Official GM pictures of new Solstice Coupe GXP

[Lithium Lotus]

Official GM pictures of the new Solstice Coupe in GXP trim.















NEW YORK – Drawing inspiration from classic sports cars, the 2009 Pontiac Solstice coupe was created for drivers who appreciate both dramatic styling and balanced performance. Unveiled at the New York Auto Show as a GXP model, the Solstice coupe builds on the success of the convertible model while offering a greater range of all-season driving opportunities. For drivers still wanting an open-air experience, the coupe also features a removable roof panel, fully opening the cockpit to all of the sensations of the road.


“Today’s Solstice is the top-selling roadster in the U.S., and we believe this new model has even broader appeal,” said Jim Bunnell, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager. “The coupe has all the design cues and pleasing performance of the original roadster, and is an all-season alternative for people who enjoy open-air driving.”


The coupe is expected to arrive in Pontiac dealerships in early 2009.


The making of a coupe

The new coupe was inspired by the Solstice coupe concept shown at the North American International Auto Show in 2002. True to the concept, it is a modern sports car with classic lines. The roofline has a “fastback” shape with stylized “rails” that run from the front of the roof to the rear, culminating in a stylish and functional ducktail-style rear spoiler.


The coupe’s roof is fixed aft of the B-pillars, with side windows and a rear liftglass for access to the cargo area. The roof panel is easily removed from the passenger compartment, and an optional soft roof cover stores in the cargo area. A home storage case for the roof panel will be offered through GM Accessories.


Engineering the design

Despite its dramatic new look, engineers made only minor structural changes to create the Solstice coupe. The rear fenders and rear fascia are the same as those on the convertible. New taillight assemblies flow more smoothly into the tapered roofline.
“The Solstice coupe represents a major collaboration of design and engineering,” said Bruce Kosbab, chief engineer. “The sleek lines of the new roof give the car a fresh appearance, yet only minimal changes were made to the body structure – it’s a great example of building on an already solid foundation.”


Lightweight structure

The roof’s structure was strengthened with additional support elements, including an aluminum roof bow attached with aluminum brackets. The bow and brackets are stiff, yet low in mass, a design feature that pervades the coupe’s overall construction. The roof includes a lightweight sheet molding compound cover affixed to a rigid aluminum frame for additional lightweight support. A lightweight magnesium roof panel frame weighs just 31 pounds (14.2 kg) and can be removed by one person. The cover is also made of sheet molding compound.

Powertrain and suspension

Because the change to a coupe body style resulted in only a slight increase in curb weight, no drivetrain or suspension changes were necessary to shift from the convertible body structure. Initial tests have shown that the Solstice coupe will deliver ride and handling, acceleration, braking and fuel economy comparable to the convertible model.


The coupe is powered by a standard 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder engine that generates 173 horsepower (129 kW), while the GXP version is equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec engine with 260 horsepower (194 kW).


Interior additions

Much of the coupe’s interior remains the same as that of the convertible. However, the area behind the seats was redesigned for easy access to the cargo area, and a storage tray was mounted directly behind the headrests.
Removing the folding-top mechanism made way for a new, flat cargo floor and several storage compartments. The cargo area’s covered bins provide secure storage for smaller items. Cargo tie-down hooks help secure irregularly shaped items.

[Kappa Fan]

Here's pics of the Soft top accessory that will also be offered - because from what I understand the removable panel will have to be left at home.

[xmicro_Redline]

WOW, what a waste of time.

What would be the point?????

The trunk looks smaller than the convertible, you lose the humps, you are adding weight, it now looks more like everything else, you cannot take the hard targa top with you, you now have a flat surface rear window WITH NO WIPER! When it rains you will have poor rear visibility, trust me!

BAD MOVE GM!!!

[IslandHopper]

I'd have to agree with Xmicro Redlne. GM, please don't do this to the SKY

[MidniteBlues]

I don't like it either.. Leave the top at home? what if it starts raining while your couple hundred miles from home? Also with the top off, you now have a big fat hole in the roof where the wind can blow into the back of the car sorta like a sail effect slowing you down AND increasing fuel usage..Some type of spoiler or deflector would need to be added along the front windshield to "push" the wind up & away.. Finally, the people who like it will buy it, for those that don't like it, well answer is simple, walk away and buy the roadster....
One more thing, once this is done to that car, does that not now make it a non-roadster?.. it has now officially become a coupe, NOT a roadster.. correct?

