Pontiac Stinger Concept Car Builds Fun

Pontiac said they "Built Excitement" and this video about their concept car, the Stinger, shows what they might have done if the corporation had given them the freedom.
They understood the youth market and new how to create cars that had that appeal. But something got lost in the corporate shuffle.

[@erhanarat4544]

It's 2017. Why the hell does my car still not have a garden hose?

[@claypf4795]

Or a retractable power strip, depending on what shot you're looking at

[@RingoYote]

@@claypf4795 the new ford F-150 has a power generator

[@LikeSpee]

It’s 2022 and I. Got. Hoes. In different area codes 🤷🏽‍♂️😆

[@4the_record272]

this is the most 80's commercial ever

[@chickchick7201]

its got a garden hose in it?? Im thinking the wheels should have become dinner plates or frisbees or something.

[@BMLXXII]

Hey, @Pontiac Dust off those old blueprints and make this car! We're ready to buy it now!

[@6KHwy]

What the heck they should have put it in production!!

[@X_URBRS]

I KNOW RIGHT?

[@joeadrianmendoza]

I remember my dad taking me to the Houston auto show when I was a kid and I thought this was the coolest thing ever... Great memories!!! Thanks!!!

[@KingRoseArchives]

+Joseph Mendoza Thanks for sharing.

[@joeadrianmendoza]

Love your videos, excellent production quality!!! my favorite is the documentary on the Tucker!!!

[@paxhumana2015]

@@KingRoseArchives , honestly, people should just buy up all of the GM marquees, both past and present, including Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Buick, Opel, and Vauxhall, make a new GM that is free of the bean counters, unionists, corrupt non-union types, stuffed suits, and envirotards, and make good cars again, as in INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE ONLY cars, and none of this electric or hybrid nonsense. However, as for this car, while it may look nice, I honestly think that it would have been more aptly suited for Daewoo, Saturn, or Suzuki than Pontiac. Also, this car does have more of a passing resemblance to the Suzuki X-90, albeit with a more streamlined and aggressive take on that car. I also see its popularity being limited to cities and beaches, and especially cities with beaches, as it looks to be only slightly larger than a Japanese kei car of the time.

[@YoungManNihilist]

I'm 38 and I absolutely think this is the coolest thing ever.

[@ArcadeGames]

I can't wait until my car has two cellular phones in it.

[@nwilczyn]

YES! Lol

[@SupermarketSweep777]

Swiss Army Knife on wheels.

[@Dieselsaabvolvo]

This is more 80's than 80's

[@KingRoseArchives]

Again, thank you for sharing the background and your personal story. I remember being a young, brash and foolish guy in the GM video department. It was in the air.

[@johnbehneman1546]

WOW!!!! WE NEED A VEHICLE LIKE THAT TODAY!!!! SO MUCH FUN!!!! THANKS FOR SHARING!!!!

[@lemonjellies4985]

It's easy to mock the commercial but let's be honest, with a minor restyle and some modern tech, this car would be very popular today. I certainly would want one!

[@kato6463]

i would buy this not gonna lie.

[@KingRoseArchives]

Me too. In a heartbeat.

[@thomasjohannesen1003]

1:35 "a hefty 3-speed automatic transmission"

[@KingRoseArchives]

Hard to believe that was a big deal worth promoting.

[@thomasjohannesen1003]

90's, am I right?

[@devinbiz]

I noticed that. Would have been a shame if they built the car with a 3 speed auto

[@jonrev]

The damnedest thing about this concept is that it laid the groundwork for the Aztek.

[@WastedTalent-]

I was about to say the same thing. I bought my first Aztek after seeing the cooler console. I had to have it. I love my Azteks. It's funny how people made fun of them because they were ugly, but just a few years later, so many cars looked like it.

[@shizzy_Snorlax]

Wow, this could have been an awesome and actual SUV for the time. It would have been super popular like the Suzuki and Jeeps were.

[@integritypriority4472]

You are correct. John DeLorean is rolling over in his grave! Pontiac said "no" to the Stinger and "yes" to the AZTEK. Any questions as to why Pontiac no longer exists?

