OT: Could this be the ITR's replacement?
Thread Starter
New User
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,492
Likes: 0
From: T., O, Canada
OT: Could this be the ITR's replacement?
Note: While there is as yet no official word from GM, the 2006 Pontiac Solstice is expected to come in at $20-$22,000.
(from GM Press Release) Bringing the popular concept car to life, GM announced production of the Pontiac Solstice roadster as a 2006 model. The vehicle is expected in dealer showrooms in fall 2005.
First shown as a concept at the 2002 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, the Solstice immediately gained a huge following, both inside and outside of General Motors. Designed from the ground up in less than four months, the 2002 Solstice concept car promised thrilling, open-air driving freedom in the spirit of the great roadsters of the past.
Built on GM’s new Kappa architecture, the production model remains true to the original Solstice concept, including rear-wheel drive, two-passenger seating and a reverse hinged clamshell hood that opens to reveal a sophisticated double overhead cam variable-valve four-cylinder engine.
“True to the thinking behind the original concept, the production Solstice is all about being a ‘back-to-basics’ roadster with gorgeous lines and fun-to-drive characteristics,” said Bob Lutz, GM vice chairman of product development and chairman of GM North America. “The key enabler of Solstice is the new Kappa rear-wheel-drive architecture and component set, which allows us to rapidly and efficiently develop an appealing family of compact and affordable sports cars.”
Emotional Design, Rigid Backbone
Strong response to the 2002 Solstice concept vehicle helped put the sports car on the fast track to production. But while the concept was designed with production-style elements, there was no compact rear-wheel-drive platform at GM on which to build it. Creating a production version of the concept vehicle required marrying the Solstice’s curvaceous design to an entirely new performance body-chassis architecture.
The robust Kappa architecture features state-of-the-art, full-length hydroformed frame rails and a stamped steel structural tunnel to provide a solid structure to enhance vehicle handling.
To ensure an affordable, world-class driving experience, Solstice was created with a clever blend of all-new technology and proven GM components.
Solstice’s power is created by a new 2.4-liter variable-valve version of the Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing about 170 horsepower. Its twin-cam, multi-valve design provides stirring, high-revving performance, while the engine’s lightweight, all-aluminum construction helps optimize the vehicle’s front-to-rear balance. At the start of production, Solstice will be offered with a close-ratio Aisin five-speed manual transmission.
“With the concept vehicle, people immediately felt the emotional appeal of Solstice’s design and back-to-basics philosophy - it’s about performance, but in a fun, agile, affordable roadster,” said Lynn Myers, Pontiac-GMC general manager. “All the stops were pulled out to make sure the production model delivers an exhilarating driving experience to capitalize on the ‘promise’ of the Solstice’s design.”
Faithfulness to the concept can be seen in Solstice’s proportions, which are comparable in terms of overhangs, wheelbase and track width. Independent front and rear suspensions that feature independent SLA designs with forged aluminum upper and lower control arms contribute to responsive handling. Monotube shock absorbers and coil springs contribute to uncompromised handling response and sporty driving characteristics while the wheels-at-the-corners wide stance enhances handling. Eighteen-inch wheels and tires are standard, as are four-wheel disc brakes.
The interior is oriented around the driver, with a clean design and intuitive controls. “The interior of the Solstice is surprisingly spacious, especially for a smaller car,” said Lori Queen, vehicle line executive for GM’s small cars. “We wanted to create a comfortable environment suitable for longer drives without sacrificing the ‘personal’ feeling of a driver’s car.”
Clean Lines, Clever Details
Designers worked carefully to transfer the clean lines and taut proportions of the concept vehicle to the production model.
“Put them side by side and it’s very difficult to tell the production model from the concept,” said Franz Von Holzhausen, design manager. “The front and rear fascias are slightly longer on the production model, but overall the car remains faithful to the concept - it’s a minimalist approach that emphasizes proportion.”
The Solstice’s proportions are accented with five-spoke wheels and a low, wide stance. A dual-port grille and expressive lighting at all corners instantly identifies the car as a Pontiac. Unexpected details include a body-color extension into the passenger compartment that gives the Solstice an integrated appearance when the top is down. In fact, the top folds flat into the rear clamshell opening, providing a smooth seamless appearance.
“There is no visible stack from the folded top to disturb the shape,” said Von Holzhausen. “In fact, there are no extraneous lines whatsoever; it has a tight, purposeful look, as if it were shrink-wrapped around the driver.”
“We insisted on a lower ride height to ensure the car’s sporty appearance,” said Von Holzhausen. “That makes it the lowest, most ground-hugging car at GM. We were adamant that the Solstice look absolutely right from all angles.”
