new level.”
Grand Am SC/T Accessories
Inspired from the Grand Am SC/T Roadster first shown at the 1999 SEMA show, these sporty accessories allow buyers the option to personalize their cars – to make them uniquely theirs.
Now, Grand Am owners can personalize their GT models, 1999 model year and newer, with racy SC/T accessories like a dual-inlet composite performance hood and/or a rear aero wing spoiler. The hood makes an aggressive statement with a low-pressure sheet-molding compound reinforced with structural steel. An aero wing spoiler adds sporty flair and its aerodynamic design enhances performance.
The Grand Am SC/T accessories are now available for purchase through Pontiac dealerships. Accessories purchased and installed by the dealer at the time of new vehicle purchase are covered under GM’s New Vehicle Limited Bumper-To-Bumper Warranty. GM Accessories permanently installed after vehicle purchase are covered for the balance of the New Vehicle Warranty, but in no event less than 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Customers who purchase GM accessories know they are getting parts that have been tested to GM standards for performance, durability and safety. Additionally, GM Accessories are affordable and can be financed/capitalized with new vehicle contracts through the General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC).
Grand Am Hot Wheels Show Car
Pontiac and Mattel, Inc. have teamed up to make the dream a reality for “big kids” with the Grand Am Hot Wheels show vehicle. The Grand Am Hot Wheels show car is a visualization of the cleaner fresher Pontiac design direction, with new front and rear fascias, lower door and enhanced rocker panels and clear tail lamps lenses.
“It’s literally a Hot Wheels car come to life,” said Jace Stokes, Pontiac Grand Am assistant brand manager-product. “Most car enthusiasts have an affinity for Hot Wheels, because it’s a brand they grew up with. This was an opportunity to partner with an American icon with which our customers readily identify. This particular model has all the fun and flair of a Hot Wheels car.”
The Grand Am Hot Wheels show car sports extensive exterior modifications to make it look like it should be running on the famous orange Hot Wheels track. Suspension modifications lower the ride height, and the car rides on 18-inch Z-rated BFGoodrich tires on chromed alloy wheels.
A Ram Air hood-mounted induction system, new front and rear fascias with a “basket-handle” rear spoiler, wheel opening flares and a racing stripe paint job complete the car’s aggressive look. It also features clear taillamp lenses with red and orange bulbs and a recessed, NASCAR-style “quick-fill” fuel filler.
The interior features an abundance of Hot Wheels graphics incorporated into the seatbacks, door panels and instrument panel. The steering wheel, shift knob and shift boot are all trimmed in leather. Under the hood, the Ram Air-powered engine roars through the low-restriction Borla dual exhaust system.
Vehicle Highlights
- New front fascia with integrated fog lamps
- Lower door and enhanced rocker panels
- New rear fascia with large rear deck spoiler
- Clear tail lamp lenses with red and orange bulbs visible within
- Performance stripe paint scheme integrated into windshield and back light
- Ram Air induction system
- Borla low-restriction exhaust system with dual exhaust tips
- New front and rear springs lowering the vehicle
- Hot Wheels graphics on seatbacks, door panels and instrument panel
- 18-inch chromed alloy wheels and BFGoodrich Z-rated tires
- “Quick-fill” NASCAR-style recessed fuel filler cap
- Leather steering wheel, shift knob and shifter boot
- Alloy accelerator and brake pedals
- “Metal Look” trim plates for IP bezel, center console trim plate, door release levers and bezels, and speaker grilles
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*Hot Wheels is a trademark of Mattel, Inc.