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Spy Shots: 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP
2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP Gets Turbocharged
Now that the 2006 Pontiac Solstice is finally trickling into dealerships across the country, engineers at Pontiac are focusing their energy on the next member of the Solstice family, the 2007 Solstice GXP.
Seen here making laps on the Nürburgring test track, the 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP should improve upon some of the standard model's sluggishness when pushed hard. The most significant upgrade will be the addition of a turbocharger to the standard 2.0-liter Ecotec four-cylinder. Aided by an auxiliary intercooler, the turbo system is expected to make as much as 250 horsepower.
In addition to the extra horsepower, the Solstice GXP is expected to get a six-speed manual transmission. This could make a big difference in the car's feel as the wide spacing of the standard model's five-speed transmission is one reason it feels so slow coming out of corners. We wouldn't mind seeing some throws to go with the new tranny.
One thing that doesn't appear to be changing is the size of the wheel and tire combination. No surprise there as the standard Solstice already has way more tire than it needs. A lighter set of wheels might have quickened up its reflexes, but it looks as though the prototype was using the same five-spoke setup you get on the current Solstice. Notable styling differences include an extra tailpipe out back, a small spoiler on the rear deck and a revised front fascia up front that includes a thin air intake to feed the turbo intercooler.
Look for the 2007 Solstice GXP to make its auto show debut early next year with sales beginning in the fall of 2006.
Seen here making laps on the Nürburgring test track, the 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP should improve upon some of the standard model's sluggishness when pushed hard. The most significant upgrade will be the addition of a turbocharger to the standard 2.0-liter Ecotec four-cylinder. Aided by an auxiliary intercooler, the turbo system is expected to make as much as 250 horsepower.
In addition to the extra horsepower, the Solstice GXP is expected to get a six-speed manual transmission. This could make a big difference in the car's feel as the wide spacing of the standard model's five-speed transmission is one reason it feels so slow coming out of corners. We wouldn't mind seeing some throws to go with the new tranny.
One thing that doesn't appear to be changing is the size of the wheel and tire combination. No surprise there as the standard Solstice already has way more tire than it needs. A lighter set of wheels might have quickened up its reflexes, but it looks as though the prototype was using the same five-spoke setup you get on the current Solstice. Notable styling differences include an extra tailpipe out back, a small spoiler on the rear deck and a revised front fascia up front that includes a thin air intake to feed the turbo intercooler.
Look for the 2007 Solstice GXP to make its auto show debut early next year with sales beginning in the fall of 2006.
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