Bob Lutz a few weeks ago also said Chevrolet is interested in this chassis.

I'd be willing to bet a 6 pack that Chevrolet isn't planning to exclusively use a 4 cylinder engine in whatever it is they are cooking up (should it clears "the board").

 

I just hope they get in gear and put a product like this on the market. Time isn't something GM has a lot of these days, with the constant bias towards imports. GM needs to spice up its image, and the Solstice is a great start. Just yesterday, I showed a California girl who loves imports a picture of the Solstice and she loved it. This is the direction GM needs to go.

 

Since Bengal got the axe, it's looking pretty grim for a Camaro off of the Solstice platform, and I was probably the biggest advocate thereof.

Oh boy... this sucks.

 

that vauxhaul concept lightning is awesome looking!!!!!!!!!

 

Perhaps Bengal got the axe to clear more room for just one 2+2 coupe off this chassis, from Chevrolet?

 

The big news will be if and when Opel gets their version of the tubular platform with a V8. If that happens I think our chances of seeing a tubular Camaro are very likely. GM needs to get the Solstice to market as soon as possilbe, with the best launch possible. If they screw up the launch with a bunch of recalls etc. I think it would kill a car like this just like the Fiero.

 

A turbo MazdaSpeed Miata is on the way, and a next-generation Miata is just around the corner. GM better step on the gas with this car if they want to make it a hit. And 150hp in a 2900lb car for $19k isn't going to have people lining up. Lutz doesn't have to follow the '64.5 Mustang analogy that closely as to leave the car underpowered. Not to mention, I'm sure Mustang fans would point out that this isn't anywhere close as monumental of a car. Enough hype; make a decision on it and do it right if you're going to at all.

 

In a recent autoweek story someone from gm is quoted as saying this chassis is based on an EXISTING platform, with some new parts. Furthermore the rear susp has a trailing arm, just like the 88 fiero gt did. The tranny in solstice is REAR-mounted just like c5 and fiero. I doubt that tranny will make the cut on a 19k car, also would be suprised to see the sc version make production.

GM should update their press releases- this car will weigh much less than 2900 lbs with what i hear will be plastic panels and alum irs.

 

The Vauxall Lightning doesnt have a V8 but a supercharged 4-cyl. ecotec.

quote:

"The VX Lightning has a new version of Vauxhall’s all aluminium 2.2 ECOTEC engine, reworked with a supercharger to produce a maximum power of 240hp and 305Nm of torque. A six-speed manual gearbox is mated to the new engine, which drives the rear wheels. The chassis incorporates independent suspension, the front end using a simple and reliable strut configuration with a rack and pinion steering."

 

Any word where Dodge is at with their Razor? I'd have to think that a bit of crosstown competition would tend to get everyone moving along a bit faster.

While I'd love to see a V8 version of this car, a nice pressurized inline-4 would be A-OK with me - as long as it's got enough power to haze the rear tires for a half-block The 200+ HP numbers floating around for the blown Ecotechs would seem to be "adequate" as long as this thing weighs around 2800 lbs.

 

Razor is still under development. The big hitch with Razor is keeping it true to it's price goals. Unlike GM which has cheap RWD parts courtesy of it's Holden division, Chrysler has Mercedes Benz.

Also needed, a floorpan to develop it on. The Solstice won't see the light of day unless at least it's floorpan can be shared with either various other cars, or one high volume car (the "hurdle" Bob Lutz mentioned... it's the other cars that have to get approved to make Solstice happen). The Razor will need to have it's chassis shared as well to keep it from becoming a $30,000 car.

 

I wonder if there's any chance of a Mistu version of the Razor - that's the only way I see them finding a way to share costs with another model.