Creative leveraging of GM resources, as well as clever solutions to other needs, helped complete the Solstice’s design efficiently and economically. For example, the rear corner lamps are from the GMC Envoy, while door handles, fog lamps, seats, engine and transmission are shared with other GM vehicles.
However, some parts are all Solstice. The taillamps, for instance, were designed with special reflectors to eliminate the need for a separate side marker light. This not only contributes to the car’s sleek design, but also eliminates the cost of a separate marker lens and bulb.
Interior design is equally purposeful and clever, with details like pedals placed for easy heel-and-toe driving and a cockpit-style instrument panel that sweeps around the driver. Designers also worked with chassis engineers to optimize the placement of the shifter. Manual shifter throws between gear changes were studied and shortened.
“When you sit down in the car, your hand naturally falls onto the shifter,” said Vicki Vlachakis, interior designer. “It’s a very intuitive, comfortable environment, and the feel of the shifter between gears is very short and precise. Designers and chassis engineers worked together to tune the best placement.”
A Turning Point
The production Solstice announcement further enhances a re-energized Pontiac lineup that already includes the all-new GTO and G6, Grand Prix, Vibe and a V-8-powered Bonneville GXP.
“Solstice is a vehicle that captures the passion and pleasure of open-air driving,” said Myers. “Everyone at GM recognized that adding it to Pontiac’s portfolio would make another strong statement about Pontiac’s renaissance.”
Modified by RaVAGE00 at 2:02 PM 6/1/2005
(from GM Press Release) Bringing the popular concept car to life, GM announced production of the Pontiac Solstice roadster as a 2006 model. The vehicle is expected in dealer showrooms in fall 2005.
First shown as a concept at the 2002 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, the Solstice immediately gained a huge following, both inside and outside of General Motors. Designed from the ground up in less than four months, the 2002 Solstice concept car promised thrilling, open-air driving freedom in the spirit of the great roadsters of the past.
Built on GM’s new Kappa architecture, the production model remains true to the original Solstice concept, including rear-wheel drive, two-passenger seating and a reverse hinged clamshell hood that opens to reveal a sophisticated double overhead cam variable-valve four-cylinder engine.
“True to the thinking behind the original concept, the production Solstice is all about being a ‘back-to-basics’ roadster with gorgeous lines and fun-to-drive characteristics,” said Bob Lutz, GM vice chairman of product development and chairman of GM North America. “The key enabler of Solstice is the new Kappa rear-wheel-drive architecture and component set, which allows us to rapidly and efficiently develop an appealing family of compact and affordable sports cars.”
Emotional Design, Rigid Backbone
Strong response to the 2002 Solstice concept vehicle helped put the sports car on the fast track to production. But while the concept was designed with production-style elements, there was no compact rear-wheel-drive platform at GM on which to build it. Creating a production version of the concept vehicle required marrying the Solstice’s curvaceous design to an entirely new performance body-chassis architecture.
The robust Kappa architecture features state-of-the-art, full-length hydroformed frame rails and a stamped steel structural tunnel to provide a solid structure to enhance vehicle handling.
To ensure an affordable, world-class driving experience, Solstice was created with a clever blend of all-new technology and proven GM components.
Solstice’s power is created by a new 2.4-liter variable-valve version of the Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing about 170 horsepower. Its twin-cam, multi-valve design provides stirring, high-revving performance, while the engine’s lightweight, all-aluminum construction helps optimize the vehicle’s front-to-rear balance. At the start of production, Solstice will be offered with a close-ratio Aisin five-speed manual transmission.
“With the concept vehicle, people immediately felt the emotional appeal of Solstice’s design and back-to-basics philosophy - it’s about performance, but in a fun, agile, affordable roadster,” said Lynn Myers, Pontiac-GMC general manager. “All the stops were pulled out to make sure the production model delivers an exhilarating driving experience to capitalize on the ‘promise’ of the Solstice’s design.”
Faithfulness to the concept can be seen in Solstice’s proportions, which are comparable in terms of overhangs, wheelbase and track width. Independent front and rear suspensions that feature independent SLA designs with forged aluminum upper and lower control arms contribute to responsive handling. Monotube shock absorbers and coil springs contribute to uncompromised handling response and sporty driving characteristics while the wheels-at-the-corners wide stance enhances handling. Eighteen-inch wheels and tires are standard, as are four-wheel disc brakes.
The interior is oriented around the driver, with a clean design and intuitive controls. “The interior of the Solstice is surprisingly spacious, especially for a smaller car,” said Lori Queen, vehicle line executive for GM’s small cars. “We wanted to create a comfortable environment suitable for longer drives without sacrificing the ‘personal’ feeling of a driver’s car.”
Clean Lines, Clever Details
Designers worked carefully to transfer the clean lines and taut proportions of the concept vehicle to the production model.
