There is a picture on some internet sites showing a yellow :P Saturn Sky in front of GM employee's house with the automatic. Maybe GM has not come up with a price for it yet.
Makes a lot of sense. Always best to think of the simplest reason rather than getting to complicated. (I tend to be guilty of the latter more often than not!)
Dual-scroll means that the exhaust manifold and turbine housing have two pathways for exhaust to flow. This allows the exhaust gases from the two cylinders that fire won't be mixed with the other two that aren't fired.
You can see the split in the turbine housing below.
AAGGGHHH! Another yellow Kappa Car :P Maybe that is how GM intends to address the free for all got to have it charge it is just getting under control now with the base Solstice.
Seriously though, the GXP sounds like it will be quite a car. If GM holds at the 4 to 5k over base, this will be a pretty serious machine at a pretty fair price.
my comparison is simply based on sitting in both models with my wife...and driving both models..in my perception..the solstice was a better fit for us interior space wise....in the miata I was rubbing against her shoulder as we both sat forward...and could reach over and easily touching her door ...I couldnt do either in the solstice,,legroom was a wash between both models.....I would ask have you sat in both cars and compared the space????..paper measurements are fine..but it isnt until you physically sit in both that you notice the difference..
granted there is a trunk in the MX-5...but the "trunk" in the solstice is workable as well..I can get two soft sided small to med duffels in the "trunk without a problem..with the top up or down for a long weekend..
performance wise I give the nod to MX-5....but again..Im not an autocross/road race person...so the Solstice has plenty of power for us.........again...all a personal choice....and remember...Mazda has had over 10 years to work the kinks out of its MX-5/Miata..
the first time a dealer can order an automatic against their dealership allocation and submit it into the Vehicle Order Management system for an auto solstice is 9 Jan.....production should begin with the dealership third four month allocation...what you need to ask the dealer is where you stand on his priority list...and what are his allocation for the third cycle.....for reference..also ask him how many cars he was allocation for the first and second cycles..that will give you an indication of how many cars the dealership is getting in every four months or so.......as soon as he places an order..get a copy of it to include your VOMS number...should be a six digit number of letters and numbers......
thanks pao for the help and info - i'll talk to the dealer Mon the 9th. i ordered it from a high volume dealer - he had told me that he receives a large allocation. when i talked to him last, he said we'll hopefully get it in the April timeframe. since he hasn't ordered it yet, i'm going to add an option that wasn't available back in August - the premium acoustic headliner.
the headliner..was introduced to allow OnStar to work....not a real requirement and dont know how much added benefit it will give you...it has also been a constrained item for the last few production cycles..so watch that..it may hold up the build of the car....
pin the dealer down..ask him how many third four month allocations he has....the sales or inventory control manager should know..not necessarily the salesman...also ask where are you in their priority list...remember you may have folks already ahead of you who want dont want the auto trans...and you all are in line for the same dealership allocations.....also get you VOMS (Vehicle Order Management System #)...that is the number assigned to your order when the dealer officially places the order in the GM system....also make sure it places the order as a "SOLD" order and not one for dealer stock...as that will price protect you as well.....should GM decide to increase the price of any options.....good luck..and stay on that dealer......for updates....once in the system..he can give you an update every Fri....the VOEH..vehicle order event history list.......GRIN....
saw it from behind - looked great. I think the rear view is better than the side view. Has an agressive stance from behind.
This one was in commute traffic on my commute and it exited at my exit, so I have a good chance of seeing it in the future and asking the owner if he is liking it.
PONTIAC REVEALS SOLSTICE GXP PERFORMANCE VARIANT AT 2006 LA AUTO SHOW From its 2002 auto show introduction to an early-order program that sold 1,000 cars in 41 minutes, the Pontiac Solstice has always invoked a passionate response from customers. Now, Pontiac is taking the vehicle’s combination of sensuous styling and driving exhilaration to a new level with the announcement of the turbocharged 2007 Solstice GXP.
“Creating a GXP performance edition of the Solstice is a natural extension of the capabilities of this car,” said John Larson, Pontiac general manager. “On its own, the base Solstice offers all of the qualities one would expect from a classic roadster – style, crisp handling, and spirited performance. The Solstice GXP takes that pure roadster DNA and pushes it to a new level, with a 47 percent boost in horsepower and other enhancements for a more thrilling driving experience.”
The heart of the Solstice GXP is the Ecotec 2.0-liter turbo engine, GM’s first direct injection offering in North America . It produces 260 horsepower (194 kw) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 Nm),* making it GM’s highest specific output engine ever, at 2.1 horsepower per cubic inch of displacement (130 hp / 97 kw per liter), and the most powerful production engine in the Ecotec family.
