[Danno]

Hi All - I've been monitoring this forum for a while and have got a good deal of info - thanks to all. I am waiting for the Solstice to go on sale here in Canada, but finding information on a Canadian availability date thin - sales folks at Pontiac dealers are mostly slack jawed and drooling (they know nothing and seem only just intellegent enough to keep breathing). Does anyone have any info on a Canadian launch date?

 

[Luc]

....sales folks at Pontiac dealers are mostly slack jawed and drooling (they know nothing and seem only just intellegent enough to keep breathing)....

Danno, being a proud Canadian, I'm offended at how you describe Canadian dealers.

Canadian dealers haven't been given much information from Pontiac or GM. Canadian dealers were not able to participate in the programs outlined in this forum. This is NOT the fault of Canadian dealers, but rather Pontiac that has provided them very little information. Be greatful that, instead of giving you lots of false information about getting one of the early cars, your dealer is telling you that they don't have any official word from Pontiac. I'd rather that then being lied to and that they could provide me with one of the first cars.

I understand that you might feel frustrated, but so do dealers. Pontiac hasn't even updated their Canadian web site with accurate information about the car.

I too am very frustrated at the whole process and would like for my dealer to get me one of the early cars and to participate in the same programs as their US counterparts, but the fact is that GM will not let them participate and gives them very little information (you could even say that they have none). Canada is a very small market for convertibles (Toyota didn't even try to sell the MR2 Spider in Canada) and buying one here will be a similar experience to trying to buy a skidoo in Florida. . OK, so perhaps I'm exagerating a bit with that last comment, but since they are not going to sell a lot of Solstice in Canada, don't expect that dealers will be very knowledgeable about them.

 

[Danno]

I too am a Canadian, and your having taken offense makes me wonder if you are in fact a Pontiac dealer or salesman... I stand by my position that the dealerships are very uninformed - and the fact that they don't even know that Pontiac has released the base pricing tells me that these folks are not on the ball. As supposed professionals, these folks should know everything I do, and more.

I'm not asking for miracles - just a little reassurance that these people are willing to work for the sale... Of the 4 that I have called, only one has bothered to even take my name - let alone provide any information on the product itself. And as for the logic that because they will not sell many they shouldn't be held to the same standard as with products they do sell a lot of -I say Pah! Are they professionals or part timers? I know more about the solstice than they do... in my mind, that's an upside-down situation. In my profession if a customer knew more that me I'd be embarrased. Quit making excuses for the canadian market... It's this kind of thinking that has us all living in igloos and bashing seals on the head for a living...

 

[achieftain]

I understand both of your frustrations with and experiences with certain dealers up north. They are not unique. Trust me. I walked into a Pontiac dealership in the small city of Erie after the Detroit Auto Show and expected to be able to at least discuss the car with them. No such luck. No offer to put my name on a list, I'm sure today I still know more than they. The smaller dealer close to home had at least seen some stuff on the car and was willing to "car talk" Hey, middle to end of January in the car business they should be thrilled to talk about anything. You have to find the car nut at the dealer. It may not be one of the salespersons, it may be the new car manager or business manager. Find them out, befriend them, then what they know, you will know.

 

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Canadian Solstice

As reported on another thread, some of us have been told that Canadian dealers will receive information March 28th and can place orders April 4th .
My dealer confirmed these statements.

 

[Skyward]

Over the years I bought various manufacturers cars from different dealers/salespeople and G.M. dealers are no better or worse (when it comes to knowledge about upcoming or future products) than those representing other manufacturers.
Generally, those of us who are a bit car nutty will not only know far more than salespeople but we'll know it much sooner (and that is particularly the case now with the internet and online forums).
Salespeople are interested in making money and that means knowing and selling what they have or can get. Most could care less if they're selling toilet paper or cars - they are SALESPEOPLE, not car junkies. There's no incentive to learn all about stuff that they don't have, can't get and can't sell.
You'll find that even when the car has been in production and on sale for a year, salepeople will not know as much about tech specs as you do.

 

[Luc]

I too am a Canadian, and your having taken offense makes me wonder if you are in fact a Pontiac dealer or salesman... I stand by my position that the dealerships are very uninformed

I am not a salesman nor am I in the auto industry. You are correct that they have little information. I just didn't care for your choice of words that's all. If you carefully read my earlier posting you'll see that I share some of your concerns. I'm simply saying that a lot of the fault lies with GM.

About your dealers not ever taking your name down, well that's a big mistake. The one I went with got my business because he took a couple of minutes to talk to me. Other dealers just lost out on $30,000 just because they didn't take 5 minutes to talk to me.

