1 February 2001
VVTL-i Engine For The "Twins"
At the recent NAIAS (North American International Auto Show) at Detroit, Toyota and Pontiac have unveiled their identical concept car. Both of these cars share the same sketches that were designed by both Toyota and Pontiac. Based on their concept car, Toyota will market the car as Toyota Matrix while Pontiac will market the car as Pontiac Vibe. These cars will be launched as 2002 model before the end of this year.
Toyota will offer three engine types for the Matrix, including the Celica's VVTL-i engine capable of 190hp (US spec will get the 180hp version) coupled with 6 speed manual transmission. The same goes for the Vibe that will get the same VVTL-i engine. Interior design have the mixture of sportiness and the feel of youth. Probably targeted for people below age of 30s. And the instrument cluster have the modern feeling and sportiness as well.
If this goes well ahead, Matrix will be the third Toyota car using the Celica VVTL-i engine. As 2002 model, both cars will be similarly priced (no word yet on the planned price). We'll have to wait to see which of these "twins" cars will sell more.
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