The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show is the automobile industry's largest trade event for aftermarket products. This year at the annual event, High Performance Pontiac was able to find a plethora of the latest (mostly electronic) inventions (and some updates of some previously released products) that the manufacturers would like you to buy in 2009. The items we found for Part I of this guide will work on classic or late-model Pontiacs, except where specifically noted.
Pontiac's '09 Solstice GXP coupe (with removable hardtop) SEMA show car features a turbocharged 2.0L Ecotec engine, a GM Performance Parts Stage 2 performance kit and performance air-intake kit, a GM Performance Parts after-cat exhaust system, a race-ready suspension kit, and polished factory wheels. According to GM, it puts out approximately 290 rwhp and gets 28 mpg on the highway.
MIO Technology
(866) 646-4477
www.knightridergps.com
What is it?
GPS
Why you need it:
If you're going to have a voice in your car give you directions, there's not a better one than KITT from the iconic '80s TV show Knight Rider. It features the original voice of KITT, courtesy of actor William Daniels, providing directions, and users can select their own name for a personalized greeting on startup. This device is the most popular character-themed GPS unit released this year, and it's a must-have for owners of Pontiac vehicles and fans of the original Knight Rider.
Applications
All Pontiacs
MSRP
$269
Auto Meter
(866) 248-6356
www.autometer.com
What is it?
Competition Series Gauges
Why you need it:
Monitoring your engine's vitals is one of the key aspects of performance driving, so let the gauges do the work for you. According to Auto Meter, "These instruments allow drivers to focus on the competition while the gauges control key vehicle systems and alert the driver to warning conditions." These professional-grade gauges are made with solid-state, data-acquisition-grade sending units, and powered by advanced circuit designs. They have "always-on," high-definition, LED through-the-dial illumination, and allow you to set "custom alert points specific to your vehicle and receive Full Dial Red Warning Notification to highlight the need for driver attention." This product is the winner of the SEMA 2008 Best New Street Performance Product.
Applications
All Pontiacs
MSRP
Prices start at $186
Mobileye
(248) 351-2683
www.mobileye.com
What is it?
Driver Distraction Warning System
Why you need it:
Most car electronics are designed to entertain you, and thereby distract you from a 100 percent focus of the road in front of you. This new camera-based safety solution for accident prevention does the exact opposite. It uses a front-mount camera, a sophisticated computer chip, and left and right channel audio alerts to warn you if you're getting too close to the car in front of you, if you're moving out of your lane, or if a front-end collision is imminent. According to the manufacturer, "Mobileye AWS-4000 is never distracted, always looking forward, and ready to warn the driver of sudden danger."
Applications
All Pontiacs
MSRP
$1,240 (installed by a Mobileye technician)
A.A. Electronics
(866) 657-7275
www.okspark.com
What is it?
Handheld Spark-Plug Maintenance and Diagnostic Tool
Why you need it:
Troubleshooting spark and ignition issues just entered the 21st century with the OK Spark Spark Plug Sensor. Using the company's exclusive Plasma Energy Event Recognition (PEER) technology, this handheld tool "sees" inside the cylinder heads and looks for an electrical arc in the spark plug, verifying that the plug is igniting. It works on any engine with a spark plug, including newer coil-near-plug systems. This product won three SEMA Global Media Awards in 2008.
Applications
All Pontiacs
MSRP
$219