“Put them side by side and it’s very difficult to tell the production model from the concept,” said Franz Von Holzhausen, design manager. “The front and rear fascias are slightly longer on the production model, but overall the car remains faithful to the concept - it’s a minimalist approach that emphasizes proportion.”
The Solstice’s proportions are accented with five-spoke wheels and a low, wide stance. A dual-port grille and expressive lighting at all corners instantly identifies the car as a Pontiac. Unexpected details include a body-color extension into the passenger compartment that gives the Solstice an integrated appearance when the top is down. In fact, the top folds flat into the rear clamshell opening, providing a smooth seamless appearance.
“There is no visible stack from the folded top to disturb the shape,” said Von Holzhausen. “In fact, there are no extraneous lines whatsoever; it has a tight, purposeful look, as if it were shrink-wrapped around the driver.”
“We insisted on a lower ride height to ensure the car’s sporty appearance,” said Von Holzhausen. “That makes it the lowest, most ground-hugging car at GM. We were adamant that the Solstice look absolutely right from all angles.”
Creative leveraging of GM resources, as well as clever solutions to other needs, helped complete the Solstice’s design efficiently and economically. For example, the rear corner lamps are from the GMC Envoy, while door handles, fog lamps, seats, engine and transmission are shared with other GM vehicles.
However, some parts are all Solstice. The taillamps, for instance, were designed with special reflectors to eliminate the need for a separate side marker light. This not only contributes to the car’s sleek design, but also eliminates the cost of a separate marker lens and bulb.
Interior design is equally purposeful and clever, with details like pedals placed for easy heel-and-toe driving and a cockpit-style instrument panel that sweeps around the driver. Designers also worked with chassis engineers to optimize the placement of the shifter. Manual shifter throws between gear changes were studied and shortened.
“When you sit down in the car, your hand naturally falls onto the shifter,” said Vicki Vlachakis, interior designer. “It’s a very intuitive, comfortable environment, and the feel of the shifter between gears is very short and precise. Designers and chassis engineers worked together to tune the best placement.”
A Turning Point
The production Solstice announcement further enhances a re-energized Pontiac lineup that already includes the all-new GTO and G6, Grand Prix, Vibe and a V-8-powered Bonneville GXP.
“Solstice is a vehicle that captures the passion and pleasure of open-air driving,” said Myers. “Everyone at GM recognized that adding it to Pontiac’s portfolio would make another strong statement about Pontiac’s renaissance.”
Modified by RaVAGE00 at 2:02 PM 6/1/2005
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,268
Likes: 0
From: Rockies, USA
Replacement of the ITR? You mean, a direct competition of the miata. (FR)
Looks are ok. We'll see how it performs once it's out. But for me, I'll be damned if I ever buy a Pontiac Convertible.
Looks are ok. We'll see how it performs once it's out. But for me, I'll be damned if I ever buy a Pontiac Convertible.
Trending Topics
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,909
Likes: 0
Re: (Kendall)
It may look nice, however it is still a Pontiac every time you go into the garage to drive it.
Just my opinion. I have yet to find an affordable domestic that isnt a pile of **** or doesnt have any problems 30K miles down the road.
Just my opinion. I have yet to find an affordable domestic that isnt a pile of **** or doesnt have any problems 30K miles down the road.
Thread Starter
New User
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,492
Likes: 0
From: T., O, Canada
Re: (Reid)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Reid »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Does the LS6 fit in there?</TD></TR></TABLE>
You know someone is already working on that somewhere....
You know someone is already working on that somewhere....
"...Solstice was created with a clever blend of all-new technology and proven GM components." NO THANKS. Tell me where in GM's line of vehicles does this "blend of all-new technology" has proven to be worst of spending money on?. Again, NO THANKS.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,195
Likes: 0
From: vancity
Re: (Haleiwa-Brando)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Haleiwa-Brando »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Just my opinion. I have yet to find an affordable domestic that isnt a pile of **** or doesnt have any problems 30K miles down the road.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Amen to that
Amen to that
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 3,310
Likes: 5
From: ILM, NC
Re: OT: Could this be the ITR's replacement? (RaVAGE00)
i personally think the Saturn Sky looks better.....
both are based on a good platform ......
and i think they will have a good performance following....
both are based on a good platform ......
and i think they will have a good performance following....
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,511
Likes: 0
From: Are you hardparked or just poor
Re: (Reid)
That car uses a gearbox from Aisin, the manufacturer of the S2k gearbox.
i wonder where they got a good 4cylinder, GM hasnt made a long lasting, hi-output, 4 cylinder ever.
