The Promise of Solstice
General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz drives the Pontiac Solstice Roadster Concept vehicle on stage at the 2004 North American International Auto Show in Detroit
By Bob Lutz
GM Vice Chairman
Doing a great roadster for $35,000-$45,000 is a feat mastered by several automobile companies. In fact, it’s relatively routine. It’s doing that desirable, high-content roadster for under $20,000 that challenges an automobile company.
That’s what we promised we would do with the Pontiac Solstice when we announced we would put it into production, and that’s what I’m officially announcing today, here on GM FastLane, for the first time.
When Solstice goes on sale this summer, it will, officially, be priced at $19,995 – and that includes the $575 destination charge. You heard it here first.
That’s not for a stripped down model, either. That sub-$20,000 price gets you 177 horsepower mated to a five-speed manual transmission, 18-inch wheels, 4-wheel disc brakes, glass rear window, and a CD-player as standard equipment.
So there you have it. A roadster inspired by the European classics of yesterday, styled very much like the concept car of a few years ago, priced under $20,000 as promised today. Solstice is a true driver’s car, and it will be in Pontiac showrooms this summer. We look forward to your reactions…
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What happened to the supercharger on the concept vehicle? Will that be a factory option, a dealer installed option, or will it not happen at all?
That’s what I’m talking about! A sweet ride that almost anyone can afford. This is going to be a hit and if the architecture lives up to what we have come to expect from recent offerings, better hold on to your seats…
GM has another hot one, ladies and gentlemen.
I love it and I am pleased that it will be sold also in Europe. But why as Opel? Why not selling it as Chevy? Opels have cheapo-car image and many people won’t decide to buy Opel.
Congratulations!
You look to be equalling the Miata on performance, parody on the design aesthetic, and have now officially blown it away on cost/performance.
Great news Bob! Can’t wait to drive it this summer. Mine will be a fun 2nd weekend car so the 20k price tag is HUGE! Thanks for building it and now let’s get into the hands of drivers. Kudos.
Great job on this car, Bob! I have been an avid follower of the Solstice since the 2002 NAIAS and have been anxiously waiting for the car’s release since the production announcement a year ago at the 2004 NAIAS.
The Kappa architecture appears to provide it with a world-class chassis, which should translate into a roadster that drives and handles extremely well. I also think the base engine will offer plenty of power to be entertaining, but I would like to see more available as well! For the price, I cannot see how this roadster can be beat!
I think there are a couple concerns worth noting, too. First of all is the very concerning lack of information pertaining to the convertible top. Rumors have been running rampant around the net about delays in the top, engineering hurdles and problems, complicated operating procedures, and on and on. Hopefully these are just fears that have gone out of control. The fully stowable top is a great feature from a styling standpoint, but I fear that if it is overly complicated and/or involved to use, it could turn away prospective buyers.
The second concern is storage space. With an estimated 4 cubic feet available with the top raised, and merely 2 with the top lowered, this car is not going to haul much. Limited cargo volume is a compromise roadster buyers are willing to live with, but at those dimensions it seems the Solstice is going to come with a limited amount of space, even for this class of car. That could also discourage some potential buyers.
Those concerns aside, this is an exciting car for me to see GM produce! Congrats on a great design, and the ability to bring it all the way to production!
Under $20k without being stripped down?
I heard a rumor that the entry level version will not have A/C or power windows? Just a rumor?
The moment I saw the concept, I thought GM needs to build this car. I was kind of hoping the coupe would be built, as well. But definitely a great sign that GM can build a great looking car.
If the car handles as well as it looks, it’ll be a huge hit.
It would be nice to see a supercharged version to bump up the hp and truly make it a great dynamic experience, as well. And I am a little concerned with the lack of trunk space, quirky rag top configuration and functionality I’ve been hearing about. But I’ll wait untill I see the final product to make a final assessment on that.
Should be a hit either way. I’ve been excited about the possibility of this car for quite some time and am looking forward to what it can be like if I get my hands on one.
Fantastic! Was wondering what I was going to consider since it was announced last week that ‘05 was the last year for my beloved Bonneville. Guess it’s time for a sports car again! (Think that’ll work with the wife?)
Great price for what you get. Just tell me that your not gonna allow dealers to put a $5,000 dealer markup on it when it’s actually released.
Mr. Lutz,
Four things will be critical:
1. Get the quality right from the very first model. Get all the bugs out before it is released. Let’s not have another Fiero.
