Pontiac Solstice
November 30th, 2008
The exterior styling of the production Solstice is similar to that of the 2002 Solstice concept that preceded it. Production of the Solstice was to be running before summer 2005, but delays at the Wilmington plant pushed volume production to the fourth quarter. The new hardtop targa 2009 model was announced in mid 2008.
The Solstice was nominated for the North American Car of the Year award and Design of the Year award from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) for 2006. It has been a runaway hit for Pontiac, with 7,000 orders in the first 10 days of availability and 6,000 more orders before winter. Although first-year production was planned at 7,000, GM apologized to customers for delays and increased production, delivering 10,000 by March 1. The base price was adjusted upwards to $20,490 in mid-December, but most buyers report paying $5,000 or more over sticker to get a Solstice. The Solstice currently has an MSRP of $22,115.
The GXP version of the Solstice debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006. It is powered by a new 2.0 L I4 Ecotec engine equipped with a dual-scroll turbocharger. The engine's output is 260 hp (193 kW) and 260 ft·lbf (353 N·m). This is the highest specific output of any engine in the history of General Motors at 2.1 hp (1.6 kW) per cubic inch, and it is the first gasoline direct injection engine from an American automaker.
Other GXP features include standard Stabilitrak traction control, a limited-slip differential, and anti-lock brakes. Summer tires on 18 inch wheels are standard. Built by GM Performance Division, this special Solstice features a removable hardtop that drew inspiration from the Viper, an aggressive body kit, and of course, an oversized spoiler. Engine is rated 325hp. It includes 18-inch wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 255/45ZR18 tires, cat-back performance exhaust system, T-2 race suspension package, along with larger diameter disc brakes.
The Pontiac Solstice made its film debut in the 2007 blockbuster toy-based movie Transformers as the Autobot Jazz. His vehicle mode is similar to the weekend race concept car.
And a black Pontiac Solstice GXP was featured on the FX drama series Dirt. It was tabloid editor and chief, Lucy Spiller's car.
The Pontiac Solstice is a playable car in the Playstation Portable game Need For Speed Carbon: Own The City and the Xbox 360,Playstation 3 2008 racing video Game, Midnight Club Los Angeles
It did not became too popular, but is loved in it's own circle. Pontiac created something interesting and beautiful, as things like that can only be loved or hated.
