Pontiac Solstice

Pontiac Solstice
Overview
ManufacturerGeneral Motors
Production2005–2010 (65,724 produced)
Model years2006–2010
AssemblyWilmington, Delaware (Wilmington Assembly)
Designer
Body and chassis
ClassSports car
Body style
LayoutFR layout
PlatformGM Kappa platform
GMX020 (roadster)
GMX627 (coupe)
Related
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,416 mm (95.1 in)
Length3,993 mm (157.2 in)
Width1,811 mm (71.3 in)
Height1,276 mm (50.2 in)
1,293 mm (50.9 in) (coupe)
Curb weight1,305 kg (2,877 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorPontiac Fiero

The Pontiac Solstice is a sports car that was produced by Pontiac from 2005 to 2010. Introduced at the 2004 North American International Auto Show, the Solstice roadster began production in Wilmington, Delaware,[2] starting in mid-2005 for the 2006 model year. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.4 L I4 engine, producing 177 hp (132 kW) and 166 lb⋅ft (225 N⋅m) of torque.[3] 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.

The Solstice was nominated for the North American Car of the Year award and Design of the Year award from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) for 2006. It was a runaway hit for Pontiac, with 7,000 orders in the first 10 days of availability and 6,000 more orders before winter. Although first-year production was planned at 7,000, GM apologized to customers for delays and increased production, delivering 10,000 by March 1.

Interior of a 2006 Pontiac Solstice

Following the 2008 economic recession, GM discontinued the Pontiac division. Production ended with the closure of the Wilmington Assembly plant in July 2009.

  1. ^ "What a Concept : Solstice gives Pontiac—and GM—a much needed shot in the arm". AutoWeek. Roger Hart. August 28, 2005. Retrieved August 28, 2005.
  2. ^ "GM to produce Pontiac Solstice at Wilmington, Delaware assembly plant". CanadianDriver Communications, Inc. January 4, 2004. Archived from the original on April 16, 2012. Retrieved January 11, 2004.
  3. ^ Kichen, Steve. "2006 Pontiac Solstice". Forbes. Retrieved February 14, 2018.
  4. ^ "2002 Pontiac Solstice Roadster Concept - Images, Specifications and Information". Ultimatecarpage.com. August 26, 2002. Retrieved April 28, 2009.
  5. ^ Stein, Jason (April 25, 2005). "See you in September: Production snafus may delay launch of Pontiac Solstice roadster until fall". AutoWeek. Archived from the original on October 14, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2009.
  6. ^ Abuelsamid, Sam (March 19, 2008). "New York '08 Preview: 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe puts up a targa top". Autoblog.com. Retrieved April 28, 2009.