all-new 2006 Pontiac Solstice

The 2006 Pontiac Solstice will costs $19,995 including a $575 destination charge.

It came out as a concept at the 2002 Detroit auto show as this...

http://seriouswheels.com/top-Pontiac-Solstice-Roadster-Concept.htm

and will go into production as this...

http://seriouswheels.com/top-2006-Pontiac-Solstice-Roadster.htm

http://www.autoextremist.com/NAIAS2005/Pontiac/Solstice.jpg

http://www.autoextremist.com/NAIAS2005/Pontiac/SolsticeRear.jpg

more information will come to http://www.pontiac.com/

It will go on sale in a few months.

http://www.fast-autos.net/pontiac/solstice11.jpg

http://www.fast-autos.net/features/05naias/pontiac/10.jpg

Damn, that is one hot little car and cheap too.

John

I bet it will be hot at SEMA this year. Tuners will find a way to drop a 400 hp LS2 in this thing!

:smokin:

I read they are offering a supercharged version also

It is highly likely that they will offer a supercharger at some point.

nice lines on the car

from another Pontiac Solstice forum.

http://www.solsticeforum.com/photopost/data/3017/208NYC2005-11.JPG

http://www.solsticeforum.com/photopost/data/3017/208NYC2005-7.JPG

Took this pic at the Denver Auto Show today...

http://img25.exs.cx/img25/6096/solstice7xf.jpg

Your gonna see a million of these on the streets, within about a year. I want one NOW! The pre-ordering started today, and the first 1000 orders will be specially badged and numbered.

Actually, Pontiac won't make more than 50,000 Solstices per year. Production is expected to be around 30,000 or so per year.

The following is a GM Press Release:

First Thousand Solstices Ordered In Minutes

One thousand lucky driving enthusiasts are looking forward to receiving an exclusive version of the new Pontiac Solstice roadster after being first in line to participate in a special promotion announced on Thursday night's episode of NBC's The Apprentice. Only 41 minutes were required to sell out of the specially-badged "First 1,000" Solstices.

"With the great response we've seen to the design and performance features being offered in our new Pontiacs, we were expecting many customers to jump at the chance to order one of the first Solstices," said John Larson, general manager of Buick-Pontiac-GMC. "But we were thrilled that we achieved such amazing results so quickly."

Orders were received from more than 650 dealers in 47 states. Additionally, more than 4,000 customers have asked to be placed on the wait list for one of the exclusive vehicles.

The Solstice early order program will continue through Sunday, April 24. Although the exclusive "First 1,000" cars have been ordered, Pontiac dealers have an additional allotment of Solstices available for pre-order during this period.

The Pontiac Solstice will be raced in Grand-Am Cup (sports car racing)

DETROIT - General Motors Corp. says it plans to race its Pontiac Solstice in future Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Showroom Stock B-Class races against the Mazda Miata and BMW M3.

The auto maker also will use the Solstice to compete on the Grand Am Cup ST-Class racing circuit in 2006, according to Mark Reuss, executive director of GM's Performance Div.

Reuss says the Solstice that will enter the racing circuit will be the '07 Solstice GT Coupe.

“We have the '06 Pontiac Solstice, (and) right now the car we're introducing doesn't have a roof, so look for that to change,” he tells attendees at the Society of Automotive Engineers conference here.

Reuss says while the Stock-B Class has been dominated by Mazda's Miata, as well as the BMW Z4 and Acura RSX, he expects the Solstice to “take that championship” when the car hits the Stock-B circuit next year.

The Solstice Coupe also will compete in the Grand Am ST Class racing circuit against the BMW 330 and Mazda RX-8 next year, Reuss adds.

The experience gained on the racing circuit will continue to play a vital role in developing performance derivatives of future GM products, he says.