 

[Bsnowman]

For your information, I am one Canadian dealer who is quite well informed. As a matter of fact I have ordered several New Solstice already. I have all of the current pricing information if anyone would like to see.
Sorry for the long thread This is a text version of the available options etc...
ALL OPTIONS - 2MB67 2dr Convertible Cpe

CATEGORY

Code Description MSRP

ENGINE

LE5 2.4L DOHC MFI "ECOTEC" I4 ENGINE (STD) INC

TRANSMISSION

MA5 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION W/OD (STD) INC

SELECT-A-UNIT

1 SELECT-A-UNIT (SAU) 1 $0.00

PREFERRED EQUIPMENT GROUP

1SA PREFERRED EQUIPMENT GROUP -inc: STD equipment $0.00

SEAT TYPE

A50 RECLINING FRONT BUCKET SEATS -inc: manual adjusters, forward

folding, fixed headrests (STD)



INC



SEAT TRIM

__B EBONY CLOTH SEAT TRIM (STD) $0.00

__2 LEATHER APPOINTED SEAT TRIM (REQ: R6A Leather Pkg) INC

PAINT TYPE

___ SOLID PAINT (STD) INC

RADIO

___ AM/FM STEREO W/CD PLAYER -inc: seek & scan, digital clock, aux

audio input (STD)



$0.00



US8 AM/FM STEREO W/CD PLAYER/MP3 COMPATIBLE -inc: seek & scan,

digital clock, auto tone control, speed controlled volume (SCV),

TheftLock, RDS, aux audio input



$260.00



US9 AM/FM STEREO W/6-DISC IN-DASH CD CHANGER/MP3

COMPATIBLE -inc: seek & scan, digital clock, auto tone control, speed

controlled volume (SCV), TheftLock, RDS, aux audio input (REQ: UQ3

Monsoon Audio System)



$755.00



WHEEL TYPE

___ 18" X 8" SILVER PAINTED FLANGELESS ALUMINUM WHEELS (STD) $0.00

QF8 18" X 8" POLISHED ALUMINUM WHEELS $720.00

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS





Pontiac Solstice 2dr Convertible Cpe 2MB67

ALL OPTIONS

ALL OPTIONS - 2MB67 2dr Convertible Cpe

CATEGORY

Code Description MSRP

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS

R6A LEATHER PKG -inc: leather appointed seats, leather-wrapped steering

wheel w/cruise control, driver info centre controls & radio controls, leather-

wrapped shift knob, Convenience pkg



$2,110.00



ZQ3 CONVENIENCE PKG -inc: cruise control, driver information centre, front

fog lamps



INC



ZQ2 PWR PKG -inc: pwr windows/door locks, remote keyless entry, outside

pwr mirrors



$1,040.00



UQ3 MONSOON PREMIUM 7-SPEAKER AUDIO SYSTEM -inc: (2) 6" door

speakers, (2) 1" A-pillar tweeters, (2) 3.5" rear speakers, (1) subwoofer

(REQ: US8 or US9 Stereo)



$185.00



C60 AIR CONDITIONING $1,200.00

___ FEDERAL AIR CONDITIONING EXCISE TAX $100.00

JL9 ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) $600.00

G80 LIMITED SLIP REAR DIFFERENTIAL $255.00

B32 COLOUR-KEYED FLOOR MATS W/LOGO $85.00

DT4 SMOKERS PKG -inc: ashtray & cigarette lighter $35.00

UE1 ONSTAR -inc: one year Safe & Sound Plan, mirror w/dual map lights

(REQ: ZQ2 Pwr Pkg)



$995.00







Pontiac Solstice 2dr Convertible Cpe 2MB67

VEHICLE DETAILS

STANDARD EQUIPMENT - 2MB67 2dr Convertible Cpe



EXTERIOR

•

Hinged hood w/struts

•

Ebony cloth convertible top w/rear glass backlight

•

Front/rear body-colour fascias

•

Halogen headlamps

•

Automatic light control

•

Body-colour folding mirrors

•

Solar-ray light-tinted glass

•

Variable intermittent windshield wipers

•

Front license plate mounting package

•

Chrome door handles









Pontiac Solstice 2dr Convertible Cpe 2MB67

VEHICLE DETAILS

STANDARD EQUIPMENT - 2MB67 2dr Convertible Cpe



INTERIOR

•

Reclining front bucket seats-inc: manual adjusters, forward folding, fixed headrests

•

Ebony cloth seat trim

•

Floor console w/cup holders

•

Ebony monotone door pads

•

Tilt adjustable sporty 3-spoke steering wheel

•

Analogue instrumentation w/chrome bezels-inc: fuel gauge, speedometer, tachometer, temp

•

Pass Key III+ theft deterrent system

•

Pwr trunk release

•

Electric rear window defogger

•

AM/FM stereo w/CD player-inc: seek & scan, digital clock, auxiliary audio input

•

6-speaker system-inc: (2) A-pillar tweeters, (2) 6" door speakers, (2) 3.5" back panel speakers

