|
|
|
|
|
Pontiac Solstice Performance
The Pontiac Solstice, with its shapely body styling, aerodynamic panels and seductive curves is just made for performance. This rear-wheel drive, four-wheel independent suspension sports car with its 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels and 50-50 weight balance has been turning heads for a couple of years now and GM plans to keep it that way. The 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine rated at 177 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque packs a good punch for such a compact motor vehicle. And with standard close-ratio five-speed manual transmission is pretty quick off the blocks. For those you like to let the car handle gears, the five-speed automatic, released in April, is a welcome addition to the range. The 2006 Pontiac Solstice, now regarded as the American sports car for our fuel-conscious era, does not sacrifice economy for performance. With its tilt-adjustable steering wheel, manually operated top, six-speaker audio system with in-dash CD player, the Solstice feels the part. Options include air conditioning, power windows and doors, remote keyless entry, leather seats, upgraded sound systems with MP3 playback, and cruise control. Hi tech enthusiasts should go for the OnStar telematics and satellite radio. The Solstice performance data is impressive and the figures say it all: 177 hp horsepower with maximum horsepower at 6600 rpm; torque is 166 ft-lbs. with maximum torque at 4800 rpm; maximum towing capacity is a robust 1000 lbs.; and the rear-wheel-drive vehicle has a turning circle of 35 ft. With four-wheel disc brakes and ABS available as an option, safety is not compromised although side airbags and stability control are not offered. Driving the Solstice Inside is obviously snug for a larger person, but GM have managed to build in 42.7 inches of leg room and 38.5 inches of headroom. The Solstice is naturally roomier with the top down, and the wraparound dash gives the feel of an airplane cockpit. Bolstered, comfortable and supportive seats hold you in place well and make long journeys less fatiguing. But don’t expect to store much luggage in the mini trunk. Best that can be said for the cargo capability is that you’d better make it a short trip. It’s ok to turn heads and feel comfortable, but what does this stylish two-seater do on the road? For starters the acceleration is snappy, there’s some body roll and an amount of understeer. Put your foot down, and when the engine's lethargic acceleration finally kicks in you get a bit of body swivel. But the Solstice’s independent suspensions provide an even weight distribution making for a responsive feel. You can also “feel” the road, and take corners like a true sports car. Just as important, the Solstice stops according to plan with the help of its oversized disc brakes. Summing up, the 2006 Pontiac Solstice delivers the goods on its visual and performance promise. The open-air roadster brings much of the old-fashioned joy and excitement to driving at a price that’s very reasonable.
When Bob Kutz says jump, GM designers ask "how high" - Chicago Tribune - Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:04:09 GMT+00:00
Woman flown to hospital after flipping her car - San Diego Union Tribune - Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:49:53 GMT+00:00
Lutz at GM says it's time to retire - UPI.com - Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:16:21 GMT+00:00
AMP's Saturn Sky/Pontiac Solstice EV Conversions Will Use Remy Electric Motors - Gas 2.0 (blog) - Thu, 18 Feb 2010 22:29:52 GMT+00:00
AMP Announces Chevy Equinox Electric Conversion With 150 Mile Range - Gas 2.0 (blog) - Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:41:47 GMT+00:00
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pontiac Solstice Home |
| © 2007 PontiacSolstice.info | 2007 Pontiac Solstice Car |
