For decades, affordable roadster segment consisted exclusively of vehicles from England or Japan. General Motors has changed that night with the Pontiac Solstice (and its twin Saturn Sky), which was built here in America. Solstice brought genuine excitement to Pontiac brand, with its great design and is available with turbo. He was briefly available as a Targa top coupe, too.


Pontiac Solstice began life as a concept car at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Once received rave reviews and a lot of public interest, Pontiac has decided to accelerate a production model. When the Solstice debuted at the 2006 model year, the design concept was almost intact, with big alloy wheels, fluid lines and sleek, retro-style front end, which gave the car a very distinctive look.


But GM's financial problems in 2009, requires the elimination of Pontiac, and the fact that the solstice of the past. It's a shame, because with another generation of refinement, Solstice can really be something. Use a mixed picture of the solstice, in equal parts seductive sheet metal, hit-or-miss dynamics and disappointing reliability and quality.


Recent Pontiac Solstice

Produced from 2006-'09, the Pontiac Solstice convertible is stuck with the classic roadster formula, showing the front of the four-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive, four-wheel independent suspension, near 50/50 front / rear weight balance and manually operated convertible soft top. Coupe, which was prepared in 2009 only, was identical except for its Targa roof - I think, T-tops with no bar in the middle.


Under the hood of the base model was a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. Although the engine featured aluminum block, dual overhead camshafts and variable valve timing, he did not feel the same way as an engine sports car. Tall transmission gears and the lack of response due to the slow nature of the Rev, and the soundtrack near the red was far from glorious wail roadster fans expect.


The best choice, if resources permit, a Pontiac Solstice GXP (sold from 2007-'09). This version is much improved, provided the acceleration due to the powerful turbocharged direct-injection 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. GXP also sports suspension, stronger brakes and a high-performance tires.


In this review, we found that while both versions have been entertaining in terms of handling, they can not match up to the test Mazda Miata (or, for the GXP, Honda S2000). Inside, Pontiac has decided to go with a much cheaper materials, and ownership experience even more saddened by the three other unfortunate qualities: a bustling multi-step process for top convertibles (completed terrible rearward visibility for the coupe), the lack of internal space for storing things like cell phones and wallets, and small trunk, which was unusable in any of these models.


Pontiac Solstice has received several notable options during its run. In 2008, OnStar, acoustic headliner for the soft top and a trip computer became standard equipment for the base and GXP versions. In addition, for '08, Club Sport Package with firmer suspension tuning and silver-painted wheels became available. In addition, the arrival of the coupe in 2009 marked the advent of soft-top Solstice Street Edition, which includes updating of standard features and sports suspension. In addition, in '09, ABS, stability control and rear limited-slip differential were standard across the board, and the Bluetooth connection is available again.

In 1973, the debut model Pontiac solstice jazz. History of creation Pontiac solstice jazz has its origins in the twentieth century .. The engine made according to traditional boxer scheme, only the cylinders were not four but six. From two liters of displacement managed to take 130 hp at 6100 rpm. At the Frankfurt Motor Show 1963 car debuted under the name of Pontiac solstice jazz. In 1974, was born 911 Carrera RS, the volume of its power plant was 2,994 cc and 240 hp After about 11 meyastsev Carrera RS was turbocharger, because of what was called the solstice jazz. Having the same volume, the engine developed 260 hp After two years, the volume of the engine once again increased to 3,299 cc, output of which rose to 300 hp Incidentally, all engines installed on the Pontiac solstice jazz, had air-cooled (the spiritual heritage of Volkswagen Kafer).
In 1988 he began production of Pontiac solstice jazz Carrera 4 (964).

Remember this mad cool car from the movie "Back to the Future." Here's a rarity - say you are. But not for nothing that we are reminded of the DeLorean. It's unbelievable brand cars Pontiac has not but ...

DeLorian Motor Company - is a dream come American dream. Designer John Zachary DeLorean created his first masterpiece as far back as Pockard, it was a totally new hydromechanical transmission Ultramatic. Then there was no less significant development in the design office of General Motors, which had been received about a dozen patents.

