NYIAS 08: 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe

[logansowner]

I dunno, it's heavier, and I think it looks like a piece of crap quite frankly. If you could remove the whole roof so it still looked like a vert with the top off...but that's just a big sunroof.

And just so I know...how the hell does one make a coupe heavier than a convertible? WTH?

[YupYupYup]

Yeah, I am not aroused by it anymore. Still looks good, but nothing groundbreaking. The interior needs freshening, the rear lights and bumper moulding too. Front could have used some edging to make it looks more current...Not overdone, but like the concept on another thread. I think GM just tried to save money.

Although, GM does have so many exciting products coming out that we cannot be too critical.

[paul8488]

Originally Posted by logansowner

I dunno, it's heavier, and I think it looks like a piece of crap quite frankly. If you could remove the whole roof so it still looked like a vert with the top off...but that's just a big sunroof.

And just so I know...how the hell does one make a coupe heavier than a convertible? WTH?

Car designed as a convertible with soft folding top + steel and glass for coupe transformation = more weight.

Often a company will start with a coupe and chop the top off and have to brace / beef up the vehicle for ridgity... that's why most convertibles weight more than the coupes they're based on.

This is more than a big sunroof... when it's off and the windows are open you don't have the remaining roof section that a car with a sunroof has. It is much more 'open' than a sunroof, if less than a convertible. I understand this isn't the car for everyone, but I think that it's actually pretty cool that GM is adding something like this. The poor man's Corvette!

[CrimsonTider]

Seeing it up close for the first time, I am somewhat disappointed. I will say it looks MUCH better with the targa top out of it. When in place, there is'nt much glass area to see out of. And the "D"-shaped hatch glass does'nt work either. The drop-top is the better way to go IMO.

[Tiger]

Man-O-man I really love the styling on this new coupe version. Incredibly nice job!!!

[91Saturn]

For you guys asking about a Sky version of this...

Bad news.

Bruce Kosbab, the chief engineer of the Kappa platform, officially nixes the idea in an article published today by Automobile Magazine.

Kosbab is mum about future Kappa variants-except to say that there will not be a Saturn Sky version of this car.

http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_sh...upe/index.html

[Andonis]

The overall shape of the concept was better IMO
The C-pillar...oh well it could've been much worse. The sparewheel in the trunk...now that would make it look even more serious. I dunno i would make it look different from the roadster. Sorta like the Viper RT/10 and GTS used to be.

Anyone remember the EDAG version of the Solstice? That was also a nice coupe look!

[Blair1118]

Well the next most logical question is when will a glass top be available??

[I-Love-Pontiac]

I don't understand how they managed to give this less trunk room than the convertible.

[Buick61]

If I bought one, I'd never, ever take the top off. It looks terrible without it. I hope it doesn't develop creaks and groans over time like Corvettes of yore.

[paul8488]

Originally Posted by Buick61

I hope it doesn't develop creaks and groans over time like Corvettes of yore.

Do you know if the Solstice / Sky have? Seeing as how they're already roofless I don't see this being any worse.

[Z16monte]

Originally Posted by ScottS

Looks even less practical than the vert, so what's the point? It's good looking, no doubt, but I don't see any other redeeming value over the vert.

Why do people piss and moan about practicality in a sporty vehicle? Malibus and G6s are for practical,cars of this ilk are simply guilty pleasures.
Ed

[member12]

Aw man....now I may have to choose btw this and the G8.

I am not a huge fan of the styling of the BMW M hatchy thingy, but if the solstice came with more cargo room, then I'd go for it right now (but Pontiac's are not about practicality...and sort of need four wheel drive). It's just hard to justify in this economy a car that seats 2 people and holds on suitcase....though I do LOVE THE STYLING of the new coupe. Hot!

[Ambalanche]

Well, I'm dissappointed. Not that it doesn't look great, it does! But the rear/hatch design, They should have made the rear hatch area like the Corvette where the entire rear deck lifts up. As it is, there is only a small opening and you have to reach over the deck to get to it. Not much storage space either, and like someone else said, where do you put the top when not in use? No interior or front end update either? I know things are tight at GM right now, but WOW, this car will be 5 years old in '09, a coupe doesn't make a MCE!

[Buick61]

Originally Posted by paul8488

Do you know if the Solstice / Sky have? Seeing as how they're already roofless I don't see this being any worse.

I was speaking only in the context of where the removable hard top rests against the structure of the car.