2. Don’t let the dealers gouge the customers by adding thousands in dealer mark-ups.
3. Match the Miata in handling–this car MUST be FUN.
4. Make sure the engine is SMOOTH, the gearbox has short throws and the steering is direct and communicative.
Do all that, and this car will be the biggest hit the General has had in years and will electrify the Pontiac brand.
Bruce Sherman
Sounds exciting, hopefully the suspension will meet or beat the “mules” that Automobile magazine previewed, and percieved quality will beat the Malibu MAXX that I rented last week (i.e. how about a good imitation of leather-wrapped steering wheel, rather than that horrid piece of plastic?)
Seriously, if you get the driving experience and percieved quality right with the Solstice, they’ll have a hit on their hands that will enhance sales of the GTO via the “halo” effect…and wouldn’t that be nice?
Thanks, Bob, this fantastic new roadster should empower the Pontiac folks once again.
My deposit is down, just waiting on delivery.
Steve
Semper Fi
This is a nice car.
I am #1 on the wait list here in Victoria, British Columbia. Great news: nicely equipped and moderately priced — as promised. Moreover, I appreaciate the “appreciating” horsepower and the summer introductory date. Top-down weather is almost upon us.
Thanks again, Bob. You can come for a ride and be my first passenger if you wish.
It will certainly take more than the Solstice to prove something new and exciting is coming out of Pontiac, or GM for that matter. Save for Cadillac, I’m hard-pressed to think of a division that has seen as big a turn around as Cadillac has.
But, this is about the Solstice so I’ll stick to that. The car would sell at $25,000 as the “base” model, no questions asked.
My thing is, what will GM do to reign in the greedy dealers who will undoubtedly place a $10,000 “market adjustment” to every Solstice they get in just because they know they can?
Fantastic job. This is an incredible feat because:
a) the Solstice is a niche, low-volume car,
b) the car has amazing, high quality interior that is not compromised, and
c) the car has many amenities and is not a stripped-down version.
I am very impressed that you kept up to your word. My hats off to you.
Sounds great! I hope the air conditioning option isn’t too expensive, though. Like others have said, make the dealers leave the MSRP alone! We don’t need them ruining the car with ADM’s! Now, when will the Sky be out and how much for that?
Great news, Bob, but check the official pontiac.com and explain, please, the info that at the starting price of under 20k the manual transmission is not included. There is only one transmission available for this car and it’s extra?
Bob!
Awesome! I’ve been following this one. I just turned 50 and have been waiting for this car since…well, dad had a Sunbeam Alpine, followed by an MGB, and a TR6 that he still has today.
I have a 1973 MGB that the wife won’t allow me to part with to make room for the Solstice/Sky (ain’t life tough?) so now I’ll have to buy a four-post lift!
Thank you Bob!
Thanks GM (and Mr. Lutz) for building this car. It is the best proof that it really is a new day at GM. Now please build some Kappa coupes, sedans and hatchbacks.
This is an AED for GM. Shock start the press in changing the way they have come to write….same old, same old in GM’s engineering. Quality needs to be there, now that everyone’s looking. Great car, Bob. Please keep them looking.
Mr Lutz,
As a current Pontiac and GMC owner, I have been patiently waiting for the arrival of the Solstice. However, my basis for comparison will be to my 1999 Miata 10th Anniversary Edition. With 140 hp from its 1839cc motor and weighing 2,375 lbs., it achieves 0-60 in 7.6 seconds, 70-0 braking in 178 ft., circled the skidpad at .90g and still returns 24mpg city on 87 octane gas. [source Car and Driver magazine]
I only hope the Solstice meets or exceeds what my Miata achieved in 1999 and that buyers come to appreciate that these types of cars are more about the driving experience and handling than pure horsepower. I am disappointed, though, that my Miata came with a short throw 6-speed, while the Solstice only has a 5-speed.
And speaking as a true Pontiac fan and POCI member (I completed a frame-off restoration of my 1968 Pontiac Bonneville convertible) I hope you discourage dealers from marking up the Solstice as they did with the GTOs ($6K when I looked at them last year). Additionally, I hope Pontiac straightens out their model-naming soon and draws upon its heritage instead of abandoning it (e.g. killing the Bonneville name, renaming the Grand Am to G6, etc.) Returning to real names of Pontiac models would seem to be less confusing than the current mixed approach.
