NEW 2009 PONTIAC WAVE5 DELIVERS MORE IN THE ENTRY-LEVEL SEGMENT: LARGE-CAR ROOMINESS, AMENITIES AND GREAT FUEL ECONOMY

Coming this summer, the efficient, made-for-Canada Pontiac Wave5 also gets an injection of style and technology for the 2009 model. This small car now offers a new design inside and out, and gets a new, more refined engine with variable valve timing and improved fuel economy, and is sure to be a hit with Canadians when it goes on sale in Summer 2008.

The new '09 Wave5 continues to stir the waters in Canada's small-car market with features expected in larger, more expensive cars - such as standard OnStar and available XM Satellite Radio - as well as its signature "tall car" design that enables surprising passenger and cargo room. It is powered by a new, fuel-sipping, 1.6L DOHC engine with variable valve timing that produces more power (107 hp / 80 kW) and strong torque (106-lb.-ft. / 143 Nm) - and has been tuned for quieter performance.

Indeed, the Wave5's efficiency and flexibility go hand in hand. With its improved fuel economy among the best on the market using regular gasoline, the '09 Wave5 can travel more than 640 km between fill-ups, resulting in fewer trips to the gas station and road trips that require fewer stops.

The Wave5 goes on sale in mid-2008, joining the recently redesigned Wave sedan. It is available in base and SE trims - each backed by a "worry free" five-year/160,000 km transferable powertrain warranty, plus Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation.

Bold, sporty, modern exterior design

The Wave5's dynamic, contemporary European influenced design enhances the Wave5's sporty exterior with premium details such as the three-dimensional, richly detailed headlamps that extend into the hood. Redesigned, body-colour fascias and chrome accents suggest a more expensive car, along with available features - such as its large power sunroof - that are unexpected in the segment, Wave5 retains its characteristic "tall car" configuration, enabling a spacious interior, with generous headroom that is greater than many midsize sedans.

The Wave5's sleek styling accents longer, wider and taller dimensions, with sculpted lines and a wide, confident stance. Pronounced "shoulders" over the wheel openings and body-colour door sills convey the look of a larger car. A more assertive, dynamic look is accomplished with crisp, V-shaped hood edges, bold front and rear fascias with premium cues, such as larger, available front fog lamps; a rear-fascia lower grille; and a larger available rear spoiler located on the trailing edge of the roof.

Roomy environment

The Wave5's exterior is complemented by a quiet passenger cabin that features well-crafted details and generous standard features that enhance comfort. It is one of the most spacious vehicles in its class, with features and refinement comparable to more expensive vehicles.

With its signature "tall car" design, the Wave5's generous dimensions easily accommodate 6-foot-tall passengers in each of the five seating positions. It also is a quiet interior environment, with soundproofing technologies that complement quieting powertrain enhancements and improved aerodynamics to provide a quiet, comfortable and vibration-free ride, even at higher speed.

Attention to comfort is evidenced in elements such as standard driver's seat armrests. Also, theatre-style rear seating provides a commanding view for all passengers. A 60/40-split rear seat expands Wave5's interior cargo capacity; and when more cargo-carrying capability is required, the rear seat can be flipped and folded, offering 1,189 L (42 cu. ft.) of cargo space.

Refined modern interior with a twist

The interior's contemporary appearance is achieved through sleek lines and the clever use of rich materials, including a new, available two-tone, charcoal/light gray design (on charcoal interiors) that provides a premium look and feel. Other premium appearance elements include technical-grain, low-gloss surfaces; wood grain, satin-chrome or carbon-fiber finishes on the instrument panel and door panels; and even perforated faux leather seating surfaces, steering wheel cover and shifter knob.

Additionally, clever details abound, such as a sunglasses holder; door pockets for books and maps; and hooks that can secure shopping bags. Unexpected value is delivered through more standard and available features - features not typically found in the segment, including:

Audio systems

Wave5 models offer a standard AM/FM, four-speaker radio system, 36 presets and an auxiliary input jack for MP3 devices. An AM/FM radio with CD/MP3 capability (including an auxiliary input jack) and six-speaker sound system is standard on the SE and available on base model.

