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Global Concepts (Part 2)
Pontiac Piranha
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Nontraditional Pontiac touches are everywhere on the Piranha: on the instrument panel, glovebox, seats, roof rack, and sunroof. The nontraditional low-cost instrument panel includes ski-boot-type latches for HVAC hoses and spandex fabric that zips on and off for personalization and cleaning. Areas of the spandex also function as flip-up cupholders where the fabric is slit. The glovebox can double as a beverage and food cooler since the lining is made from compressed foam. Interior trim is made of bead foam similar to that found inside a mountain bike helmet. The seats can be taken out and used as beach chairs. The dual-function seats use a cast magnesium frame covered in a mesh fabric. Unlike a conventional roof rack that rises above the roofline, Piranha's roof brackets (two on each side of the vehicle) are flush until popped into place. Add spring-loaded rods stowed in the interior's rocker panel, and the roof rack system is ready. A pleated, fabric sunroof opens side-to-side between fixed roof rails. A manual crank folds the fabric from the midsection to the outer side. Passenger side, driver side, or both halves can open to expose the sky. The concept rides on a modified Pontiac Sunfire chassis with Grand Prix suspension components. The front-wheel-drive vehicle uses a supercharged version of GM's Ecotec 2.2-L, 16-valve, four-cylinder engine that achieves 158 kW (212 hp) at 5900 rpm and 275 N/m (203 lb/ft) at 4600 rpm.
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