A dual-scroll turbocharger with a lightweight turbine provides nearly instant power, and an air-to-air intercooling system boosts the turbo’s performance by reducing inlet temperatures. Dual cam phasing complements the turbocharging system by optimizing valve timing at lower rpm for best turbo response and quick access to engine torque.
Direct injection technology helps the Ecotec engine produce more power while maintaining the lower fuel consumption of a small displacement port-injected engine.
With direct injection, fuel is delivered directly to the combustion chamber to create a more complete burn of the air/fuel mixture. Less fuel is required to produce the equivalent horsepower, especially at normal cruising speeds, of a conventional port-injection combustion system.
The GXP’s high-performance Ecotec turbo engine is connected to a standard five-speed manual gearbox, or an optional five-speed automotive transmission. Either transmission can propel the car from zero-to 60 mph in under 5.5 seconds.
As with other members of GXP family, the Solstice GXP provides a number of standard features not available on the base model, including:
Unique front and rear fascias High polish, dual-outlet exhaust StabiliTrak vehicle stability enhancement system 3.73 rear axle ratio Interior refinements including unique GXP gauge cluster and Cobalt Red seat stitching
The GXP also comes standard with a number of features available as options on the base model, including:
Sport suspension system Four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock Limited-slip rear differential Power window/locks/mirrors and remote keyless entry Leather-wrapped steering wheel with accessory controls and cruise control Driver information center 18-inch polished aluminum wheels
Additional options include a rear deck spoiler, leather seating, sport metallic pedals, chrome wheels, enhanced audio options, including XM Satellite Radio, and OnStar.
The 2007 Solstice GXP will be available in fall 2006. Pricing has not yet been established.
So add an easy to use top, a roll bar, and HP without turbo, and you would have an even better GXP. I would not want a turbo for back road carving. The current HP is more than enough for the task at hand. That is unless you need straight line racing power. Are these muscle cars, or sports cars? Any option for a trunk
Darn, Solstice only sold almost 3000 cars in December, with winter here in Michigan . At this rate they will sell 34,000 cars per year. Miata sold 1000. Maybe Miata should redo it's styling?
Any idea how many units have actually been delivered? Can they actually BUILD that many units/year?
BTW - not only is it winter in Michigan, I'm fairly certain it is also 'winter' throughout the rest of the northern hemisphere. :P However, much of the country enjoys convertible weather almost year round. Central/south Texas being one of those areas.
Any idea how many units have actually been delivered? Can they actually BUILD that many units/year?
Sold and delivered.
They have added capacity. Looks like they are building about 550 per week and that is about 26,000 per year. BUT, when the Saturn comes out Pontiac build volume will drop. Unless something bad happens it looks like the tools will be at capacity for a few years due to pent up demand.
I cannot find how many MX whatevers are being built. Oh yea they build all Mazda's somewhere else except for the 6's
BTW - not only is it winter in Michigan, I'm fairly certain it is also 'winter' throughout the rest of the northern hemisphere. However, much of the country enjoys convertible weather almost year round. Central/south Texas being one of those areas.
Yea, it was in the 50's here and sunny. Of course we have a summer here that you can live with. I have been to the "south" (Arizona) for a long period and it's unbearable in the summer. Good thing there is A/C!
pao - talked to the sales mgr the 7th. he said he had heard the first day for autos was the 9th. you were right the salesman seemed clueless. salesmgr said the accoustic headliner along with onstar was constrained. told him not to order it. he said he has delivered 14 cars since oct 1. he said he ordered one the first week of Dec and received it by the end of dec, customer cancelled order because his current lease wasn't up. there was one on the lot they were getting ready to deliver, we were able to sit in to see if I fit - did. wife really liked it. he said order will be for customer at sticker - not inventory. willl give me voms# and confirm price.
talked to mgr today - said system wouldn't allow them to order an auto this week. they order on a weekly basis - can start putting orders in for the week mon - the last day they can put an order in for the week is thur. he tried again today - thur - still couldn't put it in. said will try every mon and again on thurs and will give me a call. he said every week they put in orders for a term i believe he called a commitment - he always puts in for 6 but mostly gets 2 or three. sez i'm at the top of his list once he can put the order in.
Yes, Miata should come up with a new design. The best look to date is still the original Miata. The current design is the least appealing looks wise of the three generations. Performance wise it is said to be the best. Don't personally know if that is true or not. And what type of driving they are considering. The magazines seem to favor the Miata over the Solstice, but not by much. For most drivers, it won't matter.