Finally, for future topics, I would love to hear more about the upcoming GMT900 models as my 2000 GMC Sierra X-Cab 4×4 will be due for replacement in the next few years. (And I truly hope the Popular Mechanics magazine spy photo of the new Sierra is not the final product.)
Keep up the good work.
Great looking car, nice job crew…we need more hot looking rides here in California that don’t put us in the poor house.
Hats off…
short comments -
– the top has to be easy to operate
– the handling must equal the Miata (a high mark)
- GM will need to do something to jumpstart the fan base and generate enthusiasim at the grassroots motorsport level. This is one area that will make it very, very difficult for me to give up my Miata — the Web site and community in the Miata world is astounding. I would dearly love to drive a U.S.-made Miata. I will keep my fingers crossed.
If they actually retail for that price, then these will sell like hotcakes. However, based on recent experiences with Pontiac dealers, I sincerely doubt I will see one for this price in my area (S. Florida). When the ‘04 GTO arrived, all the dealers agreed to add “market adjustments” of $5,000-10,000. The prices eventually came down to below MSRP at the end of the year since, suprise surprise, they couldn’t sell many $32,000 coupes for $42,000. Now the price gouging is back on the ’05s.
Mr. Lutz, I beseech you to get your dealers under control before making such a price promise — they are the primary reason for underperformance of the GTO and they will do the same to the Solstice if you are not careful.
The Summer “Solstice” – A Real Deal!
Today on the GM corporate blog, Fastlane, Vice-Chairman Bob Lutz announced the final pricing for the new Pontiac Solstice:When Solstice goes on sale this summer, it will, officially, be priced at
$19,995 – and that includes the $575 destination cha…
Great job on the Solstice and more so on the Sky! I never thought I’d consider buying a Saturn. How about building a Kappa coupe or the Nomad? I thought the Nomad would make a really nice car, more practical than the roadsters. I’m sure there are a lot of people out there that would love to have a Kappa-based vehicle but don’t want a convertible — me for one.
Looks terrific all around, but what’s with the constant tire-size inflation these days? I’m sure 18s look cool and grip well, but that’s going to be a lot of cake when it’s time to replace ‘em. I think a lot of people will be shocked when that bill comes due, especially on a $20k car. That’ll easily be a $1k expense every couple years. 16s woulda done me just fine…
Wow! I’m impressed! Maybe that Mini Cooper won’t be my next car…coming from a GM family, I was sad not to see anything I really wanted and could afford in the GM lineup. This might be my answer!
Congratulations, this is great news. Will the Saturn Sky be priced similarly?
Hi Mr. Lutz.
I am a really big car nut, and I read a article in the German press where they say that you are also interested in oldtimers. Is that right?
Well, I have a 1958 Buick Roadmaster convertible, model 1958/75C unrestored original but in very bad condition. Mr. Lutz, I need all the help which I can get for this restoration. In Germany is for sure not one other registered. I think also in the U.S. there will be only a few cars of this model. OK, it`s not a 1965 GTO but maybe you or your company can/will help me.
Thank you verry much
Regards
Thorsten Giesbert
Beautiful car.
Great price.
Can’t wait to see what you do with the next generation GTO!
That car is hot. I agree with Greg as well.
Yeah right, under $20k. When was the last time you went into a dealership? When the GTO came out and the wife wanted one, they had a $10K mark-up. We walked out and will not go back. GM has to not just talk the talk but walk the walk. Until you figure out that dealerships are hurting your sales by marking the new models out of sight maybe, and than maybe I will look at the Solstice. It better at lest out handle and perform my Miata.
I am a big Pontiac fan. I think the Solstice is a beautiful car, but will Pontiac do it right? They blew it with the ‘04 GTO – uninspired styling, OK but not great performance, too much weight and over priced.
The Bonneville GXP is good but it is about 3 years to late, under-powered and over-priced when compared to the competition. The G6 is nice but it could have been/should have been a class leader instead of ‘middle of the pack.’ I hope the Solstice is a homerun. They need one.
I have three concerns:
1) From what I have read it will be a heavy car (several hundred pounds more than the Miata) so it will be interesting to see if it will have enough power to move the weight.
2) Lack of storage space. This could be a killer for a lot of buyers that want to carry more than a toothbrush and pair of shoes.