- wardsauto.com

According to the above article, it seems as though a Solstice coupe will be made.

check here

Solstice coupe pictures and info (http://seriouswheels.com/top-Pontiac-Solstice-Coupe-Concept.htm)

Check out the Grand American Road Racing series here.

http://grand-am.com/

http://www.pontiac.com/images/gallery/solstice/sm_image6_lrg.jpg

http://www.pontiac.com/images/gallery/solstice/sm_image20_lrg.jpg

http://www.pontiac.com/images/gallery/solstice/sm_image1_lrg.jpg

http://www.pontiac.com/images/gallery/solstice/sm_image10_lrg.jpg

http://www.pontiac.com/images/gallery/solstice/sm_image11_lrg.jpg

http://www.pontiac.com/images/gallery/solstice/sm_image12_lrg.jpg

http://www.pontiac.com/images/gallery/solstice/sm_image13_lrg.jpg

http://www.pontiac.com/images/gallery/solstice/sm_image16_lrg.jpg

http://www.pontiac.com/images/gallery/solstice/sm_image19_lrg.jpg

http://www.pontiac.com/images/gallery/solstice/sm_image21_lrg.jpg

http://www.pontiac.com/images/gallery/solstice/sm_image23_lrg.jpg

http://www.pontiac.com/images/gallery/solstice/sm_image4_enlarge.jpg

http://www.pontiac.com/images/gallery/solstice/sm_image15_lrg.jpg

http://www.pontiac.com/images/gallery/solstice/sm_image18_lrg.jpg

I think the 2006 Saturn SKY is much better looking and camparable on performance. Plus You dont have to HAGGLE WITH A SALESMAN!

I HATE HAGGLING!

One thing that should help this one is that it will share a platform with Saturn. The Saturn Sky will be available within a year.
http://www.saturn.com/saturn/showroom/future_vehicles/SKY_beauty.jpg

I'm guessing this'll turn out the way the PT Cruiser did- they'll sell like mad, but 2 years from now you'll be able to buy a low milage used or off-lease Solstice for half the new sticker price. Patience is a virtue...

Half the sticker price of a Solstice would be $10,000.

Um, you already posted that last week...

Opps.

I don't doubt that the Solstice will be a LOT more fun to drive and own than a Chrysler PT Cruiser.

The Toyota MR-2 will be dropped for 2006 which leaves only one rival, the Mazda MX-5 which won't be made as a coupe like the Solstice (Mazda already has the RX-8 which has poor gas mileage and oil consumption).

Pontiac has 8,177 orders for the Solstice as of May 23rd.

I do not like Pontiac or none of their cars. This one is different. It does not look that bad, but it will probably still be no match for the almighty Honda S2000 roadster!

The Honda S2000 costs more than $10,000 more than the new Pontiac Solstice.

maybe it will be enough to save the pontiac from being dropped. that or buick, since one will be the next to be dropped.

I think the Solstice is the best-looking GM car since the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro.

What do you guys think?

I think the Solstice is the best-looking GM car since the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro.

What do you guys think?

Id have say the sexiest lines on a car ever made under 50 grand would have to go to a WS6 4th gen trans am.

second would be the 69 camaro

third, but not far off would be the solstice.
The rear of the solstice really makes this car bad ass looking, much the way the rear on a 4th gen trans am does.

Vettes are smokin too, but they don't have the character that these 3 three do. Yeah yeah yeah, round tail lights....i know....

http://www.theraceforum.com/images/forum/3084-9-1.jpg

http://www.solsticeforum.com/photopost/direct_data/3030/medium/26cutaway.jpg

press release:

The impetus for the Kappa architecture's world-class platform was the Pontiac Solstice. A strong response to the 2002 Solstice concept car helped green-light the vehicle for production even though a compact rear-wheel-drive platform for it did not exist. A core team of engineers was assigned to develop one - and quickly. This efficient team collaborated globally to develop a flexible platform that would enable future production work for a distinct set of GM brands.

"We knew from the start that we would do it right or not do it at all; the support for that decision came from the very top," said Lori Queen, vehicle line executive for GM's small cars. "It has been an experience whereby the size and strength of GM was mobilized on a global scale to get the job done immediately."

To maintain the Solstice concept's aggressive stance, the chassis was developed to support the vehicle's short overhangs, long wheelbase and wide stance. This "wheels at the corners" design enhances handling and the overall feeling of stability. It also allows for a more comfortable interior, with increased legroom and hip room.

To ensure the lithe proportions of the Solstice were complemented with a firm foundation, engineers developed a lower-dominant tube structure for the chassis. Hydroformed frame rails, which run the length of the vehicle, are the basis of the chassis, while additional stampings form a rigid structure onto which the bodywork is attached. The hydroforming process uses pressurized fluid to form each frame rail from a single piece of steel, rather than several pieces of steel welded together. This creates a stronger frame rail and requires less time to form it. Additional components and stampings are added to the frame rail during vehicle assembly. A tunnel at the center of the chassis, which houses the transmission and driveshaft, is enclosed at the bottom to enhance stiffness. This built-in strength reduces chassis flex and cowl shake in a vehicle designed from the outset as a convertible.