[@l.e.miller1208]

@@integritypriority4472 General Motors said no to most of the cool Pontiac cars we never got, rather than Pontiac itself.

[@dieselgoth]

idk if anyone cares but I actually bothered to contact the GM heritage folks with something like "can you just go make sure the Stinger's still there and doing okay" and they responded saying something like "yup."

[@kennethgalbraith9494]

Soon after the car exited the concept stage, it entered phase 0 which meant it would be built in 4 years. I begged them to assign me to the car. Instead, they assigned an old college buddy of mine. He sat across from me in CPC Materials Engineering and kept me up to date on it's progress. After he told me it was really looking good, I applied for transfer to the vehicle engineering group but was blocked. I went to purchasing inquiring about sources being lined up to supply the major components.

[@mw-js1gi]

PONTIAC couldn't give us the Stinger, instead we got the AZTEK. Anyone surprised they are no longer around?

[@l.e.miller1208]

​@@mw-js1giPontiac got killed by the recession and GM. They were selling a lot of the new G-series cars when the economny collapsed. The Aztek was in the rear view mirror by then. That's not to say it didn't hurt them, but Pontiac onto a better path by then. But that said, the Aztek accurately predicted where the market was heading for crossover SUVs. It is very similar to the Gen4 Rav4. GM always treated Pontiac like dirt because Pontiac wanted to be a performance brand and GM didn't want them to be.

[@mw-js1gi]

@@l.e.miller1208 I owned a Pontiac, after 1973 GM's cars were mainly clones spread across different divisions. See the 1989 GM cover-story in Fortune Magazine. GM fought back against the Naderites and lost. They, Ford and Chrysler should have fought harder. Now they are literally (G)overnment(M)otors.

[@kennethgalbraith9494]

These videos ran at the 1989 Detroit Auto Show at the display. All the bells and whistles they added to the car were not my idea but some marketing plan to get kids interested. It took away from the seriousness of the concept of a city car that could go off road. I objected and they said I had no more say in it. GM never offer me the option to participate in designing, engineering or manufacturing the car. After requesting a transfered to the program and being denied, I decided to leave GM.

[@paxhumana2015]

Smashing a few stupid hollow skulls always seems to get the results that I want, and, if the stupid party does not get the message the first time, well, I will make damn sure that there is no second time for them to continue their stupidity.

[@kennethgalbraith9494]

Three concepts made production but only one would operate. The other two were clay only. The Stinger in green got rave reviews and was put in the 1989 Detroit Auto Show as the Pontiac Stinger.

[@muzzlevelocity2012]

The 80's were a crazy time to be alive.

[@heavyharris5580]

"Ladies and Gentlemen, join us as we go..." Bankrupt!

[@Josh-le6lu]

Where? AS WE GO WHERE!?

[@jltaco85]

as we go declare bankruptcy

[@elijahbrooks8589]

This 30 year old concept is still relevant damn

[@eleventhknight9744]

Not rolling this out is why Pontiac flatlined lmfao

[@DavidisNice]

This things was way ahead of its time. Too bad the only thing we got was that outhouse on wheels Aztek.

[@StewartLucrative]

I just found out about this car, I want one so bad!

[@johnnymason2460]

It's too bad the Pontiac Stinger was never produced! With a standard Quad 4 engine (2.3 liter dohc four- 160hp(automatic) or 180hp(manual)), it would have been an interesting vehicle for light off-road use(including going to the beach)!

[@JasonLijewski]

My middle school shop teacher showed us this video in 2002-2003 and related it to function over feature. Holy shit thank you for archiving this. Shouts out Mr Neilson and Laredo Middle School. and the insane pumpkin trebuchets

[@cflo1386]

Not gonna lie I want this car.

[@peterrwagner3289]

A garden hose? A garden hose. With all the crazy stuff this thing has I thought it going to turn into an SNL skit.

[@paxhumana2015]

There is a new kind of garden hose that would fit even better for this car if it ever became a production vehicle.

[@bobsilver3983]

04:17 If you made this rig just like that right now, it would sell, its actually pretty cool looking

[@SupermarketSweep777]

I asked my dad about the garden hose and gave a good point about it. To wash the sand off.

