Autoblog

Click above for a high resolution gallery of the Solstice GXP Coupe Concept

GM gave us an early look at its Solstice GXP Coupe Concept a few days ago, but we made sure to stop by the GM display to check out the coupe in person. We're glad to say that it's just as attractive in person, and we hope the graphics kit is an option when the coupe goes on sale later next year. Already available from the GM Performance Parts catalog is the Stage 2 performance kit and cat-back exhaust that bumps output to 290 hp. This particular Solstice also features blue accent stitching on the seats and race-style pedal covers. Check out the gallery below for the live shots from the show floor.

Click above for a high resolution image

The Pontiac Solstice is no stranger to the show floor at SEMA. Pontiac has previously shown the Solstice Weekend Club Racer in 2005, the Solstice GXP-R in 2006, and the single-seat Solstice SD-290 Concept. last year. For this year, GM's line of performance parts will be shown on the Solstice in coupe form for the first time when the Solstice GXP Coupe Concept is officially unveiled next week in Las Vegas. This customized Solstice shows off GM Performance Parts' Stage 2 performance kit , intake kit, and cat-back exhaust system that boosts horsepower from 260 to 290. The car also features a sportier suspension system, exterior graphics kit, customized leather-trimmed seats, race-style pedal covers, and an iPod interface. More details and live photos soon to come as part of our extensive SEMA 2008 coverage.

[Source: GMInsideNews.com]

Pontiac hopes to clear things up with a post on Pontiac blog regarding the future of its current products, namely the G8 and Solstice. It was just the other day that rumors of the brand's two rear-wheel drive vehicles possible being canceled hit the interwebs, and we dutifully reported on the story as we always do. According to Pontiac, though, those rumors are nothing more than speculation and should not be taken as gospel unless you hear it from the horse's (or Mr. Lutz's) mouth, which we have not. Still, the rumor in question indicates that the G8 will live on at least another five years, assuming it continues to sell that long, but would not be replaced after that. This could still be the case. Likewise, the Solstice has not been canceled, but it's replacement in GM's lineup still seems unlikely given the low volume of sales the vehicle attracts. In short, nobody can predict the future, but sometimes the handwriting on the wall isn't that tough to read.


[Source: Pontiac Underground]

It looks like things will be getting a lot less exciting at Pontiac, as some reports indicate that the erstwhile performance brand will be losing its best performers. Despite the fact that the G8 sedan has seen nothing but positive press from the media, including your humble scribes here at Autoblog, the realities of fuel economy and the global economy appear set to kill off the rear-wheel drive performance sedan in the prime of its short life. GM will reportedly not renew the G8 after its Holden-sourced chassis architecture is redesigned following a planned five-year run.

The Pontiac Solstice in both coupe and convertible forms is also unlikely to see a second generation. Unfortunately, the Solstice, Saturn Sky and their Opel spin-off don't generate enough sales to support another go-round, which could leave Pontiac with exactly zero vehicles with overtly sporting pretensions. While the G6 may be a decent car, it and a Cobalt derivative in the form of the G5 and a rebadged Aveo known as the G3 do not a BMW competitor make. What does this mean for the future of Pontiac as a brand? We'll see.


[Source: Inside Line]

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

Sporting a specific output of 130 horsepower-per-liter, the turbocharged, direct-injected Ecotec four-cylinder from GM that's featured in the Pontiac Solstice GXP, Saturn Sky Redline and SS versions of the Chevy HHR and Cobalt, is already one heck of an accomplishment. But wait... there's more -- power that is. According to Motor Trend, shortly after the Solstice Coupe goes on sale next year, the blown-Ecotec could make 300 horsepower or more, putting it in close competition with performance stalwarts such as Nissan's Z. What's more, the same engine should also be available in the convertible versions of both the Solstice GXP and Saturn Sky Redline as well, paired only with a five-speed manual tranny in all applications.

This is just a rumor at this point, but MT seems pretty confident in its validity, citing higher intercooled boost along with a new fuel rail as the tech behind the power increase. The rumor does not mention if the higher-output mill will appear in other applications, though we remember something about the Camaro possibly getting a turbo-four mill as an option, and a tuner-friendly option offering 300 galloping horsies in stock form would make for a very interesting option in the pony car.

[Source: Motor Trend via eGMCarTech]

The 2008 New York Auto Show press preview is in the books, and now it's the public's turn to roam the floor in the Javits Center. After thinking things over, we thought we'd put together a video of our top five most significant introductions from the show. New York served as a launching pad for exciting new vehicles like the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and Saleen S5S Raptor, so there were some winners to choose from. Click play on the video above to see our picks for the most significant debuts, and follow the jump to check out the high-res shots from the show floor and place your vote for which ride you think deserves the number one spot.

The thing about the internet is, once something gets published, it can't be taken back. We're sure Pontiac feels that way about this little image that appeared on its official website at some point in the recent past. It shows the Pontiac G8 sport truck and, lo and behold, a Solstice Coupe! Thankfully, an Autoblog reader saw it and had the sense to take a screen grab before it was yanked, and yanked it was. We can't find the image on pontiac.com currently, and it's not in Google cache, either. The picture is still live here on Pontiac.com. Just look for the tabbed box below the G8's tire, and click to the second tab. So while Pontiac would probably like us to forget that this picture ever popped up, the internet ensures we never have to. Stay tuned for live shots of the real thing this Wednesday when we'll be on the floor at the 2008 New York Auto Show. Thanks for the tip, Mike!