Thoughts about Pontiac Solstice?

[stillmatic]

I was shopping for a new car online and came across this.
http://www.pontiac.com/solstice/index.jsp

Pontiac Solstice
Retails for 20k
Convertible RWD, 5spd, lsd
177hp with 166 ft/lbs torque
Independent front and rear susp
18" wheels, 2800lbs curb weight

http://www.pontiac.com/images/gallery/solstice/sm_image1_lrg.jpg
http://www.pontiac.com/images/gallery/solstice/sm_image19_lrg.jpg
http://www.pontiac.com/images/gallery/solstice/sm_image3_lrg.jpg


What do you guys think? I wasn't aware Pontiac had a car like this in production.

[big_schaf]

I dont really care for it but thats my opinion

[Phlip]

I thought it was a sexy automobile from the first time I saw it last year, my best friend works for a Chevy dealer that does pre-delivery inspections for most of the GM dealers in a 5-10 mile radius around their shop, says it is a decently solid automobile, especially for what it costs.

[TokyoNights]

Rhys is driving one in next years formula d

[s14dr1ft3r]

damn...another domestic car that'll probably dominate Formula D...especially with Rhys driving. lets hope it takes a year or more to work the bugs out of it like the GTO did. We need to give the Japanese cars a chance.

[SimpleS14]

What do you guys think? I wasn't aware Pontiac had a car like this in production.

I really like the car, very good overall package. If only GM can jazz up the rest of Pontiac's line-up.

If you weren't aware of this car...I'm guessing you weren't aware of the Saturn Sky...

http://www.saturn.com/saturn/showroom/future_vehicles/SKY_cockpit.jpg

http://www.saturn.com/saturn/showroom/future_vehicles/SKY_guages.jpg

http://www.saturn.com/saturn/showroom/future_vehicles/SKY_scenic.jpg

http://www.saturn.com/saturn/showroom/future_vehicles/SKY_beauty.jpg

http://www.saturn.com/saturn/showroom/future_vehicles/SKY_profile2.jpg

http://www.saturn.com/saturn/showroom/future_vehicles/SKY_scenic2.jpg

http://www.saturn.com/saturn/vehicles/futurevehicles/sky_hi/index.jsp

Very appealing car....esspecially coming from GM. Unlike Pontiac...GM has plans to jazz up the Saturn line-up. Essentially bring over Opel cars from Europe.

[stillmatic]

I really like the car, very good overall package. If only GM can jazz up the rest of Pontiac's line-up.

If you weren't aware of this car...I'm guessing you weren't aware of the Saturn Sky...

It looks like the same car except under a different brand.

[wootwoot]

I think the Sky looks better

[Codz93]

Buy a Miata, its tried tested and true. Been around since 89 and has never disappointed. The new look miata is sweet all around. I'm a little bias though cause I love nissan and mazda.

[exitspeed]

Sky>Solstice x100000000000000


DAMN DAMN DAMN that Sky is sex!

That rear profile just says fuck me like a pornstar!

[Ghettokracker71]

I love the sky,but hate saturn. I forgot what chassis its on,but like the GTO they brought over a euro car and americanized it (well?FOr those who didn't know,all the GTO is,is a Holden Marono from the aussie land)

Its a hard call. My miata shitted out some parts that weren't cheap,or that you easily come by,so I had to get rid of it. Me and miatas just don't get along. The new miata has better weight distribution IIRC than the sky or solstice..

[exitspeed]

(well?FOr those who didn't know,all the GTO is,is a Holden Marono from the aussie land)

..


What does that have to do with the price of tea in China? :loco:

[TheSnail]

I like the Solstice, and I think it looks better then the Sky.I remember seeing the Solstice concept 3 years ago and on the same page was the Dodge Razor concept. Does anyone know if they are going to go through with the razor?

[Ghettokracker71]

What does that have to do with the price og tea in China? :loco:

haha my point is that it might actually be a decent car because its based of a euro chassis and that I'm really not impressed with the other USDM choices from saturn and pontiac with the exception of this,and the pontiac GTO(anything with an LS1 :yum: )

[exitspeed]

I like the Solstice, and I think it looks better then the Sky.I remember seeing the Solstice concept 3 years ago and on the same page was the Dodge Razor concept. Does anyone know if they are going to go through with the razor?