[@Erinski]

I love how they shoe-horned the late 80's fixer-upper painting trope into this.

[@Yusep27]

This car is so damn awesome and handy. I would've bought one in a heartbeat! Probably the only GM concept car that I ever would get. It is so amazing. But of course, GM is lazy and never brought it into production.

[@_Twink]

It was super expensive but marketed to young adults. The concept would have never worked. It was just a fancy Aztec after all, if you really love the idea find a used Aztec.

[@CalvinsWorldNews]

@@_Twink Except the Aztek looked like s*** and was just yet another minivan, shamefully sold under the same brand that once gave us the Trans-Am. Pontiac once meant something and this would have been cool. I'd buy it, just like I would buy an updated Solstice.

[@_Twink]

​@@CalvinsWorldNews The Pontiac aztec is a sport recreational vehicle that combines versatility with luxury to help manage an active life style. The center console can slide to the back the be accessible by rear passengers and doubled as a removable cooler! Optional rear passenger stereo controls in the cargo area, optional sliding cargo floor with grocery compartments, and optional camping package with an attachable tent and air mattress. The tailgate has 2 indents for seating and 3 cup holders. There's even rear adjustable speakers in the trunk. The trunk also has a built in air pump. Electronic level control and a Digital heads up display. The Pontiac aztec was ahead of it's time. At least it wasn't an Isuzu VehiCROSS xD

[@paxhumana2015]

@@_Twink , and yet even the VehiCROSS looked, as well as functioned, better than the Aztek!

[@paxhumana2015]

@@_Twink , says the person with your username.

[@ramairgto72]

This would fit in today.

[@KingRoseArchives]

I know -- a modern Meyers Manx. But the new Manx is pretty cool too.

[@HDnatureTV]

Pontiac would still be in business if they built and sold this car instead of the gutless Fiero. I think an affordable hybrid or full EV of this SUV/Sports car would sell well to the young crowd. Tesla should build something like this.

[@maxj9204]

wtf that thing is badass. it would make an AWESOME camping rig.

[@kennethgalbraith9494]

The suggestion Plan response was show us on a car. I submitted my old high school car drawings of a compact car/off road vehicle I called "The Stinger", "The Bubble Bee" and "The SunFire" after I pastel colored them in green (The Stinger), yellow (The BubbleBee) and orange (The SunFird). They liked it and asked me to submit it applied to the J and L Car plateform (Chevy Cavaleir, Pontiac SunBird, Chevrolet Beretta & Corsica). I did so and it was built.

[@jaredzaitz5184]

This was such a precursor to the aztek. The aztek sorta took on the same bright color styling while also encouraging outdoor activities. Cooler built in the console, speakers on the rear trunk door and controls. Built in tent, and tons of other built in "outdoorsy" utilities.

[@camerongardner4538]

But this was waaay more dakar rally sports car look, w 4in suspension adjust! Gaaah. Want.

[@brianadrian5148]

When the Aztec was out, there was a joke going around other car dealers: Q- What do you call two Aztek's on a Pontiac Dealers Lot? A- A lifetime supply.

[@lar4305]

such a cool car. build it again today.

[@bladder1010]

"toughened 4-wheel drive ruffian" I gonna have to use that one.

[@MrDeadInMyPocket]

Totally tubular dude.

[@cumhugs]

all the accessories lmao. garden hose? vacuum?

[@johnpeters7073]

The vacuum totally makes sense. The garden hose does not.

[@madmaxxxthen30-rwofficialm23]

@@johnpeters7073 uh a person who wants to water the park?😂😂

[@lancecraft]

Whatever, this thing is amazing. I would take it now

[@claypf4795]

We need more cars with built-in Dustbusters.

[@Colin-]

When you get into an accident... all of the tools, vacuums, stoves and shit come flying out of the door panels instead of airbags. Seems very safe!

[@MrNotebookguy]

woohoo lets go back to 80's or 90's :)))))

[@rwdplz1]

This DID eventually go into production after some major redesigns and, unfortunately, focus groups. The production model ended up being called the Aztek.

