Autoblog

Tauro puts Spanish flavor, Corvette engine into Pontiac Solstice

Noah Joseph — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Europe, Design/Style, MISC

While it may have had its fans, we have to say we don't much miss the roadster family which General Motors based on its Kappa platform. Sold alternately as the Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky, Opel GT and Daewoo G2X (depending largely on the market), the roadster as much about style as substance, and it was summarily discontinued in 2009 as GM's domestic brands faltered. But now a company in Spain has given the two-seat roadster a new lease on life.

That company is called Tauro Sport Auto, and its version - called, simply enough, the V8 Spider - is a fairly comprehensive rework. As you might have discerned from the name, it replaces the four-cylinder engine with a V8 also from the GM parts bin: the 6.2-liter LS3 Corvette engine, which it offers in 440, 480 and bonkers 650 horsepower states of tune with the addition of new cylinder heads and a supercharger.

How the chassis is able to handle that much power is another matter, but the interior unfortunately appears to carry over largely unchanged from the Pontiac. Pricing, though, starts at a very un-Solstice-like €100,000, or about $125k at today's rates. Which strikes us as about right for a Latin-flavored eight-cylinder roadster, but a tad much for a Kappa convertible.

Tauro puts Spanish flavor, Corvette engine into Pontiac Solstice originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Barrett-Jackson 2011: First and last 2010 Pontiac Solstice on the block *UPDATE: W/Video

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 22:55:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Auctions, GM, Pontiac

First and last 2010 Pontiac Solstice at Barrett-Jackson 2011 - Click above for high-res image gallery

A great cry of weeping and teeth-gnashing could be heard around the globe after General Motors decided to put an end to the Pontiac brand a few years back. Of course, that also means the last several machines to roll down the line could potentially become collectors items.

Does that include the 2010 Pontiac Solstice Coupe or Convertible? That's tough to say, but something of a precedent could indeed be set tonight at Barrett-Jackson as the very first and very last 2010 Solstices are going up on the auction block, sold as a pair.

First up is #1 of 12 Solstice GXP Coupes built in 2010, in Kinetic blue with an interior in black leather with matching blue accents. It's also the only Heritage Coupe built with a manual transmission. Up next is the very last 2010 Solstice built (of 20 total), a Kinetic Blue Convertible.

Check out both the Coupe and Convertible models' official auction pages on Barrett-Jackson, and watch Speed's live online coverage here.

*Update: Check out a video of the auction after the break.

Gallery: The first and last Pontiac Solstice cars produced at Barrett-Jackson 2011

Continue reading Barrett-Jackson 2011: First and last 2010 Pontiac Solstice on the block *UPDATE: W/Video

Barrett-Jackson 2011: First and last 2010 Pontiac Solstice on the block *UPDATE: W/Video originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 22:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Finally Official: Pontiac is dead

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Pontiac

2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe GXP - Click above for high-res image gallery

Pontiac has been dead for some time now, at least from a manufacturing point of view. The Vibe was the last vehicle to roll of a Pontiac assembly line, marking the end of new car production for the brand in August of 2009. However, the former automaker has been stuttering and mumbling to itself while lying in its death bed. After all, new cars still needed homes and buyers eventually ponied up dough for the keys to the ghostly souls of a marque that once built the king of muscle cars: the GTO. Now, though, the very last new Pontiacs have been sold and the brand is completely, officially, no-doubt-about-it dead.

In an act of ~~lunacy~~ mercy, retired police officer Ed Dieffenbach drove over 1,100 miles to trade in his Chevrolet Silverado on one of the last Pontiac Solstice Coupes left in the country. Driving from Miami to northern Florida, Mr. Dieffenbach helped put an end to the brand's suffering while also putting a somewhat stylish two-door in his driveway. We're sure he'll have years of fun with the Solstice, as long as he doesn't need to use the cup holder... or stow the roof... or look back.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe

Photos copyright (C)2010 Sam Abuelsamid / AOL

[Source: The New York Times]

Finally Official: Pontiac is dead originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Self-proclaimed "irritant" Bob Lutz honored by GM

Zach Bowman — Wed, 19 May 2010 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, GM

Bob Lutz is now officially into the swing of being retired. The former General Motors Vice Chairman has been living the life of leisure since the end of April, but the company he helped steer through Chapter 11 took some time to honor the living automotive legend in a number of receptions held yesterday. Lutz took the occasion to hand out a little wisdom to his fellow workers by telling them not to be afraid to be an irritant or point out deficiencies in the company, saying the philosophy worked for him throughout his career.

