Solstice is a go!

[WOLF]

OK, we got the upcoming replacement for the Grand Am, the new GP, the Aztek is retired after a year, the GTO will coming real soon, and now the Solstice: *things are looking good:)*


I love GM Inside News***********************************

TCC's DAILY IN DEPTH

"Lutzmobile" Solstice Okayed for Rollout

The Bob Lutz-inspired Pontiac Solstice has been committed for production, nearly two years after the charismatic GM vice-chairman drove a concept on stage at the 2002 Detroit auto show after a mere three-month gestation period. Business Week Magazine headlines the news in its October 20 issue under the banner, "Meet the Lutzmobile." BW Detroit bureau staffer David Welch writes that the groovily-designed Solstice will enter the roadster bracket at a suggested MSRP slightly above $20,000 with the idea that "GM wants the Solstice to give Pontiac a real sports-car cachet, as the Miata gave Mazda when it came out in the mid-1980s."

The Solstice will be introduced as early as 2005, says Business Week , which would give Pontiac a second sporty newcomer in a row after import starts this winter of the GTO coupe from GM Holden in Australia. The Solstice also will usher in a frame hydroforming process that uses water at high pressure to bend steel tubes into shape, replacing the costlier stamping technique. Welch speculates that the new platform could be shared later with Buick and Saturn.

The Pontiac GTO and Chrysler are among 17 candidates for North American Car of the Year at the upcoming Detroit show. New luxury roadsters to be unveiled in Detroit for the first time include the BMW 6-Series and the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. The Solstice, in pre-production format, will appear in the Pontiac exhibit without the "Lutzmobile" nameplate, but with the proud papa on hand for the festivities.

Here's the link to "The Car Connection":

http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?...4&sid=173&n=156

[kubiache]

nice. Any word on what kind of power this thing is supposed to have?

[mr_eh]

comes with an ecotec as i've last read

[Vintalage]

What??? That noisy engine used primarily on the compact cars? BOO!!! Not what I expect.

[qwik99gt]

Originally posted by Vintalage
What??? That noisy engine used primarily on the compact cars? BOO!!! Not what I expect.

The Solstice is going to be light, and probably offer a turbo ecotec as an upscale model (just speculation) but don't forget the magic $20k number. It will be one of GM's least expensive vehicles, and 100 times more attractive than the Aveo.:p

[mshu7]

Originally posted by qwik99gt
The Solstice is going to be light, and probably offer a turbo ecotec as an upscale model (just speculation) but don't forget the magic $20k number. It will be one of GM's least expensive vehicles, and 100 times more attractive than the Aveo.:p

Everything I've read points to a supercharged Ecotec.

[Mike3800]

I'd be up for the Buick version if it's not 10 grand more just because of the name "Buick" stamped on it. I'd guess that the Buick and Saturn version would have more than just 2 seats.

[qwik99gt]

Originally posted by mshu7
Everything I've read points to a supercharged Ecotec.

Aha then you havent expanded your mind to GM's pre-existing European roadsters. (Opel/Vauxhall) :D The supercharged Eco will already be in the Satun Redline and possibly a Cobalt SS(?) so it will be old news. and I gather GM is looking to attract twenty-somethings to its newest offering: AKA turbo. But again, this is just speculation. Time will tell.

[Spoon]

Originally posted by qwik99gt
Aha then you havent expanded your mind to GM's pre-existing European roadsters. (Opel/Vauxhall) :D The supercharged Eco will already be in the Satun Redline and possibly a Cobalt SS(?) so it will be old news. and I gather GM is looking to attract twenty-somethings to its newest offering: AKA turbo. But again, this is just speculation. Time will tell. Yes it will:thumbs:

[420]

guess i wont be buying anything from gm anytime soon!!!
supercharged Eco WTF!!!
now its ugly and underpowerd! bet no 6 speed too huh?

the current ga is one of best looking sport coupes made in my oppinion! I wish they would have upgraded this cars performance over the years, but they would rather use there inferior v6s, weak ass 4cyl's and crappy ass auto trannies.
if i had to buy a new car right now, it definately wouldn't be american!!! thats sad!!!

[RedGrandTour]

I can't believe the Prix will be retired ???

