Pontiac Solstice

The Pontiac Solstice is a sports car that was produced by Pontiac. Introduced at the 2004 North American International Auto Show, the Solstice roadster began production in Wilmington, Delaware,[2] starting in mid-2005 for the 2006 model year. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.4 L I4 engine, producing 177 hp (132 kW) and 166 lb⋅ft (225 N⋅m) of torque.[3] The exterior styling of the production Solstice is similar to that of the 2002 Solstice concept[4] that preceded it. Production of the Solstice was to be running before summer 2005, but delays at the Wilmington plant pushed volume production to the fourth quarter.[5] The new hardtop targa top 2009 model was announced in mid-2008.[6] The Solstice uses the GM Kappa platform, which also underpins the Saturn Sky, Opel GT, and Daewoo G2X. It was the brand's first two-seater since the Pontiac Fiero was discontinued in 1988.

Interior of a 2006 Pontiac Solstice

Pontiac Solstice
Overview
ManufacturerGeneral Motors
Production2005–2009
Model years2006–2010
AssemblyWilmington, Delaware (Wilmington Assembly)
Designer
Body and chassis
ClassSports car
Body style
LayoutFR layout
PlatformGM Kappa platform
Related
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,416 mm (95.1 in)
Length3,993 mm (157.2 in)
Width1,811 mm (71.3 in)
Height1,276 mm (50.2 in)
50.9 in (1,293 mm) (coupe)
Curb weight1,305 kg (2,877 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorPontiac Fiero

The Solstice was nominated for the North American Car of the Year award and Design of the Year award from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) for 2006. It was a runaway hit for Pontiac, with 7,000 orders in the first 10 days of availability and 6,000 more orders before winter. Although first-year production was planned at 7,000, GM apologized to customers for delays and increased production, delivering 10,000 by March 1.

Following the 2008 economic recession, GM discontinued the Pontiac division. Production ended with the closure of the Wilmington Assembly plant in July 2009.

GXP (2007–2009)
2007 Pontiac Solstice
Pontiac Solstice GXP convertible

The GXP version of the Solstice debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006.[7] It is powered by a new 2.0 Liter (121.9 cu in) I4 Ecotec engine equipped with a dual-scroll turbocharger. The engine's output is 260 hp (194 kW) and 260 ft⋅lbf (353 J). This is the highest specific output of any engine by cubic inches in the history of General Motors at 2.1 hp (1.6 kW) per cubic inch, and it is the first gasoline direct injection engine from an American automaker. According to pontiac.com, the GXP accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in under 5.5 seconds.[8]

Other GXP features include standard Stabilitrak traction control, a limited-slip differential, and anti-lock brakes. Summer tires on 18 inch wheels are standard. An available dealer installed option was a modified computer tune and two new sensors that resulted in an increased output to 290 bhp (216 kW; 294 PS) and 340 lb⋅ft (461 N⋅m), further enhancing the performance of the GXP model.

Solstice Coupe (2009-2010)
2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP coupe

A targa coupe version of the Solstice was unveiled at the 2008 New York Auto Show. Engine choices are the same as the convertible versions. The roof can be removed, but the hard roof cannot be fitted into the trunk. An optional cloth top is available, which can be fitted into the trunk.

The car went on sale in early 2009.[6] The Pontiac Solstice Coupes are considered to be quite rare: There were a total of 1,266 Solstice Coupes that were able to be manufactured before the production line in Wilmington, Delaware was shut down: 102 pre-production 2009 models, 1,152 sequentially vin'd regular production 2009 models, and 12 pre-production 2010 models. This is in contrast to over 64,000 of the Pontiac Solstice Convertibles that were manufactured.

Summary of all 1,266 Pontiac Solstice Coupes Built:[9]

  • 1 Unit - “Santiago” Teal Metallic (Specific to Canadian Market - Color new for 2010)
  • 26 Units - “Fresh” Hydro Blue - Paint Code 22U (USA 25 inc. 1 Heritage Ed. /CAN 1/MEX 0) 2%
  • 37 Units - “Mean” Yellow - Paint Code 34U (USA 29/CAN 4/MEX 4) 3%
  • 39 Units - “Deep” Blue - Paint Code 48U (USA 35/CAN 1/MEX 3) 3%
  • 58 Units - “Brazen” Orange Metallic - Paint Code 28U (USA 35/CAN 8/MEX 15) 4%
  • 58 Units - “Sly” Steel Gray - Paint Code 75U (USA 50/CAN 8/MEX 0) 4%
  • 77 Units - “Pure” White - Paint Code 50U (USA 63 inc. 1 Heritage Ed. /CAN 2/MEX 12) 6%
  • 148 Units - “Aggressive” Red - Paint Code 74U (USA 126/CAN 8/MEX 14) 12%
  • 213 Units - “Cool” Silver - Paint Code 67U (USA 154/CAN 16/MEX 43) 17%
  • 221 Units - “Wicked” Ruby Red Metallic - Paint Code 79U (USA 195/CAN 10/MEX 16) 18%
  • 388 Units - “Mysterious” Black - Paint Code 41U (USA 345/CAN 28/MEX 15) 31%