I think the Solstice will sell well. And people will also go for the turbo versions - what ever lights their fire. Maybe they could drop a Civic Si engine in there :P The coolest Solstice will be the coupe, when or if it ever arrives. Nice a stiff, cost less, will have a trunk, protection for thy head, and good slick flowing look to her. Should be able to sell them for under $20K with air.
I doubt they will keep the price of the hardtop below the convertible. They cannot build enough so supply and demand will get the sticker price up. If only Lutz had not "requested" a car starting under $20K!! The convertible will outsell the hardtop version.
production is in the high 8000 for the vins right now..with over 5k delivered at this point...that was the Dec numbers that I last saw..they have orders for over 16K now.....with the auto trans beginning to order this week as well for those who care for it.....we like our 5spd
interesting the system wouldnt let him order it...but it maybe the auto option that is causing the issue...as long as he keeps trying that is good..the next question you need to ask him is what are his remaining allocations and where are you in that list.....just because he has delivered 14 doesnt mean he can keep that pace unless his allocations from GM remain constant...no reason they shouldnt...he sounds like a big dealership....so good luck...get that price confirmed at no higher than MSRP and the VOMS number.....good luck
According to you, Pontaic has sold AND DELIVERED the initial 10k pre-orders PLUS the 3k you're reporting for December? That's a minimum of 13k Solstii on the streets.
Yet pao indicates their VIN numbers are only up in the 8k range with only around 5k units actually delivered.
Regardless, it seems like it will be awhile before production catches up with demand. Good news for Pontiac.
BTW - it's not the 'MX whatever', it's the MX-5. Most refer to it as the "Miata". And as far as I'm concerned, they build EVERYTHING 'somewhere else' since there's no auto assmebly plants in Austin (although Toyota is building a huge plant relatively close by in San Antonio for Tundra production; not that this has any relevance to this discussion).
According to you, Pontaic has sold AND DELIVERED the initial 10k pre-orders PLUS the 3k you're reporting for December? That's a minimum of 13k Solstii on the streets.
Yet pao indicates their VIN numbers are only up in the 8k range with only around 5k units actually delivered.
Do not think I said the above? Did I really say sold and delivered the initial 10,000? If I did I was mistaken. Here is the data per Automotive News.
For the year they have sold and delivered 5445. In December they sold and delivered 2746. They are building about 545 cars per week and they built 9432 in 2005. so the Vins are above 10,000 now.
Where did I say they delivered 10,000 cars? OK, I went back and saw what happened. I copied someone elses statement to answer the "sold and delivered" question. They commented something about 10,000 units and I was really confirming my initial statement. Sorry for the confusion
S'okay. I think anytime we start bickering over VIN numbers/production numbers/sold numbers/delivered numbers it's a losing proposition since the numbers are constantly changing.
I was under the (apparently erroneous) impression that when you made the remark about 3k units sold in December alone, that this was IN ADDITION TO the 10k pre-sold units. And then when you made the statement about them ALL being delivered, I thought you meant that Pontiac had delivered 13k units.
But now you're saying that for the year they've built 9432 and delivered 5445?
Hmmm....interesting. If the factory built 9432 units in 2005, and they have sold and delivered to the final consumer 5445 units for 2005, then (theoretically) they had on the dealer lots or in transit to the dealers nearly 4k units. Is this right?
4k units with December sales of around 3k units indicates (to me anyway) better than a 1 month supply on the dealer lots. Can this be right or is my logic screwed up somewhere?
Per automotive News there are 2700 cars in inventory as of Dec 1 with a 56 day supply. However for a low volume new vehicle the day supply number is very fluid and not very accurate. 2700 is not very many since there are probably about that many dealers. And once the car is delivered to the dealer it takes a few days to have the customer buy it.
If a dealer on average is selling 1 car a month (lets say there are 2200 dealers) and there are 2200 in stock (1 per dealer). And if they can only build 2200 per month (Solstice capacity) then there will always be a 30 day supply!! You could have 100,000 people standing in line but the days supply will always be 30.
Agree with you. After I sent my last post, I realize it will always take 'x' amount of cars just to fill the pipeline. When I posted the thing about 'over a one month supply' it probably gave the impression of every dealer sitting around with a lot full of Solstii, which certainly is NOT the case.
