2008 Pontiac G8 GT

engine Cast Aluminum L76 V8
valvetrain Pushrod OHV, 2 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed Returnless, Multi-Port Fuel Injection
displacement 5967 cc / 364.1 cu in
bore 101.3 mm / 3.99 in
stroke 92 mm / 3.62 in
compression 10.4:1
power 269.9 kw / 362 bhp @ 5700 rpm
hp per litre 60.67 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 199.78 bhp per weight
torque 530 nm / 390.9 ft lbs @ 4400 rpm
redline 6000
body / frame Unit Steel
front brakes Discs w/ABS, Twin-Piston Calipers
f brake size 298 mm / 11.73 in
rear brakes Discs w/ABS, Single-Piston Calipers
r brake size 302 mm / 11.89 in
front wheels F 45.7 x 20.3 cm / 18 x 8 in
rear wheels R 48.3 x 20.3 cm / 19 x 8 in
front tire size P245/45R18
rear tire size P245/40R19
steering Variable Ratio Rack & Pinion
f suspension Multi-Link MacPherson Struts w/Stabilizer Bar, Progressive-Rate Coil Springs. Adjustable for Camber, Caster and Toe
r suspension Four-Link w/Stabilizer Bar, Progressive-Rate Coil Springs. Adjustable for Camber, Caster and Toe
weight 1812 kg / 3995 lbs
wheelbase 2915 mm / 114.8 in
front track 1592 mm / 62.7 in
rear track 1608 mm / 63.3 in
length 4982 mm / 196.1 in
width 1899 mm / 74.8 in
height 1465 mm / 57.7 in
transmission TR6060 6-Speed Manual
gear ratios 3.01:1, 2.07:1, 1.43:1, 1.00:1, 0.84:1, 0.57:1
final drive 3.27:1

2008 Pontiac G8 GT

Feb. 7, 2007, Chicago - Confirming its commitment to style and performance, Pontiac introduced a show car version of an all-new, rear-wheel-drive performance sedan at the Chicago Auto Show. The 2008 Pontiac G8 will be available in dealerships early next year.


''With the balance of rear-wheel drive and the availability of V-8 power, the G8 represents another step in Pontiac's commitment to its performance DNA,'' said John Larson, Pontiac general manager. ''Added to the Solstice and the recently announced additions of the G6 and Torrent to the GXP series, the G8 demonstrates that Pontiac has never been more serious about the business of performance - and we expect this vehicle to be very competitive in the segment, even against cars that cost far more.''


The G8 is the first North American application of GM's new global rear-wheel-drive architecture developed by Holden, GM's Australian subsidiary.


G8 GT show car details


The G8 show car unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show is representative of the production GT model, including use of the 362-horsepower (270 kW) 6.0L V-8 engine and optional six-speed manual transmission. The show car also features some unique items not found on the production model, including:


* Twenty-inch ''shadow chrome'' wheels and performance tires

* Ride height lowered approximately half-inch

* High-performance brake rotors with painted brake calipers

* Custom interior trim color, including a leather-wrapped dash

* Exclusive exterior paint color: Phantom Grey

* Concept of modernized Pontiac badge, to gauge public opinion.


Production model details


The 2008 Pontiac G8 lineup will offer two models: G8 and G8 GT. Each will come with a host of standard performance, convenience and safety features, including:


* Four-wheel independent suspension

* Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control

* Electronic stability control

* 18-inch aluminum wheels (19-inch wheels available with sport package)

* Seat-mounted thorax air bags and dual-stage frontal air bags for front passengers, with automatic passenger sensing system

* Roof rail side-impact air bags for both seating rows

* OnStar

* XM Satellite Radio

* Power-adjustable front seats

* Fog lamps

* Chrome exhaust tips

* Rear lip spoiler


A sport package will be available for both models and adds features such as specific wheels - including 19-inch aluminum wheels and performance tires on GT - a rear wing spoiler, leather shift knob, leather-wrapped steering wheel and alloy pedals.