All Wave5 radios are derived from GM's new family of premium radio systems, which are distinguished by upscale appearance, simplicity of operation and range of features and capabilities. Steering wheel audio controls are standard on SE models

XM Satellite Radio - a popular choice among youthful customers - is standard on SE models and available on base models. It offers more than 100 channels of music, news, sports and entertainment. XM Satellite Radio must be activated and a subscription fee applies.

Authentic Pontiac driving experience - beyond your average subcompact

The 2009 Wave5 engineered and developed for a dynamic, well-planted driving experience and fuel efficiency, but was tuned to suit the ride and handling expectations of Pontiac customers. It has a wide stance and long wheelbase (2,480 mm / 97.7 inches) to deliver a smooth, confident ride. A MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension (with gas-charged shocks) deliver refined ride and handling characteristics.

Power-assisted, variable-rate rack-and-pinion steering is standard, with the steering gear is mounted on the front suspension cross member for precise action and stability. Fourteen-inch wheels are standard, but sporty 15-inch alloy wheels are available.

The Wave5 was tested and validated for a broad range of Canadian driving and road conditions. The suspension system is inspired by the driving experiences of European sports sedans yet tuned for contemporary American driving tastes - a combination that delivers both smoothness and a responsive, spirited driving experience.

Powertrains

Supporting Wave5's responsive and economical driving experience is a new, Ecotec 1.6L DOHC four-cylinder powertrain. The sophisticated engine uses Dual Continuous Variable Cam Phasing - two continuously adjustable camshafts - to optimize the charge cycle for fuel economy and performance. As a result, this 16-valve DOHC engine delivers more horsepower than the previous engine, with ratings of 107 horsepower (80 kw)* and 106 lb.-ft. of torque (143 Nm)*, and nearly 8-percent improved fuel efficiency when compared to the previous Wave5 model.

The new, 1.6L engine features additional technology highlights to improve fuel economy, quality, reliability and durability, including:

Additionally, the engine is tuned for quieter performance, with a more pleasing sound during acceleration.

A smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission is standard and an Aisin four-speed automatic with Hold Control Mode is available. Hold Control Mode is a special feature that helps reduce wheel spin and traction loss on slick roads by allowing the driver to select and hold a higher gear, thus reducing torque.

Safety features

The Wave5 offers additional features and options for safety-minded consumers. The Wave5's safety starts with a high-strength steel structure that creates a safety cage around the passenger compartment. The structure features strength-enhancing, tailor-welded blanks that help avoid protrusions into the passenger compartment.

The Wave5 also comes standard with advanced dual-stage frontal air bags and the GM Passenger Sensing System, as well as standard head/thorax seat-mounted side air bags for front passengers. The head/thorax seat-mounted side air bags deploy during side impacts and are triggered by a sophisticated sensor system in the front doors.

Exceptional braking is provided by ventilated front discs and self-adjusting rear drums. The brake system on the Wave5 is available with a four-channel ABS system. The four-sensor system - one at each wheel - incorporates electronic brake force distribution, which balances braking performance based on road conditions the weight of passengers and/or cargo.

Additional Wave5 safety features include:

All Wave5 models come standard with OnStar Gen 7, which features advanced automatic crash notification, remote diagnostics and a monthly status report. OnStar provides the responsiveness of a trained operator to assist you at the touch of a button. From security features of operator directions, remote diagnostics, lockout service, roadside assistance to emergency response, OnStar offers the assistance you need when you need it. Wave5 (and Wave sedan) is the only car in its class with this safety and convenience feature.

