Solstice kinda looks like a Stingray. Why don't they make AWD models instead of RWD? Who wants to drive a RWD vehicle in the winter? Sure the hell not me. RWD for a summer vehicle or performance vehicle is understandable, but not a family sedan or coupe.

Ehmm, the Solstice is a roadster / performance vehicle, you think they should make a family sedan version???

Adam, the Solstice Coupe is an affordable performance vehicle, not a sedan. Although, I do have to agree that they should make the vehicle AWD, or have an AWD option. Audi, Mitsubishi, etc. make cars that are amazing because of their AWD systems. It wouldn't be that hard to make the Solstice AWD and still keep the price down. Also, why just a 4 cylinder? I'd like to see some more powerful engines in the car...I'd be great to see a strait 6, or if they want a 4-cyl (of course turbo charged) boxer in one of these cars!

The D1 Grand Prix and Formula D will have an interesting lineup in a few years =)

i'd make it a hybrid.

Ooh, it is already, there is a power socket just below the rear bumper.

I find it hard to believe that even GM's entry-level Cobalt & clones will be RWD.

I mean, from at one point having *basically* only the Corvette and their SUV/Trucks being RWD to having their rental fleet/econo boxes RWD seems...to big of a jump for GM.

I personally dislike AWD in a car, but as most GM buyers live in areas that receive snow in the winter it would seem to be a death-blow not to offer AWD/FF.

You know, I actually like this as a coupe more than as a convertible (which is odd, as I usually prefer convertibles.) Maybe this picture is from it's best angle, but it looks quite nice.

AWD has advantages, but those come at some costs. Weight, complexity (and it's close brother, reduced reliability) and ultimately, higher costs. All those extra parts, and the engineering to make them fit and work right don't come for free.

Then you need to consider, once AWD, and it's costs are added, you're no longer competing in the Miata's price range.

I don't know about a stingray, but it reminds me a little of an old Jaguar of some kind.

For all those that keep talking about what to add/change, let's remember that this was originally supposed to be a car that started under $20K. Unfortunately, the dealers keep running the price up to $30K+. If you try to make it worth $30K, they'll be asking $40K.

Personally I like the styling of the Sky better than the Solstice. I wouldn't mind either car but both are a bit too small for me as I'm 6'1" and there's not really enough leg room in them.

But that'd be awesome if the Cobalt, G5, and G6 went to RWD. You people can whine about it all you want. Learn to drive and you won't have a problem.

And yeah I agree dealers have shot the price of both the Solstice and the Sky way through the roof. The MSRP on the Solstice/Sky is $22,000 and the GXP/Redline is $27,000. But you'll be lucky to even score the base model for under $25,000.

KW is right. For affordable street performance and reliability, RWD is a good choice.

Larry: Before you lament the lack of a V6 option (which would be an even tighter fit), familiarize yourself with what is available in the current Solstice. 2.0L Turbocharged Direct-Injected VVT DOHC inline 4-cylinder, with 260 ft lb and 260HP is the upgraded engine. Not a bad start, good power, decent mileage (especially considering they're not all that lightweight) and comparable with a decent NA V6.

It reminds me of a MG coupe. There is some resembelence to a the Jaguar model. I think it looks really nice. Affordalbe is a relative term.

Noya: The article never said that all of GM's entry-level cars will be RWD—only the G5 and G6 are switching over. The Cobalt and Malibu will stay FWD.

I don't think that RWD is all that big of a deal, even in snow IF it has traction control. I have driven a RWD Magnum in the snow with traction control and it wasn't that bad at all. As long as your car has traction control, even RWD can get through snow safely while being a hell of a lot more fun on dry pavement.

Alright....why is everyone so concerned with the RWD/AWD/lack thereof of a sports car? It won't be driven in winter, in all likelihood. Furthermore, you don't need AWD or traction control to drive in winter. I learned to drive in winter(CO winters) with a lightweight RWD BMW 535i without traction control. People saying you need AWD to venture out of their homes in a quarter-inch of snow just don't know how to drive. Save the money from AWD, go take a winter driving class, and you're good to go. If you're too lazy/stupid to invest the time in bettering yourself as a driver, buy a Subaru for a winter blitzmobile.

On topic- it looks interesting, but how much does it weigh? I like the look of the Saturn version a whole lot better, if that came in a coupe I'd consider it.

This is the kind of thing that could get people like me interested in domestics again. I'd love a small not-too-expensive RWD coupe

The Solstice/Sky are the same as the Opel GT, The Opel GT replaces and looks a lot like the Opel Speedster, Which is a Sister Car to the Vauxhall VX220, which is an ugly worked over Lotus Elise.

So GM has exactly one good car and it's essentially built with crib notes taken from a copy of the Lotus Elise. Now that is what I call impressive, though it handily explains why the Solstice/Sky are so much better than anticipated for GM products.

Ya, I wasn't refering to the Solstice being RWD and terrible in the Winter, I know it's a performance vehicle and shouldn't see the snow. I was reponding to the G5/G6 conversion to RWD and those are all-year driving sedans.

(The following is said in jest, so don't take too much offense)

You know Adam, people actually survived many, many winters with lots of snow and terrible weather with RWD cars without killing themselves. That was before STM, TCM, or ABS systems, with inferior tires to boot. They used a novel technique called driving. Yes, I know, few alive know of this technique. But it can be done!

Seriously though, with ABS, traction control, and stability monitoring becoming standard on all these new vehicles, I think they'll probably be fine in the winter weather.

I like the look of the coupe. The center located exhaust has to go! GM should use two pipe, which one at each side of the rear. Styling is quite nice. Now I'm wondering if the Sky will also get a coupe version.

What are they thinking! They are going to be so affordable is because they are not going to be able to go a 4-cyl is nothing.

I drive a 2006 Solstice year-round in Denver, Colorado, USA. It is NO fun in snowy weather. I've always liked the idea of a Solstice coupe. But I never thought GM would actually bring it to market. I don't think I would choose to suffer through another winter with a RWD vehicle, not even a Solstice coupe.