Is it FWD or RWD?

what does it look like it is?

The Z still looks better (I don't like the front of the Solstice) and aftermarket manufacturers seem to favor Nissan over Pontiac...therefore a lot more toys and personalization you can do to the Z.

It's RWD and it weighs more than the convertible. (That's backwards from what is common)

I don't see these two as competition. I've been in both cars, (well the convertible solstice) and the 350z has much more interior volume.

They're both going to have a competition for the worst blindspots on a car.

The Z's are just hard to make go fast. Even with 450hp they don't consistently get in the 12's.

This will turn more heads than Z but I'm not sure it's a better looking car either. Partly because Z's are everywhere but this to me makes a bolder statement as far as looks go. Have to wait and see what changes they make for the 370Z. Also based on the current models the Z's interior is vastly better and more durable

I'm not sure where you are getting your info RX-7 guy but a Z with around 400whp will easily hit 12s... The BIGGEST problem with drag racing Z's isn't the suspension setup... its not setup for drag racing.

The Solstice weighs like 300+ lbs less than the Z so it don't think it needs that 300 HP to compete. Keep the weight low and increase the motor .2 liters, up the boost a little, and bam you're done. The car looks pretty good IMO.

That 2 liter turbo is a great engine. To match the Z all they need to do is keep the same per-liter output (hp and torque) and bump it up to a 2.5 liter engine. 325 hp and 325 lb/ft. That would be a sweet car.

The base 350Z cost more than the top of the line Solstice. They say the Solstice handles better too but it doesn't matter when the Evolution X owns all.

Looks like a mix betwen TVR Tuscan and BMW Z8

GM actually has a version of the 2.0L Turbo Ecotec that is 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. They just added DI to do this and it was there. They could also do this by upping the displacement as others have stated, or they can do both for better gas mileage and/or more then 300 hp. I guess the 260 hp version will become a GT model and the 300 hp will be the new GXP model.

Yes, the coupe does weigh a little more then the convertible, but not by much apparently, at least not enough to effect 0-60, quarter mile, and gas mileage. They do say the the coupe adds more rigidity and handles slightly better thanks to this. So I would take a coupe over the convertible if shopping for one.

i hear that the stearing wheel is optional.
The 300bhp version was intended only for straights.

i hear that the steering wheel is optional.
The 300bhp version was developed exclusively for straights.

"The 300bhp version was developed exclusively for straights."

Wait - GM's refusing to sell this car to gays?!

Kidding.....

Nope, just the race car version, the ones that go around tracks. Oh, and it was 290 hp, sorry about that. And by optional, I am sure you mean the fact that the steering wheel was removable.

I've got a 350z, so I might be a little biased, but I think GM is aiming a little high as far as the Z is concerned.

The Coupe looks like a convertible that is converted into a coupe, and the weight reflects that.

I haven't driven a Solstice, but would be very amazed if it actually outhandled the Z. The Z handles far better than anything I have driven including a Porsche Boxster.

I don't think it's hard to get nissans to go fast, it's hard to get much power out of the VQ without FI...The engine is well-engineered from the get go (On Ward's Top Engines list for something like 10 years in a row) so there's not much other than a plenum spacer that's going to wake it up.

Now give me a turbo engine, and you can find HP/TQ with just turning a screwdriver.

In order for it to compete, they will need to tune the boost characteristics very carefully. Most Autocrossers and SCCA drivers prefer a smooth power delivery, so it cannot have too much of a boost surge.

Like everything else, I welcome the competition though, it's a win-win for us consumers.

Well I think it's a lot better LOOKING car than the Z... but I'd be surprised if it's a better performing one. You can't just add power and get a car that's fast in anything but a straight line. You need handling and braking enhancements to keep that power planted. Just looking at the pics... I don't see braking upgrades (and most GM cars are sorely lacking in the braking department), so I don't have much hope.

I think it's a pretty car, at an awesome price point - but I don't see them as performance cars. The Z on the other hand is a decent performer... not spectacular but decent.

Whats this baby gona cost loaded.

Way to much 4 sure

Even with more power, this car still won't be as good as the Z (looks or performance), but bang for the buck this wins hands down. Oh and kudos for only having a manual transmission.

I was fortunate enough to drive a friend's Solstice w/ the DI turbo engine. The vehicle handles quite well and has ample power. The Solstice is really a competitior to the Miata and both cars share similiar handling traits. The 350Z is larger, a little heavier, but still seems to handle well. I like the looks but it probably will have wicked blind spot in the rear.

