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American version of the great british sportcar is coming. U hate it? or like it?
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Don Lattimer
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Of course I'm sure you're all aware that "The Great British Sportscar" is Marcos. Still making 'em too.
Don Lattimer
1971 Marcos V6
Don Lattimer
1971 Marcos V6
tony barnhill
Great Pumpkin - R.I.P
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Marcos - an interesting sidebar in the British automotive cottage industry...though I must admit that I'd not turn down a reasonably priced Marcos!
SOLSTICE ADDS NEW DIMENSION TO PONTIACāS PERFORMANCE RENAISSANCE
DETROIT - Bringing the popular concept car to life, GM announced production of the Pontiac Solstice roadster as a 2006 model. The vehicle is expected in dealer showrooms in fall 2005.
First shown as a concept at the 2002 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, the Solstice immediately gained a huge following, both inside and outside of General Motors. Designed from the ground up in less than four months, the 2002 Solstice concept car promised thrilling, open-air driving freedom in the spirit of the great roadsters of the past.
Built on GMās new Kappa architecture, the production model remains true to the original Solstice concept, including rear-wheel drive, two-passenger seating and a reverse hinged clamshell hood that opens to reveal a sophisticated double overhead cam variable-valve four-cylinder engine.
āTrue to the thinking behind the original concept, the production Solstice is all about being a āback-to-basicsā roadster with gorgeous lines and fun-to-drive characteristics,ā said Bob Lutz, GM vice chairman of product development and chairman of GM North America. āThe key enabler of Solstice is the new Kappa rear-wheel-drive architecture and component set, which allows us to rapidly and efficiently develop an appealing family of compact and affordable sports cars.ā
Emotional design, rigid backbone
Strong response to the 2002 Solstice concept vehicle helped put the sports car on the fast track to production. But while the concept was designed with production-style elements, there was no compact rear-wheel-drive platform at GM on which to build it. Creating a production version of the concept vehicle required marrying the Solsticeās curvaceous design to an entirely new performance body-chassis architecture.
The robust Kappa architecture features state-of-the-art, full-length hydroformed frame rails and a stamped steel structural tunnel to provide a solid structure to enhance vehicle handling.
To ensure an affordable, world-class driving experience, Solstice was created with a clever blend of all-new technology and proven GM components.
Solsticeās power is created by a new 2.4-liter variable-valve version of the Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing about 170 horsepower. Its twin-cam, multi-valve design provides stirring, high-revving performance, while the engineās lightweight, all-aluminum construction helps optimize the vehicleās front-to-rear balance. At the start of production, Solstice will be offered with a close-ratio Aisin five-speed manual transmission.
āWith the concept vehicle, people immediately felt the emotional appeal of Solsticeās design and back-to-basics philosophy - itās about performance, but in a fun, agile, affordable roadster,ā said Lynn Myers, Pontiac-GMC general manager. āAll the stops were pulled out to make sure the production model delivers an exhilarating driving experience to capitalize on the āpromiseā of the Solsticeās design.ā
Faithfulness to the concept can be seen in Solsticeās proportions, which are comparable in terms of overhangs, wheelbase and track width. Independent front and rear suspensions that feature independent SLA designs with forged aluminum upper and lower control arms contribute to responsive handling. Monotube shock absorbers and coil springs contribute to uncompromised handling response and sporty driving characteristics while the wheels-at-the-corners wide stance enhances handling. Eighteen-inch wheels and tires are standard, as are four-wheel disc brakes.
The interior is oriented around the driver, with a clean design and intuitive controls. āThe interior of the Solstice is surprisingly spacious, especially for a smaller car,ā said Lori Queen, vehicle line executive for GMās small cars. āWe wanted to create a comfortable environment suitable for longer drives without sacrificing the āpersonalā feeling of a driverās car.ā
Clean lines, clever details
Designers worked carefully to transfer the clean lines and taut proportions of the concept vehicle to the production model.