[@chadwarren9677]

rwdplz1 that hurt to learn that fact. Like someone steps in to stop a camping lifestyle. I've never understood why there isn't a buggy 4x4 car. Subaru did a similar modular skeletal kit approach. I want to have a scooter rental just for 1980 Honda MotoCompos. We should expect better now that we have better control consumer feedback. Why is crowdfunding doing what GM isn't?

[@rwdplz1]

"Why is crowdfunding doing what GM isn't?" Because they're still doing everything the way they did 40 years ago in the 70's when the bean counters took over.

[@paxhumana2015]

@@chadwarren9677 , maybe crowd funding can buy up GM and kick out the bean counters, unionists, corrupt non-union idiots, and envirotards and make internal combustion engine only vehicles without stupid hybrid or other such nonsense types of engines under the hood?

[@lucianciucioi7508]

With an amaizing 3 speed automatic!

[@isaacandrews6515]

Did these ever get put into production!? 2019 should look back at the ambition of these concepts and really step it up. I want a car with removable seats and picnic table!

[@camerongardner4538]

Beat rivian by 30+ yrs

[@jeremysmith9096]

4:53 is there a 10 mm socket in there

[@marke.5609]

This too was one of my own personal favs growing up.. I thought it was FUN FILLED and a great idea. The car didn't make it to production as we all know.. though I did influence a few things later on from bits and pieces. The main reason is that it is so MUCH a "niche" category that in the 1980-90s that was something which the big makers couldn't get their "full dollars" worth out of , as compared today they would be a bit more flexible to trying a newer smaller category given that it was SUPPORTED and based on a platform that was doing really well and the niche would be at the END of the run as the company tried to exhaust ALL the possibilities out of that particular platform. Unfortunately this was to stay just a concept car and not get to be fun for all the rest of us.

[@eldabio11]

Man I wish they would have made this!

[@richardkeller4650]

I’d buy one

[@l337pwnage]

A factory dune bug. Cool idea, but they would have known the Fed's would never allow that to be made.

[@regtwace]

I nearly shit myself at 5:00

[@bladder1010]

Luckily there's a garden hose.

[@Cement_Feathered_Bird]

i want to go to the excitement edge

[@johnc.6118]

*BAMF* Totally woulda purchased 1 of these rides!!!💯😎🤙🏻

[@junkautta3129]

At around two minutes (when this 'ruffian' plows onto the beach) it almost looks as though people are fleeing for their lives so as to not get run over.

[@madcurls9655]

What in the world! Makes you wonder why Pontiac didn't build it.

[@RetroKingOG]

Most of their concept cars are smart but this is ugly no doubt lol.

[@Jozavenue]

if they sell this now ,it would sell like hot cakes ,bring back summer .this was the real SUV , not like the shit they have now .

[@girlfriend677]

I'm not a big fan of dayglo colors, but the concept still looks pretty cool. And his pink shorts are just over the top.

[@KingRoseArchives]

I'm with you on that. For sure.

[@Viennery]

i want one!

[@thewiseguy3529]

Lol this song has me rolling 😂

[@ropro9817]

Pontiac: Update the design for 2025, make it electric and let's talk.

[@ExhumedWolf]

"Attitude Gyro" Lol

[@napoliansolo7865]

That would sure come in handy when jumping it off dunes.

[@darkmugetsu6572]

I see a bit of where my 97 camaros body design was inspired by lol

[@mattwhitmire4694]

hoylm shit gimmie a stinger! Loved when it came flying onto the beach full of people hahaha

[@Hollywoodbridge]

im sold

[@JJMCB26]

I used to have a Micro Machines version of that Pontiac.

[@vaibhavpatil4225]

Thanks for uploading...... Love from India

[@pontiacmaniac7772]

So many features

[@Swanlord05]

Bring Pontiac Back!!!

[@gregm9230]

"The Stinger is so good we don't have the guts to actually build it! " 😜

[@JAG.65]

OUTSTANDING...what were they smoking?...but wait...there's MORE...... !

[@bjcook6109]

Would have been awesome

[@achilleze]

uh... I want one!

