The New GM should make some effort to find a place for cars like this. This one is especially painful, because the car is almost stillborn, getting just one model year before its division and its chassis head for the scrap heap.
That's too bad, because despite some shortcomings (see later) this is one fun little ride. There's just enough fiberglass smell emanating from the removable roof panel, and just enough crease in the fenders, and just enough zip to the engine, and just enough responsiveness to the chassis, to make this feel every bit like a poor man's Corvette.
I think the coupe's styling runs circles around the Solstice roadster's chopped look, while its hatch-under-glass storage provides some reasonable room for cargo. The interior is nothing special, with a little too much ugly plastic covering large unbroken swaths of dashboard and center console, but the seats are good and the driving position is excellent.
Driving is a joy, even with the five-speed automatic, because the turbo engine is such a raucous runner. It's a raspy machine, but it gets the job done, whether launching from a stop with a sharp squeal or punching up an extra 20 mph on command at freeway speed. The steering is tight and direct without being too heavy, and the brakes are excellent. Though the expanse of hood reveals some body/chassis flex, mostly the car feels very taut and tied down.
What's not to like--aside from that we're already writing an obituary and this car was just born yesterday? A manual gearbox, or at least some kind of e-shifter or paddles to manage the automatic, would go a long way toward making the car best in class. Though the engine is raspy, it gets the job done, so I suppose the only fix is to open up the exhaust and get some rumble into the powertrain. Finally, I don't need no stinkin' cupholders (there are two, inaccessible up behind each headrest), but I do need someplace to put a phone, wallet, or map. The Solstice allows for none of these, which means you're constantly battling to hold onto the flotsam and jetsam that make up our everyday lives.
Can the Solstice/Sky be saved? Maybe only if patron saint Bob Lutz comes back from retirement. Hey wait, that did happen…
MOTORSPORTS EDITOR MAC MORRISON: Unfortunately this car does not do enough well enough for me to start screaming that it deserves a stay of execution. However, I won't be shocked if in 25 years this is one of the hits of the Barrett-Jackson auction. I mean, have you seen some of the stuff people pay huge money for these days, two or three decades after the last one rolled off the line?
I like the looks, but everything just feels like it could be a half-step better. The car is quick for the street, and it handles OK, but it lacks a cohesive feel to it. Part of that impression might stem from the fact that this test car has the lame five-speed automatic, however.
The engine sounds a bit goofy but provides a good amount of power, especially once the turbo is spooled, a sensation that I again believe is amplified by this transmission. The steering (thanks for the lack of telescoping wheel. Not.) needs a little more weight and precision to it, though I had no trouble placing the car exactly where I wanted it.
I almost hate to bring up the lack of storage bins and cup holders, as my God, this is intended to be a throwback sports car intended for real drivers, and real drivers don't need cup holders, damn it! Except that in 2009, well, they do. Certainly, even the hard-core set carries things like phones, iPods and wallets with them these days, do they not? In this Solstice, there is nowhere to put any of that stuff. I can live without a cupholder, but when you're carrying around a small fortune's worth of modern gadgets, you tend to like them secured rather than flying all over the cockpit, no?
2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe GXP
In Fleet: July 7-Aug. 3
As-Tested Price: $34,020
Drivetrain: 2.4-liter turbocharged I4; RWD, five-speed automatic
Output: 260 hp @ 5,300 rpm, 260 lb-ft @ 5,300 rpm
Curb Weight: 3,018 lb
Fuel Economy: (EPA/AW) 21/26.0 mpg
Options: Five-speed automatic transmission ($995); air conditioning ($960); premium package including front bucket leather seats, leather wrap steering wheel, steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth, leather wrapped shift knob ($575); high performance audio system including seven Monsoon speakers ($395); AM/FM stereo with USB port ($100)
That's too bad, because despite some shortcomings (see later) this is one fun little ride. There's just enough fiberglass smell emanating from the removable roof panel, and just enough crease in the fenders, and just enough zip to the engine, and just enough responsiveness to the chassis, to make this feel every bit like a poor man's Corvette.
I think the coupe's styling runs circles around the Solstice roadster's chopped look, while its hatch-under-glass storage provides some reasonable room for cargo. The interior is nothing special, with a little too much ugly plastic covering large unbroken swaths of dashboard and center console, but the seats are good and the driving position is excellent.
Driving is a joy, even with the five-speed automatic, because the turbo engine is such a raucous runner. It's a raspy machine, but it gets the job done, whether launching from a stop with a sharp squeal or punching up an extra 20 mph on command at freeway speed. The steering is tight and direct without being too heavy, and the brakes are excellent. Though the expanse of hood reveals some body/chassis flex, mostly the car feels very taut and tied down.
What's not to like--aside from that we're already writing an obituary and this car was just born yesterday? A manual gearbox, or at least some kind of e-shifter or paddles to manage the automatic, would go a long way toward making the car best in class. Though the engine is raspy, it gets the job done, so I suppose the only fix is to open up the exhaust and get some rumble into the powertrain. Finally, I don't need no stinkin' cupholders (there are two, inaccessible up behind each headrest), but I do need someplace to put a phone, wallet, or map. The Solstice allows for none of these, which means you're constantly battling to hold onto the flotsam and jetsam that make up our everyday lives.
Can the Solstice/Sky be saved? Maybe only if patron saint Bob Lutz comes back from retirement. Hey wait, that did happen…
MOTORSPORTS EDITOR MAC MORRISON: Unfortunately this car does not do enough well enough for me to start screaming that it deserves a stay of execution. However, I won't be shocked if in 25 years this is one of the hits of the Barrett-Jackson auction. I mean, have you seen some of the stuff people pay huge money for these days, two or three decades after the last one rolled off the line?
I like the looks, but everything just feels like it could be a half-step better. The car is quick for the street, and it handles OK, but it lacks a cohesive feel to it. Part of that impression might stem from the fact that this test car has the lame five-speed automatic, however.
The engine sounds a bit goofy but provides a good amount of power, especially once the turbo is spooled, a sensation that I again believe is amplified by this transmission. The steering (thanks for the lack of telescoping wheel. Not.) needs a little more weight and precision to it, though I had no trouble placing the car exactly where I wanted it.
I almost hate to bring up the lack of storage bins and cup holders, as my God, this is intended to be a throwback sports car intended for real drivers, and real drivers don't need cup holders, damn it! Except that in 2009, well, they do. Certainly, even the hard-core set carries things like phones, iPods and wallets with them these days, do they not? In this Solstice, there is nowhere to put any of that stuff. I can live without a cupholder, but when you're carrying around a small fortune's worth of modern gadgets, you tend to like them secured rather than flying all over the cockpit, no?
2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe GXP
In Fleet: July 7-Aug. 3
As-Tested Price: $34,020
Drivetrain: 2.4-liter turbocharged I4; RWD, five-speed automatic
Output: 260 hp @ 5,300 rpm, 260 lb-ft @ 5,300 rpm
Curb Weight: 3,018 lb
Fuel Economy: (EPA/AW) 21/26.0 mpg
Options: Five-speed automatic transmission ($995); air conditioning ($960); premium package including front bucket leather seats, leather wrap steering wheel, steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth, leather wrapped shift knob ($575); high performance audio system including seven Monsoon speakers ($395); AM/FM stereo with USB port ($100)
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