I know this is really old news but the GMHTP article reminded me of something. Hunkins says there is no offical plan for a RWD v8 affordable car in the future. When bob Lutz was asked if a ls1 would fit in the pontiac Solstice he said yes. To make the Solstice possible for production I have heard that opel and other GM subs. would need to share the platform. Opel said that they would only want it if they could fit a v8 in the car. So, hom much more could it cost to have a truck 5.3 in place of a blown ecotec. That could be a RWD v8 for well under 30 grand.

 

The point of the Solstice is (or at least was ) that it is an affordable fun to drive covertible for right around 20,000. Is it possible to offer an LS1 instead of a 4 cylinder and still get it in at that price? Highly doubtful.

 

Not insted but in addition two it could be the performace addition of the solstice. A n/a pushrod motor can't caost more than a supercharged ecotec. The added cost would be in the stronger trans bigger binders ect.... I feel GM could offer a v8 solstice for 5 grand more than the S/C ecotec. So we could have a V8 rwd car for 25-27 grand. make it a 4.8/5.3 with an aluminum block. it would offer a great platform for guys like us to build off of and it wouldnt compete with the upcoming C6 Corvette.

 

Let's see... a cheap LS1 rwd car.

It could have a live rear axle (that would be cheaper).

Be built on a 20 year old platform ( GM could save a ton of money on that).

Have outdated styling (updates cost money, buddy!).

Have architectural problems (read above).

Use chintzy interior materials (once again....that's how you save money!)

And if you were a really sharp consumer...it could be had for low to mid 20s.

Oh...never mind...GM built one of those and no one wanted to buy it.

 

I still canīt believe why GM is not able to make a fun car the people want. If they try again to make it cheap by reducing its attractivity and quality they should cancel the whole project. Only a good car would find buyers GM needs. Look at other cars in this segment like MX5, Z3, SLK. They all have success because they are done the right way. We donīt need another GM car which gets canceled after a run of a few years because nobody wants it.

 

Most consumers are stupid and dont know what they want. people pay 40 grad for the audi TT it is a 225 hp 4cy . its a beete with differnt body panels. But its german so it must be good ? right?

All I was saying is that if the solstice make production then we could have a afordable rwd v8 car.

 

I'm not sure why someone would get the impression that a V8 Solstice would be a cheap RWD.

Even if their ever is a Solstice...I'm not even sure that a base 4 cylinder Solstice would go for less than $25K.

And even if a V8 would fit....a big if....alot of components would need some hefty upgrades. Cross members, motor mounts, clutches, pressure plates, transmissions, driveshafts, differentials, axles, etc., etc. etc.

By the time the tear up was done, a GTO would seem like a bargain!

Now if you are talking about a V8 in a Bel Air....you may be on to something.

 

The Solstice and ther bel air will ride on the same platform if produced. The Bel air would cost no less than a v-8 Bel air. The Solstice will use a T-56, it can handle the power. The rear is out of a tr4uck c(Aztec) And could handlke a 280hp 5.3.

 

Well, we'll see.

One of the concepts being tested on the Bel Air is if off the shelf truck parts could be used to create a cheap RWD car.

There has has been alot of conjecture and rumor that Bel Air and Solstice might share a platform if both are produced.

Frankly, I'll believe it when I see it.

The Solstice was a completely cobbled together creation.

Start with a blow torch and a J-car. Add the steering rack from a Subaru, the T-56 from an F-car, the rear differential from an AWD Rendezvous/Aztec (which BTW can withstand reasonable torque only if some of it is transferred to the front diff which of course the Solstice does not have), with various other bits either custom made or taken from various parts bins.

This, of course will not be what production Solstice would be based on.

The point I'm trying to make is...if Solstice goes into production...I would doubt that it would be designed to "V8 ready"....and if it were it would be pretty expensive.

 

For the most part, if a 4 cyl fits ina north-south layout a V8 will as well. I doubt GM would do it. But they could. In order to make solstice the platform will have to be shared. Opel said they would want it to fi V6 and V8 motors.

 

But if a truck based BelAir were released (with a restyling of course), with an LS1 (or other V8)...I can't imagine a coupe version not being available for low to mid twenties.

It won't carve corners like an S2000...but it could be a fun, basic RWD package well within reach of many enthusiasts.

****JUST DON'T CALL IT A CAMARO!!!!!!!!!!!!!****

 

No doubt, but the 3 cars you mention are just a bit north in price of where Solstice is planned. I think Miata is the closer car in this segment.

 

Audi TT's aren't just prettier beetles. There are very significant differences and the cars are highly competetive with Porsche Boxters. Read a car magazine or two most magazines actually prefer the Audi if they had to own one, it is cheaper and actually has more HP than the Boxter, although it is heavier because of the all wheel drive system. And yes believe it or not the reason german cars have a good reputation is because....they build good cars....I know, it's mind blowing, but true. Maybe GM could use a lesson from Audi, they've totally changed their reputation in like 10 years.

 

Hmmmm....

...an LS1 in a Solstice....

That car would be just about right for grabbing the entire Miata/Z3/S2000 market. A uniquely American solution to a problem. Look at the car everybody else is making, then put a bigger engine in yours.

I like that idea!

Betcha GM could sell it at the same prices points as the the Miata (with the supercharged I4) and the S2000 and Z3 (with the LS1).


Now the wheels are turning again...

Maybe the Bel-Air could morph into the Camaro by stretching Solstice to take a rear seat.

Did anyone besides me see a lot of first generation Camaro in the Bel Air's rear quarters? Do a different front end treatment... lower it a couple of inches...

Wowzers....

Done correctly, these two would be a formidable 1-2 punch right into the gut of everybody else in the "near-sports" category (pony cars and MG-type sports cars).

A Bel Air based Camaro with the I5 and an automatic. Convertible, coupe and T-Top options.

A Bel Air based Z28 packing an LS1 with either the T56 or 4L60E. Convertible, coupe and T-top options.

A Bel Air based Camaro SS packing a true 30hp more than the Z28. Convertible, coupe and T-top options.


Then, you have a supercharged I4 Solstice to beat the pus out of the Audi TT and Miata, and an LS1 powered Solstice to pound the ever-loving **** out of the Z3/4 and S2000.


See, this is the way that GM used to think. GM used to believe that they could make a better car than ANYBODY in ANY category.

 

If the Solstice weighs in as little as GM seems to be aiming, it wouldn't take very much to give it spectacular performance. Something as simple as a 3800 has the potential to make the Solstice a bit rowdy.