Playing with the numbers gets real iffy when dealing with low volumes and a high number of dealers.
saw my third Bay Area (SF Peninsula) Solstice this morning - I still don't like the look from the rear with the top up. The rear window looks like something is amiss. And the nice lines on the rear deck disappear with the roof on. Have yet to see one with the roof down, but it IS winter and we have had a lot of rain and wet roads.
I wonder if the CHP is going to ticket folks for not having the front plate. The good looks of the front will really take a hit.
It always works that way. The hardtop cost less, and they always sell more of them. The convertible craze will also peak soon, and people realize it is not always what they expect it to be. I would assume people would prefer a trunk, and something over their head in a roll over, though I realize most never consider the obvious. They think their car is safe with a gazillion air bags, and anti-lock brakes, and stabili-trak and all that jazz. Let me assure you, all cars can become inverted.
Loren: no question MOST people will prefer a trunk, but I think GMM can find 10-20,000 people/year who want a roadster. Maybe it will be a one/two-year fad, instead of a real market. To me, I can't see the appeal of the coupe versus the convertible. But that is just me.
space is what you m ake it..yes the MX-5 has a larger trunk...but we got two large shopping bags of clothes..a box containing a crepe pan and a double boiler from Williams Sonoma...and one other smaller package in our solstice trunk.....as well as both our winter coats....so...trunk space is what you make of it....just our 2 cents worth....abeit with the top up..but I think I could have gotten the same in it..even with the top stowed....
Loren,,I just had to pass this along..since you are so sold on the MX-5 roll bar...not the last paragraph in the article...this was from a consumer affairs article..I also noted the corvette and the Lexus 430...have no roll bars either....along with the solstice
Federal regulators have decided against applying new roof strength rules to convertibles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has no plans to hold convertibles to the same roof-crush requirements as vehicles with fixed roofs.
While the proposed overhaul of the roof strength standards will require more robust roof supports for most hardtop vehicles, those requirements will not be imposed on the makers of convertibles, the agency decided, since convertibles don't have roofs.
NHTSA also has decided against convertible-specific rollover rules, such as roll bars.
Several automakers have added rollover safety equipment to their convertibles. Volkswagen, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, Volvo and Honda are on the list. Some of the automakers have also strengthened the A-pillars and windshield frames to withstand a rollover.
Roll bars come in two types, stationary roll bars and mechanically or electrically operated hoop-style roll bars that pop up when the system senses a potential rollover.
The roll bar systems are far from perfect but offer some modest protection in a nasty crash and are certainly better than nothing.
Nothing, however, is the choice of several automakers. The Toyota Solara, Chrysler Sebring, Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette, Pontiac Solstice and Lexus SC 430 have no roll bar protection.
The Nissan 350Z and Mazda MX-5 Miata offer roll bar hoops, but they are what racers call "style-hoops" and are not engineered to provide protection in a rollover.
Don't know what class of roll bar / style bar the new MX-5 has. I do know it doesn't have the back directional bracing, which is not a good thing. It appear that the hoops are welded down to the frame. Where did you hear about those being style hoops? If they are, it is a misstep on Mazda/Fords part. A new car manufacturer should never use style bars. While I would imagine it to be a roll bar, it is indeed possible it is only for style. I sold my Miata. It was a '96 with an Autopower roll bar. Those are the real deal.
I agree with German rule = roll bar. They go as far a legislating that we must accept an air bag in every car, yet nothing over the head. Strange, but there again there are a lot of strange things happening in Washington D.C.
I just had an opportunity to test drive a loaded out Solstice (no onstar). I wasn't especially impressed with anything, which is a real bummer since I've put $2k down on one. The transmission clunked and rattled and made all kinds of noises, and that was just shifting gears while standing still, and the wind noise, cripes. With the top up it started at 35-40 mph and got louder the faster I went. Has anyone else experienced this much noise with their Solstice? I know I'm whining but what gives with all the noises. :confuse: If they all make this much noise I might as well spend an extra 10k and buy a used Vette, it gets the same gas mileage and has more than twice the horsepower.
For those curious, they're said to be able to carry 2.7 times the car's weight (and the front header, 2 times). Given the lack of diagonal bracing and the sorta low safety factor, they're not good enough to be called roll bars. But they're something, at least.
