2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP Preview

Pontiac of General Motors is setting about boosting the company’s performance image with the introduction of the turbocharged 2007 Solstice GXP.

The big news with the Solstice GXP is the new Ecotec 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, producing 260 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This translates to 130 brake horsepower per liter, the highest ratio in GM history and thus the most powerful production engine in the Ecotec family.

A sophisticated engine management system and a dual-scroll turbocharger produces substantial boost at low RPM’s which will make the GXP a much more driveable performance vehicle.

This high output Ecotec engine manages to produce more power while mirroring the fuel consumption of a small displacement port-injected engine. The trick behind this accomplishment is a fuel injection system that directly injects a fuel/air mixture into the cylinder combustion chamber. This system results in a more efficient combustion cycle and thus less fuel is used to realize similar performance from a typical port-injected system.

All this extra power is channeled through your choice of 5 speed manual or automatic transmissions. Zero-to 60 mph times of under 5.5 seconds have been quoted from GM with either transmission.

The list of standard equipment on the Solstice GXP includes; distinctive body treatments for the front and rear fascias, a dual high polished steel exhaust, a vehicle stability system, 4 wheel disc anti-lock brakes, sport suspension, limited slip differential, a 3.73 ratio rear axle, unique interior upholstery and gauges and 18 inch polished aluminum rims.

While pricing has yet to be announced, look for the 2007 Solstice GXP to appear in showrooms in the fall of 2006.