2009 Coupe pricing released Janaury 15, 2009.

[werks]

Thanks for the info SD!

[Fformula88]

I do not think (and maybe naively) that the hard top should end up costing more.

Yes, the car was designed originally as a convertible first. (although technically, the original concept drawing was for a coupe, the engineering/production design was towards 'vert first). As such, the "coupe" has the vert's beefed up structure. It has to, since technically it is a convertible with the removable roof panel.

In addition, yes, changing to the hard to did add some design/engineering costs. So that cost must be recovered.

However, the cost to engineer the change in tops doesn't extend too far beyond the parts. The under structure, suspension tuning, etc are all identical. The rest of the costs of the vehicle had already been amortized over the first nearly 100,000 units already built and sold.

So I would think, with the bulk of the costs already amortized over a much larger sample size, the added costs of the hard top could be absorbed without a higher price.

Plus, regardless of the realities of engineering costs, GM must also be conscious of the potential market at a given price. When everyone else's coupe costs less than the corresponding convertible by a thousand, or few thousand dollars, it becomes more difficult to market your coupe with a higher price and convince people it is a good value.

I have seen the coupe in person. It is the same car as the roadster with a fiberglass roof instead of the fabric top, a glass hatch in the rear, a pair of rear quarter windows the size of pie plates (and useless for vision) and a flat trunk courtesy of rearranging the gas tank emissions control devices. It wasn't a $250 million dollar engineering job.

Maybe they only expect really low volumes out of it, and I am sure they will achieve them. There are some unique and intriguing elements to the Sol coupe not found elsewhere. The removable top, the smallish size., the awesome turbo engine (GXP). However, head to head against a lot of potential competitors in it's price segment, it can become a tough argument.

That tough argument isn't as tough with the roadster.... because convertibles tend to cost more than coupes and as such the roadster is a more attractive value against it's peers. The coupe... I am not sure it is such a value.... and I have been one of the strongest supporters of this platform and vehicle too. I do not come to these opinions lightly. Especially considering how I have been looking forward to this coupe since I first heard it would be reality a long time back.

[Mac]

The camaro will steal most of the thunder i think. even at 3750lbs(base i think)
Now i need to talk the other half into why we need an SS/RS to go with my 71. I will need to come up with a plan. She needs this because?- her cars is getting old? It looked so nice in the movie transformers? AH you will look so hot in it? I wanted to get you a Diamond but.....

[SmokinSolstice]

Originally Posted by Fformula88 Good catch. I fixed my original post. I got caught using a list of coupes, base price $25K-$35K to come up with the comparison... since the base Camaro started under that, the list must have selected a higher trim level. I like the coupe looks, and have really been chomping at the bit to get behind the wheel of one. I saw them and sat in them at the Mecca 2, and the reduced sideways visibility (at the top of the windows) had me concerned about whether it was a deal breaker or not. (Windows stop about an inch lower than on the vert, which is very noticeable at my height). However, i was also expecting pricing to come in cheaper than the 'vert too. The fact that it is more is a little disappointing. I am not sure it changes my buying preference yet... I would still need a test drive first to see if I am even interested due to my visibility concerns. If I can find a comfortable seating position and still have acceptable visibility, then I will have to chew on price.

I agree. With money a factor for me the camaro is hard to toss up. Of course they are two different cars. I was also eyeing the 370z. I think gm needs to price for competition with the market the way it is now.

[conevadr]

Wow - I'm shocked at the pricing. I will have to seriously re-consider.

[brentil]

Originally Posted by 2091351 OUCH! Gonna need to rob the piggy bank for those prices. Wonder how much can we get off with your GM Card? Steve

Same as all other Solstices, $1000.

Originally Posted by GO_DRVN Wasn't this car originally designed as both the convertible and hard-top coupe? The first model car out was the coupe concept with the same basic shape we are seeing now.

It was originally designed as a convertible only. The original coupe concept was primarily foam and clay, it wasn't a real car it could just be pushed around.

Originally Posted by SmokinSolstice I agree. With money a factor for me the camaro is hard to toss up. Of course they are two different cars. I was also eyeing the 370z. I think gm needs to price for competition with the market the way it is now.

I've wanted a Coupe since they had announced it, and the words of Bob Lutz saying it would be about $1000 cheaper has been in all of our minds. We all know GM has the car on life support too killing all the major 2010 revisions the car was supposed to be getting. So I would be spending about $34k optioned the way I want compared to the $28k I spent for my GXP I have now. So what do I get for $6k? Forced OnStar, TPMS, and a roof that was supposed to be cheaper... I still love the Coupe but I'm just upset how this has turned out.

[mena661]

Does seem a bit pricey but if I wanted the car, I'd pay the money for it. I have to admit, I place a high priority on aftermarket potential and the GXP coupe can make a good amount of reliable power without too much money. It's a big question mark if any of the engines in the other cars can make more power as reliable as the GXP coupe. Call me weird but that's how I think.

[bigblau]

I know Bob said the Solstice will never have a V6, but he also said the Coupe will be $1,000 cheaper then roadster. But maybe it's more because in reality it’s not really a Coupe. It’s a Targa.

For that price, if GM wants the Solstice Coupe (Targa) to be competitive with Nissan’s 332HP 3.7L V6, 6-speed manual 370Z they are ….uhumm (clearing my throat)… going to have to put the Camero DI V6 with a 6-speed Tremec in the Solstice. If they did that I’d buy one in a heartbeat to park along side my Z0K and Corrado SLC. I’d call it the Solstice SLC.

