SLEEK COUPE JOINS THE SOLSTICE LINEUP FOR 2009
06/09/2008
Pontiac
Already the best-selling roadster in the United States, the Pontiac Solstice lineup expands in 2009 with a new, sleek coupe model. The Solstice coupe is equipped with a removable roof that enables an open-air driving experience yet offers a greater range of all-season driving opportunities.
"The new Solstice coupe has all the design cues and pleasing performance of the original roadster, and is an all-season alternative for people who enjoy open-air driving," said Susan Docherty, vice president of Buick-Pontiac-GMC.
Like the original roadster, the new coupe is available in base and GXP models - the latter powered by a 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec engine with direct injection technology. It is the foundation of a crisp, track-validated driving experience and surprising efficiency - the 260-horsepower (194 kW) Solstice GXP is rated at 28 mpg in highway driving.
Content changes for all '09 models are few, but bring popular performance and safety features to all models as standard equipment. They include:
Anti-lock brakes and StabiliTrak electronic stability control system are standard on all models
The limited-slip differential is standard on all models
The appearance of the standard 18-inch wheels is revised
Additionally, the exterior color palette is revised. A new hue is used for Deep (blue) and later in the model year, a new color - Merlot Jewel - will be offered.
Bluetooth capability is integrated with Solstice's standard OnStar system for 2009. This wireless technology enables hands-free phone calls, for safer, more convenient connections.
Solstice coupe details
The Solstice coupe features a fixed roof aft of the B-pillars, complete with side windows and a rear liftglass that opens to provide access to the cargo compartment. The roofline slopes rearward in a classic fastback, including stylized "rails" that run from the front of the roof to the rear, culminating with a stylish and functional ducktail-style rear spoiler.
The removable roof panel over the passenger compartment can be removed by one person and the roof has a "carved out" inner contour that greatly enhances headroom, for a maximum of 37.4 inches (950 mm). A home storage case for the roof panel is offered through GM Accessories.
Despite its dramatic new look, engineers made only minor changes to create the new coupe. The rear fenders and rear fascia of the coupe are the same as the roadster; and new taillight assemblies flow more smoothly into the tapered roofline. The coupe's roof structure was strengthened with additional support elements, including an aluminum roof bow attached with aluminum brackets. The bow and brackets are stiff, yet low in mass, a design feature that pervades the coupe's overall construction. The removable roof section includes a lightweight sheet molding compound cover affixed to a rigid magnesium frame to further minimize weight.
Much of the coupe's interior remains the same as that of the roadster. However, the area behind the seats was redesigned for easy access to the cargo area, and a storage tray was mounted directly behind the headrests. Removing the roadster's folding-top mechanism allowed for a flat rear cargo floor and several storage compartments. The cargo area's covered bins provide secure storage for smaller items. Cargo tie-downs incorporated on the floor.
Solstice features
The Solstice lineup delivers a fun, well-appointed driving experience. Standard equipment for the base model and GXP includes two-way power driver seat height adjuster; racing-inspired sport bucket seats with convenient seat cushion and seatback storage; leather-wrapped manual shift knob, a premium acoustic headliner; rear window defogger; rake-adjustable steering wheel; and dual-stage frontal air bags.
When it comes to information and entertainment features, the Solstice lineup comes through with a host of popular and advanced technologies, including AM/FM and CD stereo with six speakers; an enhanced sound system with an MP3-compatible stereo and an iPod jack; XM Satellite Radio; OnStar; and GM's driver information center, which offers important information such as current fuel economy, fuel range, oil life and warning indicators.
Several packages are available that allow customers to tailor their Solstice to their driving needs:
Convenience Package - steering-wheel mounted cruise control, enhanced DIC controls and fog lamps
Preferred Package - power locks, mirrors and windows, along with remote keyless entry
Premium Package - leather seating surfaces (Ebony or Ebony/Sand two-tone), leather-wrapped steering wheel and steering wheel radio controls
OnStar details
The peace of mind and convenience of OnStar is now standard on all Solstice models. OnStar's digital equipment includes enhanced hands-free voice recognition capabilities including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation, a fully integrated GPS navigation system, is a popular available feature that allows customers to talk to a live advisor, who in turn sends complete step-by-step directions to the vehicle through their OnStar system.
OnStar also includes OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics and the Advanced Crash Response System, making crash data available to the participating 911 centers to help dispatch the appropriate live-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes quicker.
New for 2009, Bluetooth capability is integrated with the OnStar system. It allows personal cell phone connectivity to the vehicle audio system.
Chassis and suspension
Solstice and Solstice GXP feature rear-wheel drive, four-wheel independent SLA suspensions and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Technologies such the standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control system help the driver maintain control during sudden maneuvers or in low-traction conditions by using a comprehensive series of sensors to measure acceleration, deceleration, steering angle and yaw rate. The system automatically controls the vehicle to help maintain the driver's intended path when a measurable deviation from the intended course is detected.
Solstice uses independent short/long arm-type suspensions at the front and rear to give it a responsive, road-gripping feel. Other driver-focused features include:
Bilstein coil-over monotube shocks at all corners
Rack-and-pinion steering (power assisted)
Eighteen-inch aluminum alloy wheels
P245/45R18 all-season tires; P245/45R18-96W blackwall performance tires are standard on the GXP
Standard limited-slip rear differential
Cockpit-style instrument panel with motorcycle-inspired gauges
Short-throw shifter
All Solstice models employ a four-wheel disc brake arrangement with ventilated front rotors that provide confident braking capability. Four-wheel ABS (with dynamic rear proportioning), along with StabiliTrak electronic stability control system and all-speed traction control are standard on all models.
Powertrains
The Solstice GXP's Ecotec 2.0-liter turbo engine produces 260 horsepower (194 kW) at 5,300 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. (351 Nm) from 2,500 to 5,250 rpm, and is one of GM's first direct injection offerings in North America. Gasoline direct injection technology helps the engine produce more power without sacrificing fuel economy.
The base Solstice is powered by a 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder engine producing 173 hp (129 kW) and 167 lb.-ft. (226 Nm) or torque. Both Ecotec engines share a number of characteristics including:
Dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and four valves per cylinder
Twin counter-rotating balance shafts
Low-friction, roller-finger follower valvetrain with hydraulic lash adjusters
Low-maintenance chain-drive for the camshafts
Extremely compact dimensions and low mass
Direct mounting of all accessories to the engine structure to eliminate common sources of noise, vibration and harshness
Full circle transmission attachment is more rigid than most four-cylinder powertrains for reduced noise and vibration
GM Oil Life System for optimum oil change frequency (included with optional driver information system)
No routine maintenance apart from oil/oil filter changes
Innovative cast-in oil filter housing eliminates crawling under the car to replace filters. The design also eliminates throwaway oil-filter "cans" that retain used oil that typically end up in landfills
Solstice models equipped with the five-speed manual transmission have a torque beam to reduce noise, vibration and harshness by isolating noise associated with abrupt torque transfer away from the passenger compartment.