CD Article: 2006 Pontiac Solstice

[CD_Editor]

You may discuss our cover story of the day in this thread....
Test Drive:

"A concept car come to life," the new Pontiac Solstice is "the prettiest car of the year," says Laurance Yap. The Solstice is "a pleasant, fun car to drive on public roads" but "quite a handful on the track..in damp conditions," he says.  And while the interior is attractive, "everyday useability comes up short", as does its small trunk.  Second opinion by Grant Yoxon.    More...

[wing]

Just for Snowy it must be said, Grant fits in an S2000

[Giant Dwarf]

As can Inco... and he's a big dude!  Though I'm not sure he'd have fit with the top up though.  And the '04+ S2ks are a little more spacious inside than the old, archaic, ancient, unloved, unwanted, original ones, right Wing? 

Back on topic, that was a great two-part article on the Solstice.  That's the most damning report of the handling of the Solstice I've read yet.  In contrast, I've only read wonderful things about the new MX5, making me think that for anyone that wants to use their little roadster as a daily driver AND a track car, the Mazda is the only sensible choice (that is, unless a used S2000 is also considered -- which would be a wise move except for the possibility of driving it in the winter could be a little hairier than an MX5 I'd think).  Reliability is bound to be better for the Mx5 too.  I guess like the original Fiero, the Solstice is a sexy looker of its time, but little else.  Let's hope a forced-induction Saturn Sky will be tuned differently in the suspension department. 

[crooz-inc]

Thanks to an article in 'Car and Driver' April 2002, I have an excellent  reference to the original concept. Perhaps Laurance should have checked photos of the original  before writing this article. Apparently there are some deficiencies in Laurance Yap's memory.
I too was thrilled with the Solstice concept, especially after Ford announced it was canning the gorgeous Jaguar F-type roadster. I was infact so thrilled with the Solstice ( hoping to get a glimpse of the concept at the 03,04,05 International car shows in Calgary) that I thought I would have to sell my 61 BUG EYE and buy one. Guess I'll see the production version at the 06 show. Now that I've had time to rethink, I'm keeping the finest Bug Eye in western Canada.
I really admired the concept's moulded in tailights reminiscent of the 58 corvette which, like the headlights, carried the  fender-to-body creaselines down through the signal lights and into the roll pans. I can understand that front and rear impact bumpers may have required frenched rather than flush mounted signal lights and that those styling details had to be sacrificed on the REAL car.
I love the moulded headrests reminiscent of the 57 Duntov Corvette.
I really don't care that they moved the Pontiac CHEVron up from between the grilles to accomodate the mounting of a front  license plate for those required by law to wear one.
As owner and chief mechanic (read 'head banger') of a 61 Austin Healey Sprite Mk I, with a onepiece hood/bonnet; I certainly understand that the ever so clean lines of the Solstice front end required surgery to provide a traditional opening hood.
The really slick rearview mirror which was moulded into the center of the windshield frame obviously only works without a roof; so of course it vanished.
But why oh why did they have to scrap the dual vertically stacked exhaust tips in the center of the rear honeycomb grille with matching body color roll pan? You shouldn't have missed that one Laurance!
As for Grant Yoxon, He and I are probably waiting for the 55 NOMAD (2-door station wagon) version of the Solstice [same platform]. Room for long legs, kids and groceries in his case, and a bicycle in mine.

[msian]

Looking at the photos...
Are there any technical reasons as to why the fuel tank is mounted so high up?
I am assuming the hump in the trunk is to accommodate the tank.

That would definitely affect handling characteristics when pushed hard.

[safristi]

Yeh da HUMPBACK...dat name rings a BELL.....can we all say PINTO!!! Santa Maria what a GOOF.......I told ya we were headed fer INDIA......triple LUTZZED that one baybee........maybe it's fer Wings BODY COUNT..no other explanation they can make gas tanks in any iteration these days...musta found these on the BACK LOT and some bright  ..said use 'em and save $10 a POP....goes the weasel..I should HOPE SO...can ya BEAT "IT" wif a BIG STICK or will it explod'err...!!!

[Arthur Dent]

as per gas tank placement - my old Triumph Spitfire had it in the trunk but mounted vertically behind the seats - trunk was quite large and use-able. Any reason why they couldn't have done that?

[rrocket]

I'm just wondering why very few reviews of the Solstice fail to mention that you have to get out of the car to drop the top.  While I can accept that certain convertibles you must get out of the car to put a tonneau on, I think this is the only one in recent memory that you have to actually get out just to drop the top.  What a horrible design!  This would be reason enough NOT to buy this car in my opinion.

[Traum]

Every review that I read have mentioned this though. You must have missed them.

Conincidentally, every review also slams the Solstice for a lack of trunk storage.

-Rick

[msian]

as per gas tank placement - my old Triumph Spitfire had it in the trunk but mounted vertically behind the seats - trunk was quite large and use-able. Any reason why they couldn't have done that?

Perhaps newer safety regulations? Vertically behind seats may be too dangerous?

Where is the Pinto's gas tank location? I am too young to remember the details...

[Arthur Dent]

as per gas tank placement - my old Triumph Spitfire had it in the trunk but mounted vertically behind the seats - trunk was quite large and use-able. Any reason why they couldn't have done that?

Perhaps newer safety regulations? Vertically behind seats may be too dangerous?

Where is the Pinto's gas tank location? I am too young to remember the details...

Pinto was between the rear bumper and rear axle. Thus the bumper speared the tank and pushed it into the rear axle. BOOM!

I can't imagine behind the seats is anymore dangerous than anyother spot.

[Giant Dwarf]

My guess for the placement of the gas tank is that it is based on requirements for safety (no Pinto rehashes thanks!) and likely due to the operation of the folding top. 

[msian]

My guess for the placement of the gas tank is that it is based on requirements for safety (no Pinto rehashes thanks!) and likely due to the operation of the folding top.

It is hard to believe Pontiac couldn't put the tank anywhere else...most other convertibles could do it.

Perhaps the tank also serves as a stopper for the softtop.

[84im]

 A great review, Laurance.