Technobabble

Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe: Hello & Goodbye

Posted by on Jul 21, 2009 | 5 Comments

The 2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe marks a beginning and an end. With a limited production run (reports vary from 1100 to 2000), this hardtop version of GM’s two-seat convertible sports car has been granted instant collectible status. Graced with what just might be the most gorgeous roof line and rear end to ever appear on a GM car, the Solstice Coupe is more than just easy on the eyes. And it’s an eye opener when it comes to straight line performance and fuel economy (two things that rarely found in the same vehicle).

But it’s not perfect, by any means.

Earlier this month, I traded some thoughts with Ron Scherone in response to his post that lampooned GM’s decision to produce a number of niche models. When it came to the Solstice Coupe, Ron asked “Only building 1100? Why even bother building it?”

Spend a few minutes soaking in the design and you’ll begin to understand why. Spend a bit of time behind the wheel, and you’ll really get it. I put the little critter to a week-test and despite my initial scepticism, soon became a believer. There’s no denying that the interior leaves room for improvement, that the cargo space is nearly non-existent, and that the rearward visibility is a poke in the eye.

Stomp on the accelerator pedal and you’ll be rewarded with a rush of acceleration from the 2.0-liter spark-ignition direct-injected turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with a level of velocity that seems impossible given the car’s real-world gas mileage results.

Production of this car may have ended for good, but the engine technology will find its way into other models.

Reference: Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe Review

  • JRL@SFO.USA

    I think this car’s a case study in “Why did Pontiac Die?”

    Great idea, flashy exterior, and the beginning of a great product. However, it made too many errors in metal, instead of making those mistakes on computer screens, whiteboards or paper. Not sure what’ll happen when we build it, but slap it together, and get it out there to sell, Sell, SELL!!

    We’ll fix the problems if/WHEN they arise, and let the customers pay for the problems. Unless they scream loudly enough that we’ll have to do a warranty thingy-fixy-phooy. If we have to. Except for the designed-in problems that can’t be fixed.

    Sigh. Why doesn’t anybody buy our cars?

  • Vlad b

    To the commenter above me: what are you talking about??? What mistakes im metal? you have obviously never driven the car. That turbo engine gets around 320 hp and 350lb feet of torque, combine that with a curb weight of 2990 lbs and you get stupid fast acceleration at extremly low points in the rpm curve. Perfect 50/50 weight distribution gives amazimg handli ng. The only reason some magazines gave it less tham amazing reviews was because the tires That the car somes with are garbage. When you want to bash a product,give concrete examples and not just ambigous mumbling.

  • Vlad b

    To the commenter above me: what are you talking about??? What mistakes im metal? you have obviously never driven the car. That turbo engine gets around 320 hp and 350lb feet of torque, with an 800 dollar modification. Combine that with a curb weight of 2990 lbs and you get stupid fast acceleration at extremly low points in the rpm curve. Perfect 50/50 weight distribution gives amazimg handli ng. The only reason some magazines gave it less tham amazing reviews was because the tires That the car somes with are garbage. When you want to bash a product,give concrete examples and not just ambigous mumbling.

  • http://my.opera.com/geekgirlfri/blog/ Melinda P

    This article could use an update – as of today (9/10), people are still posting complaints to the Starbucks website (first link above). Store employees in multiple locations don’t know about it, Starbucks’ own customer service doesn’t seem to either! Those that have found cards can’t use them, even on newly updated devices.

    Is this a case of a promotion meant for slow integration being over-hyped, or a complete lack of organization on Starbucks’ part?

  • http://stephen.zreomusic.com Stephen J. Weber

    I haven’t actually opened the app yet, but I’ve already snagged both apps they’ve offered (Shazam Encore was the first). Definitely liking the new offerings.