The Z, while not ugly, isn't all that good looking either. It looks stiff. The Infinti G35 on which it is based is a considerably more handsome (and much more practical) body.

The Solstice, on the other hand, look voluptuous. There are quite a few cars that are better looking at this, but they are exotic cars like Aston Martins, not something that you can at least hope to afford.

I'm not exactly sure that 300 hp is really all that necessary to give the car some great cred. I'd rather have less power but really good driving characteristics, such as the Mazda MX-5 (Miata).

Seeing as how "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" I'm waiting for the Saturn version if they release one. For me the Pontiac looks bloated, whereas the Saturn model looks like a pissed off Decepticon who's non-car configuration is a shark or something. Just my thoughts.

To be honest though, I'd be looking at the Nissan before this. I still like the 6 year old design, and there's virtually endless after market possibilities for it. I'm sure C&D, MT and a dozen other online car sources will be doing comparison drive tests anyways, so we'll see who comes out on top.

the 350 z came out in 2004 whats gm waiting for ??? they want to compete with old technology... theats cleaver of course in the last 5 years you have been able to come up with a cheap copy of the nissan for the love of god i could have done that in my pathetic garrage in 5 freakin years...

and i heard someone ellse say it i too think the evo 10 will put this "sports" car to shame along with the upponcomming z370 and also have enough room for a fat ass like me to still keep supersizing my number ones in the drive through.

by the way, this article forgot to mention that if you take the roof off, you have to leave it a home since there is no room in the car to carry it around. But again, i guess its more of a power discussion and not options on the car.

Nice. But could we have this as a Saturn Sky instead?

"aftermarket manufacturers seem to favor Nissan over Pontiac...therefore a lot more toys and personalization you can do to the Z."
You don't realize how much hardware is available for Ecotecs, and Solstice/Sky models in particular. They build race/drift cars out of them, it will have plenty of aftermarket upgrades.

"the 350 z came out in 2004 whats gm waiting for ??? they want to compete with old technology..."
You didn't read the article, congratulations.

"I'd rather have less power but really good driving characteristics, such as the Mazda MX-5 (Miata)."
The Solstice has both.

"I don't see braking upgrades (and most GM cars are sorely lacking in the braking department), so I don't have much hope."
I don't know where you're getting your information from, but most braking tests I've seen have GM's performance vehicles (and even plain jane models) stopping just fine. The current 260HP model has enough braking power for an extra 40HP, even if they change nothing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_d5-K109DQ

This is a great comparison of the Miata and the Solstice. Keep in mind, this is the regular Solstice. The turbocharged model has much way more power (especially low-end torque), and handles even better.

Apparently you have been reading much on here. The new turbo SS Cobalt comes with Brembo brakes. The G8 GXP will also have Brembo. This new Solstice GXP will probably also have Brembo as well, since the new Cobalt SS has them.

The Evo X also will cost quite a bit more. It starts at $33,640 for the GSR compared to $28,465 of the current GXP. The Evo also really sucks in the gas mileage department, 16/22 compared to 19/28. Heck, a G8 GT gets better mileage (15/24) then it while making more power (361 vs 291) at a cheaper cost (29,995) with a bigger engine (6L vs a turbo 2L) and a lot more car. The torque also doesn't come in till 3000 rpm on the Evo vs 2000 rpm on the Solstice. So I would like to see a slightly larger engine to keep that flatter torque curve and not tank the gas mileage by upping the boost and timing.

The Evo X, while a great car, is just not for everyone. So I believe GM going after the 370z as their target is a good choice, as it is more of an every person car compared to the Evo which is more of a race only car.

"I haven't driven a Solstice, but would be very amazed if it actually outhandled the Z. The Z handles far better than anything I have driven including a Porsche Boxster." - Jeff

I have to disagree there. I leased a 2005 Boxster S a few years ago and with it's mid-engine layout and relatively light weight it handled like a racecar. I've driven a friends 2004 "Track" model Z, and while it's also a fun car it's not on the same level handling wise as the Boxster.

"The Evo X, while a great car, is just not for everyone. So I believe GM going after the 370z as their target is a good choice, as it is more of an every person car compared to the Evo which is more of a race only car." - Avatar

The EVO is a more "everyone" car simply because it has four seats and a solid roof. And as for your comment about the GXP and G8 vs an EVO: the EVO will destroy ANY GM vehicle aside from a Zo6 on a track and will out accelerate anything aside from the Corvette and "v" model Cadillacs that cost twice as much.

