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Solstice is built at the GM assembly facility in Wilmington , Delaware. |
2006 PONTIAC SOLSTICE IS PURE ROADSTERSince it was first introduced as a concept vehicle at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in Detroit , the Solstice has evoked a passionate response.
Standard equipment includes: Racing-inspired sport bucket seats with convenient seat cushion and seatback storage Leather-wrapped manual shift knob AM/FM and CD stereo with six speakers Rear window defogger Rake-adjustable steering wheel Three cupholders Easy-to-operate cloth convertible top with glass rear window Dual frontal air bags Option packages include additional amenities: Power package - includes power locks, mirrors and windows, along with remote keyless entry Convenience package - includes cruise control, driver information center and fog lamps Premium package - includes leather seating surfaces (Ebony or Steel/Sand two-tone), leather-wrapped steering wheel and steering wheel radio controls Solstice also offers available air conditioning, carpeted floor mats, MP3-capable CD player radio, MP3-capable radio with six-disc in-dash CD player, Monsoon Premium seven-speaker system, OnStar and XM Satellite Radio. OnStar-equipped Solstice models feature OnStar dual-mode (analog-digital) equipment. OnStar’s digital equipment also includes enhanced hands-free voice recognition capabilities including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada . Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Hands-Free Calling that allows drivers to make and receive voice-activated phone calls using an externally mounted antenna for greater reception. The OnStar service available on the 2006 Solstice includes the General Motors Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system, making crash data available to the participating 911 centers to help them dispatch the appropriate live-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster. Driver-focused foundation Solstice is built on GM’s new global rear-wheel drive compact performance architecture, which uses a hydroformed steel chassis and independent short/long arm-type suspensions in the front and rear to provide a strong, responsive feel. Additional driver-focused features include: Four-wheel independent SLA suspension system Bilstein coil-over monotube shocks at all corners Fast-ratio rack-and-pinion steering (power assisted) Eighteen-inch aluminum alloy wheels (polished and chrome-plated wheels available) P245/45R18 all-season tires selected for handling performance and low noise Large, four-wheel disc brakes, with 11.7-inch (297 mm) front rotors and 10.9-inch (277 mm) rear rotors Cockpit-style instrument panel with motorcycle-inspired gauges Short-throw shifter A near 50/50 weight distribution provides a balanced handling feel Hydraulic engine mounts are used to provide a smoother engine feel Available limited-slip rear differential An optimized acoustic barrier and sound absorption package to provide world-class levels of interior quietness Exterior components, such as mirrors, were wind-tunnel tested to minimize wind noise Complementing the driving experience is a design that maintains the clean, fluid lines, taut proportions and emotional impact of the concept vehicle - including the forward-opening clamshell hood. The vehicle’s tightly-wrapped proportions are accented with five-spoke aluminum wheels and a low, wide stance. A dual-port grille and expressive lighting at all corners instantly identify the car as a Pontiac , and sets a new design direction for the division. Also, a body-color extension into the passenger compartment gives Solstice an integrated appearance when the top is down. In fact, the top folds flat into the rear clamshell opening, providing a smooth, seamless appearance - a segment exclusive. Clever details abound: the taillamps were designed with special reflectors to eliminate the need for a separate side marker light. This not only contributes to the car’s sleek, progressive design, but also eliminates the cost of a separate marker lens and bulb. Solstice is available in seven bold exterior colors, each inspired by a personality trait: Aggressive (red), Cool (silver), Deep (blue), Envious (green), Mysterious (black), Pure (white) and Sly (gray). The interior design is equally purposeful and intuitive, with details like pedals placed for easy heel-and-toe driving and a cockpit-style instrument panel that sweeps around the driver. Designers also worked with chassis engineers to optimize the placement of the shifter. Manual shifter throws between gear changes were studied and revised until the “just right” length was determined. Interior colors include standard Ebony cloth, as well as available all-Ebony or Steel/Sand (two-tone) leather seating surfaces. Solstice is built at the GM assembly facility in Wilmington , Delaware . *Preliminary, pending certification. A new voluntary power and torque certification procedure developed by the SAE Engine Test Code committee was approved March 31, 2005 . This procedure (J2723) ensures fair, accurate ratings for horsepower and torque by allowing manufacturers to certify their engines through third-party witness testing. GM was the first auto manufacturer to begin using the procedure and expects to use it for all newly rated engines in the future.
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Inspired by the pure driving experience offered by classic
roadsters, the 2006 Pontiac Solstice delivers both the thrill of open-air
driving with balanced performance and refinement at an attainable price.
Consumers are responding to that combination. After an appearance on NBC’s
“The Apprentice,” when contestants were tasked with developing
a promotional brochure, the public was invited to participate in a ten-day
early order program. More than 40,000 consumers registered and the first
1,000 cars were sold in only 41 minutes. In all, 7,116 Solstices were sold
during the 10-day period. “The Solstice is the newest expression of
both the style and performance of the Pontiac renaissance,” said John
Larson, general manager for Buick-Pontiac-GMC. “Just as the summer solstice
represents a turning point in the seasons, the addition of the Solstice
represents a turning point for Pontiac as we continue to bring new products
to market, like the Grand Prix GXP, Torrent, and the entire G6 family.”
Solstice packs true sports car features, including a responsive,
rear-wheel drive and four-wheel independent suspension layout. It is powered
by a powerful 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder engine rated at 177 horsepower (132
kw).* A close-ratio Aisin five-speed manual transmission is standard.
A five-speed automatic will become available later in the model year.
Eighteen-inch aluminum wheels and large, four-wheel disc brakes are standard.
Solstice is surprisingly roomy, allowing for a comfortable driving position
for tall drivers. It also is a well-equipped sports car, with the comfort
and convenience items appreciated by enthusiastic drivers.