3) The operation of the top. It is very easy with the Miata, Z4 and S2000. How difficult will it be to access the trunk with the top up? This could turn out to be a real pain. One that once the newness wears off will have people saying “This is ridiculous.”
I hope Pontiac can bring back its performance image. This might be a start.
But will you get the NVH right? I have yet to drive a GM four-cylinder that matches a Honda in terms of NVH. If it sounds and feels like a tractor engine, it isn’t going to sell.
Nice job Bob!
I’m a big fan of the Solstice and will likely get one, but:
What’s up with the top? How come we can’t see it?
Can you keep dealer pricing in line?
Is it possible to make a little more room in the trunk?
Is there any way to convince those guys at Chevrolet to build the Nomad? I want one of those, too.
Now can you make the sedans and wagons at GM look this good too?
Again, great job! Just what GM needs now, great-looking cars. Thank you for not giving up and turning GM into just a truck company!
Yes, sir, what about power windows and locks, air conditioning AND the leather-trimmed seating in the prototype? How about cruise control? Will these be included in the $19,995 price tag?
In 2000, I took delivery of the FOURTH PT Cruiser (maybe the FIRST Limited Edition) in Madison, Wisconsin, and I paid sticker, period. For about $21,500, it had the power stuff, the AC, the leather, the cruise, the alloys, the moonroof; in short, the works!
Ted
As pleased as I am by the Solstice, I can’t help but wonder what would have happened if GM had adopted at least bit of the design philosophy of the Lotus Elise. Yeah, American consumers won’t go for door sills they have to jump over, but I think that big corporations underestimate consumers’ love of the capable.
Don’t get me wrong — I’m thrilled with what the Solstice is. And maybe there’s a Solstice GT or something in the wings, but one way or another I would love to see this same design and development philosohpy applied to a small sports car as opposed to a roadster.
Cheers
-b
I’m 47 years old and I’ve lived in a GM town all of my life. I’ve lived long enough to watch GM management suck the passion out of automotives. I’ll believe this when I see it – actually available – for sale.
Great car, great price, great market position. That leaves plenty of room for the even hotter Saturn Sky to debut next year for $3,000 more. I hear that Buick, Holden (GM Austrailia) and Saab are also interested in a Kappa car with the Buick Bengal/Velitte concepts shown recently. Chevy will get a Nomad wagon from the Kappa build as well. Should be good news for the workers in Delaware.
Pontiac still has some big holes to fill in their lineup with the Sunbird and Bonneville being retired. Most of the dealerships sell Buick, Pontiac and GMC together and that will help in the short-term. Studly styling to match the GTO’s performance would also be a plus.
Charge hard like Patton; Offense, Offense, Offense!!!
Bob,
What I don’t understand is why you and your counterparts are spending so much time and money on all of these great looking cars and trucks that do NOTHING to help the environment. And I really don’t understand why you guys do things like actively fighting California’s clean cars bill from taking effect. You guys have kids like we do, don’t you? You have to breathe the same air as we do, don’t you? Why aren’t you doing something to help us instead of hurt us?
Instead of relying on your engineers to design cars that would protect public health and the environment, you guys turn to your lawyers for excuses. You argue that the law demands too much, that it is too difficult to cut the heat-trapping pollution your vehicles produce. We know the auto industry can build cleaner cars. The solutions are there, and American consumers are ready to put them on the road. A healthy, competitive auto industry relies on ingenuity. Bob, it starts with you. Do something right…for all our sakes.
I’m excited about this car, Thanks Mr. Lutz. But why a 5-sp manual? When will GM line of cars come with 6-sp manuals and 5-sp autos?
Absofreekinlutely love it!
I too wish you could control the dealer’s greed but can’t imagine how it would be possible w/o running afoul of the fedgov.
Oh well, I’ll do like I did on the Mata and the wife’s PT Cruiser, wait `till the hullabaloo dies down and then buy at or below Manufacturers SUGGESTED Retail Price.
I think you have a great looking vehicle for GM. I hope that GM will make enough of these cars so that dealers don’t have to charge addendums like several people have mentioned. The reason dealers feel it necessary to do so, is on the occasional new product like this car, GM seems to have problems producing enough cars to meet demand. The same problem is coming up with the Chevy Cobalt SS right now, it is the version of the car that everyone is excited about, but is not even being produced yet. Get that part right and GM will have another hit on their hands.
