Author
|
Topic: Pontiac SOLSTICE coming soon to a dealer near you
|
GenoTex Prowler Junkie Posts: 8492 From: Oakfield, WI, USA Registered: MAR 2002
|
posted 01-20-2005 01:01 AM
2006 Pontiac Solstice On Sale: Late summer 2005 Expected Pricing: $19,995
According to the Guinness Book of Records the Mazda Miata is the world's top selling sports car. That's not surprising as it's an affordable, fun, real sports car. However, it could lose its title within a couple of years to a Pontiac. A Pontiac, you ask? Yes, the Pontiac Solstice. A couple of years ago one of the best concept cars unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit was the Pontiac Solstice. It was conceived by Bob Lutz, soon after he'd been hired by General Motors to help turn around the auto giant's so-so line of cars and trucks. Amazingly for GM, it managed to design and build the working concept roadster in less than four months using a variety of parts culled from several cars and even an SUV. Nobody really thought the Solstice would ever see the light of day as a production vehicle, more than anything because it was not built using a platform already in production. It was a small, two-seat, rear-wheel-drive sports car. All the other small cars in GM's extensive portfolio were front-wheel drive. In addition there were no plans at the time to build a rear-drive platform for small cars. Plus, it was so cute. No one expected anything like this from GM. So it's no wonder the news that Pontiac is going ahead with the Solstice was greeted with great enthusiasm at the 2004 Detroit show. What's even more surprising is that GM gave the go-ahead to develop an all-new rear-drive platform, called Kappa. It features state-of-the-art full-length hydroformed frame rails with a stamped-steel structural tunnel to provide a solid structure. Initially the Kappa architecture will be unique to the Solstice, but it may well spawn other small sporty rear-wheel-drive cars in the future. To all intents and purposes the Solstice is GM's answer to the highly regarded Honda S2000 roadster as well as the Mazda Miata. Just check the dimensions and specs. The Solstice's wheelbase is 6 inches longer than the Miata's but its overall length is less than 2 inches greater. Although it's 5 inches shorter than the S2000, its wheelbase is almost an inch longer. The Solstice is powered by GM's four-cylinder 2.4-liter Ecotec engine that produces 170 horsepower compared to just 140 in the Miata. However, it is 400 pounds heavier than the Miata, closer in weight to the S2000. Honda's S2000 is powered by a 240-horsepower engine, but its torque rating is slightly lower: 161 pounds-feet vs. the Pontiac's 170 pounds-feet. Torque is that force that propels you from intersections and up hills. Consequently, the real-world performance of the Solstice appears to be closer to the S2000's than to the Miata's. We shall see. One of the most attractive aspects of the Solstice is its curvaceous looks. There's hardly a straight line or crease on the body. That's fine for a one-off concept car but it's difficult to recreate for a production model. GM engineers have managed to keep the concept's curves intact by using the latest hydroforming fabrication process, which has not yet been applied to a production car. (Hydroforming uses extremely high water pressure to form metal into highly rigid complex shapes.) Even the concept's clamshell hinged hood and trunk have been retained in the production model, giving the car a look unlike any other car on the road. Indeed, it was almost impossible to tell the production and concept models apart at the 2004 Detroit show where they were displayed near each other. One big advantage to the rear clamshell trunk lid is that the roof can be totally hidden in the trunk without as much as a seal giving a hint to its whereabouts. Similarly, the front hood's clamshell design avoids unsightly gaps along the top edge of the fenders. The car's clean lines are further enhanced by having the wheels pushed out to the corners, resulting in short front and rear overhangs. The 18-inch wheels on the Solstice, compared to 16-inch wheels on the Miata, make the Pontiac look even sportier. They should also improve the handling, assuming the chassis engineers do a good job tweaking the independent suspension. The track (the distance between the left and right wheels) is considerably wider than it is on the Miata or S2000. A wide track gives cars stable handling and more interior space. Solstice designers have taken styling cues from the exterior and continued the theme inside using the body color as part of a two-tone finish. The console and instrument pod envelope the driver. The gearshift is positioned so it falls to hand easily. Initially, the Solstice will only be available with a five-speed manual transmission. Good news for true sports car fans. Solstice's reason d'etre is best summed up by Bob Lutz, GM's vice chairman of product development: "True to the thinking behind the original concept, the production Solstice is all about being a back-to-basics roadster with gorgeous lines and fun-to-drive characteristics." Hard to fault the reasoning or the result. And the sticker price is expected to be less than that of any rival: about $2,000 lower than a Miata and $13,000 less than an S2000. The worst thing about the Solstice? You're going to have to wait until late summer 2005 before you can buy one!
|
ed monahan Prowler Junkie Posts: 33595 From: Cincinnati, OH Registered: JUL 2000
|
posted 01-20-2005 01:51 AM
Geno, are they saying more Miatas than Vettes? What year was the first Miata?
|
Chromer Prowler Junkie Posts: 2723 From: Denver, Colorado, USA Registered: DEC 2000
|
posted 01-20-2005 04:22 AM
Very nice! I love the contours behind the seats in the deck lid. Great looking car! If the performance and reliability are there...Pontiac should sell a lot of them
|
butchcee Prowler Junkie Posts: 7476 From: Lake Ariel, Pa. Registered: SEP 2000
|
posted 01-20-2005 06:39 AM
Cute car. Quite a project. I wonder what expected sales are? Might do better in a european market. Where's the bumpers?
|
ALLEY CAT Prowler Junkie Posts: 36093 From: Mesa, Az Registered: JUL 2000
|
posted 01-20-2005 07:35 AM
Just like everything else,,,I've heard a higher HP version will be available in the second year of production. I believe they are making another car on this platform with a different look,,,,going to the Saturn line to boost their sagging sales?I predict dealer gouge.
|
Black Tie 161 Prowler Junkie Posts: 3563 From: MD, USA Registered: JUL 2002
|
posted 01-20-2005 08:05 AM
I remember the story of that car....the coolest thing about it was when Bob Lutz cut through all the red tape so they could build it so fast....I think they weren't even shooting for a working model for the first show, but with no BS to cut through, they got a running model for the show.The car will do very well....
|
jmcant1 Prowler Junkie Posts: 1037 From: DFW Registered: AUG 2000
|
posted 01-20-2005 10:46 AM
quote: Originally posted by ed monahan: Geno, are they saying more Miatas than Vettes? What year was the first Miata?