Lutz received a number of keepsakes during the celebration, including a set of aluminum versions of the cars he helped bring to market while at GM, including the Chevrolet Volt, Malibu and the Pontiac Solstice, as well as a small diecast engine. He spent his time signing autographs and shaking hands between speeches. Lutz also spoke to the theme of his next book - a tome that he's been working on since walking away from the automaker last month.

The text will focus mainly on the troubles that riddled GM before the meltdown and what the company can do to avoid falling into the same pitfalls in the future. His advice? Don't abandon common sense, and don't try to outthink the industry. It isn't one that requires "a huge intellect."

[Sources: Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News | Image: AP Photo/Seth Wenig/Getty]

Self-proclaimed "irritant" Bob Lutz honored by GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 May 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: The Sky has a limit after all, as GM Kappa production ends

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Pontiac, Saturn

Pontiac Solstice GXP - Click above for high-res image gallery

Old saying: The flame that burns twice as bright burns only half as long. Having driven our share of Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky roadsters, we can't honestly declare them to be brightly burning flames. Oh, they have their good points, but the market's worst folding top mechanism and rampant parts-sharing to keep costs in check have taken their toll on the promising droptops. What we can say, however, is that every Kappa platform vehicle is fabulous looking. Even the badge job Opel GT and Daewoo G2X.

Which is why, however small, there's a tiny tear in our eye because of the news that General Motors is shuttering its Boxwood Road plant in Delaware. It makes sense: the bankrupt automaker has euthanized Pontiac and is looking to sell Saturn. Furthermore, sales of the cramped, near-trunkless (or very odd) roadsters didn't exactly keep GM out of the red. Speaking of color, the boys over at Saturn Fans report that the last Kappa to roll off the line was a silver Solstice roadster. We just hope that "Good GM" doesn't look at the end of the Kappa platform as proof that small, sporty, rear-wheel drive convertibles are a dead end. Regardless, reach behind the seat and grab a cold one to pour out for a dead, albeit awkward, homie.

Gallery: Review: 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP

[Source: Saturn Fans]

REPORT: The Sky has a limit after all, as GM Kappa production ends originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe: Great moments in cupholder history

Alex Nunez — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., GM, Pontiac, Humor

2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe's weird cupholders - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you've ever driven a Pontiac Solstice, you know that it's a very pretty but extremely flawed car. In the interest of getting the concept car's look exactly right in production form, GM had to make a host of compromises, which manifest themselves in a number of ways.

You all know about the roadster's ridiculously recalcitrant top mechanism and dearth of usable space for both humans and cargo. What you may not be aware of is that inside the cockpit, there are three cupholders. One is actually semi-usable - it pops out of the transmission tunnel on the passenger side but is a bit flimsy and threatens to dump on your passenger's lap. In the convertible, the other two are mounted in a pop-out tray below the storage bin between the front seats. Perhaps they were designed by someone with a cruel sense of humor. Or maybe by a fan of comic books, because unless one possesses the flexibility of Reed Richards, it's essentially impossible to reach for a drink nestled in one of them without incurring some sort of sports injury.

After our man Sam Abuelsamid reviewed the 2009 Solstice GXP Coupe, I got to spend a week with one myself. (My car had a manual gearbox - the only difference between the two). One of the first things I noticed about the interior is that the tray with the useless cupholders is absent from the space between the seats. I opened the owner's manual and, sure enough, the only cupholder mentioned is the one in the tranny tunnel. But while loading the "trunk" (as it were), I discovered an undocumented feature. Well, two of them, actually.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe

Continue reading 2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe: Great moments in cupholder history

2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe: Great moments in cupholder history originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky could live on... with different parents

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 11 May 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Plants/Manufacturing, GM, Pontiac, Saturn, Opel

Pontiac Solstice Coupe - Click above for a high-res image gallery

General Motors' acting CEO Fritz Henderson has said the Wilmington, DE plant that currently produces the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky could be sold if a buyer was interested in producing the two roadsters. "If someone were to approach [us] with a proposal that made good sense for our people, we'd be open to it," Henderson told Autoweek. The move would ape Chrysler's plan for the Dodge Viper's production facilities, allowing another automaker to take control and continue building the niche model.