Thanks, Bob! Now all GM employees and family members can finally buy a Miata (with a GM badge) and not feel bad about driving a foreign car. It’s too bad our high volume regular Pontiac cars can’t generate any excitement.
The dealers are going to gouge people’s eyes out on price. Since they are all franchised dealers I know there is nothing you can do, but it is going to hurt initial sales. Thanks for the Miata!
If the Solstice is designed to be clearly better than the Miata for about the same price, then it’s going to sell. I have my doubts whether it will be better than the Miata, but will reserve judgement until I check it out.
What I think is more likely is that after the initial dealer gouging is over, GM will have to start offering $3000 rebates to keep inventory moving. And the buyers will mostly be GM employees and their families.
This car looks good. I’d like one, please, without AC, stereo, power gadgets, steering assist, braking and traction gizmos, windshield washers, big wheels, mufflers, carpet, or any other junk that adds weight or cost without improving performance. But I need a 4.11 or better with posi.
Thanks Mr. Lutz.
Mr. Lutz
Neat car ! Here’s an idea for you — how about a stripped down GTO for around $20,000 with the 400 hp LS motor but no AC or power windows/locks seats and so forth. Good for Drag racing. Call it Tempest or Lemans. Keep em coming Mr. Lutz!
I was just wondering if anybody knew if the Solstice would be available with an automatic trans. My girlfriend is really interested in this car sans the manual trans. thanks for any info.
Bob,
This is the car that Pontiac needed. Not the Torrent, not the SV6 – this car.
I won’t repeat myself – I went on to praise it at length in an Editorial I wrote a while back at GMI: http://forums.gminsidenews.com/showthread.php?t=3655
Bravo, Mr. Lutz!
Congratulations on the Solstice! I really hope that GM gets the build quality right from the FIRST car! Dealer gouging is going to be a HUGE problem initally also; good luck keeping them in line. Still waiting for a convertible GTO with a 5-speed automatic!
Thanks for bring back “Pontiac Excitement,” Mr. Lutz!
Don’t worry TOO much about dealer gouging on the Solstice, it will be very temporary.
AFter all, the Sky is going to come out a few months afterwards, and for a couple thousand more, you have a nicer interior, an (IMO) much nicer style (but others may prefer the Solstice), and the quite nice (”No Scum Allowed”) Saturn dealer network, which will keep a definite lid on the price-gouging by the Pontiac dealers.
Good catch on the transmission issue, John. The five-speed manual is indeed standard on the Solstice.
The Pontiac website has been updated with the correct information.
Jim Hopson
Pontiac
It looks great…
I have some questions…the Curve was designed by the Saab advanced design center, specialist in advanced design in GM and based on the kappa architecture. Now you launch a similar model with the Solstice…it will be a Saab Sonnet IV???
And another question, the new 2.8 turbo: why didn’t it use the Saab combustion control?? It seems this engine is quite similar to the used in the Saab 9-3x concept, and some technology of that engine was applied to this…twin-scroll turbo, variable valve timing…
I hope that Saab will be the brand that must be.
But the big problem of GM is the excess of brands and overcapacity, and that didn’t help some brands.
I hope the next 9-3 ss will not be as the Cadillac BLS (it looks great but it feels that Cadillac didn’t make many engineering in the car) or another 9-2x…good procucts but without spirit.
$19,995 is a fantastic price for any car that looks this good! If that price includes A/C, then I’ll buy two!
Bob Lutz couldn’t have nailed it down better! Design is what gets the adrenaline moving.
When I first came to the U.S. to study in late 1970s, I couldn’t get my eyes off the Corvette — it was unlike anything I had ever seen — but then this was America! I go to class and the first dictum I learn is ‘What is good for GM is good for America.’
Sure enough when I graduated all I wanted was to buy the American dream Corvette — but all I could afford was an MGB. Twenty five years later, GM has taken the lead both in design and price. I couldn’t afford the American dream fresh out of college but my son can! The Pontiac Solstice and the Saturn Sky have set the standard.
That GM is ‘the’ leader can not be doubted; however every industry/company has a cycle and GM today is at the beginning of a new crest – now that it has put design at the forefront.
Lutz report card.
A+ on the Solstice
A+ on the Saturn Sky
A+ on the Saturn Aura
C- on the Buick Lucerne
What Happened??? Come on, ask Jay Leno. High belt line, high roof the stance of a Buick 8. There will be no peace at GM until Buick finds its heritage.
