Autoblog

Click above for high-res live shots of the 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe

A self-effacing and impeccably dressed Bob Lutz took shots at the old Pontiac during the live reveal of the 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe. Busting on the arrowhead's former taste for cladding and Iron Dukes in the "excitement" product line, Lutz confidently strode alongside a silver 2009 Solstice GXP Coupe as it rolled out amidst fanfare provided by the Young Lords. Strobe lights flashed, music blared – it was like catching the last act of Kimmel, complete with Pontiac Garage signage. The Solstice Coupe replaces the world's flimsiest soft-top setup with a composite targa panel. 50-Cent also made an appearance and touted the performance of the GXP-trim Solstice, saying "It's faster than a Porsche Boxster. For $30,000... pick this one, not that one," while pointing at the Porsche display. The look of the Solstice Coupe is definitely zoomy - think of a C3 Corvette left in the dryer too long and you get the idea. Inside, the feeling is perhaps slightly less claustrphobic, but the general low-budget interior continues, though the GXP on the stand was wearing leather on the seats. The price of entry will still be a bargain when you look at the style it buys (official pricing hasn't been announced) - and the Coupe may even have enough trunk for an overnight bag.

In an interview with WunderBob Lutz, the Associated Press reported that "he wants to retire from General Motors Corp. after the company brings a plug-in electric car to market, possibly sometime in 2010." After what must have been enough phone calls and e-mails to bust a switchboard, Lutz has clarified the AP story with a resounding "I'm not thinking retirement."

The AP stands by its story, which it said was a story about retirement. The confusion perhaps came from Lutz saying he wanted to retire after a plug-in electric comes out, and the AP writing that he could "possibly" retire immediately after it came out.

Lutz also said, "Unfortunately, this was misinterpreted as a statement that I would retire at the end of 2010. While this remains a possibility, it is not 'a plan'! We'll just take it a year at a time!" Of course, the furor also points out just how important Bob Lutz is to GM. The General said that whenever the time comes, a replacement will be found, but come on -- a guy called "Maximum Bob" will probably be difficult to replace.

[Source: Auto News, sub req'd]

Swiss-born GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz was asked by a Swiss newspaper Sunday if his company would go it alone or seek a merger with Ford. Lutz answered, "We are open to alliances. But we can also be successful alone."

Does this mean GM and Ford are talking merger? Not likely, but it could mean more cooperation in the future, like the co-developed 6-speed transmission being used in Ford's Edge and Saturn's Aura.

Lutz also said GM was still open to working with Renault-Nissan despite a recent report saying Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn was no longer interested in talking to U.S. automakers about possible alliances.

[Source: SonntagsZeitung via Reuters]