2006 Pontiac Solstice Mallett V8

Can't wait for GM to drop a heftier engine into the sporty, curvaceous Solstice? And happy to pay over $38,000 for the extra power and obvious prestige that running the streets in a souped up auto entails? Then Mallett Cars, who've been tuning Corvettes and Cadillacs since 1997, have built a street-legal Solstice V8 with a 400-hp, LS2 6.0-liter V8 without the bumps or scoops in the hood that you'd expect with the bigger engine.

The car's body is steel-reinforced and the engine is as far to the rear of the engine bay as can be to keep the original 50-50 weight distribution of the Solstice. A reasonable 200 pounds has been added to the curb weight. With the clutch, flywheel and catalytic converters from the Corvette, the original Solstice's manual five-speed transmission and Stouter springs, shock absorbers, antiroll bars, brake pads, and brake hoses ,the Solstice Mallet has improved specifications to handle the extra weight and power.

A stainless-steel, single-outlet Corsa exhaust system adds a classy touch and a two-year, 24,000-mile warranty covers the Mallett Cars components. Add in options such special adjustable Penske shock absorbers, a Supercharged Package, larger wheels and tires, driveline coolers, a heavy-duty radiator, and a six-speed transmission, and you are really up there with the breed of power sports cars such the Corvette convertible.

So what does it drive like? Well, first and second gears need a light touch of the throttle to avoid wheel spin. And taking less than five seconds, the beast of a vehicle can shoot to 60 mph twice as fast as a stock Solstice. Road feel and directional stability are similar to the original but care must be taken with the extra power to keep the Solstice Mallet on the road in wet or icy conditions.

No doubt the Solstice Mallet V8 will find its niche and turn a few heads.

Pontiac Solstice News

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