2009 Pontiac Solstice news, pictures, and information

SLEEK COUPE JOINS THE SOLSTICE LINEUP FOR 2009

The Solstice lineup delivers a fun, well-appointed driving experience. Standard equipment for the base model and GXP includes two-way power driver seat height adjuster; racing-inspired sport bucket seats wîth convenient seat cushion and seatback storage; leather-wrapped manual shift knob, a premium acoustic headliner; rear window defogger; rake-adjustable §teering wheel; and dual-stage frontal air bags.

When it comes to information and entertainment features, the Solstice lineup comes through wîth a host of popular and advanced technologies, including AM/FM and CD stereo wîth six speakers; an enhanced sound system wîth an MP3-compatible stereo and an iPod jack; XM Satellite Radio; OnStar; and GM's driver information center, which offers important information such as current fuel economy, fuel range, oil life and warning indicators.

Several packages are available that allow customers to tailor their Solstice to their driving needs:

Convenience Package – §teering-wheel mounted cruise control, enhanced DIC controls and fog lamps
Preferred Package – power locks, mirrors and windows, along wîth remote keyless entry
Premium Package – leather seating surfaces (Ebony or Ebony/Sand two-tone), leather-wrapped §teering wheel and §teering wheel radio controls
OnStar details

The peace of mind and convenience of OnStar is now standard on all Solstice models. OnStar's digital equipment includes enhanced hands-free voice recognition capabilities including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation, a fully integrated GPS navigation system, is a popular available feature that allows customers to talk to a live advisor, who in turn sends complete step-by-step directions to the vehicle through their OnStar system.

OnStar also includes OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics and the Advanced Crash Response System, making crash data available to the participating 911 centers to help dispatch the appropriate live-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes quicker.

New for 2009, Bluetooth capability is integrated wîth the OnStar system. It allows personal cell phone connectivity to the vehicle audio system.

Chassis and suspension

Solstice and Solstice GXP feature rear-wheel drive, four-wheel independent SLA suspensions and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Technologies such the standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control system help the driver maintain control during sudden maneuvers or in low-traction conditions by using a comprehensive series of sensors to measure acceleration, deceleration, §teering angle and yaw rate. The system automatically controls the vehicle to help maintain the driver's intended path when a measurable deviation from the intended course is detected.

Solstice uses independent short/long arm-type suspensions at the front and rear to give it a responsive, road-gripping feel. Other driver-focused features include:

• Bilstein coil-over monotube shocks at all corners

• Rack-and-pinion §teering (power assisted)

• Eighteen-inch aluminum alloy wheels

• P245/45R18 all-season tires; P245/45R18-96W blackwall performance tires are standard on the GXP

• Standard limited-slip rear differential

• Cockpit-style instrument panel wîth motorcycle-inspired gauges

• Short-throw shifter

All Solstice models employ a four-wheel disc brake arrangement wîth ventilated front rotors that provide confident braking capability. Four-wheel ABS (with dynamic rear proportioning), along wîth StabiliTrak electronic stability control system and all-speed traction control are standard on all models.

Powertrains

The Solstice GXP's Ecotec 2.0-liter turbo engine produces 260 horsepower (194 kW) at 5,300 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. (351 Nm) from 2,500 to 5,250 rpm, and is one of GM's first direct injection offerings in North America. Gasoline direct injection technology helps the engine produce more power without sacrificing fuel economy.

The base Solstice is powered by a 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder engine producing 173 hp (129 kW) and 167 lb.-ft. (226 Nm) or torque. Both Ecotec engines share a number of characteristics including:

• Dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and four valves per cylinder

• Twin counter-rotating balance shafts

• Low-friction, roller-finger follower valvetrain wîth hydraulic lash adjusters

• Low-maintenance chain-drive for the camshafts

• Extremely compact dimensions and low mass

• Direct mounting of all accessories to the engine structure to eliminate common sources of noise, vibration and harshness

• Full circle transmission attachment is more rigid than most four-cylinder powertrains for reduced noise and vibration

• GM Oil Life System for optimum oil change frequency (included wîth optional driver information system)

• No routine maintenance apart from oil/oil filter changes

• Innovative cast-in oil filter housing eliminates crawling under the car to replace filters. The design also eliminates throwaway oil-filter 'cans' that retain used oil that typically end up in landfills

Solstice models equipped wîth the five-speed manual transmission have a torque beam to reduce noise, vibration and harshness by isolating noise associated wîth abrupt torque transfer away from the passenger compartment.