[DreamerDave]

Should have posted this a month or two ago:
From June 2004 Car and Driver, Up Front, page 34:

"Bob loves you: The very-cool '06 Pontiac Solstice, a.k.a. Bob's baby (as in Lutz), will indeed get a model offering 30 more horses than the, well, less-than-thrilling 170 promised at the Detroit auto show. "When the 200-hp four is added," says his Silver-Haired Grace, "no one will ask why we didn't offer a V-8 in that car." Only question remaining: When will that powerful four-cylindar appear?"

 

[AeroDave]

"When the 200-hp four is added," says his Silver-Haired Grace, "no one will ask why we didn't offer a V-8 in that car." appear?"

Some people will always ask that question.

 

[Fformula88]

Should have posted this a month or two ago:
"When the 200-hp four is added," says his Silver-Haired Grace, "no one will ask why we didn't offer a V-8 in that car." Only question remaining: When will that powerful four-cylindar appear?"

Sure some will ask the question, but most people are going to ask "why only 30 more horses??"

A 30 HP increase doesn't sound like the kind of power to make anyone forget a V8. Is this maybe a mid-level engine with a higher output version to be offered later still? Also, I wonder if this is in reference to the Ion/Cobalt 2.0L supercharged ecotec, or if this is an improved N/A ecotec with a supercharged on the horizon?

This just doesn't sound like enough of a power increase to be the top level Solstice in the end. Bob is not telling the whole story! (Not that I expect him to disclose all their corporate plans!)

 

[TonyB]

It also leaves the door open for dealer approved/installed upgrades down the road... big money, depending upon the car. This way they can keep the sticker down, and yet still offer more performance for the enthusiast who is willing to pay, and keep the warranty. John Cooper Works for the MINI, comes to mind, and now another version to follow... For those who find the warranty highly important, dealer upgrades, before and after purchase, are big businesss, and I wouldn't doubt that GM sees this as a worthwhile option, and to hold back on what they deliver "now."

With the Ecotec at 700 to 1,000 hp at Bonneville, this engine has much upside, and the aftermkt should be very strong with options. Those are with turbos though. For 25k or whatever it might be, don't expect a giant-killer of course. But the fact the Solstice appears to be built on a very stiff chassis (I would love to see figures or comparisons to demonstrate this though), has a very nice front/back weight ratio, AND is RWD, I'm feeling very confident that this car can be made into a serious peformer!

It's sort of cool having a "sleeper" that others don't expect to have that much gitty-up, but it does. :smile

As I shared before, I'll take the base or standard model and build from there. With few grand I would save by not buying what will probably be a roots type blower, I can start saving for the upgrades. In the meantime, I would begin a weight-reduction program, that also generates money if I choose to eliminate/sell the top (for example) and other goodies, or replaced items. Suspension and braking will no doubt need to be upgraded as well to accomodate the increased power, as well as the clutch, at some point. Since I know that I would replace or do away with several items, I would try to get the car as base or bland as possible, so long as it still has the same integrity as the upscaled performance model(s) to allow for power increases...

I can't wait to hear what their powerplant choices are! I've been holding-off getting on a waitlist. Sort of waiting to hear more about engine options. Does anyone know about when we can expect to hear such news - even ballpark is fine? Also, while I'm at it, are the waitlists crazy with a hundred plus, or what? Thanks!