"Convertibles typically are less stiff than vehicles with a fixed roof, so we set out to create the stiffest possible platform for a vehicle this size," said Queen.

The Kappa architecture's rigid structure also permits more precision when it comes to tuning the suspension. The Solstice features independent, SLA-type suspensions in the front and rear, along with coil-over springs wrapped around Bilstein monotube shock absorbers. The short-long arm suspension designs feature forged aluminum upper and lower control arms that are both strong and lightweight. The rear suspension also features a toe control link and the rear differential housing has an optimized three-point mounting design.

The Kappa's suspension design and geometry are not shared with any other GM vehicle architecture.

The Solstice also features four-wheel disc brakes, including 11.7-inch ventilated front rotors and 10.6-inch rear rotors, which combine with optional ABS with Dynamic Rear Proportioning to provide superior stopping stability. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard.

Dynamics Perfected

In addition to the robust chassis architecture and suspension components, Kappa engineers sweated dynamic details to produce a world-class platform, including:

- Near 50/50 weight distribution for a balanced handling feel

- Hydraulic engine mounts to provide a smoother engine feel

- Optimized acoustic barrier and sound absorption package to provide world-class levels of interior quietness

- Exterior components, such as mirrors, wind-tunnel tested to minimize wind noise

- Tires selected for handling performance and low noise.

The Kappa chassis also was designed for the all-aluminum Ecotec four-cylinder engine. In the Solstice, the 2.4-liter version of the sophisticated DOHC powerplant features twin balance shafts to reduce engine-sourced noise and vibration. Technologies including intake- and exhaust-cam phasing and electronic throttle control are employed to maximize volumetric efficiency, boosting the smoothness and performance of the engine throughout the rpm range.

Clear Mission

Development time and cost were reduced by leveraging existing GM components where possible. The Solstice's rear differential, for example, is borrowed from the Cadillac CTS. Other proven component selections also aided Kappa architecture's development time. "It makes sense to leverage proven parts that fit the application," said Queen. "The parts are adapted to the Kappa architecture and do not compromise the vehicle's design or function."

Knowledge that the Solstice would be offered with a version of the Ecotec four-cylinder engine allowed the chassis team to design for the specific powertrain from the project's start. Because the Ecotec engine had not previously been used in a longitudinal layout, several accessory drive components required redesign to fit the new chassis.

"Knowing these challenges at the beginning helped us design it right the first time," said Queen. "We had a very clear mission on how to proceed with the architecture's design."

Although the primary focus of the Kappa architecture was the development of the Solstice, its platform is adaptable - as demonstrated with the Chevrolet Nomad sport wagon and Saturn Curve 2+2 coupe concept vehicles. The Nomad rides on a longer wheelbase than the Solstice for added rear passenger room, while the expressive Saturn offers a sophisticated, performance-oriented driving experience with a fixed roof.

"The Kappa architecture is a great platform for sporty, driver-oriented applications around the globe," said Queen. "Two years ago it didn't exist, but as the other concepts show, the additional possibilities are tantalizing."

"Solstices have been running down the final assembly line for months. And when the cars have been built, they've been sent backward down the line, disassembled, and rebuilt to fine-tune the process."

- Motor Trend July 2005

http://fast-autos.net/events/04naias/solstice4.jpg

http://fast-autos.net/events/05naias/pontiac/10.jpg

http://fast-autos.net/events/05naias/pontiac/9.jpg

http://fast-autos.net/events/05nyias/51.jpg

Rear suspension:

http://www.theraceforum.com/images/forum/3084-28-1.jpg

Front suspension:

http://www.theraceforum.com/images/forum/3084-28-2.jpg

2002 Pontiac Solstice Coupe concept

http://photos.velocityjournal.com/images/full/2002/s2002010901/pn2002solsticecoupe4905.jpg

http://photos.velocityjournal.com/images/full/2002/s2002010901/pn2002solsticecoupe4903.jpg

http://photos.velocityjournal.com/images/full/2002/s2002010901/pn2002solsticecoupe4902.jpg

http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/5420_image.jpg

Several hundred Solstices will be delivered this month (August).