Design


The G8 has a progressive styling package highlighted by strong Pontiac design cues, such as a dual-port grille, fog lamps, bold wheels and a confident, wheels-at-the-corners stance. The design accents the car's performance lineage, with fenders that flare over the wheels, seemingly hugging the wide tires and enhancing the sporting stance.


Distinctive elements include hood scoops and front fender vents, as well as projector-beam headlamps housed in crystal-clear lenses. At the rear, jewel-like taillamps also are mounted in housings and feature bright detail work surrounding the red lighting elements. G8 models have red taillamp lenses and twin chrome exhaust outlets, while G8 GT models feature clear taillamp lenses and quad chrome exhaust tips. All models have an antenna mounted at the rear of the roof.


Powertrain


The base G8 model receives a 3.6L DOHC V-6 with variable valve timing, rated at 261 horsepower (194 kW). It is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.


The G8 GT is powered by a uniquely configured 6.0L small-block V-8, rated at 362 horsepower (270 kW) and 391 lb.-ft. of torque (530 Nm). A six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode is standard and features the fuel-saving Active Fuel Management system, which enhances fuel economy by alternating between eight- and four-cylinder power. An optional six-speed manual transmission will be available soon after launch.


A limited-slip rear differential is standard with GT models.




Suspension system


A 114.8-inch (2915 mm) wheelbase, wide front ( 62.7 inches / 1592 mm) and rear ( 63.3 inches / 1608 mm) tracks, and a fully adjustable, four-wheel independent suspension system combine to give the G8 a confident, sharp driving experience.


The four-wheel independent suspension system employs a MacPherson strut design in the front and a four-link coil-over-shock design in the rear. Tuning is specific between the base and GT models, but both models use a direct-acting front stabilizer bar, decoupled rear stabilizer bar and lateral ball joints on the rear suspension. This system delivers increased lateral stiffness for enhanced handling.


The front suspension features fully adjustable caster, camber and toe; the rear suspension has fully adjustable camber and toe, which enables more precise, tailored suspension tuning.


Brake system


A four-wheel disc brake system includes standard anti-lock and traction control features and is partnered with a standard electronic stability control system. Both the base and GT models feature vented front and rear disc rotors, with twin-piston alloy calipers in front; the rear brakes feature alloy calipers with single-piston actuation. The brakes are approximately one-inch larger on the higher-performance GT model.


Interior


Designed to meld form and function with world-class fit and finish, the G8's interior delivers both comfort and convenience, packaged in a level of sophistication not often found in its price range. A driver-oriented instrument cluster positions the gauges for easy, direct line of sight; an electronic driver information center is located between the large, round tachometer and speedometer.


Attention to detail includes jewel-like instruments, selective use of satin and chrome trim and rich-feeling, grained textures throughout. The instrument cluster glows with crisp, white light on the primary instruments and Pontiac's signature red lighting illuminates the rest of the instrument panel cluster.


The seats offer firm support to hold occupants in place during aggressive cornering; all seats were designed to deliver excellent comfort during long drives. Cloth seating surfaces are standard, with heated leather seating available. G8 GT models will also offer an optional two-tone cloth or leather combination that pairs black with either red or blue inserts and color-matched instrument faces on certain exterior color combinations.

2007 Pontiac Solstice SD-290 Concept

LAS VEGAS – Designed to evoke the emotions of classic sports cars, the Pontiac Solstice SD-290 race concept captures the purposeful design of vintage racecars. The design is dramatic, featuring a passenger cockpit tonneau cover and a driver windscreen, creating a pure racecar that looks ready to take the checkered flag even while sitting on the starting grid.


Aerodynamics have been improved and the SD-290�s weight reduced with the removal of the windshield, side glass, window regulator, convertible top, climate system and windshield wiper system. Complementing the design are new side fender gill panels, a new hood with heat extracting grilles and a competition red paint scheme.


Backing up the race-ready appearance is the available Club Sport Z0K suspension package and an all-business cockpit filled with auxiliary gauges, a roll bar and racing seat.


