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Motor Authority - blog Category: Solstice

  • Last Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky roll off the line

    Last Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky roll off the line July 29th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, July 29th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 5 Comments

    Last Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky roll off the line General Motors’ announcement back in April that the Pontiac brand would be phased out by the end of the year and Saturn sold off, many of the automaker’s top models were immediately given a death sentence. Some of the cars that will be missed the most include hot items like the Saturn Sky, Pontiac G8 and of course, the Solstice Coupe and Roadster.

    One of the first of many reports to come, Delaware’s The News Journal reports that production at GM’s 62-year old Boxwood Road assembly plant ceased on Tuesday. The facility will close or idle 14 plants in the next three years, and claim tens of thousands of jobs.

    ... General Motors’ announcement back in April that the Pontiac brand would be phased out by the end of the year and Saturn sold off, many of the automaker’s top models were immediately given a death sentence. Some of the cars that will be missed the most include hot items like the Saturn Sky, Pontiac G8 and of course, the Solstice Coupe and Roadster. One of the first of many reports to come, Delaware’s The News Journal reports that production at GM’s 62-year old Boxwood Road assembly plant ceased on Tuesday. The facility will close or idle 14 plants in the next three years, and claim tens of thousands of jobs. Workers at the Boxwood Road built the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky models. Sadly, the workers only found out the plant would be closed at the start of June, when GM filed for bankruptcy. “It was so quick, you know?” plant veteran James Graves told reporters. “That’s what hurt everybody.” GM spokesman John Raut confirmed that the last model, a silver Solstice, rolled off the line Tuesday morning. The Pontiac Solstice (and its Saturn Sky sibling) caused quite a stir when it was launched in 2005, even winning the North American Car of the Year award back at the Detroit Auto Show in 2006. One of the car’s flaws was its expensive Kappa platform, which meant GM made very little money from each model sold. There were plans to launch a second-generation version on a cheaper ‘Kappa II’ platform but with the demise of Pontiac and Saturn those plans have been shelved.2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe Read More

  • GM says Camaro is 'core model', Solstice, Sky may live on

    GM says Camaro is 'core model', Solstice, Sky may live on May 11th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, May 11th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 0 Comments

    GM says Camaro is 'core model', Solstice, Sky may live on Though bankruptcy is looking more and more like the way General Motors will go, the company is fighting to preserve its most adored models - one way or another. In the case of the Camaro, the car will live on within GM as a 'core model' says CEO Fritz Henderson. The Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky roadster duos may yet see more action, though in a different way.

    The Camaro is an iconic nameplate for Chevrolet and the car itself is a 'core model' in addition to its halo vehicle status - or at least that's what Fritz Henderson thinks. “I think the Camaro is a wonderful halo vehicle for Chevrolet, but it can also be a core model,”... Though bankruptcy is looking more and more like the way General Motors will go, the company is fighting to preserve its most adored models - one way or another. In the case of the Camaro, the car will live on within GM as a 'core model' says CEO Fritz Henderson. The Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky roadster duos may yet see more action, though in a different way. The Camaro is an iconic nameplate for Chevrolet and the car itself is a 'core model' in addition to its halo vehicle status - or at least that's what Fritz Henderson thinks. “I think the Camaro is a wonderful halo vehicle for Chevrolet, but it can also be a core model,” Henderson said. When most people think of 'core' model, they thinking of the Camry for Toyota, the Accord for Honda and the Maxima for Nissan - bread and butter sales vehicles. The Camaro does not fit that mold. But maybe it could, with the right price and packaging in a V6 option. Still, with its coupe body style and highly polarizing looks, it's not likely to fill the mass-market role of a true core model. But Camaro fans will be glad to hear the label applied to their baby, since it means the company is serious about keeping it alive. Two other cars GM is seriously fighting for are the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky. While Pontiac is already on life support - with the plug to be pulled soon - and Saturn is being shopped to potential buyers, AutoWeek is reporting that GM has said it would be willing to sell the Sky/Solstice plant and rights as a package to a buyer interested in just the two sports cars. That offers a potentially very attractive buy for a niche manufacturer or a company looking to add some sport to its lineup without acquiring all the bloat or confusion of the full Saturn or Pontiac brands. “If someone were to approach with a proposal that made good sense for our people, we’d be open to it,” said Henderson.2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe Read More

  • GM releases LNF Turbo Upgrade Kit for Solstice, Sky, HHR

    GM releases LNF Turbo Upgrade Kit for Solstice, Sky, HHR December 18th, 2008 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, December 18th, 2008 Kenneth Hall 3 Comments

    GM releases LNF Turbo Upgrade Kit for Solstice, Sky, HHR The 2.0L turbo engine internally known as the LNF has been one of GM's unsung heroes over the past several years. Lying at the heart of the Pontiac Solstice GXP, Saturn Sky Redline and HHR SS, the engine generates a very respectable 260hp and 260lb-ft of torque in factory trim.

