For now, at least, the Pontiac dealership will offer just one model: the Pontiac Solstice GXP. But you can have it in any color you want. And we do mean any color. Stripes, spots, plaid, purple daisies. No problem.

Surrounding the dealership will be Motorati Island, 96 virtual acres which GM has bought and will give away, lot by lot, in "land grants" to Second Life members interested in building car-culture oriented business. Some ideas include drive-in theaters, car customizing shops and restaurants with in-car dining service.

There will be no repair shops. "I would hope you wouldn't have a virtual breakdown of a virtual vehicle," said Pontiac Spokesman Jim Hopson.

With Motorati Island, Pontiac hopes to develop the nascent "car culture" within the Second Life community, said Pontiac Spokesman Jim Hopson.

Potential Second Life entrepreneurs can submit ideas at the Web site Motoratilfe.com and there is no need for the ideas to have anything to do with Pontiac in particular, said Hopson. It just has to involve cars.

"The potential of this is rather staggering," he said.