The Solstice will sell more not just because of looks, but because a great many people feel more comfortable getting a Pontiac than a Mazda, and because it's a softer car that's probably better for most drivers. Mazda's sending more Miatas to Europe, where the Solstice's driving style doesn't match the drivers as well as the Miata (er, MX-5... it's always been called that there).
this was a consumer reports article I found...I also read a statement from a Miata spokesman on the roll bar issue as well but I cant find it again..he did state that it was a styling bar..and not meant to be a full protection bar...like you had installed on your car.......I will try to find that article again
the "clink" is a documented issue..GM is calling it drive train lash....it is common in the Cadlliac CTS as well...there is a aftermarket fix for the issue for the CTS...dont know if we will see one for the solstice......I havent really noticed it in ours.....except for a few times between first and second gear at low speeds or standing still....could be a meshing issue...not a mechanic here......as for the wind noise..there is a issue with the noise coming from behind the drivers ear to the lower rear on both sides...Pontiac is aware of the issue...and supposedly is looking a redesign of the window seal.......the parts are apparently out....ask your dealer about it...
bottomline if you arent comfortable with the car..get your $2k back.....appears you are looking for a more powerful car...since you refer to the vette and twice the horsepower....dont think the mileage will be the same...solstice owners are reporting after the break in period...with 2-3K on the motor..they are getting 30MPH on the highway...and 23-26 around town .....good luck
Most people are smart enough to know that a roadster like this will have little chance of tipping over. Few will worry about that unless they are racing it.
You won't say that once inverted. I often watch the CHP website which has the accidents listed as they occur. Here in California, the roll overs are frequent, and involved lots of various vehicles.
Rollovers in cars generally happen when falling off a shoulder. A deer gets in front of you and you swerve off the road and down a slope, or an errant car forces you into a ditch. Heck, I've heard first-hand accounts of cars on the freeway that somehow did a front flip onto their backs.
I don't think a lot of non-premium fixed-roof cars would save you in the worst of those either.
Thanks "pao" for the info. and you're right I would rather have a vette but it would cost $20k more to buy and with gas headed back towards $3 plus a gallon...yikes. I think I'll stick with the Solstice or perhaps I'll go completely into left field and get a G6 convertable.
During a recent trip I had a 4 hour layover in Detroit's airport. There is was in the GM shop. A shiny, oh-so-red Solstice. I all but dropped to my knees knowing I couldn't afford such an adorable sports car. But wait! The price tag must be wrong!
After learning that the price tag was correct, I contacted two Pontiac dealers in my area. Both said the same thing. I could look at it, touch it, smell the new car smell. I could even buy it! BUT, I would not be allowed to test drive it.
I offered that they might want to go ahead and pre-qualify me for it - to prove I wasn't just kicking the tires. No dice.
So - any of you Pontiac employees out there able to explain to me how it is that you expect me to come in, plink down $25K never having driven the car??
This is not a GM/Pontiac issue. It is a dealer issue. Auto manufacturers can neither tell dealers to allow tests or not to allow tests. The dealer owns the car. The dealer does what it wants. Auto manufacturers cannot own dealerships.
There is no GM/Pontiac policy against test driving Solstices. The dealer[s] (do you know for a fact the two dealers near you are under separate ownership?) do not want to let people test drive a hot car when they know others will buy it without testing, but will not pay as much if the miles start adding on.
If you really want to test one, and cannot find a decent dealer, then you should wait for the GM drive time which will start every year in the Spring. I am certain a Solstice, Sky, or both will be available.
Sigh..... yes, I know for a fact that the dealers are under separate ownership. In fact, they are not even letting the salespeople drive them.
And I reposted here because the moderator asked me to move the topic and closed the thread. But not before another posted commented on a similar experience.
A good friend of mine did test drive the Solstice. In that instance the dealer actually purchased the car so that he may allow test drives. This friend lives 600 or so miles from where I live. So while there may not be official policy, there is obviously a push from somewhere.
By all means - pre-qualify a potential customer. Take a copy of the driver's license - heck - take the first born. The merest hint of expecting buyers to not drive a car before buying indicates to me something to hide.
Sigh..... yes, I know for a fact that the dealers are under separate ownership. In fact, they are not even letting the salespeople drive them.
If you knew that, then you sigh is best directed to your original posts, where you say this is a GM/Pontiac issue.
GM/Pontiac want customers to have the best dealer experiences possible. Unfortunately, the legal and business framework only allows manufacturers to suggest and cajole, not direct.
Auto has the added issue of state laws making it rather difficult for auto manufacturers to fire dealers. Something from what you are saying I think your dealers deserve.
Comments
Information on the GXP
Pictures
You can see the split in the turbine housing below.
Seriously though, the GXP sounds like it will be quite a car. If GM holds at the 4 to 5k over base, this will be a pretty serious machine at a pretty fair price.