The Delaware plant also produces the Opel GT, a rebadged variant of the U.S. market Solstice and Sky, for GM's German arm, and it's obvious that as the General rushes to restructure before its June 1 deadline the automaker is looking to cut loose any and all extraneous operations. With Pontiac's future sealed, Saturn's all but assured and all three models returning little (if any) profits, the decision to nix the roadsters was obvious. Now it's time to see if someone is willing to take the reigns.

Gallery: 2010 Pontiac Solstice Coupe

[Source: Autoweek]

Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky could live on... with different parents originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 May 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: GM kills Pontiac UPDATED with LIVE webcast embed

Chris Paukert — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:50:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, GM, Pontiac, Earnings/Financials

Rumors from late last week have come home to roost, and as part of its restructuring efforts, General Motors has just announced that Pontiac will be "phased out by the end of 2010." GM will continue to build its accelerated viability plan around four brands: Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, and GMC.

As part of its latest announcement, GM also announced that it plans to have "the resolution" of Saab, Saturn, and Hummer by the end of 2009 "at the latest." In total, GM plans to end up with just 34 nameplates for 2010, as compared to 48 for 2008 - a reduction of some 29%. Further, as part of its viability plan tendered to President Obama's Auto Task Force, the automaker's revised viability plan projects that GM's total market share will dip to 18.4 to 18.9% - the plan is banking on a 19.5 percent share for this year.

A media conference call is scheduled for later this morning and we will have more details and analysis following that, but for now, the official press release after the jump.

*UPDATE: LIVE WEBCAST of GM press conference embedded after the jump... ~~going on right now!~~ (Concluded)

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Officially Official: GM kills Pontiac *UPDATED with LIVE webcast embed*

Officially Official: GM kills Pontiac *UPDATED with LIVE webcast embed* originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe Concept in the flesh

Drew Phillips — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, GM, Pontiac

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.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe Concept LIVE

SEMA 2008: Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe Concept in the flesh originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: GM kills the Kappa II platform

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, GM, Rumormill

The ruthless pruning continues, with GM Inside News reporting that the rear-wheel-drive Kappa II platform has gone to heaven before ever touching this mortal coil. Back in 2004, a vehicle line executive said "The Kappa architecture is a great platform for sporty, driver-oriented applications around the globe." Apparently, not one for which GM could make enough different models to actually earn some money.

Reasons for the sequel platform's demise are allegedly that the first hydra-formed Kappa is just too expensive to fabricate; the cars based on it use expensive, hydra-formed parts; assembly requires inordinate amounts of human labor; and GM didn't make its money back fast enough to justify the investment in a new RWD - read: thirstier - platform.

The current Kappa's suspension and design geometry aren't shared with any other car;, the platform was created to accept one engine, the Ecotec 4-cylinder; and it served under only four varieties of the same car: the Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky, Daewoo G2X and Opel GT. It was a lot to ask such a limited platform to achieve the volume's GM needed with cars on expensive underpinnings that didn't demand expensive prices. And if the rumors are true, then your Solstice GXP could be worth more than you expected, and sooner than you expected.

[Source: GM Inside News]

Rumormill: GM kills the Kappa II platform originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pontiac Solstice Coupe to pack 300 horses?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Pontiac, Saturn

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]

Pontiac Solstice Coupe to pack 300 horses? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York '08 Preview: Pontiac Solstice Coupe spotted on Pontiac.com

John Neff — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 22:59:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Pontiac

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!

New York '08 Preview: Pontiac Solstice Coupe spotted on Pontiac.com originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Mar 2008 22:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Feds investigating Solstice GXP, Sky Redline brakes

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Recalls, Safety, GM, Pontiac, Saturn

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received around 40 complaints from owners of the Pontiac Solstice GXP and Saturn Sky Redline regarding the vehicle's braking performance. According to the owners, too much pedal effort is required to slow the vehicle down when the engine is cold. This may correlate with a TSB issued by General Motors back in December that advised dealers to recalibrate the braking control computer on both models. The system uses the stability control module's pump to increase hydraulic pressure when engine vacuum is low.

