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07-18-2003
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#2
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 108
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GM's Smith says automaker intends to build Pontiac Solstice concept
By DAVE GUILFORD | Automotive News
The Pontiac Solstice concept made its debut at the 2002 Detroit show.
General Motors intends to build the Pontiac Solstice concept roadster introduced at the 2002 Detroit auto show, a senior executive said.
"We have every intention of bringing it to market, and bringing it to market to make a buck," John Smith, group vice president for North America vehicle sales, service and marketing, told the Automotive News World Congress.
GM officials have said they are studying the vehicle, which would require a new rear-wheel-drive architecture.
Smith also said that GM wants to do a better job of selling to customizers. And it wants to bring its share of three key ethnic markets - blacks, Asian-Americans and Hispanics - up to the level of its overall market share of 28.6 percent.
But Smith was skeptical of special product programs aimed at youth. GM is not considering a youth-oriented product line like Toyota's new Scion channel, he said.
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07-24-2003
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#3
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Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 2
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If this car was turbo instead of super I would be way more into it. Body looks nice IMO, but the SC kinda kills it for me. Maybe someone will come out with a turbo kit for it.
EDIT : I forgot to mention I think the name blows.
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07-24-2003
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#4
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 108
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Hrmm, SC's good for some low end torque... I loved the S/C on my Lightning, and it was able to produce good times and power... I'll wait to pass judgement, but forced induction of any kind beats being N/A
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07-24-2003
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#5
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Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 2
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I agree with your statement about low end torque. And lightnings are the shit, but this is a 4banger. I just think it will be harder to wring out some power from that 2.2 with a sc with modding as compared to a turbo. = fa
EDIT : I wonder what this thing is going to weigh.
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07-27-2003
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#6
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 108
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I would aim for a target weight of 2800 pounds, but realisticly, anything under 3000 would be excellent.
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08-03-2003
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#7
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 43
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Quote:
Originally posted by ekool
I would aim for a target weight of 2800 pounds, but realisticly, anything under 3000 would be excellent.
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I'm hoping that since they plan to replace the Opel Speedster/Vauxhall 220, they'll keep the weight down. I'd love to see 2500 lbs, 250 HP, but I'm sure that's being way too optimistic. <3000 lbs, > 200 HP and [SIZE=4]TIGHT[/SIZE] would compete well against the Z4, Boxster, Crossfire, Audi TT and 350 Z. Hopefully less luxury, less weight, more performance.
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08-03-2003
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#8
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 108
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Quote:
Originally posted by garyhoov
I'm hoping that since they plan to replace the Opel Speedster/Vauxhall 220, they'll keep the weight down. I'd love to see 2500 lbs, 250 HP, but I'm sure that's being way too optimistic. <3000 lbs, > 200 HP and [SIZE=4]TIGHT[/SIZE] would compete well against the Z4, Boxster, Crossfire, Audi TT and 350 Z. Hopefully less luxury, less weight, more performance.
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Heh, couldnt have said it better myself. I dont really care about the creature comforts so much as I do the speedster performance.
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08-04-2003
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#9
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 43
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Two questions:
1. Do you think the production version will even have a supercharger or turbo? I'm thinking that might be one detail that could get lost in the show-car to production conversion. Does GM currently have any forced induction systems that could be used, or would it have to be a new design?
2. Do you think they'll keep those beautiful, big-ass wheels, or will those be a victim of cost-cutting? If they disappear, do you think they'll at least be available as an option?
If they can pull this off close to the show car for under $30,000, I'm willing to put down my deposit today to whoever'll take it.
Hey! Mr. Lutz, if you're reading this, I'll make it easy for you. I'm about a 45 minute drive from Wilmington. You won't even have to put it on a truck. Just give me the keys and I'll drive it home.
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08-04-2003
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#10
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 108
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Quote:
Originally posted by garyhoov
[B]Two questions:
1. Do you think the production version will even have a supercharger or turbo? I'm thinking that might be one detail that could get lost in the show-car to production conversion. Does GM currently have any forced induction systems that could be used, or would it have to be a new design?
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The Saturn Redlion-Ion (or whatever its called) is supposed to be a turbocharged Ecotec engine. So this could easily share the same powerplant/setup.
Quote:
2. Do you think they'll keep those beautiful, big-ass wheels, or will those be a victim of cost-cutting? If they disappear, do you think they'll at least be available as an option?
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I would hope they would have it as an option, but if price is going to be low I wouldnt expect it in production vehicles.
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08-05-2003
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#11
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 43
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Quote:
Originally posted by ekool
The Saturn Redlion-Ion (or whatever its called) is supposed to be a turbocharged Ecotec engine. So this could easily share the same powerplant/setup.
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Thanks! I did some quick research and it looks like you're right. The details don't seem to be definite yet, but 2.0-2.5 liter turbo or SC. I'll have to keep an eye on it, because it looks like there's a very good chance that'll be our engine.
That's pretty exciting! I was afraid we'd end up with a basic ecotec, but if that engine's on the shelf and proven as a high performance powerplant in the Saturn, the Solstice could have a very solid foundation.
Just think, if this engine can turn a Saturn into a performance car . . .
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08-05-2003
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#12
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 108
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Hehehe... see, the future's looking bright
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08-13-2003
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#13
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 43
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I've contacted GM and my local Pontiac dealer asking them when I could put a deposit down on one. They both politely told me that there are no official plans to make the car yet.
The GM letter went on to tell me about the great cars they're making now, and I should consider one of them. The Pontiac dealer told me he hopes they'll make it, and he'd like to be my dealer when/if they do.
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09-07-2003
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#14
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Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 2
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when???!!!
I am really disappointed that this car is not further yet, still no details on when production may start as far as I know, still no definete plans :-( well lets see what happens, but there will be more competition within the next years,especially in the european market but also us-wide. hyundai is presenting a coupe convertible with glass roof at the IAA next week e.g. actually, karmann who builds these roofs could be a partner for th soltice within europe, as they have a long partnership with opel. summer this year vauyhall presented a showcar very similar to the soltice, but with complete different outline, very edgy. this would fit more the opel/vauxhall design I guess, lutz mentiones there could be a problem with the european CD, but I really hope they keep to the solstice outline!!! One hing I cant undersand is why he wnats to be cheaper than the miata. of course this is a volume model, very successful. but see the models metioned above, all more expensive but way more comparable to the soltice than the miata. here in euope the is a huge gap between the miata and similar cars and cars like the honda 2000. and there is no real sporty car at all. THIS is the chance! So keep it under 25.000 base price, but with 6 cylinders at least good under 30.000 price. then make it a nice interior, no cheap plastic but classic, lots of leather and metals. the car is exceptional end classic, and that is hy we love it, we dont love it because it costs under 20,000 bucks. good priceis nice, but not if it takes the soul of the car, and I will definitely but it if it is NOT mainstream, but classical, nice to touch, and powerful! ;-)
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09-07-2003
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#15
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 43
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I'm hoping for an announcement at the Detroit show, but the general guess seems to be production in 2005 as a 2006 or production in 2006 as a 2007.
My hope is for a base $25,000 dollar car that would out perform the Miata and MR2, and a more powerful $29,000 dollar version that would out perform the S2000, Z4, Boxster, but that's not based on any GM statements, just my hope based on what I'm looking for.
What I'm afraid of is a $20,000 Miata that would offer lower price but comparable performance. GM has stated 240 HP and $20,000, but I'm afraid something will have to give. If they make those two numbers, other components (suspension, brakes transmission etc.) will almost certainly be compromised. I would rather have a great car in the mid to high 20's than a $20,000, 150 HP ecotec.
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