Pontiac is going to officially unveil the all-new 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe at the New York Auto Show today.
The coupe version of the Pontiac Solstice is powered by a 2.4L Ecotec 4-cyl with 173hp and the GXP version of the coupe is powered by a turbocharged 2.0L Ecotec 4-cyl with 260hp.
The coupe is inspired by the Solstice coupe concept that was unveiled back in 2002. The "fastback" shape features a lightweight removable roof panel and an optional soft roof cover that stores in the cargo area.
Since the coupe only weighs marginally more than the convertible there weren't any changes to the suspension or powertrain.
Come back for more photos live from the show today.
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PRESS RELEASE:
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.
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Comments (25)
In my opinion, the Pontiac version looks a lot better.
It sucks that it weighs more than the convertible, I bet it's pretty stiff though.
I'm not really sure how people are expected to see out of the windows, and in their blind spots.
My aunt got one back when they first came out and were *cool*. I think she's put about 1000 miles on it since then. She'd always rather drive the Suburban, because this thing can't carry all the OTHER useless crap she buys all the time.
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | March 19, 2008 8:34 AM
Posted on March 19, 2008 08:34
Looks like the the tow-truck guys are going to have another great year thanks to GM and FORD and also CHRYSLER. Theres got to be a better way to keep Americans working ...fixing new cars is so American.
Posted by honestjohn | March 19, 2008 9:18 AM
Posted on March 19, 2008 09:18
Not a bad effort, though the roofline looks a bit tacked-on. It's pretty clear that this is a convertible with a coupe roof as an afterthought.
Posted by WS | March 19, 2008 9:49 AM
Posted on March 19, 2008 09:49
in my opinion, the saturn sky is wayy more attractive looking. but thats just my opinion..
im a little confused about why they felt the need to make a coupe. i mean, those back seats probly are about as useless as the backseats in the majority of coupes {can only fit a small child} and when theres a 2 seater, more sporty variety available i dont see how making a coupe makes much sense. possibly for the increase in storage space, because that was one of the main complaints about tke sky/solstice was its almost complete lack of storage space. to which i say, if you need storage space why the hell are you buying a sports car? a car like this should never be someones only car.
Posted by Charlie | March 19, 2008 9:52 AM
Posted on March 19, 2008 09:52
I like it a lot, although the hatch back window thing is a little odd. Overall, I would buy it.
Posted by Jeremy | March 19, 2008 10:31 AM
Posted on March 19, 2008 10:31
I own a Sky Red Line and love the car. The coupe looks interesting...I've always liked the idea of a removable roof (I had a Honda Del Sol for 7 years). The cargo space looks good too. I wish they'd put a in 6 speed, the 5 speed just isn't right, given the power of the turbo. Note to Charlie: Look closely. There are no back seats.
Posted by Saturn Sky Owner | March 19, 2008 10:49 AM
Posted on March 19, 2008 10:49
I think the styling is fantastic! Sure reminds me of a Jaguar E-Type (this isn't a bad thing). This sure seems like it could be a major hit with GM. I just wonder how the quality will be at production? That will be the final verdict on how this sporty coupe sells.
Posted by John Campi | March 19, 2008 11:13 AM
Posted on March 19, 2008 11:13
i think it's beautiful on the outside. great look. GM did this one right in the exterior department. (never thought i would say it)
now, here's something the torque report never sees...
constructive criticism (!!!!): revise the interior (think honda S2000 sans digital tach, or 350z), make the chassis lighter, 6 speed manual tranny
Posted by Dan | March 19, 2008 11:45 AM
Posted on March 19, 2008 11:45
Charlie: Uh . . . what back seats?
Posted by Jonathon | March 19, 2008 12:11 PM
Posted on March 19, 2008 12:11
@ Charlie:
ever take a road trip? having room for more than a backpacks worth of stuff is a wonderful thing.
you don't have to be able to stuff in a washing machine, but enough for some duffell bags is perfect.
perfect example of this is something like a 240sx, or even a corvette. useless backseat (no backseat in the case of the 'vette), but you still have room to carry groceries or a week's worth of luggage.
Posted by Dan | March 19, 2008 12:31 PM
Posted on March 19, 2008 12:31
Pretty good car. 2.0L Turbo Charged 260HP, nice exterior, much improved interior. Way to go Pontiac!
Posted by Luka | March 19, 2008 1:48 PM
Posted on March 19, 2008 13:48
this is the only pontiac worth mentioning, mainly because it was designed and engeneerd in england by a team of engeneers from lotus. the car can corner at high speeds and is a joy to drive, this along with its better looking (IMO) sibbling the saturn sky. the interior looks riped straight from a 15K cobalt with rattles and squeeks all over but the drive is balanced and feels great thanks to Lotus.