2010 production

Starting in April 2009 the Wilmington, DE. plant was business as usual and pre-production builds began for the 2010 model year. Between April 21, 2009 and May 28, 2009 thirty 2010 model year VIN-coded cars were built on the Kappa platform. Of those, were 12 Pontiac Solstice Coupes and 8 Pontiac Solstice roadsters. Of the other remaining, 8 were Saturn SKYs and 2 were Opel GTs. They were then used as GM company vehicles to be evaluated and also as special event display vehicles. These vehicles were built to the 2010 model year specs with 2010 model year changes and had legal 2010 VIN numbers. Following the end of use term within the GM fleet, the vehicles were sent to auction. After these 30 2010 models, more 2009-spec Solstices were produced and were the last ones made at the plant.

2010 changes
2010 Pontiac Solstice (US)

Deletions

-(QFX) P245/45R18 all-season, blackwall tires -Exterior color (22U) Fresh (Hydro Blue Metallic) -Exterior color (28U) Brazen (Inferno Orange Metallic) -Exterior color (38U) Envious (Emerald Green Metallic) -Exterior color (48U) Deep (Blue) -Exterior color (75U) Sly (Dark Steel Gray Metallic)

New features

-Exterior color (GHF) Hypnotic (Ocean Blue Metallic)( premium paint) -Exterior color (GGW) Sly (Storm Gray Metallic) -(QKR) P245/45R18-96V performance, all-season radial tires (standard on 2MB67 Convertible and 2MB07 Coupe) -(BAY), (B4N), (BAZ) and (BIG) Heritage Editions -(BTV) Remote vehicle start (Included and only available with (MX0) 5-speed automatic transmission) -(20T) Blue Top (Included and only available with Heritage Edition Convertibles )

Changes

-(AU0) Remote Keyless Entry, with 2 transmitters, panic button and content theft alarm, RPO Code has changed to "(ATG)"

Heritage Edition

Heritage Edition, includes Blue or White Rally Stripe, Blue accent stitching on seats, steering wheel and shift knob (manual transmission only), (Q9Y) 18" polished aluminum split-spoke wheels, interior trim (192) Ebony leather seating surfaces and (20T) Blue cloth convertible top (Convertible). Only available with exterior colors (50U) Pure (Summit White) with Blue Rally Stripe or (GHF) Hypnotic (Ocean Blue Metallic) with White Rally Stripe.

2010 Solstices produced
  • Solstice GXP Coupe, Kinetic Blue (Hypnotic) Black Leather LNF Manual Polished Air Heritage Ed.
  • Solstice GXP Coupe, White (Pure) Black Leather LNF Auto Polished Air Heritage Ed.
  • Solstice GXP Coupe, Red (Aggressive) Black Cloth LNF Auto Polished Air
  • Solstice GXP Coupe, Dk Labyrinth Met (Sly) Black Leather LNF Manual Polished Air
  • Solstice GXP Coupe, Dk Labyrinth Met (Sly) Red Leather LNF Auto Chrome Air
  • Solstice GXP Coupe, Merlot Jewel (Wicked) Met Black Leather LNF Auto Chrome NO Air
  • Solstice Coupe, Kinetic Blue (Hypnotic) Lt. Cashmere Leather LE5 Manual Polished Air
  • Solstice Coupe, Red (Aggressive) Lt. Cashmere Leather LE5 Manual Polished Air
  • Solstice GXP Coupe, Santiago Teal Met Black Leather LNF Auto Polished NO Air (Canadian Spec)
  • Solstice GXP Coupe, Kinetic Blue (Hypnotic) Black Leather LNF Manual Chrome Air
  • Solstice Coupe, Dk Labyrinth Met (Sly) Black Cloth LE5 Manual Polished Air
  • Solstice GXP Coupe, Merlot Jewel Met (Wicked) Black Leather LNF Manual Polished Air
  • Solstice, Pure White Black Leather Black LE5 Auto Polished Air Heritage Ed.
  • Solstice GXP, Kinetic Blue Black Leather Black LNF Manual Polished Air Heritage Ed.
  • Solstice GXP, Mysterious Black Black Leather Black LNF Manual Polished Air
  • Solstice GXP, Dk Labyrinth Met Black Leather Black LNF Auto Chrome Air
  • Solstice GXP, Kinetic Blue Black Leather Black LNF Manual Chrome Air
  • Solstice, Dk Labyrinth Met Lt. Cashmere Leather Tan LE5 Auto Polished Air
  • Solstice, Dk Labyrinth Met Black Leather Black LE5 Auto Polished Air
  • Solstice GXP, Kinetic Blue Black Leather Black LNF Manual Chrome Air
Production[10]
2006 21,273
2007 24,018
2008 15,587
2009 4,826
2010 20
Total 65,724

