2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe Concept

Long known for delivering performance of many kinds, Pontiac rolls into the 2008 SEMA Show with a trio of tuner-inspired concepts for enthusiasts of all stripes. Leading the pack is G8 GXP Street concept with a new LSX454 crate engine shoehorned under its hood, followed by an accessorized G8 ST and a performance-enhanced Solstice GXP coupe.

'Pontiacs have always strived to provide unexpected levels of performance, regardless of the model,' said Susan Docherty, vice president of Buick-Pontiac-GMC. 'But these concepts raise the bar even higher, taking style and sportiness to the highest levels.'

None of the four Pontiac concepts is intended for production, but they use many components from GM Accessories and GM Performance Parts, as well as other aftermarket components, that are already on the market. Some new GM components are being evaluated for possible production as accessories.

All of the concepts share the spirit of late-model tuner vehicles, with enhancements and modifications that contribute as much to styling and presence as they do performance. It is a spirit carried forward from the hit of the 2007 SEMA Show, hip-hop star 50 Cent's customized G8.

Solstice GXP Coupe concept

New for 2009 is the Solstice coupe – a sleek, fastback-styled hardtop body style with a removable roof panel. It enables an open-air driving experience yet offers a greater range of all-season driving opportunities.

Like the Solstice roadster, the new coupe model is available in high-performance GXP form, including the 260-horsepower (194 kW) turbocharged 2.0-liter Ecotec engine – a powertrain that uses direct injection technology to deliver up to 28 mpg in EPA-rated highway economy.

Pontiac brings a specially outfitted Solstice GXP coupe to SEMA. It is equipped with GM Performance Parts' Stage 2 performance kit and performance air intake kit, which boost horsepower to about 290 (216 kW). The car also wears a GM Performance Parts cat-back exhaust system and race-ready suspension kit. It rolls on polished factory wheels.

The exterior is painted Olympic White and features a Hydro Blue racing stripe that may inspire a graphics kit from GM Accessories. Inside, the Solstice features blue accent stitching on its leather-trimmed seats, racing-style pedal covers and a convenient iPod interface for the audio system.

Source - Pontiac