I havn't heard actually. I would assume it would be an easy move on their part. It would be on the same platform as the Crossfire.

[SimpleS14]

It looks like the same car except under a different brand.


Well it is the same platform...but the sheetmetal and interior are different...and the Sky cost more with more standard features.

[TheSnail]

I just looked at the razor to refresh my memory of it. It's aahhh so-so. Im almost felling it. I do like the fact it does not come with a radio, but thats got to be the most hideous gauge cluster I have seen. And their "razor" scooter marketing scheme was gay to.



http://www.carphotoalbums.com/photos/data/655/11razor-med.jpg


http://www.edmunds.com/media/2002/naias/dodge.razor.int.500.jpg

[exitspeed]

Well it is the same platform...but the sheetmetal and interior are different...and the Sky cost more with more standard features.


And the Sky is gonna be availibel with the turbocharged engine first... :yum:

[TheSnail]

But isnt there the $15k 400hp v8 option for the Solstice? Does the sky have the same option?

[exitspeed]

haha my point is that it might actually be a decent car because its based of a euro chassis and that I'm really not impressed with the other USDM choices from saturn and pontiac with the exception of this,and the pontiac GTO(anything with an LS1 :yum: )

Ageed. My father and grandfather both retired from GM (my dad just last month) and most everyone in my family buys GM products. I however don't. I did buy a brand new grand am gt in 99 (gone) but since that thing was such a pile I havn't went back to GM since. It's mostly because they have nothing inspiring(at least in my price range. I would rawk a CTS or a C6 anyday) until this Sky. I dunno if it's enough to make me go back in debt though.

[exitspeed]

But isnt there the $15k 400hp v8 option for the Solstice? Does the sky have the same option?

That's not an "option" as much as it is a company having the ability to mod the car that way. You can't go into a dealership and say "I want one of those V8 Solstice's"

6 months after the production of the Saturn SKY, GM will introduce a Saturn SKY Redline, which will be powered by a turbocharged 253HP 2.0L Ecotec engine. 250HP!

[SimpleS14]

And the Sky is gonna be availibel with the turbocharged engine first... :yum:


Are you sure about that? I've only seen prototypes for the Solstice...

http://www.thecarconnection.com/Enthusiasts/Spy_Shots/Spy_Shots_07_Pontiac_Solstice_Turbo.S178.A9269.htm l

http://www.autoweek.com/files/specials/galleries/turbo911andsolstice/images/05.jpg

http://www.autoweek.com/files/specials/galleries/turbo911andsolstice/images/06.jpg

http://www.autoweek.com/files/specials/galleries/turbo911andsolstice/images/07.jpg

http://www.autoweek.com/files/specials/galleries/turbo911andsolstice/images/08.jpg

With the 2006 Pontiac Solstice roadster due this fall, we're already getting word that the hotted-up version is nearing completion. Though General Motors tested both supercharged and turbocharged versions of the 2.0-liter Ecotec four-cylinder, our spies tell us the General has settled on an intercooled turbo to push the base Solstice engine to 250 hp. We'll see the high-performance turbo-powered Solstice GXP, with dual exhaust and a six-speed manual tranny, on sale next year as a 2007 model.

[TheSnail]

The razor also has a turbo version and if I remeber correctly they are using the PT cruiser turbo engine.

On the side note, erase Razor from the upcoming decent compact domestics. I now see why there is a hold on production, as well as the lack of rear shots of the car on the net.

http://caroconcept.free.fr/images/photos_voitures/dodge_razor_2_g.jpg

[exitspeed]

Are you sure about that? I've only seen prototypes for the Solstice...

]

Pretty sure. It's been GM's plan for awhile. We'll see though. Who knows really. I wish I was in the industry though. Man I wish I lived in Detroit. but the I go there every year and realize how shitty it is and then am glad I don't live there. :doh:

[exitspeed]

The razor also has a turbo version and if I remeber correctly they are using the PT cruiser turbo engine.