[@adamr-4343]

it's 2023 and I still want this car. Just make it electric and give me digital gauges. But keep the neon green paint and 80s purple stinger font. Don't take away my tool kit, Portable Vacuum or garden hose either.

[@Mynameisnunyabusiness]

It’s 2024 I want one.

[@adamr-4343]

@@Mynameisnunyabusinessyea me too. Hell after having digital gauges in the last two cars now I’m ready for analog ones again.

[@IanMcc1000]

Those phones

[@elilevine2410]

The Asstec shoulda burned in hell on looks alone !!! The Stinger is rockin !!!

[@richardburchett]

They passed on this but still produced the Aztek??

[@UXXV]

I dont know why but it was the garden hose that made me think this was a bit of a stretch

[@IanMcc1000]

Make it a cheap EV.. with a few tweaks it would probably sell well! I wonder what the drag coefficient is with the hard top on?

[@madmaxxxthen30-rwofficialm23]

Imagine this thing was use in the future by the military during war time. They use the hose to attack their enemies instead of front mounted machine guns 😂

[@derek8161]

The one thing it's missing is a box of condoms in a special compartment.

[@nwilczyn]

soooo... probably considered an "engineering exercise" more than anything, right? I guess this is part of why actual cars cost what they do, to foot the bill for stuff like this that was probably never meant for the real market

[@TheHeart9]

I want one

[@kennethgalbraith9494]

The bumper system was being quoted and close to sourcing so I contacted the company and sought to work for them. About 6 months into the design/engineering stage, GM cancelled the project. Being a young, brash, arrogant, stubborn, foolish person, I continued plans to leave GM.

[@bobsilver3983]

Does the car have cassette player!

[@tropicthunder2395]

No but it features the smallest walkman cd player ever made. Smaller than an actual compact disc!

[@shokata9923]

This is the Pre-Rolls Royce Boat Tail with some camping features for this car.

[@moparpirate4628]

people of GM you didn't build the stinger but you did build the Aztec yeah I see this car the stinger and I love it and I'm a Mopar man I see the Aztec and I want to vomit I MEAN REALLY all I have to say GM when screw up you do it better than anyone else

[@KingRoseArchives]

Mopar pirate Once again, I have to come to the defense of the poor Aztec. Am I only one who liked it? It came from that same idea of making something that could be used by people who wanted an active life -- camping, going to the beach, etc. But the stylists did get sandbagged when it went from concept to production. And it wasn't sporty like the Stinger. Still think there's niche there for someone to build a vehicle that's suited for an active lifestyle but isn't a Jeep or a Land Rover or a Myers Manx. Would have to get great gas mileage too. But as they say, the best way to learn is to fail and GM, like other car makers does fail spectacularly from time to time. Keeps it interesting for the rest of us.

[@JZStudiosonline]

+King Rose Archives Actually I vaguely remember a documentary about the Aztec, and everyone involved basically did exactly what GM told them to do, and as such, it was a lot of hard work, and during every step along the way it failed every single test and GM kept pushing it. The Aztec was a failure in every sense.

[@RetroKingOG]

@@KingRoseArchives buddy compared to this the Aztek was a good design. This looked bad.... however if they came out with a different approach when they introduced the Aztek, like full body painted the same colour they may have still been around. The aztek shouldn't have come out with plastic bottom

[@CaliMeatWagon]

Shut up and take my money!

[@trishaannglynn7728]

Bring back the body style, and make it as an electric.

[@devinbiz]

It looks like what would now be an electric powered sporty vehicle

[@paragon84]

Is the narrator the same guy that did the narrating in the original Need For Speed games?. Sure sounds like it.

[@itzjoemama_]

why didn't this get into production? they should make this is 2019, but chevy would make it

[@SupermarketSweep777]

There is no clear reason why. Some suspicion falls on the bureaucratic hell that GM was at the time. But executives at Pontiac really did seem to want to put the car into production.

[@itzjoemama_]

@@SupermarketSweep777 thx

[@simwil1789]

i am going to build one

[@Bigbuddyandblue]

“Attitude Gyro”?