Being that the Sunfire is only a coupe now, and the Vibe will be the entry level car, it does sound pretty logical.

 

I was told by a lady at NYIAS that if GM didn't give Pontiac a Sunfire replacement, it would only be because the Solstice is taking over as a 2+2 coupe or 2 place convertible. If this is the case, then I don't mind losing the Sunfire

 

Hmmm... while this makes sense to a point, I don't see Solstice as being an entry level high volume replacement vehicle at all. My source at Lordstown Assembly (J-Car plant) says the plan is for Vibe to take over as Pontiac's entry level car after J-Car production ends...

I guess Solstice could, intentionally or unintentionally, semi-fill two voids left by Sunfire and Firebirds, in a way, though...

 

Put it in the mid-20s (competitive with the loaded-up Miatas that are usually found on dealer lots), give it 225 HP with some upgrade potential, and make sure the handling is right from the factory - I'd have to think that I'd be extremely interested.

Get it over $25K, though, and other alternatives start looking a lot better. Keep in mind that the market is kinda flooded with used Boxsters, SLKs, Z3s, etc., and one can start to see that the pricing had best be competitive.

 

I just saw my FIRST 2004 GTP at a local dealer a couple of nights ago.. man, that car is a serious looker in person. Priced at around $30,020 too So, hypothetically speaking, if I could get a modestly loaded non-GTP (and I don't know the 04 G/P's price structure so don't quote me on it) for like $25k, or a well-loaded Solstice for the same price, I'd be torn between the two. Usage would be mostly recreational slash every-other-daily driver for either car. I'd probably end up going with the Solstice though, because a base model G/A is more of a granny car, which I really don't want.

gt

 

If i made more money, and if it looks as good as the concept and has the claimed power, hell yeah i would buy one!
Solstice replacing the Sunfire? the Solstice doesnt seem like an entry level coupe but I'd take the Solstice over the Sunfire anyday.

 

No, Im not much into 2 seaters and I like my automobile to have a few angles on it. Just personal preference though.

 

Isnt the coupe supposed to be a 2+2 though?

 

Buick Bengal was supposed to be, but that got the axe supposedly.

 

i really like the looks of it but a two seater just doesnt cut it. not enough room for a decent stereo and set of clubs.

 

i dont think i would buy one myself but if there is still a market for the bloddy miata then this should take a big peice of that

 

One item that is being missed here is that the Solstice is BIGGER than a Miata or the Bimmer Roadster.

Solstice, though short in overall length, is a tick over 74" wide! In other words, it's at least as wide as the 4th gen f-body. If you take a chainsaw and remove the section of the Camaro between the back of the front seats to the front of the rear axle then push the wheels out to the edge, that's the 2 seat Solstice.

Getting a close up look at it in person, it doesn't look like a Miata competitor, the way a Firebird didn't look like a competitor of a Ford Probe.

 

I just hope they don't subtlely water it down by decreasing the wheel diameter or changing the wheel design..

anyone ever looked side by side at the SSR concept and the production SSR? Totally identical trucks, but the production wheels just scream "minivan", while the concept wheels don't.

Long story short, GM, if you build it, do not water it down.

gt

 

I wouldn't. It's just not me at all. Even if it had a V8, it still wouldn't really be "me".