[Vintalage]

Originally posted by RedGrandTour
I can't believe the Prix will be retired ???

It will??? :confused:

[Mike3800]

Originally posted by RedGrandTour
I can't believe the Prix will be retired ???

It better the **** not be! *eye twitching* I am already inches from going postal! That would trigger it!



;)


Seriously I don't think it's going to be retired. If so... that would be a bad move for them to retire that name IMHO. "Grand Prix" says alot indeed. Even if they totally redid the car (my guess as to what they will do) keeping the name would be a good thing.

[Mike3800]

Originally posted by 420
guess i wont be buying anything from gm anytime soon!!!
supercharged Eco WTF!!!

wtf

What's wrong with a supercharged Echotec besides the fact that I don't own a car with that engine in it? Seriously.... wtf

I agree the one in the Cavalier/Sunfire is a little on the weak side, but the engine has potential, is very economical, is durable, quiet and refined, and would appear to be a good replacment for the Quad 4 (they called it the "2.4" I still call it the Quad 4)

I'd think it would be good competition with all these 4cyl cars with turbos and aftermarket blow fart valves etc... I could actually see myself buying a base GM car with that engine and installing a smaller SC pulley and a heavy duty clutch.

I would not want a 6 speed anyway because it would likley drive the price of the car up and besides, most cars don't need that kind of gearing anyway. Corvette and F-body sure, but some little 4cyl car... no need. Really.

[badassgrandam99]

nice... this is awesome... the Solstice is a hot lookin car... i can't wait to see one at the dealership... hopefully it'll look just like the concept...

[Vintalage]

Originally posted by Mike3800
What's wrong with a supercharged Echotec besides the fact that I don't own a car with that engine in it? Seriously.... wtf

I agree the one in the Cavalier/Sunfire is a little on the weak side, but the engine has potential, is very economical, is durable, quiet and refined, and would appear to be a good replacment for the Quad 4 (they called it the "2.4" I still call it the Quad 4)


I guess you haven't driven a 2002+ Cavalier/Sunfire then. It's far from quiet. It's a noisy beast.

[naich]

When pontiac makes this car, if they can keep the 20k price range WITH the Supercharged Eco... this car will sell VERY well. The estimates I have read have it rated at aroune 240 HP... which is more than adequate for such a light car. This is NOT underpowered at all. GA's and Aleros are fairly quick with 180, and this car will be a lot lighter.

[Mike3800]

Originally posted by Vintalage
I guess you haven't driven a 2002+ Cavalier/Sunfire then. It's far from quiet. It's a noisy beast.

I have... didn't seem any noiser than anything else in it's class ex.. Focus, Neon, Civic.

[VTECSiGAH8R]

Originally posted by naich
When pontiac makes this car, if they can keep the 20k price range WITH the Supercharged Eco... this car will sell VERY well. The estimates I have read have it rated at aroune 240 HP... which is more than adequate for such a light car. This is NOT underpowered at all. GA's and Aleros are fairly quick with 180, and this car will be a lot lighter.

GM's aim in an S2000/RX8 killer, forget about the Miata. If that thing pushes even 220 hp supercharged, which is a low estimate I've seen, that would probably be enough to take out both of those cars if it is a little lighter, just because of the huge torque advantage it has being supercharged an all. Really I think they're just aiming for the S2k because it is also a 2-door convertible.

[Vintalage]

Originally posted by Mike3800
I have... didn't seem any noiser than anything else in it's class ex.. Focus, Neon, Civic.

I've driven a Civic and rode in a focus. The civic's engine is quieter. The focus is just as loud as the cavi. The toyota corolla's engine is quiet.

By the way, the Cavilier is a sub-compact. The Civic is a compact car. Not in the same class.

[dearim]

Originally posted by Vintalage
By the way, the Cavilier is a sub-compact. The Civic is a compact car. Not in the same class.

Lemme see...

Civic: small car with 4-cylinder engine, priced from $13-18K, available in two- and four-door bodystyles, meant for economical transportation.

Cavalier: small car with 4-cylinder engine, priced from $13-18K, available in two- and four-door bodystyles, meant for economical transportation.

