Okay, here's my review of the GXP. I've got about 600 miles on it now, and the last 100 were so much fun. Not to say that the first 500 weren't, but trying to keep the speed down was tough. It's not technical, but it's just a breakdown of general impressions.
First, I should say I have the auto. I do mostly city driving, and while a manual would have been fun in the twisties, it would have been aggravating for me on a daily basis. This won't be my daily driver in the winter, but in the summer it will be.
Likes:
I like pretty much everything. Hah, I do, but let me be serious.
Transmission
The automatic is very quick to shift, and I can chirp the tires very easily if I'm not careful. I wouldn't ever want to do that.
Sometimes there is a slight hesitation when you let off the gas too quickly, like a little jerk. I think it's on the downshift.
Engine
What can I say about the engine, other than it's a work of art. There is almost no lag in the power delivery, but once you get into the boost, hold on. I love the whoosh, of the BOV, when letting off of the gas. Because there isn't a lot of noise from the exhaust, it's really hard to tell how fast you're going when you stomp on it. Before you know it, you're at about 60.
Handling
I like the fact that you can pretty much think about a maneuver, and it's done. I'm not a racer, but I don't drive slow either. I love being able to take a quick turn at speed, and feeling almost no body roll. I had a C4 Vette, and I thought the handling was great in that one. I think this one is better, but of course it's a combination of a lot of factors. The C4 may have been better with newer tires, and some suspension upgrades. I love being on the expressway, and being able to pass with no drama. My other car is a Crown Vic, which can make a pass, but let me tell you that it tends to wander in the lane.
Tires, LSD, Stabilitrak
I'll mention the tires, because I've seen other reviews mention them. I like them, and I think they handle just fine in the rain. I've never really pushed it that hard in the rain, only about 65mph, but I felt perfectly at ease. More of a concern for me is the fact that it's a summer tire, and since it's very cold here, they tend to harden up, which isn't a good thing. I've hit a patch of ice in a turn, and the Stabilitrak keeps the rear in check after a slight fishtail. I'm going from driving my Crown Vic which needs a full tank of gas, and a couple bags of gravel, to get any kind of traction. So because I'm going from that to the GXP with GS-2's , I think it's a great improvement.
Styling
I love the exterior styling, there is nothing else like it. I sometimes go in the garage to just look at it. Let me say it, I love the way people just stare at the car. I've had people just stare at my car, as they are driving, while not looking at the road ahead of them. Not too safe, but at least they weren't behind me.
Audio
I've got the monsoon with the 6 disc. I think the stereo is great, although the speakers could stand to be a little better. Steering wheel controls are a plus, but I have to train myself to reach for those instead of the actual stereo.
Interior
The interior is snug, but comfortable. First time I went to back up I hit the back window, because well I forgot I was that close to the window. The gauges are very easy to read in daylight, and at night. The seats are so comfortable, although the leather is sagging in the drivers seat.
The Tick
I put the tick as a like, just because I've learned to like it. I like that it's there and that the engine isn't dead silent, because it lets you know that there is something special under the hood. I can hear it all the time, but I don't mind at all. Initially this was a little annoying, but not anymore, at least not for me.
Dislikes:
Not many, but here are a few. The window switches are ridiculous in their placement. The cup holders in the center console, I'm always opening those by accident. That's really about it. I think the trunk is laughable, but it's just one of those things that makes the car unique. I don't need to carry much anyway, other than detailing spray and a few microfibers. Even though I like that everyone stares at it, it's a little unsettling also, because it's always in the back of my mind that one day someone will scratch it, or it just won't be there. I'm paranoid I know, but I've seen many keyed cars, and I've had many a car broken into. Oh, and that I can't stop looking for upgrades, or anything Solstice related.
What I would change
I would change the exhaust, it's a little too quiet for me right now. While I don't need to hear it to know when to shift, since I have the auto, I still want to hear it. I had Borla Stingers on my Vette, and I miss the sound. I know I won't have the same thing on this one, but just a little more sound. I preordered the 3" Magnaflow, so that will help. I'd change the interior speakers, with some of a little better quality. I'd snug up the leather on the seat bottom.
Hope you've enjoyed reading my little review.