Las Vegas - GM's small-vehicle lineup will make a big impact at this year's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, proving that with the right combination of technology, great products and accessories, it's possible to pack performance, style and fuel economy into one exciting package. Among the 25 smaller vehicles taking center stage at SEMA are customized versions of Chevrolet's new hit HHR and Cobalt; the new Pontiac Solstice and G6; the Saturn Ion and upcoming Sky; and the new, smaller HUMMER H3. These fuel-efficient vehicles are the perfect canvas for customizers who'd rather spend their money on a killer audio system than at the pump. And they also can be very well-equipped for the customer who wants to make a statement without the work. In September, HHR sales were up 55 percent over August, and HHRs are disappearing from dealers’ lots almost as quickly as they arrive. Cobalt sales are at a brisk pace as well, with more than 40 percent of calendar-year-to-date sales to non-GM owners. The new H3 is driving record HUMMER sales, and also attracting new GM customers, with about 70 percent of H3 buyers new to GM. For those who insist on a custom ride, GM will show off a growing portfolio of crate engines and accessories designed and engineered by GM. Other GM Accessories offerings, including a new performance exhaust system portfolio, electrical accessories collection and supercharger kits, will be featured as well. “GM’s launch products are already making a name for themselves in the aftermarket community,” said Mark LaNeve, GM vice president, North American Sales Service and Marketing. “We're seeing Chevy Cobalts and HHRs, Pontiac G6s and HUMMER H3s sold with GM Accessories or going straight from the showroom to the customization shops. "It is a great sign that people who love cars think we have great vehicles to personalize, and that our fuel-efficient small cars and trucks are finding a new appeal in the aftermarket." GM also debuts a growing portfolio of crate engines and accessories designed and engineered by GM. Other GM Accessories offerings, including a new performance exhaust system portfolio, electrical accessories collection and supercharger kits, will be featured as well. According to U.S. News’ new “muscle-per-gallon” index, based on data from Kelley Blue Book, GM is a leader in helping fuel economy and horsepower live peacefully under the same hood. The Saturn Ion Red Line tops the index of vehicles under $20,000, with the Cobalt SS Coupe and Sedan rounding out the top five and the Pontiac G6 No. 10. In the overall survey, three Corvettes are in the Top 10, with the new Z06 rated No. 2. While smaller cars dominate the show floor, those seeking traditional high-horsepower rides won't be disappointed: GM will feature noted car buff/collector and “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno's '32 Bowtie Deuce Roadster featuring GM's venerable small-block V-8 (LS7), as well as a 620-horsepower '70 Chevelle thoroughly modernized during the summer by a group of Michigan college students. The newest members of Cadillac's V-Series performance lineup, the STS-V and the XLR-V, also will be on hand. Al Oppenheiser, director of Concept and Vehicle Integration for GM Performance Division, said shows like SEMA help showcase the ingenuity of GM engineers and designers, and let customers know what they can create in their own garages. "We're providing our aftermarket partners, our internal Performance Parts operations and automotive enthusiasts with the best vehicle canvas on which to create parts, pieces and components that look cool and go fast," he said. “But we're not just building show cars. We're building vehicles with race-proven technology and production components that people can actually buy today."

:worthless: (Sorry I couldn't help it...)

Agreed... although pictures prolly won't be available legally for a while, I'd love to see a full gallery of GM's SEMA cars asap.

Hmm... maybe the G6 coupe in the pic in Future Pontiac was for this?

Yeah, where's the pics?

According to U.S. News’ new “muscle-per-gallon” index, based on data from Kelley Blue Book, GM is a leader in helping fuel economy and horsepower live peacefully under the same hood. The Saturn Ion Red Line tops the index of vehicles under $20,000, with the Cobalt SS Coupe and Sedan rounding out the top five and the Pontiac G6 No. 10. In the overall survey, three Corvettes are in the Top 10, with the new Z06 rated No. 2.

This should be exploited nd advertised....

GM could build a great name around value, performance and efficiency.

SEMA just hasn't been the same since John Moss left.... Those were such great times.

Hmmm....interesting.

BTW, when is the SEMA show? Or, did I somehow miss the dates in the article? (If I did...my apologies.)


Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker
MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/
Models.HO = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/trainroom.html
"We all do the best we can" ... Blain Larson ... 'How Do You Get That Lonely?'

I'm looking foward to seeing these cars (and trucks). I've seen some pretty good looking stuff the last few years...

Hey isn't the 2007 Escalade due to be released at SEMA also?? GMTv said it would debut the firs week in November...

:P Yea supposed to be released next week but will have to wait and see if it comes true. Maybe they have Jay Leno Introduce it. The Total Bling Baby!!! :booyah:

the escalade is supposedly being introduced to the public on november 9th on rodeo drive in beverly hills ...i cant wait, less than two weeks and it wont come soon enough

where are the pics?

We have a ton at mph-online

www.mph-online.com

I'm heading out to SEMA Monday and will be posting mucho photos and reports. Feel free to link to any of them here.

Edited October 30, 200519 yr by mphmag

You're the man Dave!

yes my long non-compete with the evil WIN empire is over next week. I actually love the guys at Autoblog but still 6 months is a long time not to talk cars. Sheesh. Anyway good job posting all these. GM by far is overloading SEMA with vehicles. But I think Ford's GTX1 will totally steal the show. That will be first thing Tuesday. Keep up the good work here. I wish our forums were this good ;)

I won't argue that point, it's one hot little concept. Too bad I believe Ford will discontinue this GT within the next 2-3 years.

Josh, How come you didn't put up the other HHR tuners from year one, unique performance etc? Dave oh and knightfan it starts this tuesday with embargos lifting last night (GM), tonight, tomorrow and tuesday. Oh and Jay leno's ride wasn't in this batch but he'll have a chevy to show off. circa 1932.

We have a ton at mph-online

www.mph-online.com

I'm heading out to SEMA Monday and will be posting mucho photos and reports. Feel free to link to any of them here.

[post="36308"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Sweet, you guys post on here! I was thinking about getting a subscription after reading your article comparing the Charger R/T, GTO, and Mustang GT. Good work with that one!

Josh,
How come you didn't put up the other HHR tuners from year one, unique performance etc?
Dave

[post="36638"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

I actually posted links to all the custom HHR's in the "Chevy Trucks" forum right after I saw the show on TLC, but it seemed like nobody cared for them and the topic didn't catch on.