Thanks for the diagrams. Very interesting.
granted there is a trunk in the MX-5...but the "trunk" in the solstice is workable as well..I can get two soft sided small to med duffels in the "trunk without a problem..with the top up or down for a long weekend..
performance wise I give the nod to MX-5....but again..Im not an autocross/road race person...so the Solstice has plenty of power for us.........again...all a personal choice....and remember...Mazda has had over 10 years to work the kinks out of its MX-5/Miata..
pin the dealer down..ask him how many third four month allocations he has....the sales or inventory control manager should know..not necessarily the salesman...also ask where are you in their priority list...remember you may have folks already ahead of you who want dont want the auto trans...and you all are in line for the same dealership allocations.....also get you VOMS (Vehicle Order Management System #)...that is the number assigned to your order when the dealer officially places the order in the GM system....also make sure it places the order as a "SOLD" order and not one for dealer stock...as that will price protect you as well.....should GM decide to increase the price of any options.....good luck..and stay on that dealer......for updates....once in the system..he can give you an update every Fri....the VOEH..vehicle order event history list.......GRIN....
saw it from behind - looked great. I think the rear view is better than the side view. Has an agressive stance from behind.
This one was in commute traffic on my commute and it exited at my exit, so I have a good chance of seeing it in the future and asking the owner if he is liking it.
From its 2002 auto show introduction to an early-order program that sold 1,000 cars in 41 minutes, the Pontiac Solstice has always invoked a passionate response from customers. Now, Pontiac is taking the vehicle’s combination of sensuous styling and driving exhilaration to a new level with the announcement of the turbocharged 2007 Solstice GXP.
“Creating a GXP performance edition of the Solstice is a natural extension of the capabilities of this car,” said John Larson, Pontiac general manager. “On its own, the base Solstice offers all of the qualities one would expect from a classic roadster – style, crisp handling, and spirited performance. The Solstice GXP takes that pure roadster DNA and pushes it to a new level, with a 47 percent boost in horsepower and other enhancements for a more thrilling driving experience.”
The heart of the Solstice GXP is the Ecotec 2.0-liter turbo engine, GM’s first direct injection offering in North America . It produces 260 horsepower (194 kw) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 Nm),* making it GM’s highest specific output engine ever, at 2.1 horsepower per cubic inch of displacement (130 hp / 97 kw per liter), and the most powerful production engine in the Ecotec family.
A dual-scroll turbocharger with a lightweight turbine provides nearly instant power, and an air-to-air intercooling system boosts the turbo’s performance by reducing inlet temperatures. Dual cam phasing complements the turbocharging system by optimizing valve timing at lower rpm for best turbo response and quick access to engine torque.
Direct injection technology helps the Ecotec engine produce more power while maintaining the lower fuel consumption of a small displacement port-injected engine.
With direct injection, fuel is delivered directly to the combustion chamber to create a more complete burn of the air/fuel mixture. Less fuel is required to produce the equivalent horsepower, especially at normal cruising speeds, of a conventional port-injection combustion system.
The GXP’s high-performance Ecotec turbo engine is connected to a standard five-speed manual gearbox, or an optional five-speed automotive transmission. Either transmission can propel the car from zero-to 60 mph in under 5.5 seconds.
As with other members of GXP family, the Solstice GXP provides a number of standard features not available on the base model, including:
Unique front and rear fascias
High polish, dual-outlet exhaust
StabiliTrak vehicle stability enhancement system
3.73 rear axle ratio
Interior refinements including unique GXP gauge cluster and Cobalt Red seat stitching
The GXP also comes standard with a number of features available as options on the base model, including:
Sport suspension system
Four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock
Limited-slip rear differential
Power window/locks/mirrors and remote keyless entry
Leather-wrapped steering wheel with accessory controls and cruise control
Driver information center
18-inch polished aluminum wheels
Additional options include a rear deck spoiler, leather seating, sport metallic pedals, chrome wheels, enhanced audio options, including XM Satellite Radio, and OnStar.
The 2007 Solstice GXP will be available in fall 2006. Pricing has not yet been established.
Loren
Any idea how many units have actually been delivered? Can they actually BUILD that many units/year?
BTW - not only is it winter in Michigan, I'm fairly certain it is also 'winter' throughout the rest of the northern hemisphere. :P However, much of the country enjoys convertible weather almost year round. Central/south Texas being one of those areas.
But I've STILL not laid eyes on a Solstice....
Any idea how many units have actually been delivered? Can they actually BUILD that many units/year?
Sold and delivered.
