Pontiac Solstice#GXP-R concept

File:2007 Pontiac Solstice (34168415513).jpg

File:2008 Pontiac Solstice GXP in Mean Yellow, Front Left, 07-18-2023.jpg

The GXP version of the Solstice debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006.{{cite press release|publisher=Media.GM.com|date=January 1, 2006|url=http://archives.media.gm.com/us/gm/en/news/events/autoshows/06la/brands/pontiac/index.html|title=Pontiac Debuts 2007 Solstice GXP at LA Auto Show}} Although heavier than the base model,{{Cite web |date=December 14, 2024 |title=Used 2007 Pontiac Solstice - Specs & Features |url=https://www.edmunds.com/pontiac/solstice/2007/features-specs/ |access-date=December 14, 2024 |website=Edmunds}} it made much more power and torque with a new 2.0 liter (121.9 cu in) I4 Ecotec engine equipped with a dual-scroll turbocharger. The engine's output is {{cvt|260|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|260|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}}. This is the highest specific output of any engine by cubic inches in the history of General Motors at 2.1 hp (1.6 kW) per cubic inch, and it is the first gasoline direct injection engine from an American automaker. According to Car and Driver, the GXP targa accelerates from 0 to {{convert|60|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} in 5.2 seconds, while the soft top GXP did so in 5.6 seconds.{{Cite web |date=2009-02-13 |title=Tested: 2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe |url=https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15149527/2009-pontiac-solstice-gxp-coupe-instrumented-test/ |access-date=2024-12-14 |website=Car and Driver |language=en-US}}

Other GXP features include standard Stabilitrak traction control, a limited-slip differential, and anti-lock brakes. Summer tires on 18-inch wheels are standard. An available dealer installed option from 2008 onwards was a modified computer tune and two new sensors that resulted in an increased output to {{Convert|290|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and {{Convert|340|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} on manual transmission models and {{Convert|290|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and {{Convert|325|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} on automatic transmission models, further enhancing the performance of the GXP model.https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1031349_gm-releases-lnf-turbo-upgrade-kit-for-solstice-sky-hhr

File:2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP coupe rear -- 11-13-2009.jpg

File:2009 Pontiac Solstice coupe, front left, 06-15-2024.jpg

A targa coupe version of the Solstice was unveiled at the 2008 New York Auto Show. Engine choices were the same as the convertible versions. The roof can be removed, but the hard roof cannot be fitted into the trunk. An optional cloth top was available, which can be fitted into the trunk.

The car went on sale in early 2009. The Pontiac Solstice coupes are considered to be quite rare: There were a total of 1,266 Solstice coupes that were able to be manufactured before the production line in Wilmington, Delaware, was shut down: 102 pre-production 2009 models, 1,152 sequential vin regular production 2009 models, and 12 pre-production 2010 models. This is in contrast to over 64,000 of the Pontiac Solstice convertibles that were manufactured.

Sales by color of all 1,266 Pontiac Solstice coupes manufactured:{{cite web|title=Summary of all 1,266 Pontiac Solstice Coupes Built Guide|url=http://www.solsticeforum.com/forum/f114/comprehensive-solstice-coupe-production-numbers-data-61972//|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828172642/http://www.solsticeforum.com/forum/f114/comprehensive-solstice-coupe-production-numbers-data-61972/|archive-date=August 28, 2017}}

• 1 Unit - "Santiago" teal metallic (specific to Canadian market - color new for 2010)
• 26 Units - "Fresh" hydro blue - paint code 22U (USA 25 inc. 1 heritage Ed. /CAN 1/MEX 0) 2%
• 37 Units - "Mean" yellow - paint code 34U (USA 29/CAN 4/MEX 4) 3%
• 39 Units - "Deep" blue - paint code 48U (USA 35/CAN 1/MEX 3) 3%
• 58 Units - "Brazen" orange metallic - paint code 28U (USA 35/CAN 8/MEX 15) 4%
• 58 Units - "Sly" steel gray - paint code 75U (USA 50/CAN 8/MEX 0) 4%
• 77 Units - "Pure" white - paint code 50U (USA 63 inc. 1 Heritage Ed. /CAN 2/MEX 12) 6%
• 148 Units - "Aggressive" red - paint code 74U (USA 126/CAN 8/MEX 14) 12%
• 213 Units - "Cool" silver - paint code 67U (USA 154/CAN 16/MEX 43) 17%
• 221 Units - "Wicked" ruby red metallic - paint code 79U (USA 195/CAN 10/MEX 16) 18%
• 388 Units - "Mysterious" black - paint code 41U (USA 345/CAN 28/MEX 15) 31%

