The exterior styling of the production Solstice is similar to that of the 2002 Solstice concept[4] that preceded it. Production of the Solstice was to be running before summer 2005, but delays at the Wilmington plant pushed volume production to the fourth quarter.[5] The new hardtop targa top 2009 model was announced in mid-2008.[6] The Solstice uses the GM Kappa platform, which also underpins the Saturn Sky, Opel GT, and Daewoo G2X. It was the brand's first two-seater since the Pontiac Fiero was discontinued in 1988.
History
Pontiac Solstice concept
The Pontiac Solstice would debut as a concept first in 2002. Initially, it was to be equipped with a 2.2L Ecotec I4 paired with a supercharger for an output of 240 horsepower (180kW), as well as a Corvette Borg-Warner 6-speed. It would be compared to the Dodge Viper and Plymouth Prowler on its employment of retro styling, a choice further encouraged by Lutz having "empowered designers to take the lead, prioritizing their vision over that of engineers, analysts, and economists" in regards to the Solstice's styling.[7]
Post-concept Solstice
GM's Vice Chairman Bob Lutz provided the spark for the Solstice, allocating resources to develop the General Motors Kappa platform in hopes of creating an affordable sports car, with a target price tag of $20,000.[8] In 2005, the Solstice entered production "at a rate of just seven cars per hour in mid-2005" in Wilmington, Delaware's GM production facility despite plans to close the facility the year prior.[9]
Upon its release, the Solstice garnered far more attention than initially expected, leaving GM with nearly double the amount of orders as expected production-ready cars in 2005 with 7,000 expected to be produced and 13,000 orders placed.[10]
Early in the Saturn brand's history, talk of a convertible 2-door had arisen.[13] As early as 1992, some foundations of ideas had been laid out,[14] but it would not be until 2002 that a genuine convertible concept would be made, at least in any public and official capacity. The actual Sky would draw far more inspiration from the Saturn Curve concept of 2004 and the Pontiac Solstice concept of 2002.
The Opel Speedster was heavily influential on the body styling of the production Sky.The Sky concept of 2002 was much different from the final product, featuring a 2+2 layout and supercharged engine.
The 2002 auto show Sky featured four doors-- two suicide doors behind the front two, following in Saturn tradition. It was to feature a rear light bar, a 2+2 seating arrangement, and a significantly more bulbous exterior, one very far removed from the rather sharp and small-profiled Sky that actually released. It was to be powered by a front-wheel-drive 2.2L supercharged Ecotec 4-cylinder, making 180 horsepower (130kW) and 190 pound-feet (260N⋅m) of torque. It was intended to be only about three-quarters the weight of the production Sky while maintaining the spaceframe design motif from the S-Series line.[15]
The Saturn Curve featured linework that would eventually make its way onto the body of the Saturn Sky.
The Opel Speedster was also a big influence on the Sky, as many of the body lines and styling cues were used to forge the groundwork for the Sky's overall design.[16]
Post-concept Sky
The Saturn Sky would, upon release, differ greatly from the initial concept. The "Sky" moniker was kept regardless, and Sky was transitioned to act as a softer, more luxurious Solstice, as backed both by its higher price and its softer suspension, rather than a direct, original vehicle.[17]
The Sky never sold as well as the Solstice, only peaking at 11,263 units being sold in 2007.[18] Despite this, the Sky tended to be looked upon slightly more favorably, critically speaking, as it had a more "muscular" look than the "doughy" Solstice.[19] Both still received praise for their looks, though the Sky was deemed the more "edgy" of the two. Both took on Corvette comparisons for their similarly-designed platform infrastructure, such as hydroformedframe rails. Both also shared being the first GM vehicles with adjustable rear caster.[20]
Solstice GXP
2008 Pontiac Solstice GXP Convertible in "Mean" Yellow.
The GXP version of the Solstice debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006.[21] Although heavier than the base model,[22] it made much more power and torque with a new 2.0liter (121.9cu in) I4 Ecotec engine equipped with a dual-scroll turbocharger. The engine's output is 260hp (194kW) and 260lb⋅ft (353N⋅m). This was the highest specific output of any engine by cubic inches in the history of General Motors in North America (2.1hp or 1.6kW per cubic inch) and had the first dual-cam VVT system on an Ecotec motor. According to Car and Driver, the GXP targa accelerates from 0 to 60mph (97km/h) in 5.2 seconds, while the soft top GXP did so in 5.6 seconds.[23]
A Red Line model of the Sky was introduced on April 11, 2006 at the New York Auto Show. It uses the same
2009 Saturn Sky in Midnight Blue.
260hp (194kW)turbocharged Ecotec engine as the Pontiac Solstice, as well as the same standard 5-speed Aisin manual transmission. An automatic transmission is optional.
