I (still) really like the Pontiac Solstice. Here’s a post about it from almost 10 years ago when it was just a concept.
I don’t think it’s a secret that I’m no fan of American cars. I dislike the vast majority of them for various reasons, and for some, “dislike” is an understatement. With that being said… I have finally found one I like. Actually, “like” might be too weak of a word. I could very well love the Pontiac Solstice concept. The design is nothing short of beautiful, and the specs don’t sound too bad, either. Lightweight, rear-wheel drive, and a supercharged 2.2L inline four-cylinder with 240 horses. If the suspension setup is good, it could be one hot little car. Hot selling, too, if they actually produce it and manage to keep the price around the rumored $20,000 mark.
I’m still in a bit of shock from learning that such a gorgeous car came from Pontiac, though. With all the new angular, “futuristic” designs being shown off these days, the smooth, simplistic shape is a serious relief to my eyes. The oversized front and rear circular lights are a bit weird-looking, but I guess they are kind of a Pontiac trademark. Same with the front grille. Still, it’s probably the best design from any car manufacturer that I’ve seen recently – and I only say this because the Porsche Carrera GT is no longer a concept. Even the interior is a work of art… That’s definitely the kind of cockpit I’d like to see in more cars. There aren’t a lot of interiors that really make me want to hop in and just drive the hell out of the car for hours on end, but the Solstice’s is one of them.
The bad news is that, so far, it’s just a concept with no definite plans to go into production. I’m really hoping there are enough other people with good taste out there to make GM realize that they’ve got a serious winner on their hands. If something that sweet were to be scrapped and forgotten, I think I’d just have to cry.