The Solstice delivery party was on August 5th.

http://www.solsticeforum.com/photopost/direct_data/3041/55579x72.jpg

http://www.theraceforum.com/images/forum/3084-20-1.jpg

http://www.theraceforum.com/images/forum/3084-20-2.jpg

http://www.theraceforum.com/images/forum/3084-21-1.jpg

http://www.theraceforum.com/images/forum/3084-20-3.jpg

well my mom just got put on a list and actually test drove one and she said she loves it and wants it but im wondering if they are going to shoot this one out first and come out with a more powerful one in a few months. anyone have any insight as to if they have a different model going up

Well, the new Solstice comes with a 2.4 liter DOHC 177 hp I-4 and it might get a 200+ hp 2.0 liter supercharged or turbocharged I-4 for the 2007 model year.

hmm...decisions decisions.

March 2004

ai-online.com

Credit GM’s car czar Bob Lutz for conjuring up the Pontiac Solstice as his first act after walking into the executive suite a few days before the World Trade Center came tumbling down.

What began as a last minute concept for the 2002 North American International Auto Show breathed life as if by divine intervention. Rather than build the push toy the boss had conceived, Engineering Executive Mark Reuss and project manager Mike Lyons conspired to build a driveable prototype … in about 100 days.

After enthusiast magazines raved and show goers mailed deposit checks, GM knew it faced a daunting challenge: converting Lutz’s brilliant concept into a hot Pontiac with profit potential.

Enter Lori Queen, GM’s vehicle line executive for small cars and Doug Parks, the Solstice’s chief engineer. “We began studying how to build Solstice soon after its show debut,” Parks recalls. “One early idea became known as ‘Delta with a tunnel.’ [GM’s Delta platform underpins the current Saturn Ion and the coming Chevrolet Cobalt.]

“The hope was to save investment costs by building Solstice on the same line that manufactures volume models. Unfortunately, by the time you add a tunnel and factor in the changes necessary to convert a transverse front-drive car into a longitudinal rear-driver, costs rise. It became clear that a modified Delta wouldn’t work so we began investigating a new architecture. The challenge was finding a low investment approach that would enable a 20,000 units per year program to make money.”

Complicating matters were natural forces within GM to make Solstice longer, shorter, wider, and taller in hopes of stretching the platform’s potential. Variations on the theme were examined and presented to upper management in pursuit of a green light for production.

But the reactions of Lutz and GM President Gary Cowger surprised the investigation team. Parks explains, “They said ‘Wait a minute guys. All these variations, which are close but not the same, don’t look any better than the show car. And from an engineering standpoint, they aren’t any better. Furthermore, there’s no problem packaging the necessary components.’

Collectively we agreed that the original concept was a fantastic accomplishment that had earned GM heaps of praise and there was no good reason to mess with that success. So we decided to simply nail the show car.”

Queen explains that Solstice couldn’t have progressed in a timely manner were it not for the engineering integration that GM has achieved during the last five years, “Our most notable strength is our size." But GM’s dilemma has always been leveraging that size to our advantage.

“Thanks to recent reorganizations, GM now has a global linkage through system management teams (SMTs) that are knowledgeable about components available all over the world. Since we have a vast reservoir of parts bins to draw from, we began creating the new Kappa architecture by asking the SMTs to identify GM components most suitable for this small rear-drive application. Immediately, we found seats from the Opel Corsa and a suitable differential from the Cadillac CTS. If it’s already tooled, we know all the pros and cons of a particular part and its history.”

Parks adds, “Not having to engineer an engine, transmission, instrument cluster, or the car’s electronics saves a lot of time. The brakes and suspension knuckles are also reused.”

According to Queen, the goal was to chop the normal vehicle development process in half. “We used math everywhere we possibly could and built only a few physical properties. When possible, we went straight to production tools and built vehicles in the assembly plant. The whole development process was re-written and the critical path was changed. To go fast we took some risks. But we found our math capabilities are astounding and they did an excellent job of predicting how the hardware would perform.” Parks adds, “The cars have been designed, released, and we’re building production tools without a crash test. Instead we’ve gone through hundreds of computer simulations. If we find it necessary to tune the crash pulse, we have plenty of time to accomplish that by altering production tools.”

“Changing the critical path and relying heavily on math data allowed us to trim the normal 42-month process to 28 months,” beams Queen.