I had a HO DOHC quad 4 in a rare 92 gt 5speed, and I am glad to say that was a long time ago.
i wonder where they got a good 4cylinder, GM hasnt made a long lasting, hi-output, 4 cylinder ever.
I had a HO DOHC quad 4 in a rare 92 gt 5speed, and I am glad to say that was a long time ago.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 597
Likes: 0
From: Igloos and dogsleds
Re: OT: Could this be the ITR's replacement? (RaVAGE00)
Ravage man... what IS up! seems missing Expo this year has affected you more than I would have thought! 
We told you to come!
I got dibs on your R (I'll want one that is pristine like yours) if you give it up for one of these 
We told you to come!I got dibs on your R (I'll want one that is pristine like yours
) if you give it up for one of these
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Re: (01PY0559)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 01PY0559 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">No thanks I'll pass</TD></TR></TABLE>
i agree
i agree
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,506
Likes: 0
From: SPN FED
Re: OT: Could this be the ITR's replacement? (Alexander)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Alexander »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If it looks good and has a pontiac badge on it, pontiac didn't have their hand in designing it.</TD></TR></TABLE>
My thoughts exactly.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 01PY0559 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">No thanks I'll pass</TD></TR></TABLE>
Again.............my thoughts exactly.
Stick with the R!
My thoughts exactly.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 01PY0559 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">No thanks I'll pass</TD></TR></TABLE>
Again.............my thoughts exactly.
Stick with the R!
Thread Starter
New User
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,492
Likes: 0
From: T., O, Canada
Re: (Reid)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Reid »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Does the LS6 fit in there?</TD></TR></TABLE>
I knew I would get flammed for this one.
If this guy could get this done, the a LS6 shouldn't be a issue.
Ya'll remember Mohamed Bin Sulayem right? Well I met him today, him and his gorgeous SLK.
Here's what happened:
I was on my way home from school when I see an SLK wit two black patches on the hood. I was like "stickers". So I decided to check it out. After a fast lunch, I went to the house where it was parked. I get close and see that those black patches were actually the engine sticking out of the hood. I was like WTF? I was even more shocked when I read SLR on the engine. So I started snapping pics. When a Nissan Armada pulls up and who else but Bin Sulayem steps out of the house to get something from the Armada. Then he gets in the SLK and calls me to talk to him. At first I didnt recognise him, but he told me later on. My first reaction was to point speechless at the hood. He told me got the engine and put it in himself. He said it had 615hp, and could go well over 350 km/h. He told me he had already been up to 320. He said it's a one of a kind, and that AMG are coming to Dubai just to see it.
The reason why he did such a crazy thing was because all the other cars he has (Enzo, F50, F40, GT1, etc etc etc...) were undrivable in these streets cuz of all the traffic, so he settled with a SLK55 with an auto transmission, a comfy, easy ride in other words. But he wasnt happy with the power output...So hey, might as well drop an SLR engine into it...
Oh, and the sound...Mind blowing...
Crazy car...
I knew I would get flammed for this one.
If this guy could get this done, the a LS6 shouldn't be a issue.
Ya'll remember Mohamed Bin Sulayem right? Well I met him today, him and his gorgeous SLK.
Here's what happened:
I was on my way home from school when I see an SLK wit two black patches on the hood. I was like "stickers". So I decided to check it out. After a fast lunch, I went to the house where it was parked. I get close and see that those black patches were actually the engine sticking out of the hood. I was like WTF? I was even more shocked when I read SLR on the engine. So I started snapping pics. When a Nissan Armada pulls up and who else but Bin Sulayem steps out of the house to get something from the Armada. Then he gets in the SLK and calls me to talk to him. At first I didnt recognise him, but he told me later on. My first reaction was to point speechless at the hood. He told me got the engine and put it in himself. He said it had 615hp, and could go well over 350 km/h. He told me he had already been up to 320. He said it's a one of a kind, and that AMG are coming to Dubai just to see it.
The reason why he did such a crazy thing was because all the other cars he has (Enzo, F50, F40, GT1, etc etc etc...) were undrivable in these streets cuz of all the traffic, so he settled with a SLK55 with an auto transmission, a comfy, easy ride in other words. But he wasnt happy with the power output...So hey, might as well drop an SLR engine into it...
Oh, and the sound...Mind blowing...
Crazy car...
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,222
Likes: 0
Re: (P Nut)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by P Nut »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Replacement of the ITR? You mean, a direct competition of the miata. (FR)
Looks are ok. We'll see how it performs once it's out. But for me, I'll be damned if I ever buy a Pontiac Convertible.</TD></TR></TABLE>
My thoughts exactly.
Looks are ok. We'll see how it performs once it's out. But for me, I'll be damned if I ever buy a Pontiac Convertible.</TD></TR></TABLE>
My thoughts exactly.