Filed under: Aftermarket, Detroit Auto Show, Gadgets, Convertibles, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Wagons/Estates
Detroit Show Wrapup: EDAG Pontiac Solstice Wagonlet in the flesh
Regular readers will recall our EDAG Pontiac Solstice 'Shooting Brake' shots in Autoblog's pre-NAIAS coverage. Like many of today's most influential designs, the company's roadster-with-a-backpack generated a visceral love/hate reaction. Seen here in the metal (okay, metal and fiberglass), the company's prototype isn't likely to bridge the division between the two camps, but here are a few more shots just in case.
The concept on display wasn't a finished piece, it was a prototype lacking a proper gas-strut for the rear hatch lid. Instead, it made use of a thin prop-rod that looked for all the world like a spar pilfered from a stunt-kite kit. Regardless, the EDAG rep assured Autoblog that a production version would launch with a proper mechanism (and hopefully improved hinges, as well).
[More photos and info after the jump]
With the factory Solstice's tragically limited stowage space (an ungainly hump in the trunk greatly abbreviates its 'real' storage capacity), the EDAG cap makes for a modest improvement, affording enough space for a bag or two of Callaways, but duffers will want to pack their clubs in cozies, as they will be at eye (and window) level. Still, it's definitely an improvement.
The Solstice helmet is reportedly 'easily removable,' albeit a two-person job (barring a garage hoist), and presumably some sort of quick-release mechanism has (or could be) sourced for the standard trunklid, making it something of a plug-and-play option.
Despite its slightly unpolished nature, EDAG's take on Pontiac's droptop was rather charming, and could do well in the marketplace. The spokesperson further allowed that a decision on production is coming within the next couple of weeks, and depending on amount of interest the concept generates, the lid could arrive in fiberglass (as seen here), or steel. A production lid would likely go for a few thousand dollars installed, and the decision remains whether to offer them painted in a few colors from the factory, or left unfinished. EDAG is seeking interest from both dealers that fit accessories and aftermarket vehicle outfitters.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Richard 4:08PM (1/16/2006)
I like this because it will hold a little gear.
Just needs a (large) sunroof for that dropped-top feeling.
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Chris 4:30PM (1/16/2006)
To hell with the MINI Cooper!
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Jeff Crew 4:30PM (1/16/2006)
The rear end is not resolved on this concept. I would consider this product if GM made a coupe with a usable trunk though.
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Aaron 4:35PM (1/16/2006)
Leave it to Pontiac to make a decent car ugly. I guess they still haven't fired the Aztek designer. I don't understand the point. Who's asking for a 2-door hatch back with marginal storage space?
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Pontiac Solstice 4:52PM (1/16/2006)
Pretty cool looking.. not really sure exactly how useful it would be.
For more information on the Pontiac Solstice, check out http://www.solsticeforums.com
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Moofie 4:57PM (1/16/2006)
OK, I think I'm missing something here. Is this going to be an aftermarket gizmo, or a permanently-affixed-to-the-sheetmetal new option?
Or did somebody's designers just have a little of the crazy time?
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HardwareGuy 5:02PM (1/16/2006)
Solstice hatchback anyone (after they fix the rear)?
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Punchy 5:07PM (1/16/2006)
I know this is a work in process, but those hinges look absolutely awful. The overall effect however is awesome, sign me up.
Punchy
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SoloTwo 5:35PM (1/16/2006)
ARGH, it wasn't Pontiac that made it was a company called EDAG.
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Ferguson McSqueege 7:06PM (1/16/2006)
So...where's the trunk? One set of golf clubs, and it looks like it's already blocking half of your marginal sight to the rear.
Make it with an actual trunk, Pontiac.
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JZeke 7:25PM (1/16/2006)
Id be more interested to see some aftermarket company do something about that awkward fuel tank that protrudes up into the trunk space. How hard would it be to make a better fitting design?
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far jr 8:15PM (1/16/2006)
Sorta cool, unique, and ugly as dirt all in one package. Definitely up to the eye of the beholder. I for one would never own it, but wouldn't mind seeing them on the road. Hey if the xB can be considered stylish, I guess this could too.
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Tim 11:03PM (1/16/2006)
Re: #4...Pontiac has nothing to do with this design. read the article before you start spouting your opinion. geeze.
I personally don't like it. You lose the roadster ride and dont even gain a whole lot more cargo space (the golf bag looks like it's blocking any rear-view visibility. I'm still waiting for the sexy coupe concept to come to fruition. When the Solstice was originally showed the Coupe that showed with the roadster looked great!
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Car-la 2:07AM (1/17/2006)
I like its styling. Hopefully, they get the conversion-quality right.
Too bad, the trunk isn't any bigger. Really makes you wonder, how small the trunk of the original Solstice is.
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Ferguson McSqueege 3:23AM (1/17/2006)
Re #13:
After spending near $30K on this car (thanks to dealer markups), the only clubs you'll be able to afford are a pair of Spauldings.
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Ferguson McSqueege 3:27AM (1/17/2006)
Re #13:
After spending nearly $30K on this car (thanks to dealer markups), the only clubs you will be able to afford are a set of Spauldings.
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Brian Sands 1:38PM (1/17/2006)
A travesty if produced. This is a workaround, not a solution, and an ugly workaround at that. If they are serious about fixing the storage issue, then why not consider putting the coupe version into production. This would be much more acceptable, especially since it was the original Solstice concept. If this whatchacallit comes to production, I fear that my "real" Solstice will be tainted.
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Don 3:04AM (1/19/2006)
I am trying to decide whether to buy a raffle ticket to win a 2005 Pontiac Solstice: http://benefactorsraffle.com
This wagon is a little different than what they have. It really looked great on the Apprentice when they featured it. Does it have any pep? Is a decent sized person comfortable when seated in it? I haven't been able to find one locally which is why I am considering buying a ticket.
Thanks for any thoughts. I'll check back.
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