[Kappa Fan]

Originally Posted by MidniteBlues

I don't like it either.. Leave the top at home? what if it starts raining while your couple hundred miles from home? Also with the top off, you now have a big fat hole in the roof where the wind can blow into the back of the car sorta like a sail effect slowing you down AND increasing fuel usage..Some type of spoiler or deflector would need to be added along the front windshield to "push" the wind up & away.. Finally, the people who like it will buy it, for those that don't like it, well answer is simple, walk away and buy the roadster....
One more thing, once this is done to that car, does that not now make it a non-roadster?.. it has now officially become a coupe, NOT a roadster.. correct?

I believe that it DOES now classify this model as COUPE and is being listed as the 2010 Solstice Coupe (release for early 2009).

I question the wind *swirl* effect in the cockpit also ... I already know that adjusting the window height - especially on the passenger side - can often make a major effect on the buffeting inside. Curious as to what the *trapped* air will now do.

[xmicro_Redline]

Originally Posted by Kappa Fan

I believe that it DOES now classify this model as COUPE and is being listed as the 2010 Solstice Coupe (release for early 2009).

I question the wind *swirl* effect in the cockpit also ... I already know that adjusting the window height - especially on the passenger side - can often make a major effect on the buffeting inside. Curious as to what the *trapped* air will now do.

I believe the wind from the top will most likely not be a problem because the opening is not far enough back for air to drop, and they would test for that, because it WOULD REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

But you nailed a point, with the windows down, ABSOLUTE PARACHUTE EFFECT, GOODBYE PERFORMANCE AND GAS MILEAGE. And it will be a BUTT LOAD noisier than even the convertible. All so it can look more like a Nissan 350Z .......... STUPID!!!!

[Nemesis]

I like it. I hope to see them attempt a coupe for the sky. Can you imagine a Mallet Sky Coupe? Now that would be sweet. I actually love this version of the solstice. They did a much better job then any of the other "hard top" attempts have done.

[SSRL]

I have to say it looks good. I will know for sure when I see one in person.

Good news is looks like the kappa may be here to stay

[Homer]

Originally Posted by Nemesis

I like it. I hope to see them attempt a coupe for the sky. Can you imagine a Mallet Sky Coupe? Now that would be sweet. I actually love this version of the solstice. They did a much better job then any of the other "hard top" attempts have done.

i like it alot... the wheels are sick and i like the back window and the wing. i also have to say the California top is sweet too.. all the way

[german gt]

Originally Posted by Kappa Fan

Here's pics of the Soft top accessory that will also be offered - because from what I understand the removable panel will have to be left at home.

No, you can put the panel it in the trunk!

[Kappa Fan]

Originally Posted by german gt

No, you can put the panel it in the trunk!

NO .... You CAN"T

The soft top will be offered as an accessory and the hard top will have a home storage case. These will be offered through GM Accessories (per Small Dealer on SF)

[user2264]

I would also like to see some type of improvement to the interior when the new model comes out. Overall, nice to have the option of both convertible and targa style. Wish GM would add the new body to the Sky too.

[german gt]

Originally Posted by Kappa Fan

NO .... You CAN"T

The soft top will be offered as an accessory and the hard top will have a home storage case. These will be offered through GM Accessories (per Small Dealer on SF)

missunderstanding:
i talked about the optional soft roof cover which can be stored in in the cargo area.

Of course the hard roof panel has to stored at home.

[Kappa Fan]

Live and on STAGE in New York City:




Also ... this statement with regard to the cargo area:

Removing the folding-top mechanism made way for a new, flat cargo floor and several storage compartments. The cargo area's covered bins provide secure storage for smaller items. Cargo tie-down hooks help secure irregularly shaped items.

From Jalopnik site.

[jel]

So it's about half the price of the Cayman? Looks like a copycat to me.

[ihawk95]

This one just doesn't do it for me as I posted over on the Sol Forum. I miss the humps. But I'd like to see one up close and personal to be sure.

Plus, I'm also wondering about storage space. I figured there would be more, but I'm thinking golf clubs won't go in that trunk. No bueno.

[mynewsolstice]

Golf clubs will fit....

[Kappa Fan]

Originally Posted by mynewsolstice

Golf clubs will fit....

Do you have 'pictures'?

I would think with the entrance into the hatch that it might be a little 'cumbersome'