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What makes a hot convertible hotter? More power, of course
Pontiac follows up the launch of the 177HP Solstice roadster with the introduction of the 2007 Solstice GXP at January’s 2006 Los Angeles auto show. Not content with the 177HP in the standard car, but also looking to keep the balance in the overall package that the four-cylinder engine contributes to, Pontiac decided to turbocharge a four-cylinder engine to create the go-fast version rather than shoehorning a larger (and much heavier) engine into the bay. The Solstice and Solstice GXP will be featured in an upcoming VehicleVoice videocast.
The turbocharged GXP engine delivers 260HP from only 2.0 liters, and Pontiac promises a 0-to-60mph time of 5.5 seconds, slightly faster than the Honda S2000. Pontiac’s Ecotec 2.0L DOHC 16v I4 looks to several tricks to get the power up that high. Among them, this engine is fed with direct injection (fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber), a first for General Motors in North America. A dual-scroll turbocharger is used, with a lightweight turbine and air-to-air intercooling. As is true of the base car, standard transmission will be a five-speed manual with an optional five-speed automatic available.

Though the call to more power is one that is very difficult to resist, small two-seat roadsters are light and, when well done, nearly perfectly balanced. This is why they can be such fun even with relatively low-horsepower engines, and why the risk with adding power is reducing that perfect balance. We’ve driven the standard Solstice and found its power to be complementary to the vehicle and conducive to a spirited drive. It remains to be seen if adding more than 80HP overpowers the driving experience, or if the car is tuned to be even happier with 260HP than with 177HP.
There are not many differences between standard and GXP Solstices, but the GXP gets unique front and rear fascias; high-polish, dual-outlet exhaust; StabiliTrak vehicle stability system; a 3.73 rear axle ratio; and a unique gauge cluster and cobalt red stitching.
Along with the features specific to the GXP, checking that box brings along some features that are standard on the regular 177HP Solstice, including the sport suspension setup, four-wheel disc ABS brakes, limited-slip rear differential, leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio and cruise control, remote keyless entry, power windows/locks/mirrors, and the driver information center. Though GXP sticks with the same eighteen-inch tires as the standard car, it gets the optional polished aluminum wheels.
Pricing has not been confirmed, but expect the GXP to carry a price penalty of $4000 to $5000 over the base $19,995 Solstice.