kinda good news [Archive] - Pontiac Solstice Forums, Discussion, Pictures

scourge

10-16-2003, 06:57 AM

....this feeling is starting to change. I swore I would NEVER EVER waste my money on another US domestic car again after having learned my lesson after the first time. BUT.......but, this Solstice looks like a truly badass car that if Pontiac can actually build quality, then this might FINALLY be THE GM car that again captures the interest of the youth market. I personally am interested and would love to buy one if the quality is there. I like drifting, tohge, circuit racing...anything with corners and it looks like the Solstice with RWD, will have the ability to upgrade the suspension for a really kickass car. The Miata may finally have some competition.

As for the article...Actually, everything says it will be out in 2005 and this makes sense since the car draws from parts bins from other GM marques. Plus, there has been a Solstice photographed undergoing testing and Lutz has said he WANTS this car! 2007 makes absolutely no sense whatsoever and I think its easy to dismiss BMW and Driver's assertion that we will have to wait that long.

http://www.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/5992_image.jpg

The Bob Lutz-inspired Pontiac Solstice has been committed for production, nearly two years after the charismatic GM vice-chairman drove a concept on stage at the 2002 Detroit auto show after a mere three-month gestation period. Business Week Magazine headlines the news in its October 20 issue under the banner, "Meet the Lutzmobile." BW Detroit bureau staffer David Welch writes that the groovily-designed Solstice will enter the roadster bracket at a suggested MSRP slightly above $20,000 with the idea that "GM wants the Solstice to give Pontiac a real sports-car cachet, as the Miata gave Mazda when it came out in the mid-1980s."

The Solstice will be introduced as early as 2005, says Business Week , which would give Pontiac a second sporty newcomer in a row after import starts this winter of the GTO coupe from GM Holden in Australia. The Solstice also will usher in a frame hydroforming process that uses water at high pressure to bend steel tubes into shape, replacing the costlier stamping technique. Welch speculates that the new platform could be shared later with Buick and Saturn.

The Pontiac GTO and Chrysler are among 17 candidates for North American Car of the Year at the upcoming Detroit show. New luxury roadsters to be unveiled in Detroit for the first time include the BMW 6-Series and the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. The Solstice, in pre-production format, will appear in the Pontiac exhibit without the "Lutzmobile" nameplate, but with the proud papa on hand for the festivities.

Other nominees for Car of the Year are the Acura TSX and TL; Audi A8L; BMW 5-Series; Cadillac XLR; Chevrolet Malibu; Chrysler Crossfire and Pacifica; Jaguar XJ8/XLR; Mazda RX-8; Nissan Maxima and Quest; Toyota Prius; Scion xB and Sienna; and Volkswagen Phaeton. Truck of the Year candidates include BMW X3; Cadillac SRX; Chevrolet Colorado and SSR; Dodge Durango; Ford F-150; GMC Canyon; Infiniti FX35/45; Lexus RX330; Nissan Pathfinder Armada and Titan; Porsche Cayenne S/Cayenne Turbo; and Volkswagen Touareg.

Winners are required to be in production and on sale. Jurors include independent auto writers who evaluate the contenders in October on the basis of design, safety, fuel economy, handling, comfort, assembly quality, innovations and - unusual for such competitions - "value for the dollar and affordability." Exotic six-figure super-sedans and coupes, such as the Mercedes Maybach and McLaren and the Bentley Continental GT, as a result, are off limits. - Mac Gordon

Source: Car Connection

Also wanted to add that people wanting a big heavy ancient pushrod engine in the Solstice obviously have no clue to who GM is marketing this car to. I'm not hating, but he death of the F-Body proved that people just don't want poorly made V8 old tech gas hogs anymore. Its time for Pontiac to move forward.