Vehicle highlights:


-Pontiac Solstice SD-290 race concept

-2.0L Ecotec direct-injected and turbocharged generating 290 horsepower

-Five-speed manual transmission

-Weight reduction through installation of driver-side only windscreen and elimination of door glass/hardware, convertible top/hardware, HVAC system and wiper system

-Solo Performance cat-back exhaust system with center-mounted outlet

-KW Automotive coil-over suspension package

-Three-piston aluminum calipers with 13-inch rotors from Stainless Steel Brake Company

-Forged 19-inch wheels with Hoosier R6 racing tires

-New front fascia, grille inserts, hood and front fenders, leading to better aerodynamics

-Passenger-side hard tonneau cover

-Competition red exterior color

-Rear spoiler

-Tinted headlamp lenses

-Removable racing-style steering wheel

-Racing seat with four-point safety harness

-Chrome fire extinguisher

-Pegasus center console gauge package

-Driver's roll bar

2006 Pontiac Solstice

price $19 420 USD
engine Ecotec Inline-4
valvetrain DOHC w/Variable Valve Timing & Intake Manifold
displacement 2384 cc / 145.5 cu in
power 132.0 kw / 177 bhp @ 6600 rpm
hp per litre 70.83 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 131.07 bhp per weight
torque 225.07 nm / 166 ft lbs @ 4800 rpm
redline 6900
drive wheels RWD
body / frame Steel Body over Aluminum & Steel Chassis
front brakes Vented Discs w/ABS
rear brakes Discs w/ABS
front wheels F 45.7 x 21.6 cm / 18 x 8.5 in
rear wheels R 45.7 x 21.6 cm / 18 x 8.5 in
front tire size P245/45R18 Goodyear
rear tire size P245/45R18 Goodyear
f suspension Wishbones w/Coil-Over Shocks
r suspension Wishbones w/Coil-Over Shocks
weight 1297 kg / 2860 lbs
wheelbase 2415 mm / 95.1 in
front track 1537 mm / 60.5 in
rear track 1555 mm / 61.2 in
length 3994 mm / 157.2 in
width 1819 mm / 71.6 in
height 1274 mm / 50.2 in
transmission MW5 Aisin 5-Speed manual
gear ratios 3.75:1, 2.26:1, 1.37:1, 1.00:1, 0.73:1
final drive 3.91:1
top speed 197.9 kph / 123 mph
0 - 60 mph 6.8 seconds
0 - 100 mph 21.3 seconds
0 - 1/4 mile 15.5 seconds
epa city/hwy 24 mpg

2006 Pontiac Solstice

Bringing the popular concept car to life, GM announced production of the Pontiac Solstice roadster as a 2006 model. The vehicle is expected in dealer showrooms in fall 2005.


First shown as a concept at the 2002 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, the Solstice immediately gained a huge following, both inside and outside of General Motors. Designed from the ground up in less than four months, the 2002 Solstice concept car promised thrilling, open-air driving freedom in the spirit of the great roadsters of the past.


Built on GM's new Kappa architecture, the production model remains true to the original Solstice concept, including rear-wheel drive, two-passenger seating and a reverse hinged clamshell hood that opens to reveal a sophisticated double overhead cam variable-valve four-cylinder engine.


Chassis


Strong response to the 2002 Solstice concept vehicle helped put the sports car on the fast track to production. But while the concept was designed with production-style elements, there was no compact rear-wheel-drive platform at GM on which to build it. Creating a production version of the concept vehicle required marrying the Solstice's curvaceous design to an entirely new performance body-chassis architecture.


The robust Kappa architecture features state-of-the-art, full-length hydroformed frame rails and a stamped steel structural tunnel to provide a solid structure to enhance vehicle handling.


Solstice's power is created by a new 2.4-liter variable-valve version of the Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing about 170 horsepower. Its twin-cam, multi-valve design provides stirring, high-revving performance, while the engines lightweight, all-aluminum construction helps optimize the vehicles front-to-rear balance. At the start of production, Solstice will be offered with a close-ratio Aisin five-speed manual transmission.