The investigation is in its preliminary stages, so no recall is in effect yet. However, NHTSA has one case of a crash involving one of the two models that could be attributed to the problem.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Feds investigating Solstice GXP, Sky Redline brakes originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York '08 Preview: Pontiac Solstice Targa may appear

Chris Shunk — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 06:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, GM, Pontiac

Back in October we told you that a targa Pontiac Solstice was on the way sometime in 2008, and now some sources are reporting that the removable top two-seater will be unveiled in New York in two weeks. The targa setup will consist of panels over the driver and passenger seats that can stow into the trunk of the two-seater. It's still unknown how many configurations the stowable top will have, but hard and soft-top variations are possible. Production on the targa Solstice will reportedly start in January of 2009, with 10,000 units per year planned.

We really enjoyed our time with the Solstice GXP last spring, but the soft top was way less than stellar, as anyone who has attempted to operate one will tell you. A targa roof could fix that problem while still delivering on the fashionable looks of the 2002 concept car. There is still no news concerning a Solstice coupe, but Maximum Bob wants one, and we're with him.

UPDATE: Source credit corrected.

[Source: The GM Source via Jalopnik]

New York '08 Preview: Pontiac Solstice Targa may appear originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 06:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Solstice F430: Abomination or Pontiac perfected?

Dan Roth — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 17:56:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Convertible, Etc., Pontiac

click above to view more images of the Solstice F430

There's a pretty healthy argument to be made for leaving the styling of your Pontiac Solstice alone. It did end up in production virtually off the show floor, as evidenced by the cockpit's spaciousness and spectacular materials (hint: saracasm). But there's always at least one person who's not content to leave well enough alone. Luckily, Mr. Paul MadMods seems to have what's known in the biz as mad skillz. What that means is he has a way of working with his hands in a painstaking manner to turn out customized cars that don't scream "HACK JOB!"

Aesthetics, however, are another whole thing, and we're sure that this choice of colors and body mods won't sit well with everyone, but you have to give the guy credit, it's all nicely done. We also have to give props for not creating a full-on Ferrari replica. Paul states that his intent was just to incorporate cool cues from cars that he sees. Thus, his Solstice wears an F430 nose, Porsche Cayman side intakes serving as extractors in the front quarters, tons of custom electronics and a snarling custom turbo installation, too. It's pretty amazing to see how much like a kit car the Solstice actually is. It's not the most comfortable little mini-'Vette, but it's well engineered platform-wise. After seeing how easily the Solstice takes to wrenching, we want one of our own to trick out. When we need an F430 nose, we know who to call.

Thanks for the tip, Aman!

[Source: CarDomain via KitCarsForum]

Gallery: Ferrari nosed Solstice

Solstice F430: Abomination or Pontiac perfected? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Dec 2007 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #81

Dan Roth — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 09:35:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Podcasts, SEMA Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Truck, Green, Tokyo Motor Show, Ford, GM, Honda, Pontiac, Toyota

Now here's something worth giving thanks over. The podcast makes its return in time for you to load it on your iPod for the drive over the river and through the woods. We've been away at shows, so of course we do some recapping of whatever highlights struck our fancy at Tokyo, SEMA, and LA. We start Autoblog Podcast episode #81 by discussing pickups, though. New spy shots of the 2009 F150 have surfaced and that pushes us into a wider ranging discussion about pickemups. From there, we try to send GM the message that messing with the nose of the Solstice is a bad idea, and the very last car they should be worrying about, anyway. No current Pontiac discussion would be complete without mention of the G8, so we make sure to pontificate about that for a while, too. John, Damon, and Alex take a little time out to ~~gloat over~~ discuss what's currently in the Autoblog Garage, touch on the fact that the Scirocco's not coming stateside, and partake in a scorching GM vs. Honda/Toyota green car debate. It's all over in 52 minutes, thanks for waiting so long, we'll do it again soon!

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Autoblog Podcast #81 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Nov 2007 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pontiac planning Solstice Targa?