The Red Line had a standard torque-sensing limited-slip differential, standard StabiliTrak stability control, and an enhanced sport suspension over the standard Sky (available as a dealer-add on for regular models). Other exterior enhancements included dual tip exhausts, 18-inch wheels, and a specific front fascia modeled for the Red Line. On the inside, the Red Line had a special leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, special embroidery on the seats and floor mats, metallic door sill covers and stainless steel pedals, special tachometer and gauges, and a digital boost gauge in the Driver Information Center. The Red Line model started shipping in the third quarter of 2006, with a retail price starting at $29,795. 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line specifications:[24][25]
Red Line models and models with the GMPP Stage 1 adjustment have no difference on the exterior. The only differences can be seen in an increased turbo boost pressure limit in the DIC on the dashboard and different MAP sensors under the hood.
An available dealer installed option from 2008 onwards was a modified computer tune and two new sensors that resulted in an increased output to 290hp (216kW) and 340lb⋅ft (461N⋅m) on manual transmission models and 290hp (216kW) and 325lb⋅ft (441N⋅m) on automatic transmission models, further enhancing the performance of GXP and Red Line model cars.[26]
A targa coupe version of the Solstice was unveiled at the 2008 New York Auto Show. Engine choices were the same as the convertible versions. The roof can be removed, but the hard roof cannot be fitted into the trunk. An optional cloth top was available, which can be fitted into the trunk. This option would never be offered for any of the other Kappa variants, which were all exclusively soft-tops.
The car went on sale in early 2009.[6] The Pontiac Solstice coupes are considered to be quite rare: There were a total of 1,266 Solstice coupes that were able to be manufactured before the production line in Wilmington, Delaware, was shut down: 102 pre-production 2009 models, 1,152 sequential vin regular production 2009 models, and 12 pre-production 2010 models. This is in contrast to over 64,000 of the Pontiac Solstice convertibles that were manufactured.
Demise
Following the 2008 economic recession, GM discontinued the Pontiac and Saturn divisions in compliance with their bailout deal with the U.S. government.[28] This is in spite of Lutz's harsh opposition to killing Pontiac (although Saturn was not necessarily as difficult of a loss in his eyes), which turned into a matter of pragmatism, citing poor buyer enthusiasm and longtime unprofitability for its closure.[29] In April 2009, after GM announced the discontinuation of the Pontiac brand by the end of 2010, CEO Fritz Henderson stated that the Solstice would not continue under another GM brand.[30] Although they considered selling the Wilmington plant and the Solstice/Sky products to an outside business,[31] the Wilmington assembly plant closed in July 2009, ending production but allowing for a few 2009-produced Solstice and Sky models marked as 2010 models to be produced and sold.[32] In October 2009, the new DeLorean Motor Company expressed interest in continuing production of the Solstice, going so far as to release concept artwork for a 2011 DeLorean Solstice. These plans were shelved shortly thereafter, when Fisker Automotive instead acquired the Wilmington Assembly where the Solstice was produced.[33]
The Saturn Sky was Saturn's rebadge of the Solstice, and was initially released in the first quarter of 2006 as a 2007 model. It uses the Kappa automobile platform alongside the Solstice. The Sky concept was shown at the 2005 North American International Auto Show, with the production version following at the 2006 show. It was built at GM's Wilmington Assembly plant in Wilmington, Delaware, alongside the Solstice. The Sky featured 18-inch wheels and a 2.4L (146cuin)Ecotec LE5inline-four engine with direct injection and variable valve timing that produced 177hp (132kW), a new 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injected inline-four engine also featuring VVT that made 260hp (194kW) and 260lb⋅ft (353N⋅m). An optional dealer-installed MAP sensor and ECM flash upgrade kit was also available for the Red Line model from 2008 onwards.[a] Both five-speed manual and automatic transmissions were available.
