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Pontiac Solstice
Pontiac Solstice

1325 messages, Last post on Jul 26, 2009 at 4:49 AM
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| The Solstice is intended for the youth market which LOVES big rims. Tires don't seem to matter that much. When my friends and I talk about passing cars its more... Dude, did you see those 20's on that thing?... Large rims may not be practical, but a popular thing in the intended demographic! | |
| I like the long hood look, even if the nose is a bit overwrought. Let's hope that we're starting to see a trend away from samey-looking "cab-forward" designs. | |
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Price it in the 20K range, and they will a big winner that totally re-invents the brand image. Now, add a RWD or AWD Grand Prix with a 5 speed sequential gear box, and LS1 V8 or boosted Supercharged V6, and we are talking driving excitement !!! |
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| Here's my two cents...the car's design is clean, elegant, aggressive...even beautiful. I don't think the nose is a problem, at least from the front 3/4 view (I think that's the right term). On the other hand, I've never thought the Boxster nose was attractive...the overhang and sharp nose are out of proportion to the rest of the cars' lines IMO, although they are fixing that in '03, according to a spy photo I saw in the latest Automobile. Hand one to Pontiac's design team, which previously seemed to be drawing cars while on LSD. I like this Pontiac a lot and since my two previous attempts to buy a Boxster ended in frustration because I moved from North America to Europe and back, I'll give the Pontiac consideration if it has adequate cargo-handling capacities (I live in NY and it would be my be-all sun and ski toy). The horsepower/torque projections for the 2.2 litre supercharged 4-cyl engine indicate that it will be a little rocket. | |
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I saw Bob Lutz being interviewed on TV and talking about the Solstice concept car. I think he is VERY serious about this puppy going into production. That concept vehicle (a running prototype by the way)was hatched and brought to reality in just 18 months since Mr.Lutz arrived on the scene. He said the car will be very simple, no frills such as hi-tech electronics, power windows,manual top etc. and wants to sell it hud |
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Here's my two cents...the car's design is clean, elegant, aggressive...even beautiful. I don't think the nose is a problem, at least from the front 3/4 view (I think that's the right term). On the other hand, I've never thought the Boxster nose was attractive...the overhang and sharp nose are out of proportion to the rest of the cars' lines IMO, although they are fixing that in '03, according to a spy photo I saw in the latest Automobile. Hand one to Pontiac's design team, which previously seemed to be drawing cars while on LSD. I like this Pontiac a lot and since my two previous attempts to buy a Boxster ended in frustration because I moved from North America to Europe and back, I'll give the Pontiac consideration if it has adequate cargo-handling capacities (I live in NY and it would be my be-all sun and ski toy). The horsepower/torque projections for the 2.2 litre supercharged 4-cyl engine indicate that it will be a little rocket.
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Re "though the diameter of the rim may be increasing, the aspect ratio of the tire is actually decreasing, so it seems that the overall diameter of the tire ends up being the same. In that case, would it still take a lot more torque to turn the wheels?"....yes, weight and rolling resistance play a significant part in acceleration. Performance tires tend to be a lot stickier, and the additional footprint, while aiding traction, also produces additional friction by its very definition (friction=traction). Re "once you get down to something with really low aspect ratios for the tires, how do they control the quality of the ride?"....they usually degrade the ride signifantly, due to the shorter, stiffer sidewalls. But some tires are better than others, and the 45-series Sumitomos on my turbo Corolla are quiet, smooth and Z-rated. Kumhos are another good choice for daily wear, and are often used in racing as well. |
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Way back in June of last year I posted the following message on the "Time for a new Fiero" board. "After GM is done killing the F-bodies, what will it have? The Vette? Great car, but well beyond the price range of the typical consumer. After that its....ah.....ummmm.....well, there's always the Sunfire!?!?! Ford just came out with the Thunderbird - a spectacular design. Chrysler had the Prowler, but that was too expensive and impractical, but had the PT Cruiser waiting in the wings. GM needs a hook - something to get people interested in the Pontiac name. Ok, how about this - a small/medium sized two seat mid engine sports car with room, but no seats, behind the front seats. Keep the suspension cheap and simple - struts on all four corners. Keep the weight down - below 2800 pounds. Give it two engine choices - a 170 hp 2.4 Quad4 and a 225hp supercharged and intercooled 2.4 Quad4 - both running through a 5 speed manual or 5 speed automatic. Styling-wise - make it distinctive with an eye toward being mean and nasty looking - like its ready to bit your leg off if you don't get out of the left lane. Price it starting at $20,000 for the base model and topping out at under $30,000 for a loaded supercharged edition." Well, I pegged the pricing, almost nailed the engine specs, was correct about utilizing a cheap, parts-bin suspension and was right about the styling. OK, so it isn't a mid-engine design - so I was wrong on one point - I'm not the Pope! |
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| Just read the April? issue of C&D about the Solstice. They mentioned the Chevy Cheetah influence. What a beautiful car- just what Pontiac needs. Better design than the Dodge Razor IMHO, although more expensive. Bring it on! | |
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observations: 1. pricing mentioned at car shows is often bunk, with high equipment trims being considerably more. 2. pontiac grill has got to go. why ruin a car with that? the pontiac BADGE tells people what it is, ditch the ugly grill. do you really want a tie to the grand prix and grand am? -Colin
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