I slipped into SEMA early today. The show officially starts tomorrow and the press isn't really allowed in until then.
One of the cars I wanted to see was the 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe GXP modified by GM Performance Parts for the show. I wrote a story on this car last Friday for Inside Line News and was excited to see it in person.
What a letdown. It's not that the Solstice coupe looks bad in person. In fact, it's one of the coolest designs around. But an automatic transmission? At SEMA? In a little sports car? Bummer. -- Scott Oldham, Inside Line Editor in Chief
moparbad says:
09:41 PM, 11/ 3/08
The complaining about automatic transmissions is becoming irritating. There are many of us that appreciate the choice of automatic transmissions in performance cars.
Solstice offers choice of manual or automatic. Nice job GM.
cah11705 says:
04:28 AM, 11/ 4/08
i respect that it has an automatic and know it has an optional manual, but it would make more sense to bring the more sporty manual to the sema show
isaacl says:
07:11 AM, 11/ 4/08
lol @ moparbad, suuuuuuuuure buddy, you keep telling yourself that pal...
i genuinely lol'ed there
estreka says:
11:28 AM, 11/ 4/08
Good looking Solstice. Too little, too late I'm afraid.
lvranger says:
02:02 PM, 11/ 4/08
From what i've read the automatic is the transmission to get in the GXP. Its faster and smoother than the manual. Plus who the F*** wants a Colorado/Canyon transmission in their sports car anyway?
hondacura4 says:
05:10 PM, 11/ 4/08
The Solstice looks ok in rag top form but the coupe just doesnt......I dont know. Just something not right about the design execution.
Regarding transmissions, although Im a manual only type of guy, I dont see anything wrong with offering a automatic transmission in this product as it will have a larger customer base, or rather have the potential to do so.
As far as the manual is concerned if the GXP manual is anything like the base manual (God awful) Id rather have the automatic. GM needs to really really work on their shift quality and feel when it comes to manuals. It also needs to have 6 forward gears instead of 5, the manual that is.
ateixeira says:
10:49 AM, 11/ 5/08
That thing would look great as a roadster. LOL