(http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/il/features/future/07.pontiac.solstice/07.solstice.gxp.f34.500.jpg)
(http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/il/features/future/07.pontiac.solstice/07.solstice.gxp.pro.500.jpg)
(http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/il/features/future/07.pontiac.solstice/07.solstice.gxp.r34.500.jpg)
(http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/il/features/future/07.pontiac.solstice/07.solstice.gxp.eng.500.jpg)
2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP Gets Turbocharged
By: Ed Hellwig
Date Posted 09-22-2005
Now that the 2006 Pontiac Solstice is finally trickling into dealerships across the country, engineers at Pontiac are focusing their energy on the next member of the Solstice family, the 2007 Solstice GXP.
Seen here making laps on the N?rburgring test track, the 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP should improve upon some of the standard model's sluggishness when pushed hard. The most significant upgrade will be the addition of a turbocharger to the standard 2.0-liter Ecotec four-cylinder. Aided by an auxiliary intercooler, the turbo system is expected to make as much as 250 horsepower.
In addition to the extra horsepower, the Solstice GXP is expected to get a six-speed manual transmission. This could make a big difference in the car's feel as the wide spacing of the standard model's five-speed transmission is one reason it feels so slow coming out of corners. We wouldn't mind seeing some throws to go with the new tranny.
One thing that doesn't appear to be changing is the size of the wheel and tire combination. No surprise there as the standard Solstice already has way more tire than it needs. A lighter set of wheels might have quickened up its reflexes, but it looks as though the prototype was using the same five-spoke setup you get on the current Solstice. Notable styling differences include an extra tailpipe out back, a small spoiler on the rear deck and a revised front fascia up front that includes a thin air intake to feed the turbo intercooler.
Look for the 2007 Solstice GXP to make its auto show debut early next year with sales beginning in the fall of 2006.
Maybe this will be enough to take out the MX-5. Unless there's a Mazdaspeed version coming.
QuoteMaybe this will be enough to take out the MX-5. Unless there's a Mazdaspeed version coming.
I'm sure there is.
Oh baby, this is gonna be sweet. It even has a hood that opens the cool way.
I am not a huge fan of the spoiler, but to make the car better I fully agree with it.
Overall, I am very impressed and excited.
QuoteI am not a huge fan of the spoiler, but to make the car better I fully agree with it.
Overall, I am very impressed and excited.
Watch what you say or the spoiler police will be on you.
the car is still fugly.
Quotethe car is still fugly.
At least it looks good from the inside.
You can't see how ugly it is from inside! :lol:
QuoteQuotethe car is still fugly.
At least it looks good from the inside.
You can't see how ugly it is from inside! :lol:
True, i really like the interior of this car.
QuoteIn addition to the extra horsepower, the Solstice GXP is expected to get a six-speed manual transmission.
I hope this is true. I really dig the Solstice, but honestly I don't think I would buy one given the whacky gearing on the basic 5-speed it comes with. At a minimum they need to revise the gear spacing on the five speed, even if it means lowering the top speed.
GM should have given it a 6 speed from the beginning. What's next? They dial back their state of the art 4 speeds to 3 speeds?
QuoteGM should have given it a 6 speed from the beginning. What's next? They dial back their state of the art 4 speeds to 3 speeds?
To be fair there are not alot of cars under 20k that come with 6-speeds, and there are alot of cars over that amount that still use 5-speeds (aren't you supposedly a fan of the WRX...which uses a 5-speed?).
I think if they made an optional 6-speed for like and extra 1500 bucks or something that would have been a good idea.
Standard 5-speed manual
Optional 5-speed automatic
Optional 6-speed manual
I am a huge fan of the WRX, but that doesn't mean I don't curse Subaru for not using their 6 speed manual in that (especially now that it has the 2.5) and the Legacy.
QuoteQuoteQuotethe car is still fugly.
At least it looks good from the inside.
You can't see how ugly it is from inside! :lol:
True, i really like the interior of this car.
I guess I'm in the minority, but I really dislike the interior of the Solstice. I think the outside is too cute, and the inside is too cheap looking, regardless of how it might feel.
Quotethe car is still fugly.
Not a chance.
QuoteQuotethe car is still fugly.
Not a chance.
:D
I'm with you.
:praise:
I just can't see buying this over a Miata. I know everyone's excited about it but look at the top it looks like they designed it as an afterthought.
QuoteI just can't see buying this over a Miata. I know everyone's excited about it but look at the top it looks like they designed it as an afterthought.
If I had a Solstice, the top would only be up when it was parked anyway. Otherwise, why ruin the lines?
QuoteI just can't see buying this over a Miata. I know everyone's excited about it but look at the top it looks like they designed it as an afterthought.
It was designed as an afterthought.
Of course, that's part of the reason it looks so amazing when the top is down. before the Solstice there was no other car that even could look like it.
Don't get me wrong, I understand there will always be people that don't like a car no matter how its styled, but you guys that keep mentioning that you don't think it looks like that great have to realize that to 95-98% of the population its probably the sexiest car currently in productin (other than certain exotic italian cars). Its not a mass hallucination that all these reviewers talk about getting looks and getting stopped whenever they are test driving it.
QuoteQuoteI just can't see buying this over a Miata. I know everyone's excited about it but look at the top it looks like they designed it as an afterthought.
It was designed as an afterthought.
