Sunday, January 08, 2006

AT THE DETROIT AUTO SHOW!




From edmunds.com

What Is It?
2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP

What's Special About It?
"Turbo boost" is a phrase that's been missing from the Pontiac vocabulary for at least a decade. Thankfully, that's about to change with the 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP, which will receive a huge jump in power courtesy of a turbocharged version of GM's 2.0-liter Ecotec engine. Power numbers aren't yet finalized but the estimates look promising. According to Pontiac, the GXP will make as much as 260 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque — a considerable increase from the 177 hp and 166 lb-ft the 2.4-liter Ecotec makes in the current roadster. The new engine bristles with technology not yet seen in combination in a North American GM product. It uses direct injection, dual-cam phasing and a twin-scroll turbocharger to make up to 130 hp per liter.Solstice GXP will be available with both a five-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmission. GM claims the GXP is capable of sub-5.5-second 0-to-60-mph sprints with either transmission. Visually, the GXP is only marginally different than the standard Solstice. Darkened foglight surrounds, an extra air inlet below the twin grilles, a small rear spoiler and dual exhaust distinguish the boosted car. Eighteen-inch wheels are fitted with 245/45 Goodyear Eagle F1 tires.Turbocharged Solstices are expected to sticker for $4,000 to $5,000 above the standard car's $20,490 base price and should be on sale this summer.

What's Edmunds' Take?
More power is exactly the infusion of personality the current Solstice needs to keep it interesting. The current car lacks the sharpness, build quality and driving experience of its primary competition, the Mazda MX-5. Another 83 horsepower will go a long way toward making everyone forget all that. — Josh Jacquot

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

<< Home