Yearly American sales
Calendar Year Total American sales
2005[11] 5,445
2006[12] 19,710
2007 16,779
2008[13] 10,739
2009[14] 5,642
2010 7,409

Concept variations

Weekend Club Racer concept
The custom Pontiac Solstice that represents Jazz's alternate mode at the General Motors at the 2007 Detroit River Walk

Built by GM Performance Division, this special Solstice features a removable hardtop that drew inspiration from the Dodge Viper roadster, an aggressive body kit, and an oversized spoiler. Engine is rated 325 hp (242 kW). It includes 18-inch wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 255/45ZR18 tires, cat-back performance exhaust system, T-2 race suspension package, along with larger diameter disc brakes. The car was unveiled at the 2005 SEMA Show.[15] This vehicle is featured as Jazz in the 2007 film Transformers.

GXP-R concept

The GXP-R concept is a modified GXP with an engine rated 300 hp (224 kW) and 315 lb⋅ft (427 N⋅m) of torque. It includes an SSBC Performance Brake Package and 19-inch x 8.5-inch wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 245/40ZR19 tires.

The car was unveiled at the 2006 SEMA Show.[16]

SD-290 race concept

The SD-290 race concept is a single-seat Solstice GXP with engine rated 290 hp (216 kW). Weight is reduced by installing driver-side only windscreen and elimination of door glass/hardware, convertible top/hardware, HVAC system and wiper system. It includes Solo Performance cat-back exhaust system, KW Automotive coil-over suspension package, 6-piston aluminum calipers with 13-inch (330 mm) rotors from Stainless Steel Brake Company, forged 19-inch wheels with Hoosier R6 racing tire, rear spoiler, Removable racing-style steering wheel, Racing seat with four-point safety harness, Chrome fire extinguisher, Pegasus center console gauge package, Driver's roll bar

The car was unveiled at the 2006 SEMA Show.[17]

Solstice GXP Coupe concept
The Pontiac Solstice Coupe at the 2009 North American International Auto Show.

The Solstice GXP Coupe concept is based on the GXP coupe. It is equipped with a GM Performance Parts Stage 2 performance kit and a performance air intake kit, which boosts engine power to about 290 hp (216 kW). The car also includes a GM Performance Parts cat-back exhaust system and race-ready suspension kit, polished factory wheels. The first version of the Coupe Concept was a metallic orange.

The car was unveiled at the 2008 SEMA Show.[18]

Motorsport
  • Ryan Tuerck used to drive a Mobil 1 Pontiac Solstice fielded by Gardella Racing. Ryan Tuerck won the 2008 Formula Drift Driver of the Year award and finished 2nd in points for the 2009 season.[19] The Pontiac Solstice Tuerck drove has over 500 hp and built off the stock LSJ engine found in the 2004-2007 Saturn Ion Redline and 2005-2007 Chevy Cobalt SS.
  • SCCA Club Racing 2006 National Championship Runoffs the Pontiac Solstice placed first place in Showroom Stock B (SSB).
  • SCCA Club Racing 2007 National Championship Runoffs the Pontiac Solstice GXP placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in Touring 2 (T2) and the Pontiac Solstice placed first place in Showroom Stock B (SSB) even after being penalized 200 lbs between the 2006 and 2007 seasons.
  • SCCA Club Racing 2008 National Championship the Pontiac Solstice GXP placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in Touring 2 (T2)
  • SCCA Club Racing 2009 National Championship the Pontiac Solstice GXP placed 1st and 3rd place in Touring 2 (T2)

