For release: March 19, 2008
PONTIAC UNVEILS 2009 SOLSTICE COUPE
Hardtop Extends Appeal of Classic Design
NEW YORK – Drawing inspiration from classic sports cars, the 2009 Pontiac Solstice coupe was created for drivers who appreciate both dramatic styling and balanced performance. Unveiled at the New York Auto Show as a GXP model, the Solstice coupe builds on the success of the convertible model while offering a greater range of all-season driving opportunities.
For drivers still wanting an open-air experience, the coupe also features a removable roof panel, fully opening the cockpit to all of the sensations of the road.
“Today’s Solstice is the top-selling roadster in the U.S., and we believe this new model has even broader appeal,” said Jim Bunnell, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager. “The coupe has all the design cues and pleasing performance of the original roadster, and is an all-season alternative for people who enjoy open-air driving.”
The coupe is expected to arrive in Pontiac dealerships in early 2009.
The making of a coupe
The new coupe was inspired by the Solstice coupe concept shown at the North American International Auto Show in 2002. True to the concept, it is a modern sports car with classic lines. The roofline has a “fastback” shape with stylized “rails” that run from the front of the roof to the rear, culminating in a stylish and functional ducktail-style rear spoiler.
The coupe’s roof is fixed aft of the B-pillars, with side windows and a rear liftglass for access to the cargo area. The roof panel is easily removed from the passenger compartment, and an optional soft roof cover stores in the cargo area. A home storage case for the roof panel will be offered through GM Accessories.
Engineering the design
Despite its dramatic new look, engineers made only minor structural changes to create the Solstice coupe. The rear fenders and rear fascia are the same as those on the convertible. New taillight assemblies flow more smoothly into the tapered roofline.
“The Solstice coupe represents a major collaboration of design and engineering,” said Bruce Kosbab, chief engineer. “The sleek lines of the new roof give the car a fresh appearance, yet only minimal changes were made to the body structure – it’s a great example of building on an already solid foundation.”
Lightweight structure
The roof’s structure was strengthened with additional support elements, including an aluminum roof bow attached with aluminum brackets. The bow and brackets are stiff, yet low in mass, a design feature that pervades the coupe’s overall construction. The roof includes a lightweight sheet molding compound cover affixed to a rigid aluminum frame for additional lightweight support. A lightweight magnesium roof panel frame weighs just 31 pounds (14.2 kg) and can be removed by one person. The cover is also made of sheet molding compound.
Powertrain and suspension
Because the change to a coupe body style resulted in only a slight increase in curb weight, no drivetrain or suspension changes were necessary to shift from the convertible body structure. Initial tests have shown that the Solstice coupe will deliver ride and handling, acceleration, braking and fuel economy comparable to the convertible model.
The coupe is powered by a standard 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder engine that generates 173 horsepower (129 kW), while the GXP version is equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec engine with 260 horsepower (194 kW).
Interior additions
Much of the coupe’s interior remains the same as that of the convertible. However, the area behind the seats was redesigned for easy access to the cargo area, and a storage tray was mounted directly behind the headrests.
Removing the folding-top mechanism made way for a new, flat cargo floor and several storage compartments. The cargo area’s covered
bins provide secure storage for smaller items. Cargo tie-down hooks help secure irregularly shaped items.
# # #
PONTIAC SOLSTICE COUPE PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
Overview
Models
Pontiac Solstice Coupe, Solstice GXP Coupe
Wheel size and type:
base std: 18-inch x 8-inch five-spoke painted alloy; base opt: 18-inch x 8-inch five-spoke chromed aluminum and polished aluminum alloy
GXP std: 18-inch x 8-inch five-spoke polished aluminum alloy or chromed aluminum
Location: Rosamond, CA - Home of Willow Springs Raceway
Can't wait to see some road test numbers!!!
__________________
2007 Cool GXP with Darkside Top, 5 spd, Ebony Cloth, Monsoon with Single CD, Sport Pedals, XM, A/C
Mods - Solo Street/Race Exhaust, K&N Drop-in Air Filter, EDAL
Wow! I think if they had that model out when I bought my GXP, I would have bought that one! I LOVE the idea of the flat trunk. And you still get the open-air feeling of a convertible, but without having to have a wind restrictor. Sweet lines!
__________________
Brendan
Deep Blue GXP, Automatic, OnStar, A/C, Leather interior with white stitching, 18" Chrome wheels
MODS: Dejon CAI, Dejon IC pipes (deep), stubby antenna, Westers Garage GXP Hot tune, Solo Performance GXP RCD exhaust, Performance Auto Werks drilled and slotted rotors and Hawk HPS brake pads Click here to see my gallery
Now that the headroom is lower and the top does not fit into the back..........I am not so sure.......................
__________________ 08 GXP Orange Auto Loaded
07 GXP Yellow Auto Loaded
07 GXP Yellow Man Loaded
06 Red Auto Loaded
06 Red Man Loaded
06 Grey Man Loaded
06 Red Man Vista House Meet 1/15/06
Mt St. Helens Meet 3/25/06
WV Wine Tour 5/13/06
S Solstice CRG PreRun 5/28/06
S Solstice CRG Meet 6/24/06 6/25/06
Solli4Meet Mt. Hood 7/29/06
OR/WA FC Run 10/28/06
South Mt Run Phoenix, AZ. 1/14/07
Orygun Run 4/28/07
2nd S Solstice CRG Meet 6/23/07
TVR 9/22/07
LCD 10/27/07
3rd S Solstice CRG Meet 6/21-22/08
Last edited by SunSports : 03-20-2008 at 06:21 PM.
The coupe looks real nice. I think quite a few people may trade in their current Sols to get a coupe.
I have a question on it.
Can the removable top be stored behind the seats? It was not clear to me in any of the announcement details that it can be.
I do see they will offer a soft top as an accessory that can be stored onboard.