āPut them side by side and itās very difficult to tell the production model from the concept,ā said Franz Von Holzhausen, design manager. āThe front and rear fascias are slightly longer on the production model, but overall the car remains faithful to the concept - itās a minimalist approach that emphasizes proportion.ā
The Solsticeās proportions are accented with five-spoke wheels and a low, wide stance. A dual-port grille and expressive lighting at all corners instantly identifies the car as a Pontiac. Unexpected details include a body-color extension into the passenger compartment that gives the Solstice an integrated appearance when the top is down. In fact, the top folds flat into the rear clamshell opening, providing a smooth seamless appearance.
āThere is no visible stack from the folded top to disturb the shape,ā said Von Holzhausen. āIn fact, there are no extraneous lines whatsoever; it has a tight, purposeful look, as if it were shrink-wrapped around the driver.ā
āWe insisted on a lower ride height to ensure the carās sporty appearance,ā said Von Holzhausen. āThat makes it the lowest, most ground-hugging car at GM. We were adamant that the Solstice look absolutely right from all angles.ā
Creative leveraging of GM resources, as well as clever solutions to other needs, helped complete the Solsticeās design efficiently and economically. For example, the rear corner lamps are from the GMC Envoy, while door handles, fog lamps, seats, engine and transmission are shared with other GM vehicles.
However, some parts are all Solstice. The taillamps, for instance, were designed with special reflectors to eliminate the need for a separate side marker light. This not only contributes to the carās sleek design, but also eliminates the cost of a separate marker lens and bulb.
Interior design is equally purposeful and clever, with details like pedals placed for easy heel-and-toe driving and a cockpit-style instrument panel that sweeps around the driver. Designers also worked with chassis engineers to optimize the placement of the shifter. Manual shifter throws between gear changes were studied and shortened.
āWhen you sit down in the car, your hand naturally falls onto the shifter,ā said Vicki Vlachakis, interior designer. āItās a very intuitive, comfortable environment, and the feel of the shifter between gears is very short and precise. Designers and chassis engineers worked together to tune the best placement.ā
A turning point
The production Solstice announcement further enhances a re-energized Pontiac lineup that already includes the all-new GTO and G6, Grand Prix, Vibe and a V-8-powered Bonneville GXP.
āSolstice is a vehicle that captures the passion and pleasure of open-air driving,ā said Myers. āEveryone at GM recognized that adding it to Pontiacās portfolio would make another strong statement about Pontiacās renaissance.ā
Its fast-track approval and development process come on the heels of a similar rapid decision process that helped launch the 2004 GTO in 18 months.
āThe GTO and Solstice complement each other by offering ābook-endā approaches to Pontiacās performance offerings,ā said Myers. āLike its V-8 powered stable mate, Solstice adds another dimension to a growing lineup of clean, uncompromising performance vehicles.ā
DETROIT - Bringing the popular concept car to life, GM announced production of the Pontiac Solstice roadster as a 2006 model. The vehicle is expected in dealer showrooms in fall 2005.
First shown as a concept at the 2002 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, the Solstice immediately gained a huge following, both inside and outside of General Motors. Designed from the ground up in less than four months, the 2002 Solstice concept car promised thrilling, open-air driving freedom in the spirit of the great roadsters of the past.
Built on GMās new Kappa architecture, the production model remains true to the original Solstice concept, including rear-wheel drive, two-passenger seating and a reverse hinged clamshell hood that opens to reveal a sophisticated double overhead cam variable-valve four-cylinder engine.
āTrue to the thinking behind the original concept, the production Solstice is all about being a āback-to-basicsā roadster with gorgeous lines and fun-to-drive characteristics,ā said Bob Lutz, GM vice chairman of product development and chairman of GM North America. āThe key enabler of Solstice is the new Kappa rear-wheel-drive architecture and component set, which allows us to rapidly and efficiently develop an appealing family of compact and affordable sports cars.ā
Emotional design, rigid backbone
Strong response to the 2002 Solstice concept vehicle helped put the sports car on the fast track to production. But while the concept was designed with production-style elements, there was no compact rear-wheel-drive platform at GM on which to build it. Creating a production version of the concept vehicle required marrying the Solsticeās curvaceous design to an entirely new performance body-chassis architecture.