•

Fixed mast antenna

•

Lockable glove box

•

Auxiliary pwr outlet

•

Covered driver visor vanity mirror

•

Lighting-inc: theatre dimming, dual map lights, trunk

•

Seatback pockets

•

Carpeted trunk compartment







Pontiac Solstice 2dr Convertible Cpe 2MB67

VEHICLE DETAILS

STANDARD EQUIPMENT - 2MB67 2dr Convertible Cpe



MECHANICAL

•

2.4L DOHC MFI "Ecotec" I4 engine

•

5-speed manual transmission w/OD

•

Rear wheel drive

•

Maintenance-free battery w/run down protection

•

Front/rear independent suspension w/Bilstein monotube shocks

•

P245/45R18 Goodyear Eagle RS-A all-season performance BSW tires

•

18" x 8" silver painted flangeless aluminum wheels

•

Pwr hydraulic rack & pinion steering

•

Pwr front/rear disc brakes

•

62.7 litre fuel tank

•

Stainless steel exhaust system w/styled high-polished single outlet

•

Tire repair kit-inc: sealant & inflator

SAFETY

•

Dual front airbags

•

3-point safety belts w/pretensioners

•

Emergency trunk release handle







Pontiac Solstice 2dr Convertible Cpe 2MB67



























COLOUR AVAILABILITY

COLOUR CHART - 2MB67 2dr Convertible Cpe



EXTERIOR INTERIOR

Ebny

(192)

Dark Blue Metallic (25U) X

Emerald Green Metallic (38U) X

Black (41U) X

Stone Gray Metallic (42U) X

Summit White (50U) X

Liquid Silver Metallic (67U) X

Victory Red (74U) X



Pontiac Solstice 2dr Convertible Cpe 2MB67

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

POWERTRAIN - BASIC SPECIFICATIONS - 2MB67 2dr Convertible Cpe



ENGINE

Engine Order Code LE5

Engine Type Gas I4

Displacement 2.4L/- TBD - CID

SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM 177 @ 6600

SAE Net Torque (lb ft) @ RPM 166 @ 4800

TRANSMISSION

Transmission order code MA5

Transmission Type Description 5-Speed Manual w/OD

Drive Train Rear Wheel Drive

MILEAGE

City EPA fuel economy estimate - TBD -

Hwy EPA fuel economy estimate - TBD -

City cruising range - TBD -

Hwy cruising range - TBD -

* Indicates equipment which is in addition to or replaces base model's standard equipment.







Pontiac Solstice 2dr Convertible Cpe 2MB67

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

POWERTRAIN - ADVANCED SPECIFICATIONS - 2MB67 2dr Convertible Cpe



TRANSMISSION

Gear Ratio 1)

First Gear Ratio 1) - TBD -

Second Gear Ratio 1) - TBD -

Third Gear Ratio 1) - TBD -

Fourth Gear Rato 1) - TBD -

Fifth Gear Ratio 1) - TBD -

Reverse Ratio 1) - TBD -

Clutch size (in)

Final Drive Axle Ratio 1) 3.91

ELECTRICAL

Battery 1

Battery cold cranking Amps @ 0 F - TBD -

Alternator

Alternator Amps - TBD -

COOLING SYSTEM

Cooling system capacity - TBD -

* Indicates equipment which is in addition to or replaces base model's standard equipment.







Pontiac Solstice 2dr Convertible Cpe 2MB67

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

PAYLOAD/TRAILERING SPECIFICATIONS - 2MB67 2dr Convertible Cpe



WEIGHT INFORMATION

Base curb weight 2,932.00

TRAILERING Max Trailer Wt. Max Tongue Load

Dead Weight Hitch (lb) - TBD - - TBD -

Weight Distributing Hitch (lb) - TBD - - TBD -

* Indicates equipment which is in addition to or replaces base model's standard equipment.









Pontiac Solstice 2dr Convertible Cpe 2MB67

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

CHASSIS SPECIFICATIONS - 2MB67 2dr Convertible Cpe



SUSPENSION Front Rear

Suspension Type Independent Independent

Suspension Type (cont.)