Faithfulness to the concept can be seen in Solstices proportions, which are comparable in terms of overhangs, wheelbase and track width. Independent front and rear suspensions that feature independent SLA designs with forged aluminum upper and lower control arms contribute to responsive handling. Monotube shock absorbers and coil springs contribute to uncompromised handling response and sporty driving characteristics while the wheels-at-the-corners wide stance enhances handling. Eighteen-inch wheels and tires are standard, as are four-wheel disc brakes.


Styling


Designers worked carefully to transfer the clean lines and taut proportions of the concept vehicle to the production model. 'Put them side by side and it's very difficult to tell the production model from the concept,' said Franz Von Holzhausen, design manager. 'The front and rear fascias are slightly longer on the production model, but overall the car remains faithful to the concept - it's a minimalist approach that emphasizes proportion.'


The Solstice's proportions are accented with five-spoke wheels and a low, wide stance. A dual-port grille and expressive lighting at all corners instantly identifies the car as a Pontiac. Unexpected details include a body-color extension into the passenger compartment that gives the 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.


Creative leveraging of GM resources, as well as clever solutions to other needs, helped complete the Solstices design efficiently and economically. For example, the rear corner lamps are from the GMC Envoy, while door handles, fog lamps, seats, engine and transmission are shared with other GM vehicles.


However, some parts are all Solstice. The taillamps, for instance, were designed with special reflectors to eliminate the need for a separate side marker light. This not only contributes to the cars sleek design, but also eliminates the cost of a separate marker lens and bulb.


Interior design is equally purposeful and clever, 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 shortened.

2005 Pontiac Solstice Club Racer

engine Inline-4
aspiration Turbocharged
power 242.4 kw / 325 bhp
front brakes Large-diameter performance brakes
rear brakes Large-diameter performance brakes
front tire size Goodyear Eagle F1 255/45ZR18
rear tire size Goodyear Eagle F1 255/45ZR18
f suspension T-2 race suspension package
r suspension T-2 race suspension package

2005 Pontiac Solstice Club Racer

October 30, 2005 - Pontiac's exciting new 2006 Solstice roadster is an exhilarating performance vehicle with the DNA of a pure sports car. A car this athletic is a natural candidate for the weekend amateur racer.


GM Performance Division built the Solstice Weekend Club Racer concept to showcase how a racing version of the car might be configured. This aggressive package would allow Solstice owners to compete in amateur track events with a minimum of upgrades. By competing in sanctioned, off-highway amateur events, Solstice owners can enjoy spirited driving in a safe environment - and the special components of the Weekend Club Racer concept would let them experience the car’s maximum performance.


The most noticeable changes are external, starting with a removable hard top. The concept top makes a bold styling statement and transforms the Solstice into an enclosed car, which is what many amateur and professional racing classes demand.


A new larger rear wing dominates the view most competitors will see – the tail of the Solstice. Front and rear fascias were modified, and new rocker panels, complete with molded-in rear brake cooling ducts, were fabricated. An air extractor-style hood helps keep the engine compartment cool. Aggressive five-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels and matching tires – Goodyear Eagle F1 255/45ZR18's - aid both performance and eye appeal. The whole package sports a custom bronze paint job.


Some interior upgrades were made in keeping with the car's performance nature. The execution of the interior trim and colors reflects a race-inspired, Ebony Suede theme, including the IP top pad, center console and door panel inserts. Also complementing the Ebony Suede appointments is a carbon fiber trim bezel that surrounds the gauges and wraps around the center console. Sparco racing seats were recovered to match the Solstice upholstery, and the underside of the new hard top was trimmed to match the rest of the interior.


Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine rated at 325 horsepower (242 kw). A cat-back performance exhaust system enhances engine performance and provides a sporty exhaust note. A T-2 race suspension package was added, along with larger diameter disc brakes.