Of course, that's part of the reason it looks so amazing when the top is down. before the Solstice there was no other car that even could look like it.
Don't get me wrong, I understand there will always be people that don't like a car no matter how its styled, but you guys that keep mentioning that you don't think it looks like that great have to realize that to 95-98% of the population its probably the sexiest car currently in productin (other than certain exotic italian cars). Its not a mass hallucination that all these reviewers talk about getting looks and getting stopped whenever they are test driving it.
Don't get me wrong, it is a sexy car, very good looking. However, if I'm laying out the cash I can't say it's a better package than the Miata. The top is just an annoyance to me.
(http://automobilemag.com/photo_gallery/0510_pontiac_solstice_08_445.jpg)
Looks good to me.
The biggest issue is getting out of the car to put it up or down. Lame.
Quote(http://automobilemag.com/photo_gallery/0510_pontiac_solstice_08_445.jpg)
Looks good to me.
The biggest issue is getting out of the car to put it up or down. Lame.
That was one of the annoyances I noticed. When I used a Miata in Maui I put the top up and down frequently because of rain. It would have been aggravating having to get out to do it all the time.
My wife just told me to stop posting on that "stupid thing". She says we're all gay. <_<
QuoteMy wife just told me to stop posting on that "stupid thing". She says we're all gay. <_<
Are you gonna take that? Pull rank on her! rokon.gif :lol:
How very un-PC of her.
QuoteQuoteMy wife just told me to stop posting on that "stupid thing". She says we're all gay. <_<
Are you gonna take that? Pull rank on her! rokon.gif :lol:
I'm past caring what she thinks. ;)
QuoteHow very un-PC of her.
Yeah, I wonder if she talks like that while she conducts her "diversity" training? :o :lol:
QuoteQuoteQuoteMy wife just told me to stop posting on that "stupid thing".? She says we're all gay. <_<
Are you gonna take that? Pull rank on her! rokon.gif :lol:
I'm past caring what she thinks. ;)
Damn, better not let her see that. I've found it useful to have a healthy fear of girls/women. They can be dangerous.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteMy wife just told me to stop posting on that "stupid thing".? She says we're all gay. <_<
Are you gonna take that? Pull rank on her! rokon.gif :lol:
I'm past caring what she thinks. ;)
Damn, better not let her see that. I've found it useful to have a healthy fear of girls/women. They can be dangerous.
Yes, my wife has a serious "evil" side. ;)
I am a lesbian....so I suppose she is partially correct.
QuoteI am a lesbian....so I suppose she is partially correct.
Dude, quit it with the lesbian schtick. :rolleyes:
QuoteQuoteI am a lesbian....so I suppose she is partially correct.
Dude, quit it with the lesbian schtick. :rolleyes:
6er is right.
QuoteQuoteI am a lesbian....so I suppose she is partially correct.
Dude, quit it with the lesbian schtick. :rolleyes:
?
I'm not trying to be funny.
It makes sense in my mind.
As for the Kappa cars, I think they're all pretty ugly.
The Sky looks like it has a demented grin and the Solstice looks like a slightly used bar of soap with a bit of frogeye Sprite influence in the headlights.
It's not attractive to me, just sporty looking. It's like a buff ugly chick. Butch.
I think they both look pretty good. There's something different about them in comparison to most current roadsters and I like to see that, especially from GM.
As for the lesbian thing: You are a man. Men are not lesbians. Therapy session over.
Looking at the pictures again, it also looks buck-toothed.
QuoteI think they both look pretty good. They'res something different about them in comparison to most current roadsters and I like to see that, especially from GM.
As for the lesbian thing: You are a man. Men are not lesbians. Therapy session over.
I'll call myself what I want - like I said, I wasn't trying to be funny for other people's benefit.
QuoteQuoteI think they both look pretty good. They'res something different about them in comparison to most current roadsters and I like to see that, especially from GM.
As for the lesbian thing: You are a man. Men are not lesbians. Therapy session over.
I'll call myself what I want - like I said, I wasn't trying to be funny for other people's benefit.
Umm alright then. Sorry.
QuoteQuoteMy wife just told me to stop posting on that "stupid thing". She says we're all gay. <_<
Are you gonna take that? Pull rank on her! rokon.gif :lol:
Seriously, man. You've got a gun. I'm not saying use it, just, you know, put the fear of god in her.
This should be the same basic engine as in the Saab 9-3 2.0T. The 2.0T eaisly makes 250 hp with any number of aftermarket computer upgrades, one of which Saab officially supports and warrants (the one from Hirsch).
QuoteThis should be the same basic engine as in the Saab 9-3 2.0T. The 2.0T eaisly makes 250 hp with any number of aftermarket computer upgrades, one of which Saab officially supports and warrants (the one from Hirsch).
The Astra GTC makes that much power right from the factory, so I agree its shouldn't be an issue getting 250 HP from the 2.0T ecotech.
That being said it would be pretty cool if GM made a few different levels of Solstice. Base as is, 177 HP. Solstice GT with the 205 HP S/C 2.0 from the Cobalt, and a top-level 250 HP Solstice GXP.
Do they have any LS1s lying about still? I'd love one of those bastards in there. Solstice SS.
The only thing I don't like is the "GXP" part...whenever I hear that I think of the Grand Am/Grand Prix/whatever...not my fondest memories.