The gents at Winding Road (you remember those guys, right?) got up close and personal with Bob Lutz at a recent media event and asked him directly about whether or not a coupe version of the Pontiac Solstice was still in the works. The answer Lutz gave was guarded, but it clearly indicates a coupe was part of the plan all along and that, at least Lutz, still wants to build one that looks just like the concept that debuted back in 2002 (shown above). It seems that in order to make the business case for the Solstice sound, the coupe was left off the table at the first go round. General Motors will likely sit down to review the success of the Sostice so far and determine whether or not more economies of scale can be realized with another Kappa model, which at that point a Solstice Coupe will likely get a green light. Lutz goes on to call the decision to build a coupe "logical" and adds it would be very good for racing, which is an area in which the Solstice is enjoying some early success already.
[Source: Winding Road]
Reader Spy: Chevy Volt caught on set of Transformers 2
Spy Shot: Production interior of Chevy Volt (maybe)
Rumormill: Lexus LF-A... Stillborn?
Ford reveals 2010 Mustang badge
REPORT: Chrysler may sell Dodge Viper rather than kill it
In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Nissan Murano
In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Dodge Journey R/T
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Jeep Compass Sport 4x2
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Porsche Carrera S
First Drive: 2009 Honda Fit Sport
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Ben @ Dec 6th 2006 4:30PM
This would be less then a roadster, right?
I would love to see what a Sky coupe would look like (but would it still be called the Sky?)
Thor @ Dec 6th 2006 4:35PM
Solstice Coupe is UGLY AS SIN.
epp_b @ Dec 6th 2006 4:45PM
["I would love to see what a Sky coupe would look like"]
Maybe something like this:
http://hvtm.totalcar.hu/car/m/saturn/165041.jpg
I love how the Sky is like a Mini-Corvette. It looks fantastic!
1337 @ Jul 31st 2007 4:12PM
Looks like a combination of an S2000 and a Corvette.
Richard Warren @ Dec 6th 2006 4:51PM
The return of the Opel GT
07buyer @ Dec 6th 2006 4:59PM
3 - That sky coupe pic is hot. I'll be getting a new fun car next fall. If Saturn rolls out a coupe for 08 (in turbo trim), I'll get in line.
eed @ Dec 6th 2006 5:28PM
Lets just hope the parts fit right...
A friend of mine wanted to go replace his S2000 with a Solstice, but before he even test drove it, he noticed that the trunk didn't quite "fit right". Apparently it was assembled incorrectly and as a result the trunk wouldn't latch correctly.
He left before even talking to a salesman. I wonder how many potential "conquests" GM has lost that way.
Phelix @ Dec 6th 2006 5:29PM
While I like the idea of a Solstice coupe, if they're going to build more on the Kappa platform I'd rather see the Chevy Nomad concept.
rrr @ Dec 6th 2006 5:40PM
But wouldn't this coup basicaly eat a big chunk of sales that should have gone to G6. You know G6...a car GM spend a ton of money developing.
Also isn't G6 just a year or so old?
Bennet Pullen @ Dec 6th 2006 5:45PM
I think if they do build this car than it should fall under another brand, and get unique sheet metal/interior.
As much as I hate to say it, what might me cool is a Solstice Coupe with an ignition key between the seats. Though I hate seeing Saab sell Saabaru's and Saablazers they have done an amazing job with those vehicles, both as far as suspension tuning and looks. I think a Saturn Sky style car with a Saab nose would be Hot! especially with a roof to differentiate it from an Opel GT.
Jro @ Dec 6th 2006 5:46PM
I wonder if this is an actual story or if Winding Roads is just making some hype for their next fake prototype.... I still don't understand the point of the Corvette stuff and I have lost a lot of credibility for that publication
hondacura @ Dec 6th 2006 5:51PM
I loved the Opel GT! The Soltice looks like a modern verison of it.
Jaymez @ Dec 6th 2006 6:02PM
I'd never buy a soft-top, but, I like the styling of the Sky. I might consider a Sky Coupe if it had a turbo. The base motor in the drop top hasn't got enough nut to get out of its own way.
The Pontiac is just ugly in any form.
Ava's Gardner @ Dec 6th 2006 6:31PM
Great looking car, The Solstice has great quality build, this thing would sell like hotcakes. Build it GM and they will come.
Steve @ Dec 6th 2006 6:41PM
This is a great looking car. Reminds me of some older cars like the Avanti (I think it was made by Studebaker) in the 1960s. I don't know anything about Saturn's quality issues, but I think this could be a real winner for GM.
Steve @ Dec 6th 2006 6:45PM
Oops. The Soltice is Pontiac. Duh! Shows the value of my insight and opinion!
naggs @ Dec 6th 2006 7:14PM
"8. But wouldn't this coup basicaly eat a big chunk of sales that should have gone to G6. You know G6...a car GM spend a ton of money developing.
Also isn't G6 just a year or so old?
noone is going to confuse a kappa coupe for a fwd G6
Bill P. @ Dec 6th 2006 7:20PM
Is that just a Photoshop job, or a previous coupe concept?
steve @ Dec 6th 2006 7:32PM
hmmm ...more seat travel for people over 5 foot 3
Mike G @ Dec 6th 2006 7:39PM
The Solstice Coupe is a great idea.
First, it looks great. Like a smaller, more tossable and thrashable Nissan 350Z.
Second, it makes business sense; with mostly the same architecture and engine components, GM can add a new model and almost double sales. It doesn't compete with the G6 as someone suggested above because it's in a different size and class of vehicle. It complements the Pontiac range and reinforces the performance image Pontiac is still striving for.
Third, give it a snazzy name like Pontiac Solstice Stingray (from the rear the concept's fenders and C pillars almost look like the sweet classic C2 Corvette '63 split window). Ain't nothing wrong with that.