Yeah, they look like different-class cars to me... :rolleyes:

[Vintalage]

When I said not in the same class, I meant in terms of size. Sub-compact vs. compact. They are not in the same class. Just as I stated. I am not breaking it down like you did dearim. GOD.

[Mike3800]

Originally posted by Vintalage
When I said not in the same class, I meant in terms of size. Sub-compact vs. compact. They are not in the same class. Just as I stated. I am not breaking it down like you did dearim. GOD.

They are not in the same SIZE class. The smaller CIVIC is EPA class sub-compact wheras the larger Cavalier is EPA class compact, you have that backwards.

Either way in terms of the buyer not a magazine or EPA.. the Civic, Cavalier, Focus, Elantra and Neon are all in the same class end of story.

And of the bunch the old aged Cavalier still stands out as being one of the best... at least it has the best/most compedative base engine of the group and that's my point. :thumbs:

[WOLF]

What's up with some of you people, your already bitching about a car because it doesn't have this or doesn't have that or it has this but you want that. I'm about to quit coming here because it drives me nuts. Be happy that you got the little car and stop bitching about it. Its got 240hp, will be 20-26K and will weight about 3000lbs. WTF else do you want?

Euuuu, the Ecotec:rolleyes:. Yeah, that same motor became the first I-4 to run a 6sec. 1/4 mile in the car the John Lingenfilter nearly killed himself in not to long ago making over 1300hp. It just beat a Civic for the fastest blown I-4 on the Bonneville salt flats by over 30mph at over 212mph and the motor is making Hondas and Acuras look pathetic on the drag strip lately. I personally think its a bada** little motor that doesn't get any respect just because its a domestic I-4 and not a VTEC.

Man, atleast Mike3800 gets what I'm saying here, don't diss the motor until you see what the thing is capable of and I'm the type of person that hates little I-4's but the Eco is friggin sweet for what it can do and how much punishment it can withstand.

That and I can't wait to see this car hit the showrooms as soon as possible so I can check one out and it will make the overpriced MR2 and Miata look like crap and will cheaper than the 32k S2000 and RX8. Finally there will be a nicely priced GM 2-seater that I want to own.

[mshu7]

Originally posted by WOLF
What's up with some of you people, your already bitching about a car because it doesn't have this or doesn't have that or it has this but you want that. I'm about to quit coming here because it drives me nuts. Be happy that you got the little car and stop bitching about it. Its got 240hp, will be 20-26K and will weight about 3000lbs. WTF else do you want?

Euuuu, the Ecotec:rolleyes:. Yeah, that same motor became the first I-4 to run a 6sec. 1/4 mile in the car the John Lingenfilter nearly killed himself in not to long ago making over 1300hp. It just beat a Civic for the fastest blown I-4 on the Bonneville salt flats by over 30mph at over 212mph and the motor is making Hondas and Acuras look pathetic on the drag strip lately. I personally think its a bada** little motor that doesn't get any respect just because its a domestic I-4 and not a VTEC.

Man, atleast Mike3800 gets what I'm saying here, don't diss the motor until you see what the thing is capable of and I'm the type of person that hates little I-4's but the Eco is friggin sweet for what it can do and how much punishment it can withstand.

That and I can't wait to see this car hit the showrooms as soon as possible so I can check one out and it will make the overpriced MR2 and Miata look like crap and will cheaper than the 32k S2000 and RX8. Finally there will be a nicely priced GM 2-seater that I want to own.

Well said. :thumbs:

[99alero]

dont diss the Ecotech! That engine has lots of mods for it. Supercharge it and put it in a small car like it might and it probably would beat the Neon SRT-4 performance wise. I am just looking forward to seeing the new GTO!!!

[Mike3800]

Originally posted by WOLF
. Finally there will be a nicely priced GM 2-seater that I want to own.

I hope one of it's sister cars has 4 seats. I have a 5 year old that likes fast cars too. :)

[DeuceGT]

Originally posted by badassgrandam99
nice... this is awesome... the Solstice is a hot lookin car... i can't wait to see one at the dealership... hopefully it'll look just like the concept...


or at least something like it. maybe we should hold pff on the "it doesn't have this" mentality until it actually gets here.

[Bob]

I'd love one of them cars. Hurry up and get them to the showrooms! My MINI needs some competition.