It makes sense that Pontiac should produce a coupe version of the Solstice. It was a sketch of a coupe that designer Franz von Holzhausen sent to Bob Lutz when the then-new product honcho solicited design ideas for a Pontiac two-seater.
The coupe looked better back then and it still looks better now as the company works toward getting it into Pontiac dealers early next year. Much of the character of the original coupe concept has been retained, including the odd but interestingly shaped backlight...
The mechanical bits are identical to those of the convertible. The price should be pretty much the same as the convertible as well, although we'll have to wait awhile to get real pricing.
Pontiac expects to sell about 10,000-12,000 coupes per year. There are a limited number of people willing to drive such an impractical vehicle without the ability to take the top down. But we would be among them. It looks great. We really wish GM would get over its fascination with mounting chrome wheels to performance cars, though. -- Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit
rsholland says:
10:38 AM, 03/19/08
My next door neighbors were all set to get a new Solstice roadster until they found out that there was no way to fit two golf bags in it.
The coupe looks great, but he and his wife want a roadster.
So Pontiac, you just lost a sale...
dougtheeng says:
11:08 AM, 03/19/08
Gorgeous vehicle!
roar02ram says:
11:20 AM, 03/19/08
I don't see cut lines for a rear hatch...does this thing only have a C4-Corvette convertible-style package shelf? Or does the glass raise independently?
desmolicious says:
01:25 PM, 03/19/08
Wow, worse rear sight lines than an FJ Cruiser.
daytona_500 says:
01:26 PM, 03/19/08
Will the Saturn Sky get a coupe version too? Because I like the looks of the Sky way better.
rsholland says:
01:56 PM, 03/19/08
roar02ram
The rear glass opens. Trunk is still a joke, however.
hondacura4 says:
02:59 PM, 03/19/08
Given the overall shape of the car I dont think it would look right with the roof section removed. Id rather have a hardtop.
Although the GXP versions drivetrain is pretty nice the base drivetrain could certainly use some refinement, better shift quality, and a more atheletic or playful demeanor.
zach101 says:
05:18 PM, 03/19/08
It looks nice, but it still doesn't make me want to go out and buy one.
Good luck seeing out of the back of that thing! That back window is tiny!
ateixeira says:
07:16 AM, 03/20/08
I like it. A Targe would be practical. The soft top fit on these is terrible, so this would actually interest me.
To be honest I'd rather see the Nomad instead, but with a Mini Cooper sized glass roof that opened.
iskch says:
09:27 AM, 03/20/08
A copy of the Z4 with horrible blind sports.
estreka says:
06:08 PM, 03/20/08
I think it looks pretty good. I'm curious how the Sky version will turn out.
firstwagon says:
08:13 PM, 03/22/08
Why would anyone want a coupe when they offer a convertible?
technetium99 says:
07:52 PM, 03/23/08
>>>Why would anyone want a coupe when they offer a convertible?
1) Because coupes have better structural rigidity and aerodynamics and are better on the track.
2) Because some people live on cold climates where they have few opportunities to drive with the top down, and targas are great for them.
3) Because it looks cooler to some people.
This really does look great, but it still isn't as good a car overall as the Miata. GM really should be working on making a car as good (or better) than the Miata, not on making one that is better looking.
82nis says:
03:35 AM, 03/24/08
i have to say this makes the Solstice more inviting! and it looks sexy and i have a love for hatchbacks...err...i mean coupe ^_^