2006 Pontiac Solstice Roadster

[The359]

The first of Lutz's dream car concepts becomes a reality. Built on GM's new Kappa platform (also seen on the Chevrolet Nomad concept and Saturn Curve concept), the Solstice is powered by a 170hp 2.4L Ecotec driving the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual. The roof is a manual ragtop, and the car ride son 18" wheels.

To save cost and keep the Solstice around $20,000, many things from other GM cars were borrowed. The taillamps are from a GMC Envoy, the transmission is from Subaru, the engine is used throughout GM, and the seats are from the Corvette.

The rear-wheel drive Kappa platform is planned to be used on other GM brands as well.

 

[Viper_Maniac]

OMG. That car looks badass.

 

[-Fred-]

That thing's got mad camber... and those 18's look so damned small. Finally a GM interior that doesn't look like crap, too. 👍

 

[Ethix101]

I like the interior and I like the rear end, but the front end just looks goofy.


-Mark

 

[Takumi Fujiwara]

The car is actually pretty cool. I just wis they'd give up on that smooth rounded front that they've been pushing. It looks wierd, like a person with no nose or something.

 

[Race Idiot]

If it was MR i'd say it's the American version of the VX220, seeing as it isn't, I won't.

Although it is a new small (ish) RWD car.

 

[VIPFREAK]

Not bad especially coming from Pontiac and then again GM, very out of character. The interior looks nice too.

Nick

 

[Ethix101]

I'm just wondering how much a 5mph fender bender would cost to repair with that front end. It'd probably be ridiculously expensive.


-Mark

 

[lsk8er]

It looks cool but they really need to ditch their signature grille.

 

[1X83Z]

Originally posted by The359
The taillamps are from a GMC Envoy

Only the circular part.

I saw this a few days ago, and I can't say as I'm too excited. The decision to restrict horsepower to 170 from a four means it can't be a serious player with the Eclipse GTS, TT 225, Z4 3-liter crowd. At least Pontiac's finally getting a little "excitement" for the public to see (even though 'car people' know they've had excitement all along).

 

[Sage]

Interestingly, I was looking at my C/D article yesterday when the Solstice concept was first introduced. This looks pretty nice! Though, I agree with Doug that it's a shame they limited it to 170 HP.

 

[hanker]

The first time i saw this car i thought the front end was hideous, but looking at it now i actually am starting to like it because its different. All this car needs as far as looks is a dual exhaust on the back. As far as performance i dont know where it really stands, but styling gets a "A"

 

[Slicks]

It's really good to see this, especially outta GM. However, the concept version had a nicer front end. This one's a little more upright and has too big/wrong shape for headlights. And it could use about 220 horse. Mabye more. Hey, how about the Saab I-4? When turbocharged, it's half decent.

 

[Cano]

ah, nice. I was hoping that the solstice would find its way to production, because it one of the GM concepts that I liked most. it should have more power, definitely. 170 is too shy. even more so because its a GM engine, wich isnt very good. it needs a turbo there. happy RWD!
and it needs some other wheels.

Cano

but nice indeed

 

[jayxer]

My checkbook is in hand.......

a lightweight two seater, rwd, manual transmission and around $20,000. It doesnt get much better. Styling wise, I think the front end needs to lose the pontiac grille, could be edgier, a nice set of OZ or BBS wheels would do it justice though

 

[240drift]

Looks pretty nice. Will the car come to dealerships with that front negative camber?

 

[aljones]

Originally posted by Race Idiot
If it was MR i'd say it's the American version of the VX220, seeing as it isn't, I won't.

Although it is a new small (ish) RWD car.

Well, it sort of is the US version of the VX220. The Vauxhall VX220 is up for replacement, and the replacement, currently known as the VX Lightning, will be based on the same platform as the Solstice seen here. (And personally, I'm hoping it will look similar to the Solstice)

 

[The359]

I believe GM has yet to confirm that the VX Lightning is going to production, they only cars on that platform are the Solstice and Saturn Curve.

 

[LoudMusic]

But ... it's ... a Pontiac ... how can this be true? A Pontiac that people actually like. And appears to be a good car? NO!

 

[Mugen]

170 out of a 2.4? Doubt it's gonna be able to get anywhere quickly...I wonder how much it'll weigh.

Looks aight, but too many recycled parts from other cars for my taste. lol

 

[miata13B]

I actually was interested in the Dodge Razor concept car that came out around the time that the Solstice made its first appearance.


BTW what happened to the 240hp version are they not making it or are they keeping it a secret?

 

[Klostrophobic]

Maybe they're rating it at 170 and it actually performs at 240. They have to do something stupid to make up for the otherwise good car.

 

[miata13B]

Originally posted by Klostrophobic
Maybe they're rating it at 170 and it actually performs at 240. They have to do something stupid to make up for the otherwise good car.

I don't think there is enough genuis at GM to actually do that. . . wait a second, I meant not genuis I meant. . . forget it . . .

 

[Klostrophobic]

Did you mean genius, genius?

GM makes a couple good cars. I can't name them off the top of my head, but I'm sure there are a few.

 

[miata13B]

nah I specificly spelled that improperly

 

[aljones]

Originally posted by The359
I believe GM has yet to confirm that the VX Lightning is going to production, they only cars on that platform are the Solstice and Saturn Curve.

According to this story on the Auto Express web site, GM has given the green light to the VX Lightning now that there is a production version of the Solstice.

 

[VIPFREAK]

Actually, I just realized why GM's stuff is looking a little better lately (well relatively that is). Bob lutz is the head of that place. I think that's why dodge came up with a lot of nice concept cars as well.