Starting in April 2009 the Wilmington, DE. plant was business as usual and pre-production builds began for the 2010 model year. Between April 21, 2009 and May 28, 2009 thirty 2010 model year VIN-coded cars were built on the Kappa platform. Of those, were 12 Pontiac Solstice Coupes and 8 Pontiac Solstice roadsters. Of the other remaining, 8 were Saturn SKYs and 2 were Opel GTs. They were then used as GM company vehicles to be evaluated and also as special event display vehicles. These vehicles were built to the 2010 model year specs with 2010 model year changes and had legal 2010 VINs. Following the end of use term within the GM fleet, the vehicles were sent to auction. After these 30 2010 models, more 2009-spec Solstices were produced and were the last ones made at the plant.

File:Pontiac Solstice 2010 (9189239782).jpg

-(QFX) P245/45R18 all-season, blackwall tires

-Exterior color (22U) Fresh (Hydro Blue Metallic)

-Exterior color (28U) Brazen (Inferno Orange Metallic)

-Exterior color (38U) Envious (Emerald Green Metallic)

-Exterior color (48U) Deep (Blue)

-Exterior color (75U) Sly (Dark Steel Gray Metallic)

-Exterior color (GHF) Hypnotic (Ocean Blue Metallic)( premium paint)

-Exterior color (GGW) Sly (Storm Gray Metallic)

-(QKR) P245/45R18-96V performance, all-season radial tires (standard on 2MB67 Convertible and 2MB07 Coupe)

-(BAY), (B4N), (BAZ) and (BIG) Heritage Editions

-(BTV) Remote vehicle start (Included and only available with (MX0) 5-speed automatic transmission)

-(20T) Blue Top (Included and only available with Heritage Edition Convertibles )

-(AU0) Remote Keyless Entry, with 2 transmitters, panic button and content theft alarm, RPO Code has changed to "(ATG)"

Heritage Edition, includes Blue or White Rally Stripe, Blue accent stitching on seats, steering wheel and shift knob (manual transmission only), (Q9Y) 18-inch polished aluminum split-spoke wheels, interior trim (192) Ebony leather seating surfaces and (20T) Blue cloth convertible top (Convertible). Only available with exterior colors (50U) Pure (Summit White) with Blue Rally Stripe or (GHF) Hypnotic (Ocean Blue Metallic) with White Rally Stripe.

• Solstice GXP Coupe, Kinetic Blue (Hypnotic) Black Leather LNF Manual Polished Air Heritage Ed.
• Solstice GXP Coupe, White (Pure) Black Leather LNF Auto Polished Air Heritage Ed.
• Solstice GXP Coupe, Red (Aggressive) Black Cloth LNF Auto Polished Air
• Solstice GXP Coupe, Dk Labyrinth Met (Sly) Black Leather LNF Manual Polished Air
• Solstice GXP Coupe, Dk Labyrinth Met (Sly) Red Leather LNF Auto Chrome Air
• Solstice GXP Coupe, Merlot Jewel (Wicked) Met Black Leather LNF Auto Chrome NO Air
• Solstice Coupe, Kinetic Blue (Hypnotic) Lt. Cashmere Leather LE5 Manual Polished Air
• Solstice Coupe, Red (Aggressive) Lt. Cashmere Leather LE5 Manual Polished Air
• Solstice GXP Coupe, Santiago Teal Met Black Leather LNF Auto Polished NO Air (Canadian Spec)
• Solstice GXP Coupe, Kinetic Blue (Hypnotic) Black Leather LNF Manual Chrome Air
• Solstice Coupe, Dk Labyrinth Met (Sly) Black Cloth LE5 Manual Polished Air
• Solstice GXP Coupe, Merlot Jewel Met (Wicked) Black Leather LNF Manual Polished Air
• Solstice, Pure White Black Leather Black LE5 Auto Polished Air Heritage Ed.
• Solstice GXP, Kinetic Blue Black Leather Black LNF Manual Polished Air Heritage Ed.
• Solstice GXP, Mysterious Black Black Leather Black LNF Manual Polished Air
• Solstice GXP, Dk Labyrinth Met Black Leather Black LNF Auto Chrome Air
• Solstice GXP, Kinetic Blue Black Leather Black LNF Manual Chrome Air
• Solstice, Dk Labyrinth Met Lt. Cashmere Leather Tan LE5 Auto Polished Air
• Solstice, Dk Labyrinth Met Black Leather Black LE5 Auto Polished Air
• Solstice GXP, Kinetic Blue Black Leather Black LNF Manual Chrome Air