A speedy development process was just one means of keeping the price below $20,000 for a Pontiac steeped in sex appeal and sporty performance.

Parks explains, “While Solstice was still in the advanced investigation phase, we examined several attractive technologies such as one magnesium casting to serve as the entire front of dash, a composite center tunnel framed by four tubes, and a hydroformed windshield header."

“While the potential for lowering investment was good, some of these approaches posed a high risk. What was lacking was a proven strategy that could tie the components together with the desired dimensional accuracy. That risk inhibited our ability to go fast with this program."

“Even though the design evolved into a more conventional approach, we kept a structure that’s primarily MIG-welded hydroformed tubes. And some of Kappa’s makeup still falls under the heading of high risk.”

The key structural elements are a pair of hydroformed tubes that run bumper to bumper. Two additional hydroformed tubes define the bottom corners of the driveline tunnel.

The four tubes attach to transversely oriented stamped panels via MIG welds. The floor and tunnel are also ordinary stampings spot welded together and then bonded with adhesives to the structural framework.

Using a technique developed for the Corvette, the front-of-dash and windshield frame are built up as a subassembly and then mated to the rest of the unibody with adhesives and a few welds. Bumpers and the instrument panel support beam are roll formed.

Parks continues, “The more traditional approach cut risk and saved engineering time though it did increase the investments necessary for more stamping dies. That said, the hydroformed tubes we incorporated are far less expensive than a conventional body’s construction because they integrate several parts, thereby eliminating numerous welding fixtures and assembly tools.”

That in turn changes how Solstice will be manufactured. Notes Queen, “Solstice’s unique construction and low volume results in a body shop that looks nothing like those that use GM’s standard bill of process. Instead of having robogates clamp everything together in a fixture prior to welding, we’ll have smaller fixtures that set the dimensional accuracy piece-by-piece. Some of the MIG welding is automatic but most of it will be done by hand.

“The amount of work necessary to build this car in just a few stations is significantly less than what’s necessary for a conventional body. There aren’t that many welds because adhesives and fasteners are also used to join parts.

While hydroformed tubes are commonplace in body-on-frame applications such as full-size trucks and the Corvette, Kappa brings a new twist to body making called sheet hydroforming. While this technology is rare in the car business, it’s been in wide industrial use for decades.

Chances are your notebook computer’s case or the stainless steel sink in your kitchen was made by this method. According to Al Houchens, GM’s director of advanced manufacturing technology productionizing, sheet hydroforming delivers several benefits:

- A 10-50-percent tooling-cost savings.

- The ability to draw deeper-section panels with more complex shapes than is practical with conventional processes.

- Superior finish quality since there is no skidding friction or metal-to-metal contact on the visible surface.

- Added stiffness achieved by hydroforming’s more equitable spread of strain over the panel’s entire surface, improving dent and oil canning resistance.

The one notable negative is a cycle time three to 10 times longer than conventional matched-die stamping. That’s a show stopper with high volume models such as the Chevrolet Cobalt but not a concern when the sales target is 20,000 or so sports cars per year.

The entire skin of the Solstice and mating inner panels — about ten parts in all — will be made by sheet hydroforming. Elated with this breakthrough approach, Queen exclaims, “We considered SMC and other composites but plastics drove investment and piece costs too high for a low-volume, low-cost car. And the beauty of sheet hydroforming is its ability to produce a hood with shapes, forms, and radii that couldn’t be achieved with conventional stamping methods."

“What’s more, the Kappa architecture doesn’t preclude other technologies. There’s no reason we couldn’t use aluminum, SMC, or conventional pressed steel for another car sharing this architecture.”

Parks adds, “Substituting longer hydroformed structural rails gives us a longer wheelbase. The chassis is a suspension engineer’s dream with forged-aluminum control arms and coil-over dampers so there’s ample capacity for other family members."

“The beauty of the Ecotec engine is that, with turbocharging or supercharging, it’s capable of delivering 250 hp which would take us from seven seconds for the base car’s zero-to-sixty performance down to the five-second range. In other words, the 4-cylinder offers so much flexibility we see no need for a V-6.”