They have added capacity. Looks like they are building about 550 per week and that is about 26,000 per year. BUT, when the Saturn comes out Pontiac build volume will drop. Unless something bad happens it looks like the tools will be at capacity for a few years due to pent up demand.
I cannot find how many MX whatevers are being built. Oh yea they build all Mazda's somewhere else except for the 6's
Yea, it was in the 50's here and sunny. Of course we have a summer here that you can live with. I have been to the "south" (Arizona) for a long period and it's unbearable in the summer. Good thing there is A/C!
talked to the sales mgr the 7th. he said he had heard the first day for autos was the 9th. you were right the salesman seemed clueless. salesmgr said the accoustic headliner along with onstar was constrained. told him not to order it. he said he has delivered 14 cars since oct 1. he said he ordered one the first week of Dec and received it by the end of dec, customer cancelled order because his current lease wasn't up. there was one on the lot they were getting ready to deliver, we were able to sit in to see if I fit - did. wife really liked it. he said order will be for customer at sticker - not inventory. willl give me voms# and confirm price.
talked to mgr today - said system wouldn't allow them to order an auto this week. they order on a weekly basis - can start putting orders in for the week mon - the last day they can put an order in for the week is thur. he tried again today - thur - still couldn't put it in. said will try every mon and again on thurs and will give me a call. he said every week they put in orders for a term i believe he called a commitment - he always puts in for 6 but mostly gets 2 or three. sez i'm at the top of his list once he can put the order in.
I think the Solstice will sell well. And people will also go for the turbo versions - what ever lights their fire. Maybe they could drop a Civic Si engine in there :P The coolest Solstice will be the coupe, when or if it ever arrives. Nice a stiff, cost less, will have a trunk, protection for thy head, and good slick flowing look to her. Should be able to sell them for under $20K with air.
Loren
Waitaminute waitaminute waitaminute
According to you, Pontaic has sold AND DELIVERED the initial 10k pre-orders PLUS the 3k you're reporting for December? That's a minimum of 13k Solstii on the streets.
Yet pao indicates their VIN numbers are only up in the 8k range with only around 5k units actually delivered.
Regardless, it seems like it will be awhile before production catches up with demand. Good news for Pontiac.
BTW - it's not the 'MX whatever', it's the MX-5. Most refer to it as the "Miata". And as far as I'm concerned, they build EVERYTHING 'somewhere else' since there's no auto assmebly plants in Austin (although Toyota is building a huge plant relatively close by in San Antonio for Tundra production; not that this has any relevance to this discussion).
According to you, Pontaic has sold AND DELIVERED the initial 10k pre-orders PLUS the 3k you're reporting for December? That's a minimum of 13k Solstii on the streets.
Yet pao indicates their VIN numbers are only up in the 8k range with only around 5k units actually delivered.
Do not think I said the above? Did I really say sold and delivered the initial 10,000? If I did I was mistaken.
Here is the data per Automotive News.
For the year they have sold and delivered 5445. In December they sold and delivered 2746. They are building about 545 cars per week and they built 9432 in 2005. so the Vins are above 10,000 now.
Where did I say they delivered 10,000 cars? OK, I went back and saw what happened. I copied someone elses statement to answer the "sold and delivered" question. They commented something about 10,000 units and I was really confirming my initial statement. Sorry for the confusion
I was under the (apparently erroneous) impression that when you made the remark about 3k units sold in December alone, that this was IN ADDITION TO the 10k pre-sold units. And then when you made the statement about them ALL being delivered, I thought you meant that Pontiac had delivered 13k units.
But now you're saying that for the year they've built 9432 and delivered 5445?
Hmmm....interesting. If the factory built 9432 units in 2005, and they have sold and delivered to the final consumer 5445 units for 2005, then (theoretically) they had on the dealer lots or in transit to the dealers nearly 4k units. Is this right?
4k units with December sales of around 3k units indicates (to me anyway) better than a 1 month supply on the dealer lots. Can this be right or is my logic screwed up somewhere?
If a dealer on average is selling 1 car a month (lets say there are 2200 dealers) and there are 2200 in stock (1 per dealer). And if they can only build 2200 per month (Solstice capacity) then there will always be a 30 day supply!! You could have 100,000 people standing in line but the days supply will always be 30.
Playing with the numbers gets real iffy when dealing with low volumes and a high number of dealers.
I wonder if the CHP is going to ticket folks for not having the front plate. The good looks of the front will really take a hit.
Have fun and keep the greasy side down!