Posted by dennisil | March 19, 2008 1:58 PM
Posted on March 19, 2008 13:58
2.0L Ecotec 4-cyl with 260hp, WOW with that turbo boost , I see blown head gaskets leaking green ( your money ) onto the streets . Looks like the the tow-truck guys will have a good year...
Posted by honestjohn | March 19, 2008 4:41 PM
Posted on March 19, 2008 16:41
"this is the only pontiac worth mentioning, mainly because it was designed and engeneerd in england by a team of engeneers from lotus."
BS...You are transforming the usual partnership between GM and Lotus into a: "I like this car but its american so i have to say it was not made in america"...you "america obsessed" people are sooo obvious.
Posted by gr0z | March 19, 2008 6:07 PM
Posted on March 19, 2008 18:07
[quote]honestjohn:
2.0L Ecotec 4-cyl with 260hp, WOW with that turbo boost , I see blown head gaskets leaking green ( your money ) onto the streets . Looks like the the tow-truck guys will have a good year...
[/quote]
Don't know which rock you've been living under, but a 2.0, 4 cylinder turbo engine with 250+ hp does not automatically mean lots of engine problems. Let's just look at a few... Subaru Impreza WRX (I probably don't need to elaborate on this one I hope), the Opel GT (launched in 2006 in Europe, and the engine from the Soltice will have much in common with it's current 2.0 260hp), Seat Leon Cupra (ok ok, it "only" has 240 bhp when it leaves the factory), Saab's been selling their regular 2.0 turbo cars having 200+ bhp for many, many years now (and their recently introduced double turbo promises even more), Audi has the S3 and the TTS with a 2.0 FSI with 265-270 bhp.
That's just off the top of my head. None of the engines of these cars are unreliable. Not more than my little 1.5 diesel or your (and I am guessing here) 6 something liter V8 anyway. Bigger does not always mean better ;)
Posted by Dave | March 19, 2008 6:23 PM
Posted on March 19, 2008 18:23
LONG LIVE THE TARGA!!!
Oh, and bring in a T-Top model!!!!
Posted by Tony | March 19, 2008 6:38 PM
Posted on March 19, 2008 18:38
I want to see a Sky version of this.
Posted by Rod | March 19, 2008 6:38 PM
Posted on March 19, 2008 18:38
"Looks like the the tow-truck guys are going to have another great year thanks to GM and FORD and also CHRYSLER. Theres got to be a better way to keep Americans working ...fixing new cars is so American."
Honestjohn, you're either a moron or a troll. Neither one is something you should aspire to be.
"the interior looks riped straight from a 15K cobalt with rattles and squeeks all over"
Yeah too bad it doesn't rattle or squeak. Just because it doesn't inspire false feelings of luxury that you crave in every car (even an affordable performance vehicle where luxury is not a design consideration) doesn't mean it is not durable.
Posted by Alexvrb | March 19, 2008 8:01 PM
Posted on March 19, 2008 20:01
@Dave
you say its good, I say its no good
@Alexvrb
Everyone knows cars made in the USA are RATTLERS
I bet you both have your tow guys on speed dial !!!
Posted by honestjohn | March 19, 2008 9:34 PM
Posted on March 19, 2008 21:34
they could just stuff bob lutz through the rear window and use it as his hearse
Posted by low iq | March 20, 2008 6:11 AM
Posted on March 20, 2008 06:11
"@Dave
you say its good, I say its no good
@Alexvrb
Everyone knows cars made in the USA are RATTLERS"
And everyone here knows that:
1) English is not your first language
2) You are speaking out of your ass. You have no practical experience with the car or engine in question.
Posted by Alexvrb | March 20, 2008 8:27 PM
Posted on March 20, 2008 20:27
@Alexvrb
1) English is not your first language
2) You are speaking out of your ass. You have no practical experience with the car or engine in question
DITTO @Alexvrb
Posted by honestjohn | March 21, 2008 12:32 PM
Posted on March 21, 2008 12:32
I think it's beautiful and quick. I haven't driven one but I hear they handle well too. I like it for what it is.
Posted by Kell | March 21, 2008 2:00 PM
Posted on March 21, 2008 14:00
V-E-R-Y B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L..... nn c moche lool
Posted by paul | March 23, 2008 3:12 PM
Posted on March 23, 2008 15:12
Doesnt it look like a TVR or is it just me?
Posted by Rafael Fernandes | March 24, 2008 3:45 PM
Posted on March 24, 2008 15:45