General Motors of Canada (GMCL) is engineering and manufacturing advanced environmental technologies ranging from Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and hybrid systems to E85 biofuel and fuel cell vehicles - more than any other auto company right here in Canada. Headquartered in Oshawa Ontario, GMCL employs more than 19,000 people nationwide. GM of Canada manufactures vehicles, vehicle powertrains, and markets the full range of General Motors vehicles and related services through 743 dealerships and retailers across Canada. Vehicles sold through this network include Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, GMC, Saturn, Hummer, Saab and Cadillac.

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For media enquiries contact:
General Motors of Canada
Product Communications
Tony LaRocca
905-644-1804
tony.larocca@gm.com

2009 WAVE5 SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Models:

Wave5

Body style / driveline:

5-door, front engine, front-wheel drive, 5 passengers

Construction:

Unitized body/frame

EPA vehicle class:

Subcompact

Manufacturing location:

Bupyong, South Korea

Key competitors:

Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Scion xA, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris

Engine

Type:

1.6L VVT DOHC I-4

Displacement (cc / cu in):

1598 / 97.5

Bore & stroke (mm / in):

79 x 81.5 / 3.11 x 3.21

Block material:

Cast iron

Cylinder head material:

Aluminum

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Fuel delivery:

Multi-port fuel injection

Compression ratio:

10.8:1

Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):

107 / 80 @ 6400

Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):

106 / 143 @ 3800

Recommended fuel:

Regular unleaded

Emission controls:

Catalytic converter

EPA estimated fuel economy (city / hwy):

TBD

Transmissions

 

Manual (MLQ)

Automatic (MLM)

Type:

5-speed manual with overdrive, front-wheel drive

4-speed automatic with overdrive, front-wheel drive

Gear ratios (:1):

 

 

First:

3.54

2.87

Second:

1.95

1.56

Third:

1.27

1.00

Fourth:

0.97

0.69

Fifth:

0.76

--

Reverse:

3.33

2.30

Final drive ratio:

3.94

3.83

Chassis/Suspension

Front:

MacPherson struts with offset coil springs and 17-mm stabilizer bar

Rear:

Semi-independent torsion beam axle with coil springs

Steering type:

Power rack-and-pinion

Steering ratio:

16:1

Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock:

3

Turning circle, curb-to-curb (m / ft):

10.06 / 33.01

Brakes

Type:

Power-assisted front disc and rear drum, 4-channel ABS optional

Rotor diameter x thickness (mm / in):

front: 256 x 24 / 10.1 x .95

Drum diameter x width (mm / in):

rear: 1.38 x 7.8 / 200 x 35 (lining width)

Total swept area (sq cm / sq in):

front: 45 / 6.98
rear: 60 / 9.3

Wheels/Tires

Wheel size and type:

14-inch x 5.5-inch steel with full wheel covers (std)

 

15-inch x 6.5-inch aluminum alloy (opt)

Tires:

P185/60R14 all-season touring (std)

 

P185/55R15 all-season touring (opt)

Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase (mm / in):

2480 / 97.6

Overall length (mm / in):

3938 / 155

Overall width (mm / in):

1680 / 66.1

Overall height (mm / in):

1505 / 59.3

Track (mm / in):

front: 1450 / 57.1
rear: 1410 / 55.5

Curb weight (kg / lb):

1160 / 2557 (automatic)
1155 / 2246 (manual)

Interior

Seating capacity (front / rear):

2 / 3

Headroom (mm / in):

front: 998 / 39.3
rear: 955 / 37.6

Legroom (mm / in):

front: 1048 / 41.3
rear: 898 / 35.4

Shoulder room (mm / in):

front: 1362 / 53.6
rear: 1340 / 52.7

Hip room (mm / in):

front: 1310 / 51.6
rear: 1340 / 52.8

Capacities

EPA passenger volume (L / cu ft):

2571 / 90.8

EPA interior volume (L / cu ft):

2772 / 97.9

EPA cargo volume (L / cu ft):

198 / 7 (behind rear seat)
1189 / 42 (rear seat folded)

Fuel tank (L / imp.gal):

45 / 9.9

*SAE certified