On the side note, erase Razor from the upcoming decent compact domestics. I now see why there is a hold on production, as well as the lack of rear shots of the car on the net.

http://caroconcept.free.fr/images/photos_voitures/dodge_razor_2_g.jpg


That rear=crossfire all the way.

[OptionZero]

They both look pretty good, and rwd, HLSD, 5spd, and turbo are REALLY freakin good ingredients....that are hard to fuck up.

Hopefully the turbo version stays under 3000lbs.

[exitspeed]

Look at the rear fenders! So fresh!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v491/exitspeed/sky.jpg

[420sx]

SKY is definately one sexy mofo..... even your faggot ass girlfriend's truck-drivin bro would like one.

[MadScientist]

Solstice and Sky are the same chassis (GM makes Saturn & Pontiac)
They both have very nice desgins... Sky deffinatly has OPAL inspired lines... In fact, it IS an OPAL:
http://vauxhall.co.uk/assets/futureModels/hz_pic_VXLightning.jpg
The VX Lightning is a two-seater roadster based on the same technical foundation as the Pontiac concept Solstice, first seen at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Vauxhall's roadster concept, however, has been designed for British tastes, at GM's UK Advanced Design Studio in the Midlands.

Under the long bonnet of the VX Lightning is a new version of Vauxhall's all aluminium 2.2 ECOTEC engine, reworked with a supercharger to produce a maximum power of 240hp and 305Nm of torque.

A six-speed manual gearbox is mated to the new engine, which drives the rear wheels. The chassis incorporates independent suspension, the front end using a simple and reliable strut configuration with a rack and pinion steering.

At the rear, the independent suspension is all aluminium for weight saving. Overall, the car manages a near perfect 50:50 weight distribution for the best in handling and agility.

Designed in the UK, the VX Lightning is a classically proportioned sports car with a long bonnet and short rear overhang. There are also some subtle echoes of the past, including the rollover hoops sculptured into the rear deck and bodywork which flows down into the cabin. Inside, deeply sculptured seats are finished in black and red leather, while red leather has also been used to trim the sweeping dashboard.

Fitting for a car with the presence of the VX Lightning, it sits on 19inch alloy wheels at the front (fitted with 245/35 Michelin Pilot tyres) while at the rear massive 20-inch alloys are fitted with 255/35 tyres.

There are currently no plans to build the VX Lightning concept, however we will be closely monitoring public reaction to this great new car.

Read the press release

VX Lightning - Technical Specifications

Body/chassis structure Unique GM platform, based on the Solstice, with front engine and rear-wheel drive.
Body material Composite
Chassis material All steel, unibody
Suspension 4-wheel independent, strut front, adjustable for rate and travel
Wheels Machined aluminium
Front - 19 x 8.5 in.
Rear - 20 x 9 in.
Tyres Front - Michelin Pilot 245/35R19
Rear - Michelin Pilot 255/35R20
Brakes 4-wheel disc power
Powertrain Engine - modified, supercharged EcoTec L850 2.2L 4-cylinder
Engine displacement (cu. in/cc) - 134/2200
Max. Horsepower (hp/kw): 240/179
Max. Torque (lb-ft/Nm): 225/305
Transmission GM T56, six-speed manual (5th/6th gears overdrive).
Dimensions Height (in/mm) - 45.0/1140
Length (in/mm) - 153.1/4100
Width (in/mm) - 71/1808 (1908mm inc. mirrors)
Wheelbase (in/mm) - 95/2415
Track (in/mm) - front - 60.3/15, rear - 60.5/1537
Weight (lbs/kg) - 2900/1318

The Solstice reminds me of the TVR Tamora.
http://www.tiscali.co.uk/motoring/roadtests/images/rt03tamora01.jpg

Dodge = :Owned:

Peace
Drew

[exitspeed]

http://vauxhall.co.uk/assets/futureModels/hz_pic_VXLightning.jpg




Man that is one awsome shot right there...