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 15:55:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Coupe, GM, Pontiac, Saturn

According to what are being described as "well placed sources," General Motors is planning to introduce a Targa version of the Pontiac Solstice in the first half of 2009. Known internally as the GMX627, the Solstice Targa would sport two removable roof sections that will somehow be stored within that diminutive trunk.

The Targa is rumored to begin production in January of 2009 at GM's Wilmington plant, with about 10,000 units being built annually. The debut would likely happen at either the 2008 SEMA show or soon afterwards at the Los Angeles show that same year, and it will likely coincide with the redesign of both the Solstice and Saturn Sky.

And what about the Solstice Coupe? Reportedly a hardtop Solstice is still being planned. A convertible, targa and coupe model would certainly flesh out the Solstice line nicely and make the RWD hot rod more appealing to a wider audience.

[Source: Left Lane News]

Pontiac planning Solstice Targa? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Oct 2007 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What's the deal? Sky sales rallying, Solstice waning

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Plants/Manufacturing, Pontiac, Saturn

When the Pontiac Solstice hit the market last year, there was enough electricity surrounding the new model in GM's "Excitement" division to power a small mid-western town. That buzz has apparently dropped off in quick order. Whereas before, dealers were tacking on huge markups, there are now reports of $1,000 being thrown on the hood of Pontiac's beautiful, bulbous roadster.

An article in the New York Times outlines a number of reasons for the recent sales slump, which include sales of the Saturn Sky rallying, Pontiac's brand perception waning and fashion victims, whose tastes change quicker than their Platinum card balance, losing interest in a vehicle that is becoming more commonplace.

Historically, highly stylized sports cars and convertibles have a short shelf life and that, coupled with the introduction of the GXP variant of the Solstice, may be the biggest culprits in the recent sales decline.

[Source: New York Times via Winding Road]

What's the deal? Sky sales rallying, Solstice waning originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Aug 2007 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Solstice coupe due in 2008, Torrent dead, RWD G5 under development

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Pontiac

Automotive News has been pumping out a ton of information about the General's future products, and between buffing fingerprints off the crystal ball and making phone calls to unnamed sources, they've shed some light on the future of Pontiac.

According to AN, we can expect to get a hard-top version of the Solstice sometime in 2008 as a 2009 model, complete with a revised powerplant that will boost output, although there was no mention of changes to the GXP. Pontiac will stick with the in-line four for the time being, as a V6 variant is officially off the table, and by 2011 it's assumed that new sheetmetal will adorn the Pontiac and possibly its Saturn-badged brother.

The remake of GM's performance brand will also include the demise of the Torrent, while the G5 will be replaced with the RWD Alpha platform by 2010 - unless CAFE standards put those plans on hold.

Naturally, the big non-news is the upcoming G8, with V8 power and rear-wheel drive, which is expected to be the flagship of the brand. Base models will come equipped with a 261 HP 3.6-liter V6, while the GT model will boast a six-liter V8 producing 362 HP. The bad news: don't expect to see a GTO or Firebird in the near future, as GM contends that the market isn't ripe for offering too many high-po gas-guzzlers. Disappointing, to say the least, but if the Camaro explodes, we'd expect both vehicles to see the light of day.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Solstice coupe due in 2008, Torrent dead, RWD G5 under development originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jul 2007 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pikes Peak: Millen dominates RWD Time Attack class

Damon Lavrinc — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 16:50:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, GM, Pontiac

As expected, Rhys Millen and his Pontiac Solstice GXP dominated not only the inaugural 2WD Time Attack class, but when the dust settled, he was four-seconds faster than Nathan Conley in an '03 Subaru WRX Wagon competing in the 4WD division. Millen made it up the mountain in 12:45.153, while his nearest competitor in the 2WD class, Colin J. McCleery in an '89 Ford Sierra, was a full minute and 50 seconds behind.

Millen was pleased with both his driving and the GXP, but was less enthused with the course conditions, citing poor traction on parts of the gravel-strewn stages.

You can read Millen's full account of the race in the press release after the jump, while the overall standings of all the competitors can be viewed here.

[Sources: GM, PPHIC]

Continue reading Pikes Peak: Millen dominates RWD Time Attack class

Pikes Peak: Millen dominates RWD Time Attack class originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Jul 2007 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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