The 2.4 liter Ecotec 4-cylinder engine was switched from front to rear drive without any engine block modifications needed. The stamped-steel center tunnel is reinforced with hydroformed tubes. The front-of-dash and windshield frame are built up as a subassembly and mated to the unibody with adhesives and a few welds, a technique developed for the Corvette.

front/rear suspension: forged aluminum unequal-length control arms, monotube dampers, coil springs

pontiac taking a step in the right direction...finally

Mallett is going to make 100 modified Solstices with a 400 hp LS2.

Check the link

http://www.mallettcars.com/solstice-conversion.htm

http://www.mallettcars.com/images/solsticechassiscutaway.jpg

beautiful vehicle.
agressive and trendy.
Pontiac is catching up to where it was in the past.
still a shame that an "eco"-tec can't get better than 30mpg.
open air cockpit and 50/50 weight distribution definite plus.

The Solstice shown is a pre-production car.

I think it lacks the premium package, but I could be wrong.

http://automobilemag.com/reviews/convertibles/0510_pontiac_solstice_07_900.jpg

http://automobilemag.com/reviews/convertibles/0510_pontiac_solstice_02_900.jpg

http://automobilemag.com/reviews/convertibles/0510_pontiac_solstice_05_900.jpg

http://automobilemag.com/photo_gallery/0510_pontiac_solstice_10_1024.jpg

http://automobilemag.com/photo_gallery/0510_pontiac_solstice_06_1024.jpg

Columbia River Gorge

http://automobilemag.com/photo_gallery/0510_pontiac_solstice_04_1024.jpg

http://www.netcarshow.com/wallpaper/Pontiac/2006-Solstice/l/04.jpg

http://www.netcarshow.com/wallpaper/Pontiac/2006-Solstice/l/0c.jpg

http://www.netcarshow.com/wallpaper/Pontiac/2006-Solstice/l/26.jpg

http://www.netcarshow.com/wallpaper/Pontiac/2006-Solstice/l/2c.jpg

The GM badge seen on the lower side of the car can be removed.

Another pre-production car.

http://www.theraceforum.com/images/forum/3084-30-1.jpg

http://www.theraceforum.com/images/forum/3084-30-2.jpg
Columbia River Gorge

http://www.theraceforum.com/images/forum/3084-31-1.jpg

http://www.theraceforum.com/images/forum/3084-31-2.jpg

http://www.theraceforum.com/images/forum/3084-32-1.jpg

http://www.theraceforum.com/images/forum/3084-32-2.jpg

Steel/Sand leather seating surfaces

http://www.theraceforum.com/images/forum/3084-33-1.jpg

I think the new Solstice is the most exciting Pontiac since the 1969-1970 GTO.

For the 1969 model year, two new engines were introduced, the Ram-Air III and IV, producing 366 and 370 hp respectively. The main difference between the two, was the use of either a Carter or a Rochester carburetor. Also added to the line-up was the 'Judge' model, named after the 'Here come da' Judge' expression from the 'Laugh-in' TV-show. The package included a striking set of decals and the easily recognizable 'Caroussel Red' orange paint.

Here is a 1970 GTO Judge. It could be had with a 455 cubic inch V-8 with 360 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque.

http://www.netcarshow.com/pontiac/1970-gto/1024x768/wallpaper_01.jpg

Here is a restored 1970 GTO with a 467 cubic inch V-8 that cranks out 540 hp. It also has upgraded suspension and brakes.

http://www.theraceforum.com/images/forum/3084-35-1.jpg

http://www.theraceforum.com/images/forum/3084-35-2.jpg

http://www.theraceforum.com/images/forum/3084-36-1.jpg

http://www.theraceforum.com/images/forum/3084-36-2.jpg

1969 GTO Judge

http://www.theraceforum.com/images/forum/2915-11-3.jpg

Another GTO Judge

http://www.theraceforum.com/images/forum/3245-9-3.jpg

I think the new Solstice is the most exciting Pontiac since the 1970 GTO.
Can't be leaving out the 4th gen WS.6. :evillol:

The Solstice is kinda a cool little car. For the price, awesome. My girl wants one of these cars REALLY bad. And at that price, she could get one if it fit into the house. Two seater doesn't really fit right now though.
Seen the Saturn Sky?? Same platform, and slightly more attractive in my opinion.