The robust Kappa architecture features state-of-the-art, full-length hydroformed frame rails and a stamped steel structural tunnel to provide a solid structure to enhance vehicle handling.
To ensure an affordable, world-class driving experience, Solstice was created with a clever blend of all-new technology and proven GM components.
Solsticeās power is created by a new 2.4-liter variable-valve version of the Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing about 170 horsepower. Its twin-cam, multi-valve design provides stirring, high-revving performance, while the engineās lightweight, all-aluminum construction helps optimize the vehicleās front-to-rear balance. At the start of production, Solstice will be offered with a close-ratio Aisin five-speed manual transmission.
āWith the concept vehicle, people immediately felt the emotional appeal of Solsticeās design and back-to-basics philosophy - itās about performance, but in a fun, agile, affordable roadster,ā said Lynn Myers, Pontiac-GMC general manager. āAll the stops were pulled out to make sure the production model delivers an exhilarating driving experience to capitalize on the āpromiseā of the Solsticeās design.ā
Faithfulness to the concept can be seen in Solsticeās proportions, which are comparable in terms of overhangs, wheelbase and track width. Independent front and rear suspensions that feature independent SLA designs with forged aluminum upper and lower control arms contribute to responsive handling. Monotube shock absorbers and coil springs contribute to uncompromised handling response and sporty driving characteristics while the wheels-at-the-corners wide stance enhances handling. Eighteen-inch wheels and tires are standard, as are four-wheel disc brakes.
The interior is oriented around the driver, with a clean design and intuitive controls. āThe interior of the Solstice is surprisingly spacious, especially for a smaller car,ā said Lori Queen, vehicle line executive for GMās small cars. āWe wanted to create a comfortable environment suitable for longer drives without sacrificing the āpersonalā feeling of a driverās car.ā
Clean lines, clever details
Designers worked carefully to transfer the clean lines and taut proportions of the concept vehicle to the production model.
āPut them side by side and itās very difficult to tell the production model from the concept,ā said Franz Von Holzhausen, design manager. āThe front and rear fascias are slightly longer on the production model, but overall the car remains faithful to the concept - itās a minimalist approach that emphasizes proportion.ā
The Solsticeās proportions are accented with five-spoke wheels and a low, wide stance. A dual-port grille and expressive lighting at all corners instantly identifies the car as a Pontiac. Unexpected details include a body-color extension into the passenger compartment that gives the Solstice an integrated appearance when the top is down. In fact, the top folds flat into the rear clamshell opening, providing a smooth seamless appearance.
āThere is no visible stack from the folded top to disturb the shape,ā said Von Holzhausen. āIn fact, there are no extraneous lines whatsoever; it has a tight, purposeful look, as if it were shrink-wrapped around the driver.ā
āWe insisted on a lower ride height to ensure the carās sporty appearance,ā said Von Holzhausen. āThat makes it the lowest, most ground-hugging car at GM. We were adamant that the Solstice look absolutely right from all angles.ā
Creative leveraging of GM resources, as well as clever solutions to other needs, helped complete the Solsticeās design efficiently and economically. For example, the rear corner lamps are from the GMC Envoy, while door handles, fog lamps, seats, engine and transmission are shared with other GM vehicles.
However, some parts are all Solstice. The taillamps, for instance, were designed with special reflectors to eliminate the need for a separate side marker light. This not only contributes to the carās sleek design, but also eliminates the cost of a separate marker lens and bulb.
Interior design is equally purposeful and clever, with details like pedals placed for easy heel-and-toe driving and a cockpit-style instrument panel that sweeps around the driver. Designers also worked with chassis engineers to optimize the placement of the shifter. Manual shifter throws between gear changes were studied and shortened.