Thus, under the leadership of this man was designed by the most famous Pontiac GTO in 1964. Then followed a furious achievement in the world automotive industry. And in 2005, world giant, reported on the death of John DeLoreana. On this course all waiting for the end of car production DMC.

But recently, there were first swallows, that the company has decided to rise from the dead and to release one new model and this will be a new DeLorean. This coupe, two kinds of indoor and outdoor, news was that the hinged roof will weigh only 14 pounds. The car will be equipped with a 2.4 liter engine and manual or automatic five-speed gearbox. The remaining details were not disclosed, but expectations should be justified, because it is the same DeLorean from Pontiac!

The last new Pontiac model was sold last week in the United States of America. The car is a Pontiac Solstice Coupe, the top version.

Although GM closed Pontiac in 2009, not all the cars of the brand were sold. The last Pontiac unit that left the dealership was a Solstice Coupe in the GXP version and was bought by giving away an old car and paying the difference. This move is very common in the US, the models bought by dealerships being resold to recover the money. The ex-cop Ed Dieffenbach drove about 1,000 miles to change his Chevrolet Silverado with a brand new roadster from Pontiac.

The Pontiac brand was one step away from being saved in 2009, after some discussions with Roger Penske over a sale. Penske wanted to sell the models of other automakers under the Pontiac logo in the United States, not only the GM models. The closing of the Pontiac brand led to the loosing of 7,000-8,000 jobs in the United States. Besides Pontiac, GM closed Saturn and Hummer in 2009, and Saab was sold to the Dutch of Spyker.

While the beginning of the Pontiac brand had a special identity for it, the last 20 years were marked by sharing their platforms with the other brands of the GM and the lack of really special models for the enthusiasts of the brand. So, the sales gradually dropped, and the public’s interest for Pontiac was down to the ground. Even when the the it looked like the brand was getting up, the economy crisis in the US cut the Pontiac sales and led to significant looses in their dealership network.

Pontiac Solstice Family srednetsenovyh sports roadsters Solstige 2008 GV acquired more modern equipment. The buyer will be able to order leather seats and a new sound system, tire pressure sensor, and other extras. This option, as the system Dynamic Stability was the basic option for a GXP model with the 263's strongest unit, the volume of 2,0 and Turbo. When you purchase a complete set of 175-Tee strong engine of 2.4 liters. This system is optional. All engine paired with 5-speed gearbox, be it manual, automatic or Fluid - decide the buyer. The plans of manufacturers throughout the year to release a model with a body compartments.

American car brand Pontiac appeared in 1926 in the Concern General Motors. Firstborn Pontiac Chief presented to the public at an auto show in New York. The name "Pontiac" is borrowed in U.S. history - the so-called leader of a tribe of American Indians, led a revolt against the British colonialists. Pontiac Cars have become popular thanks to a reliable 40-strong 6-cylinder engine. Already during the first 6 months of the stamps have been sold 39 thousand copies of the model Chief, and in 1927 the car took 6 th place in the list of most sold in the U.S.. In 1936 the company released the millionth car. Today Pontiac manufactures a wide range of models: sedan G8, G6 and G5, G6 coupe and convertible, and Solstice, hatchbacks G3 and Vibe, as well as SUV Torrent. However, in accordance with the program of restructuring of General Motors Pontiac brand will cease to exist in late 2010. Compact Pontiac Solstice roadster first shown as a concept at the 2002 auto show in Detroit, and the first 1000 copies of the production model was ready for April 15, 2005. In fact, it has been adapted for the American market model of Opel GT (see "AC» № 8'2007). Initially the car was fitted with a 4-cylinder petrol engine volume of 2.4 liter capacity of 177 liters. with. and two 5-step manual to choose from - "automatic" or "mechanics". Later, a new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that develops 260 hp. with. Twin rear wheel drive roadster supplemented last year with the coupé version.