NHTSA crash test ratings (2007):{{Cite web |title=2007 Pontiac Solstice |url=https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/PONTIAC/SOLSTICE |access-date=2024-05-23 |website=www.nhtsa.gov |language=en}}

• Frontal Crash Test – Driver: {{Rating|4|5}}
• Frontal Crash Test – Passenger: {{Rating|4|5}}
• Side Impact Rating – Driver: {{Rating|4|5}}
• Rollover Rating: {{Rating|5|5}}

File:jazz-realcar.jpg

Built by GM Performance Division, this special Solstice features a removable hardtop that drew inspiration from the Dodge Viper roadster,{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}} an aggressive body kit, and an oversized spoiler. Engine is rated {{convert|325|hp|abbr=on}}. It includes 18-inch wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 255/45ZR18 tires, cat-back performance exhaust system, T-2 race suspension package, along with larger diameter disc brakes.

The car was unveiled at the 2005 SEMA Show.{{cite web|url=http://www.supercars.net/cars/3240.html |title=2005 Pontiac Solstice Club Racer |publisher=Supercars.net |date=October 30, 2005 |access-date=October 12, 2010}} This vehicle is featured as Jazz in the 2007 film Transformers.

The GXP-R concept is a modified GXP with an engine rated {{convert|300|hp|abbr=on|0}} and {{convert|315|lbft|Nm|abbr=on}} of torque. It includes an SSBC Performance Brake Package and 19-inch x 8.5-inch wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 245/40ZR19 tires.

The car was unveiled at the 2006 SEMA Show.{{cite web|last=Filipponio |first=Frank |url=http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/02/sema-pontiac-solstice-gxp-r/ |title=SEMA: Pontiac Solstice GXP-R |publisher=Autoblog.com |date=November 2, 2006 |access-date=October 12, 2010}}

The SD-290 race concept is a single-seat Solstice GXP with engine rated {{convert|290|hp|abbr=on|0}}. Weight is reduced by installing driver-side only windscreen and elimination of door glass/hardware, convertible top/hardware, HVAC system and wiper system. It includes Solo Performance cat-back exhaust system, KW Automotive coil-over suspension package, 6-piston aluminum calipers with {{convert|13|in|mm|adj=on}} rotors from Stainless Steel Brake Company, forged 19-inch wheels with Hoosier R6 racing tire, rear spoiler, Removable racing-style steering wheel, Racing seat with four-point safety harness, Chrome fire extinguisher, Pegasus center console gauge package, Driver's roll bar

The car was unveiled at the 2006 SEMA Show.{{cite web|last=Neff |first=John |url=http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/30/sema-2007-pontiac-solstice-sd-290-takes-us-back/ |title=SEMA 2007: Pontiac Solstice SD-290 takes us back |publisher=Autoblog.com |date=October 30, 2007 |access-date=October 12, 2010}}

File:Pontiac Solstice Coupe.jpg

The Solstice GXP Coupe concept is based on the GXP coupe. It is equipped with a GM Performance Parts Stage 2 performance kit and a performance air intake kit, which boosts engine power to about 290 hp (216 kW). The car also includes a GM Performance Parts cat-back exhaust system and race-ready suspension kit, polished factory wheels. The first version of the Coupe Concept was a metallic orange.

The car was unveiled at the 2008 SEMA Show.{{cite web|url=http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/01/sema-preview-pontiac-solstice-gxp-coupe-concept/|title=SEMA Preview: Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe Concept|author=Drew Phillips|work=Autoblog}}