First year Miata was 1990. - Mike
|
01Prowler Prowler Junkie Posts: 5068 From: Dallas, TX Registered: OCT 2012
|
posted 01-20-2005 11:02 AM
I prefer the Saturn Sky version for 2006.... The interior is great! Especially for a saturn....
|
Gary Archer Prowler Junkie Posts: 816 From: Taylorsville,KY (Louisville) Registered: JAN 2002
|
posted 01-20-2005 11:27 AM
quote:
I prefer the Saturn Sky version for 2006.... The interior is great! Especially for a saturn....
Me too!! Both look pretty nice. ------------------ Gary Archer 02 Gold
|
Dustis unregistered Posts: 816 From: Taylorsville,KY (Louisville) Registered: JAN 2002
|
posted 01-20-2005 11:44 AM
I agree, both models looks pretty good, especially considering the price !!
|
BeWare Prowler Junkie Posts: 18511 From: Acworth,GA,USA Registered: JUL 2000
|
posted 01-20-2005 04:13 PM
I Like both of them. The Honda S2000 is a pretty quick car so this should move out really good.
|
Tom Santella Prowler Junkie Posts: 1484 From: Sandy Hook Ct. USA Registered: DEC 2002
|
posted 01-20-2005 04:39 PM
I think I like the Saturn version also. Like Butchee said, where are the bumpers?------------------ BackinBlack
|
halicat unregistered Posts: 1484 From: Sandy Hook Ct. USA Registered: DEC 2002
|
posted 01-20-2005 05:29 PM
i really like the saturn... had one , very dependable and good on gas...
|
tangled up in BLUE Prowler Junkie Posts: 11086 From: New Castle, Ind Registered: DEC 2000
|
posted 01-20-2005 07:35 PM
...looked one over at the Detroit Auto Show today.....nice....should sell very well.....coupe planned for following year(according to Miss Spokesmodel)...not alot of engine, but it is a small car....
|
ed monahan Prowler Junkie Posts: 33595 From: Cincinnati, OH Registered: JUL 2000
|
posted 01-20-2005 09:35 PM
Thanks Mike.
|
CTProwler Prowler Junkie Posts: 3915 From: Sherman CT USA Registered: NOV 2002
|
posted 01-22-2005 11:33 PM
Miata---I read somewhere that only women and Gay Guys own them--- I Really did! I wouldn't fit in one and would look like a jerk. A guy I know and by the way he isn't gay, has one. If you think its hard getting in a prowler with the top up try a miata! Not for me!------------------
|
GenoTex Prowler Junkie Posts: 8492 From: Oakfield, WI, USA Registered: MAR 2002
|
posted 01-23-2005 12:23 AM
Nice lookin' Saturn !
|
toys Prowler Junkie Posts: 3818 From: kensington Conn, USA Registered: DEC 2003
|
posted 01-23-2005 06:12 AM
Are there any Pics out there of them with the Top up???? Toys
|
halicat unregistered Posts: 3818 From: kensington Conn, USA Registered: DEC 2003
|
posted 01-23-2005 06:24 AM
i've never seen a photo of a solstice with the top up... do they have tops ? or are they horribly ugly with the top ...just wondering ??? its a nice style, but to small for me... i drove the crossfire and couldn't wait to get out... especially when i racked my head on the window frame doing a sharp turn take off... hey the dealer told me to try it !!! it was light yellow with a white top.....this was stimulating my gag reflex..
|
akadvs1 Prowler Junkie Posts: 385 From: Warren, Michigan, USA Registered: JUL 2002
|
posted 01-23-2005 08:11 AM
Nice looking cars for the price. Might find some space at home for the Pontiac.
|
BeWare Prowler Junkie Posts: 18511 From: Acworth,GA,USA Registered: JUL 2000
|
posted 01-23-2005 09:47 AM
I must be in the minority. I like the Crossfire.
|
halicat unregistered Posts: 18511 From: Acworth,GA,USA Registered: JUL 2000
|
posted 01-23-2005 10:03 AM
the black crossfire i have seen didn't even look like a crossfire...much better than the pale yellow one... i like the crossfire , its just that it doesn't fit me...
|
ALLEY CAT Prowler Junkie Posts: 36093 From: Mesa, Az Registered: JUL 2000
|
posted 01-23-2005 10:05 AM
The Crossfire Roadster is really a nice ride,,,,,,,its just that new yellow color that Halicat was talking about makes one ill. I'd like to test a SRT6 model JMO
|
halicat unregistered Posts: 36093 From: Mesa, Az Registered: JUL 2000
|
posted 01-23-2005 10:09 AM
anyone hear what the saturn sky will be selling for ?the more i look at it....the more i like it....picture it black....oh yea !
|
01Prowler Prowler Junkie Posts: 5068 From: Dallas, TX Registered: OCT 2012
|
posted 01-23-2005 10:51 AM
Less than $25k
|