[TheWolf]

I have seen many pics of both but I believe the top is a manual top. have never seen any power top vids even on the aprentice when they featured the soltice.

[Ghettokracker71]

I have seen many pics of both but I believe the top is a manual top. have never seen any power top vids even on the aprentice when they featured the soltice.

I hope its a manual top! I don't like power tops,just more shit to get wet/break right when it storms and you can't get the motherfucker up and your wearing your best outfit because your taking your fiancee to dinner,and shes pissed because her dress is soaked....

Back when I used to roll a miata I used to open the fucking top going down the road/hwy/whatever haha...until somebody told me how bad it was for the top

[nistech]

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=12&article_id=657

[codyace]

It's a cool little car, and a novel idea, however not new as many of us have pointed out.


THe idea is great too behind it, as it reminds me alot of the MR2 and MRS in terms of performance, handling and features. Not sure about oyu guys, but I'd MUCH rather have a MR2 than that thign...

[OptionZero]

1. Solstice is not MR.
2. They don't make the MR2 anymore, and you can't go comparing used car no longer produced with new car.
3. At least one magazine has done head to head with Solstice v Miata, and the Solstice won (wutever that counts for.
4. New miata is not the same as the old miata, it's heavier and not as "tossable". The convertible market is moving upwards, so pretty much everything is bulkier and less go-kart like.
5. Turbo version from the factory coming soon...

The only thing that can fuck up the Solstice is if build quality is absolute crap.

[RaidenKing]

I like the solstice, I didn't at first but it grows on you.

Also, seeing it in person is 929589127 times better than seeing it in pictures. My father recently picked one up and all I can say is the car is pure sex up close. The nice thick wheels add to it as well. Too bad it isn't more powerful (its an absolute slug compared to the 240)

[TougeRacing]

not that bad lookin, but in person it looks really cheap, the holes/grill/diffuser thing in the rear bumper arent functional either, theyre solid behind it.

[SochBAT]

It was car and driver that did the head to head comparison on the Miata and Solstice. IIRC, the miata won somehow, even tho the Solstice had better handling than the Miata.

But even still, i love the Miata.

Lets karting!

[TheWolf]

finally got to sit in one... manual top takes all your trunk space.. battery is behind front quarter fender in never never land. hope you never have to change it.. it honestly might require the front quarter panel to come off. and unless you've got short legs.. anything over 6' ain't fitting in it. and the solstice atleast feels like it ooozes plastic... nice but overly plasticy.. nice car wish they made a nicer version with leather and wood accents. with the top up you should feel claustraphobic

[SilviaNinja240]

looks pretty cool, but I think kinda slow for 20k

[OptionZero]

how many sub 20k new cars are "faster" in America?

[BobbyBoy]

I'll throw in my two cents since I know a thing or two about the vehicles since my father is a GM engineer, and I actually have a redline sky preordered. (yes you can preorder cars that arent even publically released given good solid behind the scenes intel ;)

I actually got to drive both the Sky and the Solstice at the GM tech center back home in Detroit in mid January. The both drive the same. The NA cars are slow, but with another 80-90 HP in the Turbo models, you should have Evo-like acceleration.

VERY solid feel, dont even compare a C5 vette to this level of build quality. The sky is much better finished than the solstice, more refined. The pontiac is well very pontiac-ish on the interior, that why I opted for the sky with its edge styling vs the solstices bubbly design.

Turbo model for the Solstice is the GXP rated at 260 (at least thats what the said at NAIAS where it debuted) Turbo model for the SKy will be the Redline.
2.4L Ecotec (unkown whether the motor is intercooled)

I fit fine in both and I am 6ft.

[Omarius Maximus]

They track tested the miata in Japan in Best Motoring and it didn't even compare to the older model. It goes faster in a straight line but it's highly unstable. I like the Solstice and Sky. In fact they truly are better cars than the miata. It sucks that they weigh more though. It'll be nice to see turbo versions since the SRT-4 has been discontinued. That was the fastest affordable domestic. Can't argue with 13 second quarter mile times(on a good day)