The Pontiac Solstice was a two-passenger, front-engine convertible roadster sold from 2005 to 2010. It used the GM Kappa platform and was Pontiac’s first two-seater since the Fiero went out of production in 1988.
Pontiac Solstice at a glance
| Maker | Pontiac, General Motors |
|---|---|
| Years | 2005–2010 |
| Shown as concept | 2002 |
| Production start | mid-2005 for 2006 |
| Plant | Wilmington, Delaware |
| Platform | GM Kappa, shared with Saturn Sky, Opel GT, Daewoo G2X |
| Engine, base | 2.4 L Ecotec four, 177 hp |
| Engine, GXP | 2.0 L turbo four, 260 hp |
| Transmission | five-speed manual or five-speed automatic |
| Target price | $20,000 |
| Wheels | 18-inch as standard |
Based on one source: the English Wikipedia article on the Solstice.
History of the Pontiac Solstice
From concept to production
Pontiac showed the Solstice as a concept in 2002, to be powered by a supercharged 2.2 litre Ecotec of 240 hp with a Corvette six-speed gearbox. Its retro-tinged styling, encouraged by Bob Lutz’s policy of letting designers lead, drew comparisons with the Dodge Viper and Plymouth Prowler. Lutz then allocated resources to develop the Kappa platform as an affordable sports car with a target price of $20,000. The production Solstice was introduced at the 2004 North American International Auto Show, and production began at Wilmington, Delaware in mid-2005 for the 2006 model year, at a rate of seven cars an hour in a plant GM had planned to close the year before. Demand outran supply: 13,000 orders were placed against 7,000 cars projected for 2005. The car was a finalist for North American Car of the Year in 2006 and did well in SCCA racing.
Model years
For 2006 the car came with the naturally aspirated 2.4 litre Ecotec four of 177 hp and 166 lb·ft, a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic, 18-inch wheels and optional ABS and stability control. A rare Z0K Club Sport package for SCCA club racing added a stiffer suspension, larger brakes and a limited-slip differential. For 2007 Pontiac added the GXP with a turbocharged, direct-injection 2.0 litre four of 260 hp and 260 lb·ft, a sport-tuned suspension, bigger brakes, standard StabiliTrak, twin exhausts and unique front and rear fascias. ABS became standard across the range for 2008, along with OnStar and an upgraded audio system, and an SCCA T2 Champion Edition was limited to 88 cars. For 2009 a targa-style removable hardtop joined the range in base and GXP form, with traction control, stability control and a limited-slip differential as standard.
The end
2009 was the last full production year because of GM’s restructuring and the phasing out of Pontiac; assembly stopped in mid-2009, leaving a handful of cars registered as 2010 models. The Solstice shared its Kappa platform with the Saturn Sky, Opel GT and Daewoo G2X, and the Sky was positioned as the softer, more luxurious version.
Design and features
- Kappa platform: hydroformed frame rails shared with the Saturn Sky and Opel GT.
- Two seats: Pontiac’s first since the Fiero.
- Turbo GXP: 260 hp and 260 lb·ft from 2.0 litres.
- Targa hardtop: a removable roof panel offered for 2009.
- Club Sport: an SCCA-oriented package without the comfort equipment.
Pontiac Solstice versions
- Base (2006–2010): 2.4 litre, 177 hp.
- GXP (2007–2010): 2.0 litre turbo, 260 hp.
- Z0K Club Sport: the racing package.
- SCCA T2 Champion Edition (2008): 88 cars.
- Targa (2009): the removable-hardtop version.
The Solstice followed the Fiero as Pontiac’s two-seater and shared the showroom with the G6. More Pontiacs are in the Pontiac collection.
Sources
- Pontiac Solstice, English Wikipedia: concept, model years, GXP