The styling for the Sky, penned by Franz von Holzhausen, was based on the Opel Speedster's design. It was available in some European markets as the Opel GT. A rebadged version named the Daewoo G2X was unveiled as a concept vehicle for the South Korean market in 2006, then released for sale in September 2007. The price of the G2X was nearly double the price of the Sky and Solstice as sold in the United States, likely due to tariffs and cost of shipping from the Wilmington plant.[40]
The Wilmington Assembly plant closed in July 2009, ending production as both the Pontiac and Saturn nameplates were retired.[41]
Interior of a 2006 Pontiac Solstice.A Pontiac Solstice Interior.Saturn Sky Red Line interior.The Solstice, sporting a flatter, simpler spoiler.2007 Pontiac Solstice.The Solstice, sporting an exclusive targa top.
Interior
Whereas the Solstice's interior created a cluster of functions in a rightwards motion stemming from the steering wheel, the Sky's interior favored a more thinly-spread, traditional layout of buttons placed all across the vehicle. The Sky featured one fewer hand-hold than the Solstice, instead placing the vehicle's electrical socket nearby the lost appendage. The vehicles had differing shifters, gauges, air vents, power window/mirror/lock control placements, and different placements of the passenger airbag notifier in addition to the dissimilar button placements.
The Sky was marketed as being more luxurious than the Solstice, offering power windows, traction control, cruise control, keyless entry, leather steering wheel wrap, fog lights, StabiliTrak, and a limited-slip differential as standard equipment — all optional on the Solstice.[43][44]
Both the Solstice and the Sky shared their platform, engine, and transmission, as well as numerous other parts from other General Motors models.
The Saturn Sky exhibited slightly different badge positioning and nomenclature to the Solstice, opting for no front quarter panel badging (which was atypical for the brand at the time of the vehicle's release, though more common in later vehicles), a badge mounted to the front fascia, rear badges reading "SKY" and "TURBO" with no mention of the brand's name, only the Red Line badge preceding "SKY" on the left and the Saturn badge in the center beneath the third brake light.
The rear of a Sky, with taller wing.
The optional spoilers for both were mounted and shaped unlike one another, with the Sky's being taller and more pronounced, giving a more stereotypically muscular appearance to the Sky's back end, whereas the Solstice received a more evolved, simplified appearance in the rear. The Sky had an alternate rear fascia to the Solstice, showing a lower singular reverse light and smoother texture. The side brake lights had chrome outlines and the third brake light was colored white instead of red. Exhaust tips were also different, as the Sky's were square instead of circular.
While both the Sky and Solstice were offered as drop-top convertibles, the Solstice was offered with an available targa top, which was not used for the production run of the Sky.
Technology
The sharing of technology and various components is a common practice among automakers, resulting in reduced parts costs. The Solstice shares major components with nearly every GM division:
Daewoo had already shown a version of the Opel Speedster called the Daewoo Speedster, but this remained a one-off. In 2006, they showed a show car called the Daewoo G2X; simply a rebadge of the Saturn Sky. In September 2007 it was available for Purchase in the South Korean market. Some sources would erroneously claim the G2X featured a V4 engine configuration, which is untrue, as the G2X came with the same LNF engine as the Pontiac Solstice GXP, Saturn Sky Red Line, and Opel GT.[53] It remained on sale until early 2009 and 179 examples were delivered in total.[54] Similarly to the Opel GT, the South Korean G2X was only offered with the turbocharged 264PS (194kW)LNF engine from the Sky Red Line, combined with the five-speed automatic transmission.[55]
Carbon Flash Special Edition Saturn Sky
For the 2008 model year, GM offered the Carbon Flash Special Edition Saturn Sky. Unlike the two Limited Edition models launched later in 2009, its production was slightly higher at 550 units.[56] The Carbon Flash Special Edition featured a unique metallic Carbon Flash paint color, removable silver racing stripe standard, and Monsoon premium audio standard. The largest differentiator, however, is Carbon Flash Edition's silver inserts in the interior seating and steering wheel that provide a black-on-silver appearance.