2002 Solstice Coupe concept

http://www.theraceforum.com/images/forum/3084-37-2.jpg

http://www.theraceforum.com/images/forum/3084-37-1.jpg

http://www.theraceforum.com/images/forum/3084-23-1.jpg

http://www.theraceforum.com/images/forum/3084-23-2.jpg

http://www.autoreview.ru/new_site/year2002/n02/detroit/800/detroit_14.jpg

GM should use styling from the new Pontiac Solstice and the new Saturn Sky with their new rwd cars.

GM reverses course, says revised version of Zeta rear-drive architecture is back on track

Automotive News

9/12/05

DETROIT - Six months after General Motors halted plans to use its Zeta rear-wheel-drive car architecture in North America, the company has revived the program.

In an interview with Automotive News last week, Jim Queen, GM's vice president of global engineering, said a revised version of Zeta is back on track.

Engineered at GM's Holden subsidiary in Australia, Zeta was expected to be the basis of the next-generation Pontiac Grand Prix and GTO; the Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo and a new version of the Camaro; and other vehicles. Vehicles in the program were expected to debut as early as 2006.

Queen did not discuss vehicles on the new version of Zeta or timing. Some vehicles that could be in the Zeta program include the next-generation Pontiac GTO as well as a Chevrolet coupe and sedans. They could debut by the 2009 or 2010 model year, say one company source and one industry analyst.

Queen said initial plans for Zeta stretched the architecture beyond its limits for some North American vehicles. "We needed to reassess and reconfigure the program," he said.

"As we started counting who was in and who was out of Zeta, we realized too late" that Zeta would not work in North America, Queen said.

Part of GM's reasoning in slowing Zeta's development was to focus on pulling forward its full-sized SUVs and pickups. GM's next-generation SUVs will debut early next year.

At the time, GM Vice Chairman Robert Lutz wrote on GM's FastLane blog that GM had "canceled & plans to build rear-wheel-drive vehicles off the Zeta architecture."

"But that does not mean we've canceled plans to build rear-drive vehicles altogether," Lutz wrote. "We are simply reallocating resources (human and financial) to pull some other programs ahead and get other vehicles to market sooner."

The revised Zeta program is being developed in GM's Australian engineering center. The vehicle line executive on the program is Gene Stefanyshyn, the former vehicle line executive for GM's Epsilon, or mid-sized cars, in North America.

A GM spokesman said no product plans have been approved and that GM still is studying design themes, performance characteristics and variants for Zeta vehicles.

GM uses the term "architecture" to signify a common set of components, performance characteristics, a common manufacturing process, a range of dimensions and connecting points for key component systems.

(end of article)

The reason why I think the next generation Pontiac GTO (and/or Firebird) won't have retro styling is because Michael Simcoe, GM's executive director of body frame integral design, makes a small statement about it in the article below.

Buick plans lineup expansion; rear-wheel-drive premium vehicles to be featured

JASON STEIN | Automotive News

Posted Date: 12/20/04

DETROIT -- General Motors' next rear-wheel-drive premium vehicles will expand Buick's product line significantly and give consumers more options - sporty cars and comfy sedans.

Michael Simcoe, GM's new executive director of body frame integral design, says the automaker's new Zeta architecture will extend Buick's product portfolio.

"We will play at both ends," Simcoe says. "We can have prestigious luxury and prestigious sport."

Within two years, Zeta will debut on a Buick sedan. A coupe and possibly a convertible will follow.

Simcoe says Zeta, which will be engineered by GM's Australian subsidiary Holden Ltd., will be a key component in GM's overall strategy for global products.

Simcoe should know. Before being appointed to his position on Aug. 1, Simcoe was executive director for design in GM's Asia-Pacific region. He was responsible for the design strategy at GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co. and Holden.

Zeta is an evolution in the way GM thinks about product development, he says.

"Zeta is the classic case of GM seeing an architecture around the globe," Simcoe says. "The way it used to work was if it wasn't North American, it wasn't appropriate.

"But there is a lot of potential there with Zeta. There is freedom to do more."

As such, Zeta will offer that freedom to GM's product planners."We are getting encouragement coming from all sides to do as much as we can with it in terms of flexibility," Simcoe says. "That means more variants and more ability to move up and down when it comes to price."

Zeta will debut with Pontiac in the next-generation GTO - but the design won't be retro, he says.

"I wouldn't want retro," Simcoe says. "What the market wants is something that will stand out."

GM uses the term architecture to signify a common set of components, performance characteristics, a common manufacturing process, a range of dimensions and connecting points for key component systems.

