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GenVibe Michigan Rally 2003 Page: [1] The much anticipated GenVibe Michigan Rally was held at Joseph Pontiac in Fenton on June 28th, 2003. The turnout and weather could not have ended up better for the event. Primarily consisting of GenVibe members, this rally (or meet) was held to better acquaint our fellow owners and to see the work they have done on their Vibe (and Matrix) in person. This meet was the first of the many to come across the U.S. and Canada this year. The vehicles began pulling into Joseph Pontiac's lot around 9:30am that morning. For most members, there was an initial hurried pace over to the not ONE, but TWO Fully-Functional Supercharged Vibes gratefully delivered by GM for our rally. From inspecting the numerous Cold Air Intake applications to the wide variety of Aftermarket Exhaust Systems sported by the members, the 7 odd hours seemed to fly by in no time. We all were very surprised (and excited) to see a visit to the rally by Jeff Strausser, the Vibe Brand Quality Manager at GM, whom had the honor of delivering our second Supercharged Vibe. Jeff spent most of his time deluging us in his wealth of Vibe knowledge and having his brain picked by mostly all of the members. Jeff was also able to line up members whom were having minor individualized problems with their Vibes to be fixed upon return to their dealer. Joseph Pontiac also had their own custom "Silver Series" Satellite Vibe on display during the rally. This model was sporting stylish leather seats as well as larger chromed wheels. We know many have and are waiting patiently for the release of the Supercharger to the public. We were able to learn that the release may be upon us within a few weeks as final wrap-ups are performed. As with all dates in the past, this isn't set in stone but looks the most promising out of all the previous dates given. As previously mentioned, we were graced with the presence of TWO Supercharged Vibes for the rally. One driven by Jeff and the other delivered the day before to be used as a test drive vehicle. Unfortunately, due to insurance liabilities, no one except for GM-employees on hand at the rally were able to drive the Vibe but that did not limit us to feeling the added power from the Supercharger (S/C). Reactions to the S/C compared to a base vehicle were varied by member; many relate this due to the fact the S/C delivered was mated to an automatic transmission rather than a more power-controllable manual 5-speed transmission. Regardless, many felt and liked the increased power, so the price (TBD) for the package will probably sway each person their own way as they compare the price-to-performance gain from the S/C. With the S/C Vibe test drives ongoing, members were able to mingle and soak in the sights of having roughly 30 stock and modified Vibes (and 1 Matrix) all in one location. The ability to mix people of a completely wide age spectrum combined with the love of the Vibe (and Matrix) only enhanced the already euphoirc atmosphere at the rally. Many of the individual opinions from the rally are currently being discussed in the Forums. Links to specific threads will be provided at the end of this article. During the rally, we had the pleasure of watching a replacement of the weak stock horn with new Supertone Hella Horns. Just hope you don't pull out infront of a Vibe with these bad-boys! Also, our lone Matrix participant had his four chromed door handles (standard on the Matrix but not the Vibe) swapped with a Vibes four flat black door handles. I would also note that our Matrix owner was sporting an XRS model (180-HP) with an Automatic Transmission, a rare model of the Matrix family (non-existent on the Vibe) as this was only a limited offering for the 2003 model year. After many of the remaining approximately 15 members felt the need for dinner, we all packed up and headed down the street to the nearby Applebee's. Fortunately for us, we had convenient parking where almost everyone could park next to one another. This was definitely a site to see (pics on right side) and drew quite the attention of passer-bys! It was here where we could all enjoy a bite to eat and to discuss the days events of what we learned and thought about all the happenings. Our group gradually disbanded to return home or to nearby hotels after eating. Expressing thanks and handshakes, we concluded the GenVibe Michigan Rally. There are many to thank for the coordination and hard work preparing for this rally. GenVibe coordination was primarily performed by "Triton GT" (profile), "rasermon" (profile), "silverawd26" (profile), and fellow GM employee and GenVibe member "Hawke" (profile) for hooking us up with the much anticipated S/C Vibe. The awesome vehicle placards were designed by "CaCathy13" (profile) and looked great on all the vehicles. Representing the Vibe from GM, Jeff Strausser (mentioned earlier in the article) for the onhand knowledge, support, and second S/C Vibe. Hani, another GM rep, was also on hand for the rally. For providing the excellent real estate for the rally to take place, more thanks goes out Joseph Pontiac, of Fenton, MI... And of course all the members who were able to attend the meet and make what has transpired possible! Be sure to check out the Images section in the right hand column of this article for a closer look at the rally. We are also currently in discussion of the rally in the Forums. Specifically, you can access these threads by clicking here and here. In conclusion, the success of this rally will lead to many other successfull ones in the near future. Be sure to join us over in the Forums to find out if a rally is planned for your area or if you are interested in organizing one yourself! If you aren't currently a member of the GenVibe community, head on over to the Forums and register today!
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Rally Images > Click for Additional Photos!
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