Ruby Red Special Edition and Hydro Blue Limited Edition
For the 2009 model year, GM launched two limited-edition Saturn Sky roadsters jointly; Ruby Red Special Edition and Hydro Blue Limited Edition. Both are VIN-coded[57] and some blue books track it as a limited-edition vehicle. All limited editions featured Monsoon premium stereos.
The Ruby Red Edition featured the Ruby Red color and a unique, removable carbon racing stripe that was exclusive to the 500 Sky units produced in this trim.
The Hydro Blue Edition featured a Hydro Blue color, as well as matching blue-colored stitching in the seats and gear shifter. Also, the word Sky stitched into the seats is changed to matching-blue color as well. All Hydro Blue Edition Saturn Sky units were sold with the removable silver racing stripe.
GM had planned to make 500 Hydro Blue units to match the 500 Ruby Red Special Edition Sky build count. However, Hydro Blue units were being built as GM was declaring bankruptcy, resulting in the immediate termination of the Kappa platform. As such, only 89 Hydro Blue Edition Saturn Sky roadsters were built.[58]
The Hydro Blue paint color (and seat/shifter blue stitching) was offered on the Pontiac Solstice. However, it is not VIN coded as a unique/limited edition, racing stripes were not standard, and seats do not have blue-colored lettering. Hydro Blue is the rarest color in all three vehicles; Sky Roadster, Solstice Roadster, and Solstice Coupe.
Concepts
Weekend Club Racer concept
The custom Pontiac Solstice that represents Jazz's alternate mode at the General Motors at the 2007 Detroit River Walk.
Built by GM Performance Division, this special Solstice features a removable hardtop, an aggressive body kit, and an oversized spoiler. It featured a turbo I4 engine rated at 325hp (242kW), 18-inch wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 255/45ZR18 tires, a cat-back performance exhaust system, a T-2 race suspension package, and larger diameter disc brakes. The car was unveiled at the 2005 SEMA Show.[59] This vehicle is featured as Jazz in the 2007 film Transformers.
GXP-R concept
The GXP-R concept is a modified GXP with an engine rated 300hp (224kW) and 315lb⋅ft (427N⋅m) of torque. It includes an SSBC Performance Brake Package and 19-inch x 8.5-inch wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 245/40ZR19 tires.
The SD-290 race concept is a single-seat Solstice GXP with engine rated 290hp (216kW). Weight is reduced by installing driver-side only windscreen and elimination of door glass/hardware, convertible top/hardware, HVAC system and wiper system. It includes Solo Performance cat-back exhaust system, KW Automotive coil-over suspension package, 6-piston aluminum calipers with 13-inch (330mm) rotors from Stainless Steel Brake Company, forged 19-inch wheels with Hoosier R6 racing tire, rear spoiler, removable racing-style steering wheel, racing seat with four-point safety harness, chrome fire extinguisher, Pegasus center console gauge package, and a driver's roll bar.
The Pontiac Solstice Coupe at the 2009 North American International Auto Show.
The Solstice GXP Coupe concept is based on the GXP coupe. It is equipped with a GM Performance Parts Stage 2 performance kit and a performance air intake kit, which boosts engine power to about 290hp (216kW). The car also includes a GM Performance Parts cat-back exhaust system and race-ready suspension kit, polished factory wheels. The first version of the Coupe Concept was a metallic orange.
Ryan Tuerck used to drive a Mobil 1 Pontiac Solstice fielded by Gardella Racing. Ryan Tuerck won the 2008 Formula Drift Driver of the Year award and finished 2nd in points for the 2009 season.[63] The Pontiac Solstice Tuerck drove has over 500 hp and built off the stock LSJ engine found in the 2004-2007 Saturn Ion Red Line and 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt SS.
SCCA Club Racing 2006 National Championship Runoffs the Pontiac Solstice placed first place in Showroom Stock B (SSB).[64]
SCCA Club Racing 2007 National Championship Runoffs the Pontiac Solstice (two base, one GXP) placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in Touring 2 (T2) and the Pontiac Solstice placed first in Showroom Stock B (SSB).[65]
SCCA Club Racing 2008 National Championship the Pontiac Solstice GXP placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in Touring 2 (T2).[66]
↑ It would raise the power to 290hp (216kW), with manual transmission models outputting 340lb⋅ft (461N⋅m) of torque and automatic transmission models outputting 325lb⋅ft (441N⋅m) of torque.
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