What is it?
Pontiac Solstice Coupe and Convertible
What's special about it?
Created in just four months at the behest of GM Chairman of North American operations, Bob Lutz, the Solstice promises Pontiac performance combined with the open air fun of a roadster. Although a completely new design, nearly all of its underlying components are right off the GM parts shelf, giving the Solstice the added allure of possible production.
Power comes from a supercharged version of the 2.2-liter Ecotech four-cylinder tuned to produce 240 ponies. A Borg-Warner six-speed sends power to the rear wheels, while a combination of 19-inch and 20-inch wheels connect the car to the ground. The front suspension is a simple strut-type design with a rack-and-pinion steering unit borrowed from the Subaru WRX. The rear suspension is an all-aluminum independent setup derived from GM's crossover SUV platform (for example, Aztek). The interior is driver-focused, with a minimum of gauges and buttons. The convertible version features a simple "one-hand" drop top that folds quickly beneath a speedster-style cover.
Why should you care?
The fact that this concept utilizes so many already available parts makes the production possibility of this car seem more probable than impossible. GM is serious about overtaking Chrysler as the car company that brings concepts cars to reality. Don't be surprised to see a slightly toned-down version of this car at Pontiac showrooms in the very near future. — Ed Hellwig
Pontiac Solstice Coupe and Convertible
What's special about it?
Created in just four months at the behest of GM Chairman of North American operations, Bob Lutz, the Solstice promises Pontiac performance combined with the open air fun of a roadster. Although a completely new design, nearly all of its underlying components are right off the GM parts shelf, giving the Solstice the added allure of possible production.
Power comes from a supercharged version of the 2.2-liter Ecotech four-cylinder tuned to produce 240 ponies. A Borg-Warner six-speed sends power to the rear wheels, while a combination of 19-inch and 20-inch wheels connect the car to the ground. The front suspension is a simple strut-type design with a rack-and-pinion steering unit borrowed from the Subaru WRX. The rear suspension is an all-aluminum independent setup derived from GM's crossover SUV platform (for example, Aztek). The interior is driver-focused, with a minimum of gauges and buttons. The convertible version features a simple "one-hand" drop top that folds quickly beneath a speedster-style cover.
Why should you care?
The fact that this concept utilizes so many already available parts makes the production possibility of this car seem more probable than impossible. GM is serious about overtaking Chrysler as the car company that brings concepts cars to reality. Don't be surprised to see a slightly toned-down version of this car at Pontiac showrooms in the very near future. — Ed Hellwig
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