Pontiac Solstice Targa

[scottone928]

Pontiac Solstice Targa to debut this month

Back in October, Leftlane exclusively reported GM was planning to launch a hardtop "targa" version of its popular Pontiac Solstice two-seater. Now, multiple sources are reporting the car will debut at the end of the month in New York.


The vehicle will be on display at the New York Auto Show in two weeks. It's not clear how the project relates to the previously-rumored Solstice coupe. Internally, GM refers to the Targa as GMX627.

Production will start in January of 2009 at GM's Wilmington plant. Production may be limited to as few as 10,000 units annually. Possible debut venues would include SEMA '08 or LAIAS '08.

The Solstice will have a traditional Targa setup, with the panels directly over the driver and passenger's head being removable. Buyers might even have the choice of hard or soft removable panels. It's probably safe to assume the trunk will be mildly reconfigured for a system to stow the roof panels.

It remains to be seen whether GM will also build a regular Solstice coupe, or if this model will sufficiently fill that gap. Nearly a year ago, GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said building a Solstice coupe would be a "very logical thing to do."

Lutz said any possible Solstice Coupe would look "exactly" like the Solstice Coupe Concept shown in 2002, so it's safe to assume the Targa model will share its basic lines with that concept. He said it was always GM's intention to build the coupe, but priority went to the roadster.

Lutz acknowledged adding new bodystyles is a good way keep consumers interested in a model when the "new" wears off after a couple of years.

Link: Pontiac Solstice Targa to debut this month

[deep_blue_sol]

Oh yeah
I can live with a Targa

[jayman]

Very nice...probably a nice option for those living in poor weather areas.....I'm assuming they'll do the same for the Sky?

[lorennerol]

Originally Posted by jayman

Very nice...probably a nice option for those living in poor weather areas.....I'm assuming they'll do the same for the Sky?

I hope not. I like some differentiation between the models. The Sky needs a new fun color though, like the orange for the Sol.

[Superchevy427]

That looks like an old Opel GT from the 70's

[operatic]

hmmm, I'm not sure if I like that, might have to come back some other time see if it grows on me or not.

[deep_blue_sol]

anybody seen a concept pic of what the Targa would look like?

[xmicro_Redline]

Nice, I always liked a hardtop sport coupe. I wonder what a SKY would look like with a hard top?

Maybe...............

[WishfulThinking]

Originally Posted by Superchevy427

That looks like an old Opel GT from the 70's

That's funny. I was thinking that the back of the convertible looked like the earlier GT's (68-69). Upon further digging, I guess what I'm thinking of is the Opel "Aero" GT. When I had my 73, I remember seeing the vertical rear glass version (with targa) in my repair manual and thinking it looked better. At the time I just assumed it was an earlier model. I guess I'm still learning new things. (Or maybe in this case, learning old things.)

I agree with you though, on the resemblance. That back on the Sky would really make for an Opel GT throwback. Maybe they could make a special edition with the chrome gas-cap on top of the rear.

[HoldHard]

There will be a Targa top available. The first nameplate will be the Solstice and the other three will follow....

HoldHard

[deluke]

I was told the targa top was really sweet !!! But I'll have to see it myself.

[Kappa Fan]

Originally Posted by deluke

I was told the targa top was really sweet !!! But I'll have to see it myself.

Solstice Coupe with removable top - two piece.

Viewable here:Pontiac G8 | First Ever Pontiac G8: Available Early 2008

Go to the bottom of the page ... where it says G8 is Car - click on the #2, there is a picture of the NEW Solstice. Stay tuned later in the week for more!

[lorennerol]

Nice catch. Will be interesting to see the real version.

[xmicro_Redline]

If they get rid of the humps they can forget it!

[Kappa Fan]

Originally Posted by lorennerol

Nice catch. Will be interesting to see the real version.

We've been discussing it for a couple of days on the "other" side.

The 'real' version should be viewable mid-week with any luck. Rumor is that they will be a "limited" production of 10,000 You know how rumors are .. sometimes they have legs - sometimes they don't

[Catch me if you can]

New York '08 Preview: 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe puts up a targa top
Posted Mar 19th 2008 12:03AM by Sam Abuelsamid
Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Pontiac



For those who can't stand the nightmare contraption that is the Solstice top, Pontiac now has an answer for you. Behold the Solstice Coupe. Those who want some fresh air without the hassle of the Solstice soft top can partake in this car's removable roof panel of the targa variety. The new coupe has looks derived from the original coupe concept that debuted at the same time as the roadster in 2002. While the roof panel doesn't fit in the car when removed, there's no need to be concerned (too much) about getting caught in the rain. A soft roof cover can be stashed in the back and put in place in case of a sudden downpour. The hard roof panel has a magnesium frame around the SMC plastic shell and weighs just 31 lbs. Aside from the top, the coupe is pretty much mechanically the same as the roadster. It gets the same 2.4L normally aspirated and 2.0L turbo direct-injected four-cylinder engines with five speed transmissions of the self-shifting or manual kind. If you're hankering for this hard-top Solstice, you'll have to wait alongside the Camaro fans until early in 2009 to get one.

Gallery: 2010 Pontiac Solstice Coupe

[Source: General Motors]

PRESS RELEASE

PONTIAC UNVEILS 2009 SOLSTICE COUPE
Hardtop Extends Appeal of Classic Design

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.