That's great Noya, but how many laps before you need to replace those tires thanks to awd? Also, ride quality on the Evo just plan sucks. My friend prefers driving his '02 Z28 with 150,000 miles on it over his Evo because a) it gets better gas mileage, b) is cheaper to maintain thanks to less drive train wear, c) is an easier ride, d) is funnier to drive, and e) still has performance when he puts his foot to the floor. He plans on trading it, the Evo that is, for a new Camaro.

But that's right, the Evo gets it's power from awd, and GM doesn't do awd. So this really isn't a good, logical comparison now is it? I think I will stick with my larger, dare I say more efficient, G8 GT, that low and behold, has 4 doors as well, and my passenger room as well as cargo room that won't break my back while driving around town.

Also, what happen to fuel efficient Japanese cars, that went fast as well? Oh, that's right, the most fuel efficient fast cars in the world come from America made by none other then GM. I'll ask you this Noya, find me another car that runs a ten second quarter mile stock without gas guzzler tax. Heck, even your precious S2000 weighing 2800 lbs with a 6 speed 2.2L and a whooping 237 hp has a gas guzzler tax, what in the world is that?

I love how everything is about fuel efficiency, and then the next article is interiors, then after that it's performance, then it's reliability, yet you can never find something that has it all now can you?

PS: Have you seen the interior on the new Lancers, all I have to say is those are the cheapest, smallest, most useless sun visors I have ever seen. The car completely sucks now.

@Alexvrb = are you kidding me the 370z is the same damn car as the 350 with a bigger motor, you need to check yourself.

why is everyone on this site is such a smartass... I dont understand what some of you are thinking that a 2 person converable is a everyperson kind of car and a 4 door saloon with a strong motor and awd is a race only car? what gives you that impression, i mean i drove in an old evo 8 over the weekend and yes its got a hard suspension and yes it sounds like a pissed off bumble bee.
but there was 4 people in the car and if it snows you can still use it.. so i think some of you are so afraid of a new thing that you have developed irrational hatred tward foregin cars and the rest of you have irrational hatred of domestic cars. i catch myself sometimes just ripping up on GM or Ford for there garbage cars but the main thing is i understand that its only my opinion and i want the us car industry to do well but they need to wow us, i dont understand how a company like gm can keep making low quality cars just to fill a gap in a market that a korean company will one day takeover.

I believe I said the Evo was a great car, but it wasn't for everyone. It is small, has a rough ride, and gas mileage sucks for a car of it's size. But I didn't state that initially either, I instead turn around and get bashed by a German/Japanese fanboy. I can sit here and list faults on every car ever made, but I then not to do that till the fanboys come out bashing Americans all the way and changing the argument every time. Argue the facts, not your fanboyism.

The reasoning behind me saying a Solstice is more of an every person car is because a) it gets better gas mileage, b) you don't need to see a chiropractor after your ride, c) has performance if you want it, and e) you can still fit your wife or girl friend in the passenger seat for a weekend get-a-way after driving to and from work all week with your back intact.

The Evo is a rally car, it is built as such. I highly doubt most of the people who own one go rally racing with it. They just use it as your typically male enhancement product, but I didn't go there in my argument either, someone else brought that up. But I will say it again, the Evo is a great car, just not for everyone.

Ok so im a fanboy now!!! im a fan of cars that inspire us to work hard and play hard and feel smart,sexy,strong... i dont like boring cars and i also think this solctice and the saturn sister the Sky are great cars and im sure it has nothing to do with the fact they are engeneerd in england by a team from Lotus... im sure it has nothing to do with that... because i might be labeld a fanboy and of all the comments on this site that one hurts the most. i feel as though i am an independant adjudicator in this subject, i own a american made car, built in Ohio by american blood and sweat, hopefully none got on the interior....

oh and the profits of my car dont end up in the pocket of a overpaid ceo of a failing company. my car is more to me than a point A to point B carage, its my one luxury in this life and i dont even care if you like it or not. because im not going to say what model i own and i dont care what you drive. my car is a honda product and it has been bullit proof to me from day 1.

HERE ARE THE FACTS FER YA=

this solstice is compeating against a car that was already in production 4+ years ago and even though its been arround for a year or two its still not as strong as its rival the 350 Z . forget about an EVO (evos are not the best rally cars the STI is the best setup for off road rally, evos suspension is too hard and due to that it will catch air more often than a STI would)

i wonder how it will fair from offerings from Hyundai (genessis)?

And here is another little fact, Zeta comes from down under, but it's still 'garbage', or 'GM really didn't design it', etc etc. But at the end of the day, it is still owned by GM, just like Kappa is.

I am glad your happy with your Honda product. When you buy something that costs as much as a car, you should be happy. Likewise, I am happy with my vehicle purchases. And show me where I said you were a fanboy? I said I was bashed by a fanboy, not whom though. You retorted to my statement about every person car and I in return justified my argument.

4+ years old. Well, last I checked the 370z was an update. Kappa is now 4 years old too, it was orginally a modified Delta in 2002, and then it's own platform in 2004, which was released in 2006. So how about this then, let's compare the next gen 370z to an Alpha Solstice or Alpha G6 coupe, would that make you happy?

How about the fact that a brand new S-197 still can't out run an F-body platform which was released all the way back in 1993. But they are still compared anyway, because that's all we have to go off of. You compare what is out in the here and now, not just selectively because it's old.

PS: A street STi isn't rally legal, it has a 2.5L engine and the max is 2.0L in rally. With the new STi, Subaru went for function over form, and a lot of followers complained about this.

Subaru hasnt won the WRC since the days of the 22B and Mitsu hasnt won since the evo 6...

Ford and Peugeot have been winning everything for almost the last 10 years.

lets all go buy a focus!

Subaru hasnt won the WRC since the days of the 22B and Mitsu hasnt won since the evo 6...

Ford and Peugeot and Citroen have been winning everything for almost the last 10 years.

lets all go buy a focus!

Mutsubishi last won in 1998 and Subaru last won in 1997. Ford has won the last 2 years with the focus... before that it was the Citroen Xstra for 3 years and the Peugeot 206 for 3 years.

the evo is now a fanboy car and very little more. same with the STI.
let the argument die... they ARE NOT practical as daily drivers... however i probably wouldnt say the solstice is either.

nobody in their right mind would cross-shop a solstice and an evo they fill completely different niches in the market.
GM is going after the right car when they go after the Z. if people would get their heads out of their asses and look at the car rather than the brand... they might do pretty well too.

A sexy, attractive 300hp RWD coupe that handles well. Any half-assed modder will easily get 330hp or more with minimal mods from the turbo motor. Yep, I'll test drive it. :-)

Subaru brings back the 22B and I'll mortage my house for that thing. And I mean THE 22B, not this piece of hatch crap. I want coupe, 300hp, AWD!

GM's being doing good with the Ecotec design (I'm actually really impressed, considering my 2.2L 96 Cavalier ended up in grave yard like ALL other 95-97 2.2L's, blown head gasket).

It is interesting to see the different sytles of driving on here. I'm more the swift, and sprinty type. You see some of the go fast type, some track guys, ect... It really just comes down to how you drive. A G8 GT, great for straights, good for the twistys. STI/EVO X, good for the straights, great for the twistys. Solstice GXP, probably good all around, similar to a 350Z (just different in terms of handling). All in how you drive, not what you drive.

Driven both the 350z (Nismo editon) & the Current GXP convertible. In my mind the GXP is more in the Mazda Miata class, but pushing 300hp I'll give them the 350 category if they want it. To me the GXP was more of a club circuit car. Now adding a hardtop version can we say Drift? As much as I love the 350z its really subpar for Nissan when you compare it to the old 300zx TT
About the Same power too except 100 bucks worth of parts and a screwdriver and that old 300Z would turn 400-450hp

Then again I am bias I used to own a 93' Nissan 300zx Twin Turbo

"The EVO is a more "everyone" car simply because it has four seats and a solid roof. And as for your comment about the GXP and G8 vs an EVO: the EVO will destroy ANY GM vehicle aside from a Zo6 on a track and will out accelerate anything aside from the Corvette and "v" model Cadillacs that cost twice as much." - Noya

Not to get off topic, but since you brought it up...
The EVO may be a touch quicker (MAYBE) having 291 hp and weighing in at 3388lbs vs the G8 GT's 361hp and 3995lbs curb weight, but don't put slips on it. Another thing, the G8 exterior looks infinitly better than the EVO and I know that the G8's interior looks great (have not seen inside the EVO).
Anyway, my point being that Pontiac has delivered a great car, so let's tap the brakes on the whole 'destroy' verbage.

Evo X is actually in trouble against the G8. A brand new off the show room floor G8 GT 13.12 quarter at 106.65 mph. Some say it was flashed to run off premium, some say it was stock. I doubt it was flashed this early with a paper tag still in the window, but that is a very fast quarter mile run. Evo X is estimated around 13.8 quarter. Turns are still in question at the moment.