Is the Pontiac Solstice just a VX220?

gorrie · Post by **gorrie** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 11:09 am

For some reason (and I can't explain why) I just found myself configuring up a Pontiac Solstice online. Bored i guess.. done the same a while back with the Mustang. Is the Solstice just a re-packaged VX but bloated for the US market?

Pretty loaded, I got a 260bhp version to come in at under $29K (think that's about £15K) and that was with adjustable Bilsteins, slippy diff etc... I see it's got a turbo'd Ecotek 2.0 VVT (the NA is a 2.4l). Couldn't find any 0-60 or 0-100 times on their website mind.

I quite like the looks, and the interior looks lovely... Soooo cheap. Chuck in the 100,000 mile warranty and we positively get shafted in Blighty.

Compared to Lotus Elise R prices in USA... starting at over $46,000 for a base, no options model.. I'm guessing the Solstice can't be anywhere near as good a drivers car ??

Andy.

Dominic · Post by **Dominic** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 12:07 pm

Pictures?

Andy G · Post by **Andy G** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 12:12 pm

its a total shed apparently - the road tests on it suggested the Uk was lucky to be avoiding it - certainly no Elise or vx220 rival handling wise.

gorrie · Post by **gorrie** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 12:56 pm

Ahh... so the Americans would love it then on their flat straight roads... does look nice though (almost like a bizarre Ginetta/TVR Tamora lovechild), surely can't be any worse than a Chrysler Crossfire...

For £15K... that would do quite nicely as a daily cruiser with no worries about reliability (especially with that warranty). Then a nice wee S1 for rawer kicks at the weekend...

woody · Post by **woody** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 1:16 pm

It's front engine, RWD. I think the continent is getting an opel version, but AFAIR the chassis can't be configured for RHD for some reason or other.

gorrie · Post by **gorrie** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 1:25 pm

Ah... so, my Ginetta/TVR lovechild suggestion was on the money then if it's Front Engine/RWD.

lotustype116 · Post by **lotustype116** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 1:36 pm

Looked awesome in the recent Transformers movie

Would probably have one in place of the family bus, if it wasn't for the family

Mr Momo · Post by **Mr Momo** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 9:08 pm

Windscreen frame looks familiar

Wing mirrors are from my old Fiat barchetta...

Corranga · Post by **Corranga** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 7:02 pm

Also released / exists as the Opel GT I reckon (obviously with different grill etc.)

Scottynic · Post by **Scottynic** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 9:26 am

Just relised this is one of the cars in Transformers the movie, looks and sound wicked in the film too.

Edit. Also never read message a wee bit above oops!

Jamie84 · Post by **Jamie84** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 8:25 pm

not long back from the states were there is loads of these around, noticed one , having never seen one before i did think it was a vx220. Must say they were pretty tasty looking in the flesh

BiggestNizzy · Post by **BiggestNizzy** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 10:33 pm

Does the handbrake work though