2009 Nissan 370Z - Official Photos and Info - Car News/Latest News & Reviews/Car Shopping/Hot Lists/Reviews/Car and Driver - Car And Driver

[Fformula88]

Originally Posted by bigblau I know Bob said the Solstice will never have a V6, but he also said the Coupe will be $1,000 cheaper then roadster. But maybe it's more because in reality it’s not really a Coupe. It’s a Targa. For that price, if GM wants the Solstice Coupe (Targa) to be competitive with Nissan’s 332HP 3.7L V6, 6-speed manual 370Z they are ….uhumm (clearing my throat)… going to have to put the Camero DI V6 with a 6-speed Tremec in the Solstice. If they did that I’d buy one in a heartbeat to park along side my Z0K and Corrado SLC. I’d call it the Solstice SLC. 2009 Nissan 370Z - Official Photos and Info - Car News/Latest News & Reviews/Car Shopping/Hot Lists/Reviews/Car and Driver - Car And Driver

Well... they aren't going to put the DI V6 in it. So...

Anyway, I am not sure I would go so far as to say the engine is what makes the car uncompetitive. In fact, if and when gas goes back up, either due to market conditions or taxation (both will happen), the DI I4 may be an advantage the car has over competitors.

It's the overall package, and in many ways nothing more than perception of value, which is partially based on market competitors (and the engine can be a factor in this... it is for you, and probably others too).

[Small Dealer]

Originally Posted by 2091351 Wonder how much can we get off with your GM Card?

Originally Posted by brentil Same as all other Solstices, $1000.

There has been no announced differences between redemption allowances for the 2009 Solstice Roadster and 2009 Solstice Coupe.

So you will be able to use the appropriate level of earnings based on the card you hold, as long as it is compatible with the delivery type and other incentives.

Any of the special offers that come out on occassion could also add to the redemption amounts, for those that receive them.




Yes, $1,000 for those holding a card with redemption limits.

[brentil]

Originally Posted by Small Dealer There has been no announced differences between redemption allowances for the 2009 Solstice Roadster and 2009 Solstice Coupe. So you will be able to use the appropriate level of earnings based on the card you hold, as long as it is compatible with the delivery type and other incentives. Yes, $1,000 for those holding a card with redemption limits.

I keep forgetting those older cards don't have a spending cap like the newer ones.

[Small Dealer]

Originally Posted by brentil I keep forgetting those older cards don't have a spending cap like the newer ones.

"So I got that goin' for me, which is nice"

[Small Dealer]

Originally Posted by brentil I've wanted a Coupe since they had announced it, and the words of Bob Lutz saying it would be about $1000 cheaper has been in all of our minds. So I would be spending about $34k optioned the way I want compared to the $28k I spent for my GXP I have now. So what do I get for $6k? Forced OnStar, TPMS, and a roof that was supposed to be cheaper... I still love the Coupe but I'm just upset how this has turned out.

Need to look at it a little more methodically. Can't jump from what you paid to what a different newer car lists for. Need to take the small steps in between.


The last 2007 Solstice GXP in Mean with A/C, US8 Radio, Premium Package, Monsoon, Headliner, Pedals and Spolier rolled on the assemby line with a $29,925 MSRP.



Duplicating that car two model years later, would result in an MSRP of $32,620, or $2,695 additional. As you noted you would have the Tire Pressure Monitors and OnStar, along with XM Radio (which was not on your 2007) and BlueTooth. Would also be missing some cupholders. That and whatever mechanical upgrades have taken place, ie new design rear differential in 2008 for example.



Now take that 2009 Solstice GXP dulpicate and make it a Coupe, and the MSRP goes up to $33,235, or $615 over the Roadster.

Then add whatever different options or changes from your 2007 to get to your $34,000ish you posted.

Finally then it can be lowed for purhcase discounts, Supplier Pricing, and the rebates of the month.

[brentil]

Man you're going to make me do math, with real numbers? I had gotten my car before the price increase so I had paid ~$28,925. Optioning out a 2009 GXP with the same options but only with the 6-CD as an extra option comes to $32,800 + the $615 is $33,415 which I had rounded up to $34k for 'easy math' due also to the higher tax I'll pay now too so actually $5k more not $6k. I had $1000 GM points (I have the card with a limit) then and I do now too so those cancel out.

I had forgotten about XM being in there now too, that was like what $300 before? OnStar was $700 before? So that's $1000 in extra options I'm getting. Ok so in the end I'm spending about $4k more than I did in 2007. I think I've had every iteration of the Solstice diff along this journey too.

Which is where I was upset about it because originally the 2010 MY was going to have all kinds of redesign features mechanical/interior/exterior and that's the Coupe I was waiting for. The $4k difference at that point would be worth it to me. However now with the Solstice on life support I would only be getting TPMS/BT/USB plus the Coupe design for the $4k, which we've all had fixed in our minds since Lutz said it would cost less.

So I'm going to pout and have a hissy fit because I didn't get what I want.

[The Batman]

I was hoping to get a Solstice turbo coupe for my mid-life crisis/birthday next year, but at that price, and with a contemporary like the 370Z available, my Solstice coupe desires are fading.

I'm a long-term GM stock owner, and I'd love to support the company, but I've had good experiences with my 2006 Nissan Xterra and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another VQ-V6 Nissan new. While I rate the 370Z styling low compared to a stunner like the Solstice coupe, there's no denying you get more bang-for-the-buck with the 370Z.