    But GM's performance parts division decided that just wasn't enough, and through a combination of remapped engine calibration and upgraded MAP sensors, the LNF now puts out 290hp and 340lb-ft of torque in manual-transmission variants of the Sky Redline and Solstice GXP. Automatic versions are limited to 325lb-ft, and the HHR SS tops out at 315lb-ft.

    A penalty of... The 2.0L turbo engine internally known as the LNF has been one of GM's unsung heroes over the past several years. Lying at the heart of the Pontiac Solstice GXP, Saturn Sky Redline and HHR SS, the engine generates a very respectable 260hp and 260lb-ft of torque in factory trim. But GM's performance parts division decided that just wasn't enough, and through a combination of remapped engine calibration and upgraded MAP sensors, the LNF now puts out 290hp and 340lb-ft of torque in manual-transmission variants of the Sky Redline and Solstice GXP. Automatic versions are limited to 325lb-ft, and the HHR SS tops out at 315lb-ft. A penalty of upgrading to the higher output from the 2.0L mill is the requirement to use premium fuel. However, the good news is that the kit is 50-state emissions legal and the kit won't void your warranty. The most enticing aspect of the $650 kit for some, however, is the enabling of the ECU's 'learning' feature, which enables the computer to adapt to and benefit from basic bolt-on mods such as intakes and exhausts. That opens up a whole new world of tuning potential for the LNF cars, as well as packing a huge performance punch for a relatively small price tag. The final benefit of the kit is a slightly raised rev-limit - now 6,500rpm, up 200rpm from stock. Those with a keen memory will recall the GM Performance Parts enhanced Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe (pictured) shown off back in November at the SEMA auto show. That car boasted the same Stage 2 upgrade kit, plus some other mods to show what is possible. To revisit that car, read our original coverage here.2009 Solstice Coupe Read More

  • Breckland updates Beira V8-powered Kappa roadster

    Breckland updates Beira V8-powered Kappa roadster November 18th, 2008 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, November 18th, 2008 Nelson Ireson 0 Comments

    Breckland updates Beira V8-powered Kappa roadster General Motors' Kappa platform has been widely praised for its performance characteristics (if also found somewhat lacking in ergonomics), so its choice as the basis of a custom V8-swap is in many ways unsurprising. It is, however, sure to be inspiring with a 400hp Corvette engine under the hood of the 3,100lb (1,400kg) roadster.

    Breckland's Beira V8    , as the car is called, was revealed earlier this year, but now serial sales of the heavily modified sports car are beginning to get underway. A few changes to the car's design have been made in the interim, reports Sweden's Auto Motor & Sport, including an updated front fascia, with widened and... General Motors' Kappa platform has been widely praised for its performance characteristics (if also found somewhat lacking in ergonomics), so its choice as the basis of a custom V8-swap is in many ways unsurprising. It is, however, sure to be inspiring with a 400hp Corvette engine under the hood of the 3,100lb (1,400kg) roadster. Breckland's Beira V8, as the car is called, was revealed earlier this year, but now serial sales of the heavily modified sports car are beginning to get underway. A few changes to the car's design have been made in the interim, reports Sweden's Auto Motor & Sport, including an updated front fascia, with widened and more aggressive air scoops to feed cooling and power to the 6.0L LS2 engine under its hood. With its excellent power-to-weight ratio, the car's builders promise a 0-62mph (100km/h) sprint time of under 5 seconds and a top speed of 155mph (250km/h) - electronically limited, of course. One of the more unique elements of the Beira's design is that it's engineered to run on both liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and petrol, offering flexibility in the face of volatile fuel costs as well as a range of up to 700mi (1,125km). To handle the power and increase load placed on the car, the suspension has been re-engineered with upgraded springs, dampers and bushings, plus stiffer anti-roll bars at each end. Sales of the redesigned car are expected to start this month, and the first left-hand drive models for export outside the UK will also begin production. The price of the car at its unveiling at the London Motor Show in June was targeted for £55,000, which equates to about $82,500 at today's exchange rates. For more about the Breckland Beira V8, read our original coverage here.Kappa-based Breckland Beira V8 roadsterBreckland Beira V8 Kappa platform roadster facelift Read More