āWhen you sit down in the car, your hand naturally falls onto the shifter,ā said Vicki Vlachakis, interior designer. āItās a very intuitive, comfortable environment, and the feel of the shifter between gears is very short and precise. Designers and chassis engineers worked together to tune the best placement.ā
A turning point
The production Solstice announcement further enhances a re-energized Pontiac lineup that already includes the all-new GTO and G6, Grand Prix, Vibe and a V-8-powered Bonneville GXP.
āSolstice is a vehicle that captures the passion and pleasure of open-air driving,ā said Myers. āEveryone at GM recognized that adding it to Pontiacās portfolio would make another strong statement about Pontiacās renaissance.ā
Its fast-track approval and development process come on the heels of a similar rapid decision process that helped launch the 2004 GTO in 18 months.
āThe GTO and Solstice complement each other by offering ābook-endā approaches to Pontiacās performance offerings,ā said Myers. āLike its V-8 powered stable mate, Solstice adds another dimension to a growing lineup of clean, uncompromising performance vehicles.ā
https://www.fototime.com/EC25D871E20BE1B/standard.jpg
https://www.fototime.com/92595EC652E8C85/standard.jpg
https://www.fototime.com/A7B3A8D69A77C22/standard.jpg
https://www.fototime.com/0E37D90EA874E73/standard.jpg
interior https://www.fototime.com/8D08F9FA538697D/standard.jpg
https://www.fototime.com/261263920854E93/standard.jpg
The beginning of GM's hydroformed frame rail conversion from unitbody chassis
https://www.fototime.com/B5E6CF45448F09E/standard.jpg
Front view
https://www.fototime.com/82C38C45EFFEE3E/standard.jpg
opened and full view:
https://www.fototime.com/9FB11BC1E340E2C/standard.jpg
https://www.fototime.com/92595EC652E8C85/standard.jpg
https://www.fototime.com/A7B3A8D69A77C22/standard.jpg
https://www.fototime.com/0E37D90EA874E73/standard.jpg
interior https://www.fototime.com/8D08F9FA538697D/standard.jpg
https://www.fototime.com/261263920854E93/standard.jpg
The beginning of GM's hydroformed frame rail conversion from unitbody chassis
https://www.fototime.com/B5E6CF45448F09E/standard.jpg
Front view
https://www.fototime.com/82C38C45EFFEE3E/standard.jpg
opened and full view:
https://www.fototime.com/9FB11BC1E340E2C/standard.jpg
A
aerog
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America's version of the "great British sportscar"?
Please, spare me.
About the only thing GM has done in the tradition of the "great British sportscar" is spell "MG" backwards.
[ 01-05-2004: Message edited by: aerog ]</p>
Please, spare me.
[ 01-05-2004: Message edited by: aerog ]</p>
tony barnhill
Great Pumpkin - R.I.P
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Originally posted by aerog:
About the only thing GM has done in the tradition of the "great British sportscar" is spell "MG" backwards.
Remember the "hidden" voice of satan in records when you played them backwards?
So, is GM satan?
tony barnhill
Great Pumpkin - R.I.P
Offline
Mickey, in your profession, you're better able to answer that question than the rest of us...never thought of GM as the big Satan though....to me it was always BL!
GM has (IMHO) been a stinky, stagnent, sloth for 40+ years. As much as I hate to admit it, Harley Earle may have been the last innovator to work at GM. I hate to give anyone that is reputed to be such an abuser that credit, but it was certainly that long ago.
170hp out of 2.4l and they call it a sports car? The thing had better weigh 1700lbs. Otherwise stick with the phrase "petty two seater"
As a styling efort; I like the exterior very much and at the same time, agree that the interior looks like typical GM boredom. They have to start somewhere, maybe this will improve and GM will, once again, lead the industry after 40+ years of total stupidity. I somehow doubt that last statement, because they have never produced a car, in my lifetime, that I had any respect for either because it was a huge bulbus buldgemobile or because someone else offerd a better value for a similar car (ala the Japaneese invasion of the 70s).
I genuinely like small cars, I don't see a need for everyone to be driving an SUV. I have felt this way since I was 16 so I have always been skewed toward "world" cars. I have also said "If any of the American 4 (that's how long I've been saynig it) would offer a car like an LBC I would try it." Maybe 2005 is the year.