# # #

PONTIAC SOLSTICE COUPE PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
Overview

Models:
Pontiac Solstice Coupe, Solstice GXP Coupe

Body style / driveline:
2-passenger, 2-door coupe; front-engine, rear-wheel drive

Construction:
welded galvanized steel enclosed central tunnel and hydroformed tube

EPA vehicle class:
two-seater

Manufacturing location:
Wilmington , Del.

Key competitors:
base: Mazda MX-5 Miata retractable hardtop
GXP: Nissan 350Z Coupe


Engines


Ecotec 2.4L VVT
Ecotec 2.0L DI Turbo VVT

Type:
2.4L DOHC I-4
2.0L DOHC I-4

Displacement (cu in / cc):
145 / 2384
122 / 1998

Bore & stroke (in / mm):
3.46 x 3.85 / 88 x 98
3.39 x 3.39 / 86 x 86

Block material:
cast aluminum
cast aluminum

Cylinder head material:
cast aluminum
cast aluminum

Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder; variable valve timing
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder; dual continuous variable valve timing

Ignition system:
electronic direct
individual coil-on-plug

Fuel delivery:
sequential multi-port fuel injection with high-pressure injectors and electronic throttle control
spark ignition direct injection (SIDI) with variable high-pressure rail and electronic throttle control

Compression ratio:
10.4:1
9.2:1

Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):
173 / 129 @ 5800*
260 / 194 @ 5300*

Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):
167 / 226 @ 4500
260 / 353 @ 2500-5250*

Recommended fuel:
premium recommended but not required
premium recommended but not required

Max engine speed
(fuel cut-off):
7000 rpm
6350 rpm (fuel shut off)

Emissions controls:
close-coupled catalytic converters; Quick-Sync 58x ignition system; returnless fuel rail; fast-response O2 sensor
close-coupled catalytic converters, Quick-Sync 58x ignition system; returnless fuel rail; wide-range O2 sensor

EPA estimated fuel economy (city / hwy):
19 / 24 (automatic)
19 / 25 (manual)
19 / 26 (automatic)
19 / 28 (manual)


Transmission

Type:
5-spd manual (MA5)
5L40 5-spd automatic

Gear ratios: (:1):



First:
3.75
3.42

Second:
2.26
2.21

Third:
1.51
1.60

Fourth:
1.00
1.00

Fifth:
0.73
0.75

Reverse:
3.67
3.02

Final drive ratio:
base: 3.91:1
GXP: 3.73:1
base: 3.91:1
GXP: 3.73:1


Chassis/Suspension

Front:
base: independent short/long arm, with hollow 27.2 x 4.5 mm stabilizer bar
GXP: independent short/long arm, with hollow 33.3 x 4.5 mm stabilizer bar

Rear:
base: independent short/long arm, with hollow 24.2 x 3.0 mm stabilizer bar
GXP: independent short/long arm, with hollow 25.4x3.0 mm stabilizer bar

Steering type:
hydraulic power-assisted rack-and-pinion

Steering ratio:
16.4:1

Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock:
2.7

Turning circle, curb-to-curb
(ft / m):
34.8 / 10.6


Brakes

Type:
four-wheel disc, with ABS and electronic stability control (StabiliTrak)

Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm):
front: 11.7 x 1 / 297 x 25, vented
rear: 10.9 x 0.5 / 277 x 13, solid

Swept area (sq in / cc)
front: 243 / 1570
rear: 189 / 1221


Wheels/Tires

Wheel size and type:
base std: 18-inch x 8-inch five-spoke painted alloy; base opt: 18-inch x 8-inch five-spoke chromed aluminum and polished aluminum alloy
GXP std: 18-inch x 8-inch five-spoke polished aluminum alloy or chromed aluminum

Tires:
base: P245/45R18 Goodyear Eagle RSA 96V all-season
GXP: P245/45R18 Goodyear Eagle F1 GS2 96W high-performance


Dimensions
Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm):
95.1 / 2415

Overall length (in / mm):
157.2 / 3992

Overall width (in / mm):
71.3 / 1810

Overall height (in / mm):
50.9 / 1292

Track (in / mm):
front: 60.7 / 1543


rear: 61.4 / 1560

Curb weight, base (lb / kg):
base: 2930 / 1329 (est.)
GXP: 3018 / 1369 (est.)

Weight distribution (front / rear), approx.:
50 / 50


Interior

Seating capacity:
2

Headroom (in / mm):
37.4 / 950

Legroom (in / mm):
42.8 / 1086

Shoulder room (in / mm):
52.4 / 1332

Hip room (in / mm):
50.6 / 1284


Capacities

EPA interior volume (cu ft / L):
50.8 / 1438

Passenger Volume (cu ft / L)
48.5 / 1373

Cargo volume (cu ft / L), includes storage beneath load floor:
5.6 / 159

Fuel tank (gal / L):
13.6 / 51.5

Engine oil (qt / L):
5 / 4.7

Cooling system (qt / L):
Base with:
manual: 8.9 / 8.4
automatic: 8.7 / 8.2
GXP with:
manual: 9.5 / 9.0
automatic: 9.3 / 8.8


*SAE certified.

[Kappa Fan]

Here is some more info.... the hardtop panel weighs 31 pounds and you will leave it at HOME. But there will be an accessory Soft Top offered (see attached picture).