  • GM Performance Parts enhanced Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe

    GM Performance Parts enhanced Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe November 1st, 2008 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, November 1st, 2008 Ralph Hanson 3 Comments

    GM Performance Parts enhanced Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe Not much has been heard about Pontiac’s new Solstice Coupe since it was unveiled back in March at the New York Auto Show, but the car is set to make headlines again, this time at the upcoming SEMA Auto Show. A new concept version of the Coupe fitted with an assortment of accessories from GM Performance Parts will be on show at the Las Vegas event, and if it proves popular the same specifications of the concept could be offered as a factory-backed performance package.

    Like the Solstice Roadster, the new GXP Coupe is powered by a 260hp (194kW) 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec engine. The Coupe Concept, however, has been fitted with GM... Not much has been heard about Pontiac’s new Solstice Coupe since it was unveiled back in March at the New York Auto Show, but the car is set to make headlines again, this time at the upcoming SEMA Auto Show. A new concept version of the Coupe fitted with an assortment of accessories from GM Performance Parts will be on show at the Las Vegas event, and if it proves popular the same specifications of the concept could be offered as a factory-backed performance package. Like the Solstice Roadster, the new GXP Coupe is powered by a 260hp (194kW) 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec engine. The Coupe Concept, however, has been fitted with GM Performance Parts’ Stage 2 upgrade, which comes with a new intake kit that boosts power to around 290hp (216kW). The concept also features a high-flow cat-back exhaust system and race-tune suspension riding on standard 18in alloy wheels. The exterior of the car has been finished in Olympic White trim with a Hydro Blue racing stripe. Inside, there’s more blue accents used on the leather stitching for the seats, as well as racing-style pedal covers, and an iPod interface for the stereo. Pontiac will also showcase its Pontiac G8 GXP saloon fitted with a new 7.4L LSX454 V8 crate engine, which you can read about by clicking here.2009 Solstice CoupePontiac Concepts at SEMA 2008 Read More

  • Pontiac G8 to be cut after single product cycle?

    Pontiac G8 to be cut after single product cycle? October 23rd, 2008 ByJames Martinez James Martinez, Author, October 23rd, 2008 James Martinez 10 Comments

    Pontiac G8 to be cut after single product cycle? Rumors surrounding the uncertain future of Pontiac have begun to step up intensity despite a revamped product lineup and a sporty new direction. Cars like the Solstice roadster and G8 saloon have ignited interest in the brand but there is mounting speculation that both these models could be axed after their current product cycles come to an end.

    We recently reported that General Motors was likely to drop its Kappa RWD platform used in the Solstice because of its relatively high expense. Now, Edmunds claims that the Zeta-based G8 will likely be dropped from GM’s portfolio as well. The car it is based on, the Australian market VE... Rumors surrounding the uncertain future of Pontiac have begun to step up intensity despite a revamped product lineup and a sporty new direction. Cars like the Solstice roadster and G8 saloon have ignited interest in the brand but there is mounting speculation that both these models could be axed after their current product cycles come to an end. We recently reported that General Motors was likely to drop its Kappa RWD platform used in the Solstice because of its relatively high expense. Now, Edmunds claims that the Zeta-based G8 will likely be dropped from GM’s portfolio as well. The car it is based on, the Australian market VE Commodore is set to be extensively updated in about five years time and according to the report there are no plans to bring the updated car to North America. This will leave Pontiac with zero RWD models, bringing to an end the dream of GM product planner and vice chairman Bob Lutz to make Pontiac America’s BMW. The main factors behind the decision are said to be impending CAFE regulations, limited corporate resources, and a new strategy within GM to drastically shrink its current portfolio by eliminating low-profit models. The mid-size G6 won’t move to a RWD structure as previously speculated either. Limited funding for development means the new model will likely be based on the Chevy Malibu. Meanwhile, the smaller end of the Pontiac lineup will continue to be front-drive and shared with the rest of GM, leaving little reason for the brand to exist.Pontiac G8 Read More

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