A high-performance 2007 Solstice will be available with either a turbocharged or a supercharged I-4, but not both.

Hydroformed body panels

All of the Solstice's shapely panels, except for the small panels behind the front wheels, are shaped by presses employing 2,000 to 4,000 psi of water pressure.

http://www.canadiandriver.com/photos/2006/pontiac/solstice/06solstice_mlf_2.jpg

http://www.canadiandriver.com/photos/2006/pontiac/solstice/06solstice_mlf_1.jpg

The 2006 Solstice's chassis has a bending frequency of 20.9 Hz and a torsional frequency of 18.8 Hz.

I wonder if an orange exterior color would work well with the Solstice or if it would age quickly.

AC Cobra replicas shown.

http://www.theraceforum.com/images/forum/3084-42-1.jpg

Pontiac has 13,000 orders for the Solstice.

Mallet's V-8-powered Solstice

The Mallet embroidered headrests and exterior decals can be deleted.

http://www.mallettcars.com/images/solsticev8blacklg.jpg

http://www.mallettcars.com/images/solsticev8blackrearcornerlg.jpg

http://www.mallettcars.com/images/solsticev8enginelg.jpg

http://www.mallettcars.com/images/solsticenelsonsbanner.jpg

http://www.fast-autos.net/mallett/v8solstice.jpg

http://www.fast-autos.net/mallett/v8solstice2.jpg

http://www.fast-autos.net/mallett/v8solstice3.jpg

http://www.fast-autos.net/mallett/v8solstice4.jpg

http://www.fast-autos.net/mallett/v8solstice5.jpg

Kappasphere will make parts for both the Pontiac Solstice and the Saturn Sky.

http://www.kappasphere.com/

According to detnews.com, GM "will add a third production shift in January 2006 at its Wilmington, Del., plant to meet growing demand for the Pontiac Solstice and build two additional roadsters. More than 15,000 orders for the Solstice roadster have been received to date, GM spokesman Dan Flores said."

Heres some pics I have of it.

Images hosted by National Lightning Owners Club Member Galleries (http://www.nloc.net/gallery/)

http://www.nloc.net/gallery/images/full/32024-1085-19651.jpg

http://www.nloc.net/gallery/images/full/32024-1085-19652.jpg

http://www.nloc.net/gallery/images/full/32024-1085-19653.jpg

http://www.nloc.net/gallery/images/full/32024-1085-19654.jpg

http://www.nloc.net/gallery/images/full/32024-1085-19655.jpg

View all images from this gallery (http://www.nloc.net/gallery/album.php?id=1085)

Robert (Bob) Lutz was named General Motors vice chairman of product development on September 1, 2001. On November 13, 2001, he was named chairman of GM North America and served in that capacity until April 4, 2005, when he assumed responsibility for Global Product Development. He also served as president of GM Europe on an interim basis from March to June 2004.

Lutz received his bachelor's degree in production management from the University of California-Berkeley in 1961, where he earned distinction as a Phi Beta Kappa. He received a master's degree in business administration, with highest honors, from the University of California-Berkeley in 1962. He received an honorary degree of doctor of management from Kettering University on June 21, 2003, and an honorary doctorate of law from Boston University in 1985.

He also served as a jet-attack aviator in the United States Marine Corps from 1954 to 1965 and attained the rank of captain. Lutz was born on February 12, 1932, in Zurich, Switzerland.

Lutz was also one of the main people behind the Dodge Viper while working at the Chrysler Corporation.

http://www.theraceforum.com/images/forum/3084-10-1.jpg

http://www.theraceforum.com/images/forum/3084-48-1.jpg

http://www.theraceforum.com/images/forum/3084-50-1.jpg

The Pontiac Solstice has won Automobile Magazine's 2006 Design of the Year award.

"No need to beat around the bush: the best attribute of the Pontiac Solstice is its brilliant Franz von Holzhausen styling. Even if its appealing appearance were all the Solstice had going for it, the car still would have been a strong contender for this award, because it possesses all the visceral appeal that made the original 2002 concept so desirable. It's cool, it's smooth, it's exciting, and, thanks to some clever engineering under its skin, it's a good drive, too."

- Automobile Magazine

http://automobilemag.com/news/0601_pontiac_solstice_01_900.jpg

I absolutely love the Solstice. The more I see it the more I like it.