Finally, a roadster for us people who prefer to drive a Saturn
Kudos on the price range, Bob.
A very spartan car makes for nice weekend funabout.
Those that want all the bells and whistles will buy upscale through OPD’s with more equipment.
Few note that the Magnum can be a very inexpensive car and very few actually get the Hemi.
The Halo effect of the top of the line, generates excitement. The affordable price of the entry level, with a price ladder of option packages generates volume.
This lack of reasonably priced out first, was sorely missed on the SSR.
It is a crime that knowing the first year’s powertrain would have been upscaled in year two, and that only a small volume would be made in year one – the pump should’ve been primed and ‘05 would be a grow the volume vs. revive this flop.
Performance cars with major powertrain upgrades in year 2 should never occur. The experience of people paying top dollar for the first out, coupled with low resale after the better drivetrain finally makes it, was the lesson of the C4 1984 Vette – they never recovered.
JMHO
Bob
Regarding the new Solstice, the one issue I have with the vehicle is getting into it. I’m 6′3″ and weigh 250lb. The Miata forget it, the Audi TT another lost cause, the Crossfire (who stole the room), now the Honda S2000, fits like a glove and I don’t feel cramped. The Solstice doesn’t give me (my loss) the feel I want or the ability to move my feet to operate the clutch and brake comfortably. Six more inches and we would have had success.
Also, my new Malibu has more driver room than the new Impala, what’s up with that?
Awesome roadster, I call it the volksroadster, I cant wait to get my fingers on one. But it is coming to CANADA right???
Thanks for the barebones back to what roadsters are all about product.
Phil
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make something to compete with the Vette that costs 20k less!
Or wait till the Razor is built.
The new Solstice and Sky fill a completely absent void in the automotive market for an affordable domestic sports car of good quality and performance. I can’t thank you enough for giving me an option to buying a Mazda Miata, or less possibly a Honda S2000.
I love the car as is and plan to buy a loaded car ASAP. My only comment would be that you can’t produce a GXP version soon enough of at least 225HP.
I suspect 3 of 4 purchasers will buy the base motor. But I can’t emphasize strongly enough how important it is to bring out a hi-po motor ASAP. This is critical.
Anyway, thank you for a gorgeous, agile, comfortable, affordable domestic sports car. It has been WAY too long. Or am I the only one who sees traces of the 1953 Corvette in this beautiful new roadster. Thank you.
PS – WHEN DO WE GET TO SEE THE TOP?
One more thing. Build the Nomad. PLEEEAAAASE!
Dude I think the F-body is as rad as the mullet. The mullet is making a comeback so the F-body should too. Funk-sho-brotha. Keep up with the times — we the people in order to find a car that matches the coolness of our hair.
My grandma has a z/28 Camaro, bring them back.
You guys should build a new Trans Am with a Duramax in it… Definitely want to beat out my Viper with it.
I used to be a great GM fan, I go to all GM events, I have a GM credit card, I owned 4 different GM cars, I even wear GM t-shirts. But as my newest car I bought Honda Accord. Why? Because of interior quality. I wanted the new Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, but its interior although much better from the previous model (I have the 2000 GTP) is still far away from Honda. I hope Mr. Lutz will not make the same error with Solstice and get us a car that not only is cheap but also has a quality that is not worse than Honda/Toyota.
Glad to see someone finally turning around an American car company. I wish it was me. Keep it up Bob.
This car is sure to be a hit…great styling, interior looks like it’s of decent quality, good power/weight ratio, and best of all…realistic price. GM will sell them out this year.
Bob – THANK YOU! THANK YOU! This car will be in my garage (when the supercharger is available.) It has been a long wait for this car. Why didn’t it hit the street sooner? It’s starting to age. Then again it has been my desktop image for over two years. Anybody that comes to my office asks about it.
I will say though, I am waiting for the Supercharged version — the longer you take to build it, the longer I will wait to own one.
This is a good start with the ‘new’ cars, but pick up the pace…
And that’s $20K before the rebates, folks! What a deal…
Hi Bob,
The Solstice looks beautiful. My biggest concern is the quality of the new model.
Why can’t U.S manufacturers build to the tolerances of the Japanese brands? I would love to buy a homegrown product but it always seems U.S. models get recalled more often & fit and finish lags behind the imports.
