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is that the Ecotec?? might not be too bad. ah ha, GM did one thing right: the Aisin transmission (i'm assuming something very similar in spec to the Miata).
i'd love to see the final numbers, tech details on the suspention design and pricing, in comparison to Mazda's MS Miata due to compete... y'all know who i'm rootin' for.
__________________ "We do not intend to withdraw from the rotary. In fact, were are now developing the next generation of that engine."
--Hisakazu Imaki, Mazda's president and chief executive, Los Angeles Times 11/11/06
That is the first Pontiac in (my long driver) history I would even look at twice. It is actually a very attractive package. Now if only they don't GM'ize the guts and interior, they might really be on to something there! Good start GM!!
Pontiac already used Toyota's 1.8L from the Celica in the sister car of the Matrix (I don't recall its name right now). I think they should've used the same engine in the Solstice.
On the other hand, the Ecotec probably lends itself more readily to forced induction, which will probably be the next step.
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Smooth is fast, fast is smooth.
Originally posted by Schneegz Pontiac already used Toyota's 1.8L from the Celica in the sister car of the Matrix (I don't recall its name right now). I think they should've used the same engine in the Solstice.
On the other hand, the Ecotec probably lends itself more readily to forced induction, which will probably be the next step.
If I recall correctly, the Celica engine has a relatively low peak torque rating, like 138 ft*lbs, even though it revs to 180 horsepower in the top level trim.
The Solstice engine has 170 ft*lbs of torque and 170 horsepower, so the driver shouldn't have to rev it to death to get it off the line.
I can't afford an RX8, and a Miata looks okay but I was iffy. This? My grandfather worked for GM so I should be able to get the Solstice at dealer invoice when it comes out. I'm seriously considering it. Wow... I love the styline.
This car will have a 240 hp supercharged Ecotec in the future.
To get the pricing as low as $20K the car won't have power windows, a hard top, or any type of computer controll on the suspension or brakes. Never the less, I think I like it better than the Miata.
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User name now outdated; now I'm driving an '05 Mazdaspeed Miata!
As I've seen it reported, Pontiac intends to offer this car at less than $20,000 US - so it certainly is not going to be a high performance car at that price!
I still like the Miata more. And even if I still don't know what the next Miata will look or perform like as of now my gut tells me I would rather have it that this thing. I really don't think anyone can make a better roadster for the money than Mazda has.
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1st car 1987 Mazda B2000
2nd car 1993 Mazda MX-3 GS SE
3rd car 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
4th car 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3
This thing is going to sprint to 60 in about 9 seconds with a 3 cylinder. I think the Miata will be relieved out its "cheapest roadster" title & be considered more upscale. S2000>Miata>Solstice will be how it goes.
The most recent focus has been on the sub 20g sports cars. The Focus SVT, SRT, MSP, Ion Redline, Ralliart, SI, & Spec V have been the competitors. It would be nice if the auto manufacturers focused on sub 20G roadsters next. RWD + light weight > fwd midsize cars. I think this would be great because they would lead to the supercharged Solstice, SVT roadster, Saturn ding-me redline, SS roadster, & Nismo roadster.
These cheap sporty cars have been nice but they've been lacking one thing, rear-wheel-drive. If roadsters become cheap all hell will break loose and I'll be loving every minute of it.
Originally posted by bubble This thing is going to sprint to 60 in about 9 seconds with a 3 cylinder.
The 3 cylinder concept car at the auto show was something else. The Solstice will have a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder with 170 horsepower and 170 ft*lbs of torque.
That engine is a lot more powerful than the one in the Miata - but for all we know the Solstice will weigh 1200 pounds more than the Miata and it won't mean a thing.
Originally posted by FamilyGuy That engine is a lot more powerful than the one in the Miata - but for all we know the Solstice will weigh 1200 pounds more than the Miata and it won't mean a thing.
...for all we know the next Miata will have the big I4 from the 6i, or the Mazdaspeed motor (oh god oh god oh god please...) and blow that Pontiac out of the water (moving up-market even further, closer to the S2000 as bubble intoned).
as for the weight thing, i hope that it does end up as light as an M1 more than getting more power under the hood (although different heads and incumbent bits from the factory allowing more power would be really nice).
The 170hp motor is the standard engine. However, GM said that 1yr after the car is released that a supercharged 240hp motor will be avalible. In order to keep the price of the car down Lutz said that it will be "bare bones." He specifically mentioned that the car won't have power windows or a hard top. So hopefully this means the car will lights as well.
Mazda should have 180hp in the next base model Miata and then another motor (turbo 4, 6, rotary, whatever) that makes at least 215hp IMO. The Miata is already a blast to drive, it just needs alittle more power. But I don't think it needs to move upmarket.
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User name now outdated; now I'm driving an '05 Mazdaspeed Miata!
I think the Miata has been moving upmarket. The Miata stickered around $15,000 when it was introduced here if I recall correctly. It has been getting more powerful like everyone has desired but it has come at a cost. Like the 3 series, the Miata has gotten heavier in the latest generations. I'd like to see a 2400 pound monster, not a 3000 pound drag car.
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