I don't think "Roger" would have spoken with me either ;>}
170hp out of 2.4l and they call it a sports car? The thing had better weigh 1700lbs. Otherwise stick with the phrase "petty two seater"
As a styling efort; I like the exterior very much and at the same time, agree that the interior looks like typical GM boredom. They have to start somewhere, maybe this will improve and GM will, once again, lead the industry after 40+ years of total stupidity. I somehow doubt that last statement, because they have never produced a car, in my lifetime, that I had any respect for either because it was a huge bulbus buldgemobile or because someone else offerd a better value for a similar car (ala the Japaneese invasion of the 70s).
I genuinely like small cars, I don't see a need for everyone to be driving an SUV. I have felt this way since I was 16 so I have always been skewed toward "world" cars. I have also said "If any of the American 4 (that's how long I've been saynig it) would offer a car like an LBC I would try it." Maybe 2005 is the year.
I don't think "Roger" would have spoken with me either ;>}
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aerog
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<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by ThomP:
170hp out of 2.4l and they call it a sports car? The thing had better weigh 1700lbs. Otherwise stick with the phrase "petty two seater"
<hr></blockquote>
No offense but I don't think horsepower is a definition of sportscar...If 170hp is a litmus test then we're likely to have a whole lot of "LBC" owners exiting the sportscar world and entering the "petty two seater" world.
170hp out of 2.4l and they call it a sports car? The thing had better weigh 1700lbs. Otherwise stick with the phrase "petty two seater"
<hr></blockquote>
No offense but I don't think horsepower is a definition of sportscar...If 170hp is a litmus test then we're likely to have a whole lot of "LBC" owners exiting the sportscar world and entering the "petty two seater" world.
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<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by aerog:
No offense but I don't think horsepower is a definition of sportscar...If 170hp is a litmus test then we're likely to have a whole lot of "LBC" owners exiting the sportscar world and entering the "petty two seater" world.<hr></blockquote>
To put things in perspective the Pontiac at 2860 pounds has about the same power to weight ratio as a BJ8.
D
No offense but I don't think horsepower is a definition of sportscar...If 170hp is a litmus test then we're likely to have a whole lot of "LBC" owners exiting the sportscar world and entering the "petty two seater" world.<hr></blockquote>
To put things in perspective the Pontiac at 2860 pounds has about the same power to weight ratio as a BJ8.
D
The BJ8 is known as the Hairy Beast for a reason. It was heavy, difficult to handle and ,face it, only marginally competitive. We are also comparing a 1950s design to a 2005 design to put things into perspective. Surley, if a real Healey were designed today, one Donald Healey would put his name on, it would be better than its predicessor!
The Ginetta is more a modern "Sports Car" at 220hp per ton than the GM Solstice thingie at 119hp per ton. The Ginetta "only" has 146hp total. So, you see, Aerog, I agree with you; What makes a sports car, a Sports Car is Performance.
The Ginetta is more a modern "Sports Car" at 220hp per ton than the GM Solstice thingie at 119hp per ton. The Ginetta "only" has 146hp total. So, you see, Aerog, I agree with you; What makes a sports car, a Sports Car is Performance.
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aerog
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<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by ThomP:
The Ginetta is more a modern "Sports Car" at 220hp per ton than the GM Solstice thingie at 119hp per ton. The Ginetta "only" has 146hp total. So, you see, Aerog, I agree with you; What makes a sports car, a Sports Car is Performance.<hr></blockquote>
Wellll maybe, but give us those same numbers on a mid-70s MGB or Spitfire
The Ginetta is more a modern "Sports Car" at 220hp per ton than the GM Solstice thingie at 119hp per ton. The Ginetta "only" has 146hp total. So, you see, Aerog, I agree with you; What makes a sports car, a Sports Car is Performance.<hr></blockquote>
Wellll maybe, but give us those same numbers on a mid-70s MGB or Spitfire