What are you doing to ensure GM cars are second to none? I live in California and it seems like everyone drives German or Japanese cars. It’s a shame, really.
Bob,
You are the best thing to happen to GM in a long time. God willing, you will continue to be the driving force behind the excitment that GM has generating for a very long time. I am also appreciate this outlet for submitting my opinions and concerns. For now I would like to congratulate you and the people behind the Solstice. This should be the example and not the exception at GM. I quite sure that you will see to that.
Solstice and Sky, great looking, great price, but NO TRUNK, equals I won’t buy. The new Miata, trunk, but the car is butt ugly, equals I won’t buy. The Nomad, LOTS of room, georgeous design, the PERFECT compromise. You build it (as shown), I WILL buy it.
I just love the look of the Solstice!! It is priced just right for the market!!! Great job!!
The Solstice is stunning! Much better-looking than the Porsche Boxster!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT…
I just read that the new Miata will have a 6-Speed. I would like to see the Solstice remain in the circle of world class cars. Can we be confident in saying that a Solstice 6-speed is forthcoming?
I actually SAW a Solstice driving down the road today and it looked so amazingly good that I just about had a seizure!
I have seen the car many times, but never in motion. If you think it looks good in pictures or on the stand at the autoshow, just wait ’til you see it driving! You may suddenly find yourself heading to your neighborhood Pontiac dealer to make a deposit!
Why did you give the Satun a better looking vehicle? I hope it costs more. It seems you are stealing Pontiacs thunder. I am a Pontiac person. I think it is the best division GM has. I can’t stand Chevy and its attitude. From the top to the bottom they think they are special. Any way keep the excitement at Pontiac. GM needs some better styling. Stay away from the uglyness that Toyota is doing!
Hey Bob have you thought of pursuing the Solstice in the SCCA Solo II series? I would love to drive one for you in the series! As a Pontiac Nut I would to see Pontiac and American vehicles kick some import butt!
Steve
Hi Bob, I would drive one for you in SCCA’s Solo II series!
Steve
Hi Bob,
I’m so excited about your vision for GM. America really needs more leaders like you. The Soltice is great, it says all the right things for the y-generation. I work with the y-generation, those who aren’t sure which brands are GM anymore, those whose parents drive mostly imports and the kids don’t know any better. Many of them desperately want to know why ‘American’ is better after being confused by so many other sources including the adults in their life. The battle for their hearts and minds of the y-generation will be advertising now.
The Solstice needs to win over the anti-American media bias too. When we see these ugly Hondas and Toyotas selling, Nissan coming from nowhere, we know it’s time for GM to get more media saavy with its products. Granted many media sources are misleading, but that’s why the imports have gotten word of mouth popular even though GM is better.
Which car is better, which one is on the “list.” Which one is Road and Track’s pick, etc. The message they get from Pontiac needs to engergize them, to show the power of the presence of GM’s product.
A high performance edition wouldn’t hurt either.
I did not choose the Pontiac Solstice, the Solstice chose me. If GM wants to get out of a 25-year slump this is the kind of car to do it. The Buick Velite and the Hummer H3T pick-up also need to come fast.
The Cadillac BTS “Baby Caddy” is a pleasant surprise and it NEEDS to come to America. You will not tell every single person in America to buy a minivan will you? Then why will you ask a single guy or girl with money to buy a Cadillac that is bigger than what they need? I love the CTS but this single guy, or those empty nesters will not soon be driving a family car without a family. I can’t catch a babe in a CTS, I need a BTS and I am not about to move to Europe to get one.
That will send your customer right to BMW. Maybe diversify your product planning workforce. But with the Solstice all is forgiven, but Wall Street and America may not be so forgiving.
Take the Lucerne, now that is a good car, but so what? The Aurora was good. But now you need better than good, you need great.
I have waited 25 years to see GM come back and I am not about to give up on you now when you show that you have the product and talent. Do it for Oldsmobile, be great, dream bigger, be brave. Some people get paid to dream, most get paid not to dream. While you can you should change the world. I think that is why they pay you, because you are a rare few that can change the world. Step up to the plate and make another sellable homerun.
So shall Lutz change GM?
Or shall GM change Lutz?
werd to yer mother, GM. this is a great vehicle and i cant wait to own one.
