So i was just in the bathroom reading a motor trends Mag.

...and i saw that they are offering a optional engine for the Pontiac Solstice (GXP) version. It has 260hp turbo inline 4 banger, with variable valve timing.

So...what does everyone think of this 2 seater roadster with RWD?

do you all think its a wannbe-miata on steroids?

please give honest un-bias opinions (if you are able) Im not trying to compair this car to a mini but i am wondering what people think about this car on its own.

 

I've had a few come through here at work, not the GXP, but the regular Solstice. I don't like the way they look.
The Saturn Sky looks ten times better. Wait for the go-fast version of that.

 

If interested, you'll find much discussion here:

http://www.solsticeforum.com/forum/index.php?

I've been on on/off this forum for over 2 years...

Those who prefer the Sol over the Sky do so typically because they like smooth, curvacious lines more than angular ones, with sharp edges. Nice to have a choice...

Putting preferences aside, as I understand it, the Sol did quite well in auto-x this year. I never pulled the trigger as the weight is a bit of a concern for me. The GXP is pushing 3,000 lbs...

 

Dont they have one comming out?

The Saturn Sky "red line" 260hp - 260lbs trq?

Same car as the pontiac, just different body...i believe.

 

Yeah, the hot engine is available in the Sky (Red Line) or Solstice (GXP). Very nice car, great handling, but very impractical, even more so than a Miata. Difficult to put down the top, much more so than any Miata, and very little trunk space, much less than a Miata. It does appear that the Solstice has more or less dethroned the Miata as the car to have in C-Stock class SCCA autocrossing. It is really hard to beat for the money though if you get one of the more stripped out models of the Solstice, and it is just a fun weekend car, not a daily driver. It would be doable for some people as a DD, but impractical for most.

-Keith

 

Ive seen images on the web, more so the solstice...wearing a hardtop. Does anyone know if there will be a hardtop version in the future?

Ive also seen latch on hardtops, on both cars, i wonder if that will be a factory option in the future, i did not see one in the options list on their site.

 

Hot Rod magazine built one with a pretty nasty small-block shoe horned in...

585hp with full exhaust, 540lb-ft

with the hardtop on...

images courtesy of Hot Rod magazine

 

^^ this one looks better. put a G35C-ish front headlight and a 350Z-ish tail, I see.
very original, GM! kinda like how they copycat their G6's with RSX and
those Camry coupes (wat were those ugly's called again?).

oh well.

 

I think that car looks hot with a hardtop on it, and some wide tires stuffed under the fender wells.

I wonder what HP/TQ numbers people will be able to push out of them with a base line of 260/260 in stock form.

 

The Kappa platform seems to be plenty rigid for addtional power. There are already V8 aftermkt options (Mallet)...

Getting the weight down to 2,700 pounds is quite doable from a thread I started there...

I'm leaning toward an S2k though. There is a DIY CARB-approved SC option that gets about 320whp... I like the looks of the Sol more though. For those who are serious, I'd frequent that forum to keep-up with the news...

 

I'm with TonyB. The Kappa platform is good (it is Vauxhall ) and GM has a performance catalog that has parts to get the Ecotec engine scream. That engine is apparently very stout. Still, I'm not sure I'd go for one. It's like taking a nice Euro MR car and turing it into an American FR one.

 

Its a GM Pontiac... Hmm.

 

My thoughts last year. I'll give it more time, but so far, it's looking like a keeper...

 

So has anyone heard any rumors about a solstice GXP hardtop coupe? (that is not removable)

I have seen some prototype pics online, but i havent heard anything saying they were planning to release them. Maybe it will come out in 08-09?

I think the hardtop coupe pics look alot like the Z4-M3 coupe.

 

here are some pics of the solstice hardtop coupe. Although i think these are only prototypes.

 

Nice-looking, I agree... Given the name of the car, I doubt that they will make a coupe. Might in the future though under a different name...

 

Wasnt the orginal prototype a hardtop coupe, before it was made into a convert? i think those prototype pics i posted were from 2002.

I really like the hardtop, as im not a big fan of converts/sunroofs. I hope they make a hardtop coupe, if they did that i think i would have to get me one.

 

i believe the car has actually been built, (prototype version) and shown at car shows.












If there is a fully built prototype, maybe they will release a hardtop coupe in a few years??? i can only hope, i think that thing is sexy! and with 260hp 260tq a few bolt ons and you could be knocking on 300hp's front door.

 

That coupe is reminding me of my new Cayman S. I never even considered a Boxster as I don't have a love for convertibles, but when a hardtop variation was mentioned, my curiousity was picked. If Pontiac kept pricing and specs similar, they could have a very viable alternative to the 350Z there.

 

Jiminies, they may have finally made a muscle car for the 21st century.

Me likey especially the butt

 

The GXP or SKY Redline is what I want to sell my MCS for. I can live with the lack of trunk space since I'm single and usually travel for work with a rental car. One thing I worry about is resale...it's strong right now but will it be in two years? The MCS can't be beat for resale.

I drove a regular Solstice for about 3 hours and loved the ride/handling dynamics of the car. The GXP with all that extra power is sure to be a treat.

All the GM bashing on this thread is to be expected...but drive one before you hate on it.

In addition to cleaning up in Solo, they also cleaned up in Club Racing (SSB).

 

And remember, this is the Vauxhall VXR that Jeremy Clarkson raved about on Top Gear, albeit with a front engine instead of one amidships. Still ...

 

 

hello~ berky. I was JUST KIDDDINGGG!

 

The only way i would get one is if the hardtop coupe was sold.

I just dont like converts for some reason. Thats why i passed on the miata and S2k. Although both have latch-on hardtops, but thats another 2-3k

Doesnt the miata have a hardtop version in Japan? or was it only a prototype?

I really would love it, if all these little 2 seater roadsters would be made in a hardtop coupe version as well.

Pherhaps thats why i love the BMW Z4-M3 roadster. 3.2L 343hp at 7,900RPM 6 banger! *drool*



too bad i'll never be able to afford one. haha