Rumormill: Solstice to get G6 GXP-look schnoz?
Oh no. Blogger Mickey Kaus says that he's seen an updated Pontiac Solstice ('09, presumably, since the '08 is unchanged), and that the new front clip sports the unbecoming, "tongue-thrusting" look of the current G6 GXP. Let's hope what Kaus saw was just some driver with poor taste rolling with an aftermarket nose, because the Solstice is not in need of a factory-prescribed rhinoplasty. GM would do well to focus on further refining the next generation of the car and not engage in ill-advised interim facelifts just for the sake of having them. The Solstice is a great-looking, fun little go-kart that's not without its flaws. None of those, however, involve the car's appearance, which is its strongest suit. The new-look G6 GXP fascia is so overwrought that it effectively ruins an otherwise appealing package (GXP trim is the only way to get the G6 with the 3.6L V6 and 6-speed auto, and be advised: the GXP sedan gets the Gene Simmons mug, too). Don't do that to the Solstice, Pontiac. When you're trying hard to rekindle the Excitement Division, it's probably not a good idea to remind folks that you were the Aztek Division not so long ago. Unnecessary silliness like this does precisely that, so we hope this is one report that never leaves the proverbial rumormill.
UPDATE: More details from Mickey Kaus in the comments.
[Kausfiles via Instapundit]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
TriShield 12:40PM (11/20/2007)
Internet rumor, not gonna happen. Solstice coupe debuts next year too.
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SrydontAgree 12:41PM (11/20/2007)
I think your wrong on this one.. The solstice is far less attractive than its sibling from saturn.. A face lift is definitely welcome. I think the biggest problem is they picked the wrong face.
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HotRodzNKustoms 12:41PM (11/20/2007)
As much as some would like to believe. GM is not stupid. They will not fool with a highly successful package like the Solstice. I would even go as far to say that the next generation car will be more evolutionary than groundbreaking.
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warrenmadsen 12:44PM (11/20/2007)
I disagree. All things being equal, I'd take the styling if the Saturn Sky over the cartoonish Solstice and I'd welcome a more agressive, and edgy design from Pontiac.
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nissanfreak87 12:50PM (11/20/2007)
with Pontiac becoming aggressive and sporty, I'd be open to seeing what it could look like, I think it's a good idea
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PJ 12:52PM (11/20/2007)
Hopefully styling ranks below these higher priorities on Pontiac's refresh to-do list:
a. a shorter third gear.
b. a top that seals correctly.
c. a trunk.
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John 1:04PM (11/20/2007)
I like the styling of the Solstice as it is. Maybe Pontiac is developing for the Solstice GXP a unique nose like it has on the Grand Prix and G6. I think the current Solstice has a very clean look and it distinguishes it from the Sky.
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Endurancevm 1:02PM (11/20/2007)
The Solstice could have a more aggressive face, however I'm quite happy with the current look. If GM does decide to make the Solstice more aggressive, hopefully they don't take inspiration with the tragedy we all know as the G6 GXP.
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tbyron 1:02PM (11/20/2007)
Ever see a Solstice with a front-mounted license plate? As Dan Neil said, it looks like it should be called a Solthtith. Some mods, if done well, would not be unwelcome.
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andybee 1:20PM (11/20/2007)
there is a bodykit for the Solstice which has a slightly deeper Pontiac Grille and does not curve under like the stock car (because it has a lip/splitter at the front).
Maybe, that was seen
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tankd0g 1:32PM (11/20/2007)
I think I read somewhere that dealers have a 266 day supply of these things. Successful?
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THESCOOTMAN 7:03PM (11/20/2007)
I think a more aggressive front end is a great idea. I like the car but always thought the front was too round.
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Ed 1:52PM (11/20/2007)
Unfortunately GM is stupider than Jupiter... If this is true i wouldn't be surprised by it at all.. and all this just as I though GM had finally gotten a new brain. And just as I thought that Pontiac cars was looking better than ever before they come out with the GXP and had to ruin it all. Now let's all hope of the old Grand Am look and side panels on those old Grand AMs.
Let's hope they don't start changing the new Saturn look back to the old ones too... and plastic panels cuz someone had thought it was a good idea.
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mk 1:55PM (11/20/2007)
I like the sky much better, anyway.
The Solstice GXP could get a new face, but the G6 is the WRONG one. Maybe a touch of G8 made more rounded, or something, but not G6 GXP.
The G6 is boring enough, the G6 GXP is positively hideous. For a company that is trying to climb back to prominence as a performance and sport division, making something ugly is the surefire way to get people to pan it. Modest but decent looking (like say, the new Malibu) will probably win over sporty but ugly, (G6 GXP) more often than the reverse.
The G6 GXP should have NEVER broken cover looking like that. No excuse, it is a bumper cover, for pete's sake, and an ugly rear spoiler. It could have just as easily been done right, as it was done so badly.
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sped4 1:56PM (11/20/2007)
http://ligamusic.com affect car, :) just want buy it
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Menice 2:02PM (11/20/2007)
troll!
doesnt even make sense and i even clicked. i suck.
i too prefer the saturn design.
solstice could use a new mug, not the g6 face.
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AltairDusk 2:05PM (11/20/2007)
This has to be just a rumor, GM can't be that crazy. The solstice is a decent looking car that will appeal to people who like the retro style. From the reviews I've read it seems they should concentrate on having it perform up to it's looks.
That G6 GXP nose just makes me think of Fast & Furious gone even more wrong...
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big L 3:09PM (11/20/2007)
I hope not. fix what needs to be fixed,top and engine and gearing and trunk. forget the nostrils now.
The G8 isn't here yet and the rear end needs to be fixed already. Too '08 Accordish
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geo.stewart 2:17PM (11/20/2007)
I think Solstice will be the mug looked on favorably in 20yrs while the saturn will be seen as trendy.
and much as i mildly dislike the window controls in the HHR, that is where they sould be on the Solstice, not 1/2 way back on the door armrest. Talk about poor functional design.
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Rick 7:13PM (11/20/2007)
What a whiny article. As a sour on domestic buyer, the Piontiac is the one car the domestics have put out that is appealing. To chastise the Pontiac's front end is laughable as it's clearly better than any current Pontiac on the road.
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