• Ryan Tuerck used to drive a Mobil 1 Pontiac Solstice fielded by Gardella Racing. Ryan Tuerck won the 2008 Formula Drift Driver of the Year award and finished 2nd in points for the 2009 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.gmtunersource.com/gmracing/drifting/ryantuerck |title=Driver Profile - Ryan Tuerck |publisher=Gmtunersource.com |access-date=October 12, 2010}} The Pontiac Solstice Tuerck drove has over 500 hp and built off the stock LSJ engine found in the 2004-2007 Saturn Ion Redline and 2005-2007 Chevy Cobalt SS.
• SCCA Club Racing 2006 National Championship Runoffs the Pontiac Solstice placed first place in Showroom Stock B (SSB).
• SCCA Club Racing 2007 National Championship Runoffs the Pontiac Solstice GXP placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in Touring 2 (T2) and the Pontiac Solstice placed first place in Showroom Stock B (SSB) even after being penalized 200 lbs between the 2006 and 2007 seasons.
• SCCA Club Racing 2008 National Championship the Pontiac Solstice GXP placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in Touring 2 (T2)
• SCCA Club Racing 2009 National Championship the Pontiac Solstice GXP placed 1st and 3rd place in Touring 2 (T2)

{{More sources needed|date=March 2025}}

The sharing of technology and various components is a common practice among automakers, resulting in reduced parts costs. The Solstice shares major components with nearly every GM division:

• The rear axle and differential are from the Sigma-based Cadillac CTS{{Cite web |title=Site Maintenance |url=https://parts.gmparts.com/product/gm-genuine-parts-complete-limited-slip-differential-clutch-disc-kit-19132906?evar110=gsa&year=2008&make=Pontiac&makeId=52&model=Solstice&modelId=2824&body=Convertible&bodyId=10&drive=RWD&driveId=7&wheel=-&wheelId=1&bodyNumDoors=7&bodyNumDoorsId=7 |access-date=2025-03-21 |website=parts.gmparts.com}}
• The waterfall storage bin cover is from the Cadillac XLR's rear console bin cover{{Citation needed|date=March 2025}}
• The passenger side front airbag, steering column, and exterior and interior door handles are from the Chevrolet Cobalt{{Cite web |title=Column Kit,Strg |url=https://www.gmpartscenter.net/oem-parts/gm-column-kit-strg-19209155 |access-date=2025-03-21 |website=GM Parts Center |language=en}}
• The reverse light assembly is from the GMC Envoy{{Cite web |title=Site Maintenance |url=https://parts.gmparts.com/product/gm-genuine-parts-back-up-and-rear-fog-lamp-15000128?bac=112562&year=2008&make=GMC&makeId=48&model=Envoy&modelId=519&body=Sport%20Utility&bodyId=11&trim=SLE&trimId=556&engine=4.2L%20L6%20GAS&engineId=769&wheel=113.0&wheelId=177&bodyNumDoors=5&bodyNumDoorsId=5 |access-date=2025-03-21 |website=parts.gmparts.com}}
• The heating, ventilating, and air conditioning modules are from the Hummer H3{{Cite web |title=Is the Pontiac Solstice a V8 swap away from perfection? |url=https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/articles/pontiac-solstice-v8-conversion/ |access-date=2025-03-27 |website=grassrootsmotorsports.com |language=en}}
• The front fog lamp assembly is from the Pontiac Grand Prix{{Cite web |title=Alzare® - Passenger Side Replacement Turn Signal/Parking Light (Standard Line) |url=https://www.carid.com/alzare/passenger-side-replacement-turn-signal-parking-light-mpn-gm2521187.html |access-date=2025-03-21 |website=CARiD.com |language=en}}
• The steering wheel is also featured in the Pontiac G5, Chevrolet Corvette, and Chevrolet Cobalt
• The 2.4 L Ecotec engine is shared with the Pontiac G6, Chevrolet Cobalt, Chevrolet Malibu, and Chevrolet HHR{{Cite web |title=Cars using the engine LE5 |url=https://carsart.net/en/engine/LE5 |access-date=2025-03-21 |website=carsart.net}}
• The five-speed manual transmission is the same as in the Hummer H3, GMC Canyon, and Chevrolet Colorado{{Cite web |last=Weinberg |first=Mike |date=2011-08-01 |title=Getting a Grip on the Aisin AR5 Transmission |url=https://www.transmissiondigest.com/getting-a-grip-on-the-aisin-ar5-transmission/ |access-date=2025-03-21 |website=Transmission Digest |language=en-US}}
• The five-speed automatic is identical to those of the Cadillac CTS, STS, and SRX{{Cite web |title=5L40E Transmission for Sale |url=https://spprecision.com/products/5l40e-transmission-sale.html |access-date=2025-03-21 |website=Xtreme Performance |language=en-US}}
• The cushion frames are from the previous generation Opel Corsa{{Citation needed|date=March 2025}}

