January 4, 2004

Pontiac Solstice will go on sale Fall, 2005

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Detroit, Michigan - General Motors unveiled the 2006 Pontiac Solstice roadster today. It's expected to be in showrooms by the Fall of 2005. The Solstice was first shown as a concept car at the 2002 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

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 2.4 litre four-cylinder engine.

"True to the thinking behind the original concept, the production Solstice is all about being a ‘back-to-basics' roadster with gorgeous lines and fun-to-drive characteristics," said Bob Lutz, GM vice chairman of product development and chairman of GM North America. "The 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."

The Kappa architecture features full-length hydroformed frame rails and a stamped steel structural tunnel to provide a solid structure to enhance vehicle handling. To create an affordable roadster, GM used a combination of new technology and existing GM components. 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.

The engine is a new 170 horsepower all-aluminum 2.4-litre version of the Ecotec four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing. At the start of production, Solstice will be offered with a close-ratio Aisin five-speed manual transmission.

The dimensions of the production Solstice are comparable to the concept in terms of overhangs, wheelbase and track width. Independent front and rear suspensions and eighteen-inch wheels and tires are standard, as are four-wheel disc brakes.

The interior is surprisingly spacious and the convertible top folds flat into the rear clamshell opening, providing a smooth seamless appearance.

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