At the SEMA show in Las Vegas was premier racing concept Pontiac Solstice SD-290.
Pontiac Solstice SD-290
Single-seater roadster is built on the Solstice GXP.
Under the hood of a sports car mounted 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 290 hp
Instead of the standard system toromoznoy Solstice SD-290 installed the 3-piston caliper with 330 mm diameter discs. The wheels were replaced by 19-inch forged wheels with racing slicks Hoosier R6.

The compact roadster for the average American. Presented a metal trough with 4 wheels and speedometer marked out to 250? Popular baby Pontiac Solstice is not so. It is hardly a mediocre machine can for several years is among the top sellers of its segment.

People roadster is that?
Outside ooh and ah, in Bravissimo, but on the road just super. These epithets are usually awarded by Italian racers, thoroughbred Englishmen or Germans. But tens of thousands of Americans (and not only) have long known that for less money you can buy a good roadster, which also have enough enthusiastic cheers.
Initially equipped with the new Pontiac Solstice 4-cylinder petrol engine volume of 2.4 liter capacity of 175 liters. pp. and two 5-step manual to choose from - "automatic" or "mechanics". Later, a new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that develops 260 hp. pp. And then double rear wheel drive roadster since 2009 and is available in versions with coupé.
Salon Solstays seems more and more spacious than its competitors. And this feeling intensifies the dash, far removed from the driver. It placed great wells of the speedometer and tachometer, ascetic cassette player with radio. You just get used to the three large round buttons control systems of heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Do Roadster Pontiac comfortable seats, excellent overview, and noise from the wind or tire almost bored. Truth and weaknesses noticed almost immediately: the angle of inclination of seats exhibited a tight grip, and the trunk is very small. In addition, the rise of the top is impossible to complete until you get out of the car and to snap back, you need to make some effort.
What's up on the road, here in the light of prices and class to the Solstice virtually no complaints. Pontiac especially cumbersome platform in comparison with the previous generation, that it becomes more quiet and stable. Now the vibration of the hood at speeds of 150 km / h or more, you will not notice, the chassis is resistant to any surface. Ukrainian pit, you will likely feel, but we expect from roadster soft suspension business-class sedan is meaningless. The shifter is made in sporty style with a little speed, but easy to maneuver. The main thing is that the machine is very manoeuvrable - Solstice obey even the narrow mountain and forest roads.

It is what we need!
Solstice - a great car for long journeys under the scorching sun. Ah, how good shoot at such in Odessa, to the sea. Confused only price in Ukraine - the gray dealers, it is not varnished, as in distant America.

Lightweight and compact two-seater, which will compete Convertible Mazda MX-5. But the irresistible love of Americans for huge 8-cylinder engines and are prevailed. Under the hood of Solstice appeared spectacular 6-liter V8 from the Corvette power of 400 hp

With such a charge Solstice can fly up to heaven, dispersed from their seats to "hundreds" for only 4.2 seconds.
One of the first task faced by designers Corporation General Motors, was the creation of "sexual concept" to the auto show in Detroit: "But not a regular hybrid with navigation system and radar-range-finder. To everyone's surprise, only four months remaining before the show such a concept has been built - two-seat roadster Pontiac Solstice. And not some sort of model, but this running prototype, which he left the podium ...

Rates Solstice, in translation: solstice, a point for two main reasons. First, the key word - for designers, not engineers, analysts, economists, as it was previously. Secondly, the car is almost entirely made up of units and parts are already available to the corporation.

In the Solstice used compact platform Delta, it was a little blood to remake a rear-wheel drive. Engine - a series EcoTec 4, the volume of 2.2 liters. The motor supplied with a mechanical supercharger, with whom he develops power 240 hp Six-speed manual transmission Borg-Warner borrowed from Corvette, the steering - a Subaru WRX ...

Buyers offer leather seats, a more modern sound system with MPZ-player, a device monitoring tire pressure and other options. System Dynamic Stability became the base for modification GXP with 2.0-liter turbocharged engine to 263 hp. pp., and optional - for the base model with 2.4-liter "Quartet" of 175 liters. pp. All engines are equipped with 5-speed gearbox, mechanical or automatic hydromechanical. A year later expected later Pontiac Solstice with a body compartment.