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.

Specifications:

Vehicle: 2006 Pontiac Solstice

Base Price: $19,995

Warranty: Basic: 3 yr. / 36,000 miles

Engine Size and Type: 2.4-liter inline –four-cylinder

Engine Horsepower: 177 at 6,600 rpm

Engine Torque: 166 lb.-ft. at 4,800 rpm

Transmission: Five-speed manual (standard); five-speed automatic (optional)

Curb Weight, lbs.: 2,860

EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 20/28 mpg

Length: 157.2 inches

Width: 71.3 inches

Wheelbase: 95.1 inches

Height: 50.1 inches

Legroom: 42.7 inches

Headroom: 38.5 inches

Max. Seating Capacity: Two

Max. Cargo Volume: 3.8 cubic feet (top up)

Competitors: Ford Mustang V6 Convertible, Honda S2000, Jeep Wrangler, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Mini Cooper, Nissan 350Z Roadster, Volkswagen New Beetle Cabriolet.

Pontiac Solstice News

Former GM Vice Chair Bob Lutz Attacks "Right-Wing Media" Over Negative Volt ... - DailyTech - Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:07:51 GMT

DailyTech

Former GM Vice Chair Bob Lutz Attacks "Right-Wing Media" Over Negative Volt ... DailyTech In recent years, Lutz is responsible for spearheading the development of enthusiast-oriented vehicles like the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro, fourth generation Pontiac G8, Pontiac GTO, Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky, and the upcoming Cadillac Converj ... and more »

Auto Executive Robert Lutz Discusses "Car Guys vs. Bean Counters" - Sacramento Bee - Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:35:13 GMT

Auto Executive Robert Lutz Discusses "Car Guys vs. Bean Counters" Sacramento Bee He is responsible for both the bold design and performance engineering of vehicles such as the Pontiac Solstice, Cadillac CTS, the re-designed Chevrolet Malibu, and the Dodge Viper. Known as Detroit's "ultimate car guy," he always had the passion to ... and more »

Accident changes life forever for one Army wife - Victorville Daily Press - Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:44:28 GMT

Accident changes life forever for one Army wife Victorville Daily Press Kimberly Rowe, Army wife and mother of four, was driving her convertible Pontiac Solstice down Barstow's Irwin Road when she hit some loose sand on the roadway and lost control, sending her car spinning and rolling over and over.

New lifeblood for Solstice - Autonet.ca - Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:10:32 GMT

New lifeblood for Solstice Autonet.ca Having found the project car he really wanted – a 2008 Pontiac Solstice GXP with the 290-hp GM Performance turbo upgrade kit – in May last year, Kasper had to wait until the week before SEMA for Chevrolet Performance to announce its PBC Crate Engine ...

Range Rover's Evoque surprisingly superb - msnbc.com - Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:40:59 GMT

msnbc.com

Range Rover's Evoque surprisingly superb msnbc.com ... at the Ritz probably trumps its ability to wade into rivers. There is no doubt that the Evoque is the most exciting entry in the premium compact crossover segment and may be the production model truest to its design concept since the Pontiac Solstice. and more »