Shock Absorber Diameter (mm) - TBD - - TBD -

Stabilizer Bar Diameter (in) - TBD -

BRAKES

Brake type Pwr

ABS System * 4-Wheel

Front Rear

Disc Yes Yes

Rotor Diam x Thickness (in) - TBD - - TBD -

Drum

Drum Diam x Width (in)

TIRES Front Rear Spare

Tire Order Code

Tire Size P245/45R18 P245/45R18

WHEELS Front Rear Spare

Wheel Size 18 x 8 18 x 8

Wheel Type Aluminum Aluminum

STEERING

Steering type Pwr Rack & Pinion

Ratio 1)

Overall - TBD -

Lock-to-Lock Turns - TBD -

Turning Diameter

Curb-to-Curb - TBD -

Wall-to-Wall - TBD -

FUEL TANK Main

Capacity 16.56





Pontiac Solstice 2dr Convertible Cpe 2MB67

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

CHASSIS SPECIFICATIONS - 2MB67 2dr Convertible Cpe



* Indicates equipment which is in addition to or replaces base model's standard equipment.







Pontiac Solstice 2dr Convertible Cpe 2MB67

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

DIMENSIONS - 2MB67 2dr Convertible Cpe



EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase (in) 95.10

Length, Overall (in) 157.20

Width, Max w/o mirrors (in) 71.30

Height, Overall (in) 42.70

Tread Width

Tread Width, Front - TBD -

Tread Width, Rear - TBD -

Min Ground Clearance (in) - TBD -

CARGO AREA DIMENSIONS

Liftover Height (in) - TBD -

Trunk Volume 3.8

INTERIOR DIMENSIONS

Passenger Capacity 2

Passenger Volume (ft³) - TBD -

EPA Classification Mini-Compact

Seating Position Front

Head Room (in) 38.40

Leg Room (in) 42.70

Shoulder Room (in) 52.40

Hip Room (in) 50.60

* Indicates equipment which is in addition to or replaces base model's standard equipment.

 

[brentil]

Hmmmmmm

Base curb weight 2,932.00

 

[brentil]

If that's true the lbs/HP ratios are now 16.565 lbs/HP instead of the previous 16.158 lbs/HP. Doesn't sound to bad, but it's still a 2.5% increase (72 lbs).

But was as speculated before this might be a weight + AC and various other items not accounted for before.

Hopefully it's jsut a Canadian thing.

 

[achieftain]

If that's true the lbs/HP ratios are now 16.565 lbs/HP instead of the previous 16.158 lbs/HP. Doesn't sound to bad, but it's still a 2.5% increase (72 lbs).

But was as speculated before this might be a weight + AC and various other items not accounted for before.

Hopefully it's jsut a Canadian thing.

Maybe a difference in dry weight and weight with engine oil and coolant.??

For your information, I am one Canadian dealer who is quite well informed. As a matter of fact I have ordered several New Solstice already

I didn't think ordering was open yet for regular allocation in the states, maybe that's the Canadian consolation.

 

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Transmission

Says Transmission Type Description 5-Speed Manual w/OD
Have not seen this on US version. Could it be an electronic overdrive
or is this a misprint. The code is MA5 but on the US spec it is MM5

Some of the option prices are quite a bit higher than the equivalent US price with a fair exchange. Pontiac Canada is really leaving a bad taste in my mouth. I am going to take a good look at some alternatives.

 

[brentil]

Says Transmission Type Description 5-Speed Manual w/OD
Have not seen this on US version. Could it be an electronic overdrive
or is this a misprint. The code is MA5 but on the US spec it is MM5

Some of the option prices are quite a bit higher than the equivalent US price with a fair exchange. Pontiac Canada is really leaving a bad taste in my mouth. I am going to take a good look at some alternatives.

They might just be refering to the fact that gear 5 is an OD gear.

 

[SolsticeMan]

2932 is incorrect. Don't know why it is listed, but I am 100% certain it is incorrect.

the correct curb weight is 2860 lbs. Curb, by definition, (SAE definition, or MVMA definition) is full fuel, fluids, no occupants.

 

[mikeintorontoe]

"Some of the option prices are quite a bit higher than the equivalent US price with a fair exchange. Pontiac Canada is really leaving a bad taste in my mouth. I am going to take a good look at some alternatives."

________________________________________________________

$1,200 plus $100 air conditioning tax. OUCH!

 

[brentil]

2932 is incorrect. Don't know why it is listed, but I am 100% certain it is incorrect.

the correct curb weight is 2860 lbs. Curb, by definition, (SAE definition, or MVMA definition) is full fuel, fluids, no occupants.

I really hope this is just a typo, or it has something to due with some bizaro Canadian bumper requirment or whatever. Because the dealerworld info we have says 2860 lbs on it.

http://eogld.ecomm.gm.com/NASApp/domestic/proddesc.jsp?year=2005&regionID=1&divisionID=7&type=0&vehicleID=2053&section=specs&page=&butID=9

 

[Larry Karpiak]

Price

I'm Canadian and am seriously loking to buy my vehicle across the line. The only thing that concerns me is the ommissions standards. Any one know whether they are the same.

 

[Frosty]

Anything they forget in the states, they likely forgot for Canada as well.

:devil: