I saw the pics of the new coupe/targa version and it really, really caught my eye.... aside from the S2000 there hasn't been a lot of cars lately that I can truly say I really like, but the solstice coupe I can add to the list.

I know nothing about the car though, how is it performance wise? I don't go to the track, but I want something with some kick and good handling on the streets. Is it actually a good car or just all looks? I'm talking about the turbo version of course.

Anyone driven one? Hell I don't even know anything about Pontiac, are these cars easily modded etc.?

 

It drives like a small Corvette. It feels a bit heavier than the S2000 but the chassis is quite planted and rigid. The turbo motor has real punch. The base motor isn't that sporty feeling. Not bad but if you drive a Miata the Solstice base motor will leave you wanting.

If you really want to mod the car you can do a near bolt in V8 swap with the GM parts catalog. The rear end is out of the CTS and quite strong.

 

A Solstice Coupe/Targa does not exist outside of concept form.

General Motors has delayed about half a dozen cars by a year.(CTS Coupe, Chevy Cruze, etc.) I'm not sure if the Solstice was on that list.

In terms of the GXP Convertible, it seems to be pretty stout.

 

The solstice beat the new miata in a comparo test in Best Motoring.


I'd like to drive a GXP, no trunk though...

 

I drove the Solstice GXP and Sky Redline before buying an S...not as nimble or precise (and the parts bin trans is inferior), but with the turbo they pack more punch...the questionable reliability record and the fact that was no one was dealing on them put me off

Mallet Racing sells an LS2 conversion...sweeeeeet

 

Im not sure how close the sky is to the solstice but i was as a saturn dealership and test drove a used s2000 a year ago and the sales guy said the sky looks nice but handles like a box.

 

I drive both of the Solstice and the Sky all the time (I work part time at a dealer). Honestly, they feel cheap and I would hate to be in an accident with them. I am 6'1 and I fit way more comfortably in my S2000. The base motor car is garbage (unless youre gonna do a conversion). The turbo motor is really nice and has good power. I really hate the fact that the top is manual, and a real pain in the A$$ manual roof at that. It doesnt feel as precise as an S2000.

 

I drove a rental base Solstice one time. Although the base engine is a miserable thing, I don't doubt that the GXP would provide some excellent performance as the car feels very planted and grippy. That said, it feels very cheap and the handling has no finesse -- hard suspension and lots of tire. Weirdly it feels like it's too wide for its wheelbase, if that makes any sense. I'd much, much rather have a Miata personally, which I find to the most fun you can possibly have in a remotely practical daily driver.

Oh, and yeah the convertible top is bizarrely poorly-designed, even for a manual top.

 

It could have a V10 in there for all i care, the interior materials are just horribl. I was excited about the car until i sat in one. Never again.

 

^ what he said. just check out the parking brake...eeek. fit and finish are.... pontiac

additionally - they seem like they'd b a blast (in FI versions), but the reliability history hasn't been too nice thus far