2009 Solstice Gets a Toupe, And it Looks Good!

To continue my fan-boy Pontiac posts (yes, I am a devoted follower of the pointy badge), a new version Solstice was unveiled alongside the G8 GXP as well as the new 2009 Vibe at the New York International Auto Show last week.

Named the Pontiac Solstice Coupe, the two seater will still be able to thrill you like the convertible, but buyers can now enjoy a true semi-fixed roof instead of a folding canvas convertible.

“Semi-fixed? What do you mean by that?”

This isn’t your typical fixed roof sports car, a la Porsche Cayman or BMW Z4. Nor is Pontiac’s new coupe featuring a folding metal roof similar to the Mazda MX-5. The new Solstice will offer a removable targa top that can be stored in the rear when not in use, which means drivers can remove the entire section of the roof above the passenger compartment for an open-air feel.

The roof behind the passenger compartment is permanently welded to the vehicle, but with this setup, buyers can choose between an semi-convertible or a fully-sealed metal roof depending on their tastes and impending weather forecast. (A cloth top will also be available.)

The Coupe sports a fastback rear end with new taillights which were slimmed down to fit the sloping new roof. The new sloping rear glass will open up for access to the 5.6 cu. ft of cargo space in the back (up 0.2 cu. ft). Not much else has changed, with the interior, front exterior and powertrain choices carrying over unscathed.

However, for you performance junkies thinking that a new roof is going to add weight, Pontiac has taken a lot of precautions in keeping overall weight down while keeping weight balance a perfect 50/50. According to General Motors’ specs, the new Solstice Coupe will weight only 70 lbs. more in base trim and a smaller 42 lbs. in GXP guise. Engineers were fortunate enough to be able to use both lightweight aluminum and magnesium to create the roof as well as not having to beef up the already stiff chassis.

Pricing is not available yet, but keep an eye on your local Pontiac dealerships starting early next year.

GM Press Release

Yeah, it does look a lot nicer, but in my opinion still isn’t even close to the Saturn Sky.

See, I don’t like the looks of the Sky. To me, the front bumper looks like someone tacked on an ugly body kit to it. The Solstice has a much cleaner look.

Chris, I agree the hardtop makes it look pretty sweet, adds a little baddass coupe look to it.

Nick where does your love for pontiac come from?

The Solstice has long been overdue for a coupe version, and I must say, it doensn’t look to bad. Now GM just needs to have a Saturn Sky coupe.

Now GM just needs to have a Saturn Sky coupe.

As much as I love the style of the Sky, I’m not sure how a coupe version would look. I’d love to see it, but I’m afraid it would round it out too much, which would look strange in relation to the rest of the car.

My love for Pontiacs started in elementary school when one of my teachers had this gleaming red Trans Am (early-1990s). It sounded amazing, or at least it did as a child. He would rev it everyday when school let out and the kids were heading out to the buses. He still has it to this day too.

I then drove a Grand Am in high school and part of college. I know they are considered terrible cars now, but for some reason, it fit me like a glove. It looked good, was semi-sporty and took my daily beatings in stride.

Today, my friend has an ‘85 T/A and a ‘99 anniversary edition. Both cars are different, but both equally amazing. The ‘99 is in MINT condition and is just such an aggressive vehicle inside and out.

People look at me weird when I say I like Pontiac, but there’s just something about them that has always kept me interested (minus the Sunfire).

I had 2 saturns, and while they were great n gas, I think I have outgrown them, though I do agree the Sky is a nice looking car. But, after seeing the solstice at the NYAS, I must say it piqued my interest. Very stealth looking with the blacked out lights, and I love the streamline of the car, all the way down to the rounded (maybe ovaled is the better word) back window. It is one I will go to the dealer and take for a ride. I saw a video of it from the auto show here: http://www.expotv.com/videos/e.....ice-GXP-Co