In April 2009, after GM announced the discontinuation of the Pontiac brand by the end of 2010, CEO Fritz Henderson stated that the Solstice would not continue under another GM brand.{{cite web|first=Ray|last=Wert|date=April 27, 2009|title=Pontiac Vibe, Solstice Are Dead, Won't Live On As Chevys|url=http://jalopnik.com/5229396/pontiac-vibe-solstice-are-dead-wont-live-on-as-chevys|publisher=Jalopnik.com|access-date=April 27, 2009}} Although they considered selling the Wilmington plant and the Solstice/Sky products to an outside business,{{cite web|first=Greg|last=Migliore|date=May 11, 2009|title=GM's Henderson offers a ray of hope for Sky, Solstice|url=http://www.autoweek.com/article/20090511/CARNEWS/905119989|publisher=AutoWeek|access-date=May 12, 2009}} the Wilmington assembly plant closed in July 2009.{{cite press release|date=June 1, 2009|title=GM Pulls Ahead U.S. Plant Closures; Reaffirms Intent to Build Future Small Car in U.S.|url=http://archives.media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet?target=http://image.emerald.gm.com/gmnews/viewpressreldetail.do?domain=827&docid=54632|publisher=GM Media Online|access-date=June 1, 2009}} In October 2009, the new DeLorean Motor Company expressed interest in continuing production of the Solstice, going so far as to release concept artwork for a 2011 DeLorean Solstice. These plans were shelved shortly thereafter, when Fisker Automotive instead acquired the Wilmington Assembly where the Solstice was produced.{{cite web|title=EXCLUSIVE: DeLorean Motor Company Contemplating Building Pontiac Solstice|first=Matt |last=Hardigree|date=October 6, 2009|access-date=October 8, 2009|url=http://jalopnik.com/5375647/exclusive-delorean-motor-company-contemplating-building-pontiac-solstice|publisher=Jalopnik}}

• AutoWeek.com (2004). Drive of pre production Solstices. [http://www.autoweek.com/article/20040503/FREE/405030718 Our first drive in Pontiac's new drop-top leaves us longing for more]
• MotorTrend.com (2004). [http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupe/112_0406_2006_pontiac_solstice/index.html We asked for it and we got it: a good-handling Solstice] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070209101325/http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupe/112_0406_2006_pontiac_solstice/index.html |date=February 9, 2007 }}
• MPH Magazine (Oct. 2005). [http://www.mph-online.com/mag/features/0046 mph drives the Solstice in the Land of the Midnight Sun.]
• Automobile Magazine (Oct. 2005). [http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/convertibles/0510_pontiac_solstice/index1.html Long before his roadster dream began, Lutz worked at BMW] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060214224130/http://automobilemag.com/reviews/convertibles/0510_pontiac_solstice/index1.html |date=February 14, 2006 }}
• Road and Track Magazine (Oct. 2005). [https://web.archive.org/web/20060226080514/http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=2777 When it was introduced as a concept car at the January 2002 Detroit auto show...]
• Car and Driver Magazine (Oct. 2005). [https://web.archive.org/web/20060427011834/http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=9967 We were worried in a big way, worried that the Pontiac Solstice would turn out to be a cost-cut, watered-down...]
• Motor Trend Magazine (Oct. 2005). [http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupe/112_0510_2006_pontiac_solstice/index.html Move Over, Sunshine: This is no Fiero; this is the Pontiac of sports cars] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312074127/http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupe/112_0510_2006_pontiac_solstice/index.html |date=March 12, 2007 }}
• Autoweek Magazine (August 29, 2005). [http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050829/FREE/508290709&SearchID=73236049940571 What a Concept: Solstice gives Pontiac—and GM—a much needed shot in the arm]
• New York Times (July 2, 2009). [https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/05/automobiles/autoreviews/05solstice.html Behind the Wheel: 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe - The Last Pontiac]

{{Reflist}}

20. The Pontiac Solstice Book. Author Gary Witzenburg. Publisher Lamm-Morada Publishing Co. Inc., Publishing Date 2006.

{{Commons category|Pontiac Solstice}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20050422044214/http://www.pontiac.com/solstice/ Official Pontiac Solstice site]

{{Pontiac}}

{{Pontiac timeline 1980s to 2010}}

Solstice

Category:Roadsters

Category:Hardtop convertibles

Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles

Category:Motor vehicles manufactured in the United States

Category:Cars introduced in 2005

Category:Cars discontinued in 2010