Saw a Solstice new Pontiac Options

[spare time toys]

I was going out with my kids last night and a grey Solstice (sp) came past. I drovenext to it for about 3 miles. NICE CAR (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/clap.gif) I want one of those. The only problem and it aint a big deal is the front plate (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/barf.gif) No photos I got to start keeping a cheap camera in the car (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/headbang.gif)

[Marlow]

The Solstice is a nice looking car. Had a friend put one on order, he couldn't wait long enough and ended up cancelling the order and buying a Honda S2000. Saturn is supposed to be coming out with a car named "Sky" that looks a lot like the Solstice. According to the show Top Gear, the Sky is a variation of the Vauxhall VX220 (Lotus Elise) in a front engine configuration (compared to the Elise in a mid engine config). The Solstice and Sky look very similar, I wouldn't be surprised that they're on the same platform (they're both GM).

[nomore9one4]

I love that car. I wanted to put one on order, but my wife ordered me not too!! (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/mad.gif) Anyways the closest ones on the eastcoast are in Michigan and they are black. I can not wait to see one on the streets (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/pray.gif)

[shaggy]

i saw one of those about 3 days ago in arizona

i was at scottsdale and cholla
i dont know anything about it
looked nice, was a dark blueish color
looks fast

[Marlow]

Here's some more info. I may be incorrect when I say that it's based off the Elise. I thought I heard that from the show.

Vauxhall Lightning

[johnmhudson111]

QUOTE (shaggy @ Oct 29 2005, 11:48 AM)

i saw one of those about 3 days ago in arizona i was at scottsdale and cholla i dont know anything about it looked nice, was a dark blueish color looks fast

About 2 weeks ago I saw about 10 of them here in MS. All had Michigan plates, figure it was a magizine test. I think they are OK, top is a bit funky, looks fun. Might go the S2000 route if I had the choice, tho.

[Pnambic]

I believe the Vauxhall Lightning of a few years ago was developed with help from Lotus, hence its remarkable handling capabilities. I guess the Solstice and Sky are based off the Vauxhall. I'm pretty sure the Solstice and Sky share almost everything except the skin.


Comparing 914 to Saturn Sky
I believe they both have almost equal 50/50 weight distribution front and rear. They're both rear drive. They're both about the same length and height, but the Saturn is wider, heavier and much more powerful. I don't know where the center of gravity is for either. I'm sure the 914 is lower, but I just don't know how much lower.

914 2.0L
Length: 159.4
Wheelbase: 96.5
Width: 65.0
Track: 52.5
Height: 48.4
Weight: 2139
HP: 90
Torque: 105
Power to Weight Ratio: 90/2139 = .042 hp/lb

Saturn Sky
Length: 161.4
Wheelbase: 95.1
Width: 71.4
Track: 61
Height: 50.1
Weight: 2880
HP: 170
Torque: 162
Power to Weight Ratio: .059 hp/lb



They say the Saturn's frame is hydroformed. Is that what they did with the Elise or am I just way off? Looking at the numbers above, it looks to me like that Saturn ought to be one heck of a fun car to drive. And they say they're planning a 210+ hp redline version of the Sky in the near future. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/driving.gif)

[Demick]

My friend and I went to check out a Solstace a few weeks back at the dealer. Pretty nice. Fit and finish is not all that good though. With the top down, there is almost no space in the trunk. With the top up, there is reasonable space, but in order to access the rear trunk, there are a couple of rear buttresses from the convertible top that must be released and folded up out of the way (individually from opposite sides of the car). Then you can open the trunk. After you close the trunk, you have to go around and re-fasten the buttresses again on both sides. Seems very clumsy. Definitely form over function.

I'm more interested in the Sky. While I definitely like the styling of the Solstace, I think the Sky might be more interesting with it's hard edges.

At this point, I would buy a used Boxster for $20-$25K over a new Solstace. Much nicer car.

Demick

[smooth_eddy]

For those of you that have no idea what a solstice looks like (that would be me), here is the link........ http://www.fast-autos.net/pontiac/pontiacsolstice.html

[chrisg]

I actually considerd the Soltice for a brief time, looked like a decent design, but kept reading about how under powered they are, sat in one(not impressed by fit and finish), and the inexpensive Pontiac thing just didn't do it for me. Secretaries car stuck in my brain. Then I thought Miata. Reliable, good handling, decent fit and finish. Not much character or desire to me for the price though. Can't get past wanting a Box(until my 914 is done, that is (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif) )