Hi Bob, I’m part of Solsticeforum.com and the vast circulating thought lately has been in regards to the top of the solstice. No one can seem to find a picture of the top up. I was wondering if you had any pictures you could share with the public or share some insite on why there isnt any.
Thanks a lot
so, will the optional side mounted rocket launchers be available on the production model too? or just the 30mm rotary cannon package?
my friends and i have already begun to plan ways to bullet proof the tires and windshields…
but, a solution to possible oil slicks (released from a pursued vehicle) seem to be eluding us.
anything helps.
thanks!
Bob, an additional comment/request from the peanut gallery. We are holding our collective breath to see even a preproduction top on the Solstice. Some sales will be make/break on how it looks with the top up. If you are having problems with it then how can you still give us a summer delivery? If you are not having problems then please let us have a peek.
question, Bob…
does the name of the vehicle have anything to do with the seasonal changing of the moons appearance?
I would like to think that it does. I would also like to think that the name was derived from a late night drive by ‘mooning’ of several fast food establishments, by none other than several of GMs top brass executives, while on a trial ‘top secret’ test run of the new vehicle.
Could the name possibly imply that this vehicle was made for mooning? several of us have made note of the ‘cheeky’ shaped posterior of the vehicle.
Inquiring minds want to know!
I am a college student who appreciates beautiful cars, and this car is #1 on my list. As I’ve always loved roadsters, their price always turns me off since you are not getting your money’s worth. Without room for friends or other neccessities spending $25k is no fun. So basically the looks with the price are unbelievable. I think this roadster is going to sell well.
Thank You Pontiac.
Mr Lutz,
Great car. I’ve already pre-ordered mine.
Can you please:
1. Update the information on http://www.gmcanada.com to be the same at that of http://www.pontiac.com
2. Provide us with more pictures of the car (top up, trunk space)
3. Give us more information on the options available
4. Give us a timeframe for when the first Solstice will be at a dealership.
Thank you
Is the Solstice Early Launch Program available only to U.S. dealers or is it available to Canadian Pontiac dealers too?
Solstice as a roadster is lacking. Where is the sixth gear? Where are some real gauges, oil pressure, voltage, real temp gauge? This car needs to go on a diet if it has any hope of competing with the Miata. Lose like 500 lbs. And about that cup holder, why is there even one in this car much less one that is totally useless unless you are a contortionist? That gray piece of plastic at the bottom of the rear facia just looks dumb, paint it the color of the car.
Will there be an automatic version of this car? My mom worked for GM for thirty years and I am now on my third GM car, ready for a new one and this one looks perfect!
When is Pontiac going to get a real two seater, such as a mid-engine v8? After all Pontiac is supposedly the performance division. When does GM plan to deliver the goods?
Hope someone at GM noticed the Miata is only selling 10,000 units here annually, now you will have two competing vehicles in this insignificant market segment.
When will different engine options be available? Also, will a factory accessory hardtop be available at the vehicle introduction? I am extremely interested in the vehicle, but even more interested if there’s a hardtop available….
Please keep us posted!
CTS, what a start. STS, makes you’re blood boil. BTS? Doesn’t Europe have enough Opels, Saabs, and Vauxhalls? When are you guy’s going to learn that the platform keeps the stigma alive? I thought you learned something from the Cimarron?
2007 Pontiac Solstice compact convertible
Pontiac knows that it has a hot car on its hands, but maintaining that momentum will require frequent upgrades to keep the Solstice competitive. The GXP version should assure plenty of good press well into 2006. A year after the…
Bob,
Great looking car but let’s face it it is stripped down. I mean come on, air conditioning extra, power locks extra, remote keyless entry extra! Compared to the MX-5, Mazda has nothing to worry about!
I have placed an order for a solstice about a month ago. Just being curious; I asked my dealer if it possible to see what number I was in the order list. He couldn’t find out. Could you help me out. If not what is the estimated turn around time to get a solstice. Thanks.
Can I count on pontiac to supercharge my solstice or am I on my own? Has anyone done it yet? I heard a rumor that GM will dealer fit a supercharger. I’m supposed to get a Soltice in early spring. I’m going to need a supercharger on it.
will there be a supercharger add on for 2006 solstice
what about a supercharger.will
it be a dealer item for 2006
solstice. I know about the turbo 2007. I have a 2006
I do not drive very much at all, however, I bought my Solstice two days ago and I have already put 200 miles on it – it is that great!! I love the handling and the price was great on my pocket book!