Shared technology

The sharing of technology and various components is a common practice among automakers, resulting in reduced parts costs. The Solstice shares major components with nearly every GM division:

Discontinuation

In April 2009, after GM announced the discontinuation of the Pontiac brand by the end of 2010, CEO Fritz Henderson stated that the Solstice would not continue under another GM brand.[20] Although they considered selling the Wilmington plant and the Solstice/Sky products to an outside business,[21] the Wilmington assembly plant closed in July 2009.[22] In October 2009, the new DeLorean Motor Company expressed interest in continuing production of the Solstice, going so far as to release concept artwork for a 2011 DeLorean Solstice. These plans were shelved shortly thereafter, when Fisker Automotive instead acquired the Wilmington Assembly where the Solstice was produced.[23]

Reviews

References
  1. "What a Concept : Solstice gives Pontiac—and GM—a much needed shot in the arm". AutoWeek. Roger Hart. Retrieved August 28, 2005.
  2. "GM to produce Pontiac Solstice at Wilmington, Delaware assembly plant". CanadianDriver Communications, Inc. January 4, 2004. Retrieved January 11, 2004.
  3. Kichen, Steve. "2006 Pontiac Solstice". Forbes. Retrieved February 14, 2018.
  4. "2002 Pontiac Solstice Roadster Concept - Images, Specifications and Information". Ultimatecarpage.com. August 26, 2002. Retrieved April 28, 2009.
  5. Stein, Jason (April 25, 2005). "See you in September: Production snafus may delay launch of Pontiac Solstice roadster until fall". AutoWeek. Archived from the original on October 14, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2009.
  6. Abuelsamid, Sam (March 19, 2008). "New York '08 Preview: 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe puts up a targa top". Autoblog.com. Retrieved April 28, 2009.
  7. "Pontiac Debuts 2007 Solstice GXP at LA Auto Show" (Press release). Media.GM.com. January 1, 2006.
  8. "Pontiac 0-60 & 1/4 Miles Times".
  9. "Summary of all 1,266 Pontiac Solstice Coupes Built Guide". Archived from the original on August 28, 2017.
  10. "General Motors: Investors: Sales and Production Reports: Historical Production". GM. July 10, 2009. Archived from the original on February 9, 2010. Retrieved December 7, 2009.
  11. "GM Reports December 2005 and Year Results".
  12. "GM Reports 341,327 Deliveries in December" (Press release). Media.gm.com. January 3, 2007. Retrieved April 28, 2009.
  13. "GM Reports 221,983 Deliveries in December; 2,980,688 Vehicles Sold in 2008" (Press release). Media.gm.com. January 5, 2009. Retrieved April 28, 2009.
  14. http://media.gm.com/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/Jan/0105_Dec_Sales/_jcr_content/iconrow/textfile/file.res/Deliveries%20December%2009.xls
  15. "2005 Pontiac Solstice Club Racer". Supercars.net. October 30, 2005. Retrieved October 12, 2010.
  16. Filipponio, Frank (November 2, 2006). "SEMA: Pontiac Solstice GXP-R". Autoblog.com. Retrieved October 12, 2010.
  17. Neff, John (October 30, 2007). "SEMA 2007: Pontiac Solstice SD-290 takes us back". Autoblog.com. Retrieved October 12, 2010.
  18. Drew Phillips. "SEMA Preview: Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe Concept". Autoblog.
  19. "Driver Profile - Ryan Tuerck". Gmtunersource.com. Retrieved October 12, 2010.
  20. Wert, Ray (April 27, 2009). "Pontiac Vibe, Solstice Are Dead, Won't Live On As Chevys". Jalopnik.com. Retrieved April 27, 2009.
  21. Migliore, Greg (May 11, 2009). "GM's Henderson offers a ray of hope for Sky, Solstice". AutoWeek. Retrieved May 12, 2009.
  22. "GM Pulls Ahead U.S. Plant Closures; Reaffirms Intent to Build Future Small Car in U.S." (Press release). GM Media Online. June 1, 2009. Retrieved June 1, 2009.
  23. Hardigree, Matt (October 6, 2009). "EXCLUSIVE: DeLorean Motor Company Contemplating Building Pontiac Solstice". Jalopnik. Retrieved October 8, 2009.

20. The Pontiac Solstice Book. Author Gary Witzenburg. Publisher Lamm-Morada Publishing Co. Inc., Publishing Date 2006.

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