Hoping to introduce a new kind of spice to the auto scene, Pontiac unveiled its concept car, the Salsa in 1992. Conceived and created under the direction of Terry Henline at GM’s Advanced Concepts Center in Southern California, the 2+3 passenger Salsa was a versatile fun-runner that could be configured as a targa convertible, open/closed hatchback, mini-pickup, or panel delivery truck. According to Henline, ,”The car was absolutely designed from the inside out, and we based its size on the amount of room needed for three-across seating.” Attempting to infuse a southwestern flavor, he and his associates set off the flashy little sportabout’s fluorescent orange exterior with a passenger compartment in terracotta and dark brown with bright teal accents.
Mechanically, the Salsa used a 1.5-liuter DOHC four to drive its front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. Although it was only 155.6 inches long (the same size as the NA Miata) and built on a 98.0-inch wheelbase, the Salsa had a relatively wide 63.0-inch front and rear track, the better to maximize dynamic stability, as well as interior room. Front suspension was Mac-Struts, while the rear wheels are linked to a compact twist beam axle with trailing arms. Due to the variable loading conditions possible, a ride height adjuster was also factored into the mix, as were power assisted rack adn pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes.
Among the many production oriented features found in the Salsa’s futuristic all-weather interior were a driver-side airbag, a unique motorized lap/shoulder belt system for the front passenger, and an AM/FM stereo with CD player. While Pontiac General Manager John Middlebrook admitted no immediate plan for a volume build, he and a number of others would closely monitor crowd response the Salsa generated during its appearances at various motor shows during the 1992 model year. “We feel it’s the kind of vehicle that can compete with many sports cars, small coupes, sedans, and light-duty trucks, yet provide a more efficient and fun alternative than any of those by themselves.”
Hoping to introduce a new kind of spice to the auto scene, Pontiac unveiled its concept car, the Salsa in 1992. Conceived and created under the direction of Terry Henline at GM’s Advanced Concepts Center in Southern California, the 2+3 passenger Salsa was a versatile fun-runner that could be configured as a targa convertible, open/closed hatchback, mini-pickup, or panel delivery truck. According to Henline, ,”The car was absolutely designed from the inside out, and we based its size on the amount of room needed for three-across seating.” Attempting to infuse a southwestern flavor, 
he and his associates set off the flashy little sportabout’s fluorescent orange exterior with a passenger compartment in terracotta and dark brown with bright teal accents.
Among the many production oriented features found in the Salsa’s futuristic all-weather interior were a driver-side airbag, a unique motorized lap/shoulder belt system for the front passenger, and an AM/FM stereo with CD player. While Pontiac General Manager John Middlebrook admitted no immediate plan for a volume build, he and a number of others would closely monitor crowd response the Salsa generated during its appearances at various motor shows during the 1992 model year. “We feel it’s the kind of vehicle that can compete with many sports cars, small coupes, sedans, and light-duty trucks, yet provide a more efficient and fun alternative than any of those by themselves.”
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