“The fresh styling for the 2003 Sunfire illustrates the way we are contemporizing Pontiac Excitement for the 21st century,” said Lynn Myers, Pontiac-GMC general manager.

Sunfire touts a refined contemporary design and cleaner look as it moves into 2003. The Ecotec 2.2-liter DOHC, four-cylinder, 140-horsepower engine will be offered as standard equipment, stocking 25 more horses under the hood. Sunfire will drop the SE Sedan and GT designations, offering a coupe with more standard equipment, a sportier look and better performance.

“The 2003 Sunfire will be highly competitive, offering consumers more horsepower, improved handling and its sportiest styling yet,” said Craig Bierley, Sunfire brand manager. “Sunfire continues to provide young buyers with an unbeatable combination of sporty looks and spirited performance at an affordable price.”

Sporty new face
Sunfire’s new front end gives this machine a more aerodynamic, stylish appearance. The headlamps and new integrated turn signals extend further into the hood, which has been redesigned for a stronger look and feel. The cat-eye headlamps, integrated fog lamps and dual-port grille evoke Pontiac’s heritage of excitement and performance.

Redesigned rear
The redesigned rear tail lamps and all-new body colored tailgate brings a more contemporary look to the back end. The back-up lights have been moved from the rear fascia and integrated with the license plate, creating a cleaner look.

More standard power
As standard equipment, Sunfire offers the 2.2-liter Ecotec L4, which generates 140 hp at 5600 rpm, and 150 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. This aluminum engine features twin overhead camshafts with four valves per cylinder for excellent response in city driving and confident passing and merging on the highway. The Ecotec also is quiet, smooth and efficient, delivering up to 33 miles per gallon on the highway. Sunfire’s standard suspension with revalved shocks and sway bars will provide better handling. The new braking system provides improved durability and performance.

New color choices
Three new exterior colors will provide additional patriotic choices for Sunfire consumers: Victory Red, Summit White and Electric Blue Metallic. The new three-spoke wheel cover designs add an additional sporty punch.

Fresh interior features
The new 60/40 split-fold rear seat provides active, on-the-go consumers with more flexibility and seating options, giving drivers room for friends and cargo. The new interior fabric carries the Sunfire’s sporty look to the inside, adding a bold graphics splash across either Graphite or Taupe cloth seats and providing additional durability. The redesigned instrument panel includes round air outlets, which is part of the Pontiac look.

Safety features
For safety-minded consumers, Sunfire has additional features and options for 2003. A three-point seatbelt will come standard for the center backseat. In addition to standard front driver and passenger air bags, Sunfire will offer optional seat-mounted side air bags, which are consistently in the correct position, maximizing occupant protection during side impact collisions.

Also offered as a safety package option is the OnStar system. OnStar’s array of services include automatic notification of air bag deployment, stolen vehicle location, remote door unlock, emergency services dispatch, roadside assistance, Personal Calling and Virtual Advisor, enabling subscribers to access e-mail and other Internet-based information in a voice-activated, hands-free manner.

XM Satellite Radio
The Sunfire will be equipped with an AM/FM radio, including CD player and six-speaker sound. New radio options include XM Satellite Radio. XM Satellite Radio provides 100 coast-to-coast digital quality channels, offering everything from talk radio to the latest in hip-hop. Consumers can subscribe to the service for a monthly fee.