The 2.4L 4cyl ECOTEC engine is the weakest link in the Solstice/Sky lineup. Here we have a beautiful sports car with the handling to match, saddled with a slow revving, tractor engine.

The upcoming turbocharged version should help alliaviate the current performance issues in the Solstice but everyone knows this car needs a better engine than what is offered now.

The Solstice is heavier than the MINI, specifically the MCS @ 2,800+ pounds. So the car is a porker compared to a Miata, let alone an Elise/Exige.

Another strikes against the Solstice is the lack of side airbags (ZERO EXCUSE ON THIS ONE, GM) and the cumbersome manual retractable top.

There are complaints about cheap interior plastics and poor fitted trim pieces. Clearly, the launch Solstice is still not 100% what it should be. Hopefully once they get it right, they will not kill it, just like they did with the Fiero GT in 1988.

 

Corvettes are built in Bowling Green, Kentucky and next to the plant is the famed Corvette historical museum. If I ever go that way I plan to visit.

I believe GM offers a factory delivery option, but I don't know if that is still the case.

 

Nope, not hand built. They do about 40,000 cars per year.

The Ecotec is not very smooth compared to our Minis, but it does make good power and torque. The base Solstice will do 0-60 in about 7 seconds, so it's not a slow car. The 260 hp turbo GXP will do it in 5.5 seconds or less. The Ecotec is a good motor, able to withstand a lot of power when modified. And since when is 7000 rpm considered low? That's the Solstice redline, and peak power comes at 6600 rpm, certainly not a tractor motor. The only thing the base Sol engine is lacking is smoothness, hell it even runs on regular unleaded.

 

But the Solstice needs to go on a diet...2,800 pounds for a "sports" roadster?

 

It is too heavy, I agree. I think its because they pulled heavily from the "parts bin" and used a full frame like a Corvette.

 

oh yeah ... quality is job #1 ... or is that Ford's slogan ...

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1369957

 

Well i spent part of this afternoon at the local Saturn dealer going over their demo Sky. My thoughts on this most unusual of Saturns.

1. Panel gap was much better than it is in other Saturns, the only "awkward" spots that I saw were the rocker panels and the gap between the forward hinged hood and the abbreviated front quarter panels immediately in front of the doors.

2. Speaking of the doors, they MUST be closed prior to closing the hood (bonnet) or they will be struck by the hood as it is lowered into it's closed position.

3. Very impressed with the operation of the manual top. A single latch along the top of the windscreen secures it, and once the hard tonneu is latched down, there are "flying butresses" that snap in place for securing the rear. Glass backlight is a plus for a car of this type, and Saturn got it right.

4. Interior seems to be of a high quality with two tone leather seats in the vehicle I saw. A lot of plastic is in the interior, but truthfully, whose roadster isn't overcome with too much plastic these days. Only negative, I'm long of torso and no matter where I placed the tilting steering wheel, the top of the tach and speedo were obstructed by the wheel.

5. Body styling is much more Euro and (as a fellow buckeye approving of this sort of design) Bangle-ish than the Sky's sister car the Solstice. I like the lines on the Sky more than the Solstice, although I can see where others may prefer the Pontiac. On the plus side, the local Saturn dealer has continued the "no hassle pricing" policy to the Sky, MSRP is what they are currently charging. (Some Pontiac dealers are charging several thousand more than MSRP for a Solstice ).

6. Afterwards, I went to look at a BMW Z4 for comparison with the Sky. Folks, although GM has done a commendable job with the Sky/Solstice/Opel GT these are still $25 k vehicles, while the Bimmer is closer to a $40 k vehicle. Panel gap, interior, comfort (at least for me) was better in the German car, but the new offering from GM wasn't too distantly behind. Overall, I'll give the Sky two

 

they need to change the badge...

this is like me going out and looking at hyundai's. not going to happen.