Loren
Federal regulators have decided against applying new roof strength rules to convertibles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has no plans to hold convertibles to the same roof-crush requirements as vehicles with fixed roofs.
While the proposed overhaul of the roof strength standards will require more robust roof supports for most hardtop vehicles, those requirements will not be imposed on the makers of convertibles, the agency decided, since convertibles don't have roofs.
NHTSA also has decided against convertible-specific rollover rules, such as roll bars.
Several automakers have added rollover safety equipment to their convertibles. Volkswagen, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, Volvo and Honda are on the list. Some of the automakers have also strengthened the A-pillars and windshield frames to withstand a rollover.
Roll bars come in two types, stationary roll bars and mechanically or electrically operated hoop-style roll bars that pop up when the system senses a potential rollover.
The roll bar systems are far from perfect but offer some modest protection in a nasty crash and are certainly better than nothing.
Nothing, however, is the choice of several automakers. The Toyota Solara, Chrysler Sebring, Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette, Pontiac Solstice and Lexus SC 430 have no roll bar protection.
The Nissan 350Z and Mazda MX-5 Miata offer roll bar hoops, but they are what racers call "style-hoops" and are not engineered to provide protection in a rollover.
I agree with German rule = roll bar. They go as far a legislating that we must accept an air bag in every car, yet nothing over the head. Strange, but there again there are a lot of strange things happening in Washington D.C.
Loren
The Solstice will sell more not just because of looks, but because a great many people feel more comfortable getting a Pontiac than a Mazda, and because it's a softer car that's probably better for most drivers. Mazda's sending more Miatas to Europe, where the Solstice's driving style doesn't match the drivers as well as the Miata (er, MX-5... it's always been called that there).
bottomline if you arent comfortable with the car..get your $2k back.....appears you are looking for a more powerful car...since you refer to the vette and twice the horsepower....dont think the mileage will be the same...solstice owners are reporting after the break in period...with 2-3K on the motor..they are getting 30MPH on the highway...and 23-26 around town .....good luck
My point was that the hardtop will not be priced much differently than the convertible. Therefore a 2 seater like this will sell more roadsters.
Most people are smart enough to know that a roadster like this will have little chance of tipping over. Few will worry about that unless they are racing it.
I often watch the CHP website which has the accidents listed as they occur. Here in California, the roll overs are frequent, and involved lots of various vehicles.
Good luck to ya, Loren
I don't think a lot of non-premium fixed-roof cars would save you in the worst of those either.
Loren
After learning that the price tag was correct, I contacted two Pontiac dealers in my area. Both said the same thing. I could look at it, touch it, smell the new car smell. I could even buy it! BUT, I would not be allowed to test drive it.
I offered that they might want to go ahead and pre-qualify me for it - to prove I wasn't just kicking the tires. No dice.
So - any of you Pontiac employees out there able to explain to me how it is that you expect me to come in, plink down $25K never having driven the car??
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.efad56e
This is not a GM/Pontiac issue. It is a dealer issue. Auto manufacturers can neither tell dealers to allow tests or not to allow tests. The dealer owns the car. The dealer does what it wants. Auto manufacturers cannot own dealerships.
There is no GM/Pontiac policy against test driving Solstices. The dealer[s] (do you know for a fact the two dealers near you are under separate ownership?) do not want to let people test drive a hot car when they know others will buy it without testing, but will not pay as much if the miles start adding on.
If you really want to test one, and cannot find a decent dealer, then you should wait for the GM drive time which will start every year in the Spring. I am certain a Solstice, Sky, or both will be available.
And I reposted here because the moderator asked me to move the topic and closed the thread. But not before another posted commented on a similar experience.
A good friend of mine did test drive the Solstice. In that instance the dealer actually purchased the car so that he may allow test drives. This friend lives 600 or so miles from where I live. So while there may not be official policy, there is obviously a push from somewhere.
By all means - pre-qualify a potential customer. Take a copy of the driver's license - heck - take the first born. The merest hint of expecting buyers to not drive a car before buying indicates to me something to hide.
its_brentwood, "Any Questions for a Car Dealer?" #15622, 18 Jan 2006 7:51 pm
Search this discussion for 'test drive' in the search box.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
If you knew that, then you sigh is best directed to your original posts, where you say this is a GM/Pontiac issue.
GM/Pontiac want customers to have the best dealer experiences possible. Unfortunately, the legal and business framework only allows manufacturers to suggest and cajole, not direct.
Auto has the added issue of state laws making it rather difficult for auto manufacturers to fire dealers. Something from what you are saying I think your dealers deserve.