Review: 2010 Pontiac Solstice GXP

The 2010 Pontiac Solstice GXP is a small sports car that packs a major punch, it hangs with the likes of the Honda S2000 and quickly out runs the Mazda Miata in straight line fortitude. The 2010 Pontiac Solstice GXP reminds you very much of the Lotus Elise and has similar performance characteristics; the Pontiac Solstice GXP will go from 0 to 60 in 5.4 seconds while the Lotus Elise arrives there in 4.9, not bad considering the Solstice GXP weighs in at almost 1000 pounds more. The Pontiac Solstice GXP also rips through the quarter mile in 14.0 seconds at 99 mph, not too shabby considering it gets 19mpg in the city and 28mpg on the highway and does this on 91 octane gasoline! It's definitely GM's little pocket rocket. Power needed to make these kind of performance figures comes from the Solstice GXP's longitudally mounted 2.0 liter four cylinder, which is surprisingly similar to the Japanese Nissan SR20VE in that it has the same 86mm bore and 86mm stroke and is also a variable cam timing, 16 valve, four cylinder. The 2.0 liter Ecotec engine in the Solstice GXP with a 9.2:1 compression ratio produces 260 horsepower at 5300 rpm and an amazing 260ftbls of torque at a very low 2500 rpm.

The Pontiac Solstice GXP comes standard equipped with ABS, Stabilitrak, and a limited slip rear end which is borrowed from the Cadillac CTS. The upgraded Bilstein coil over shocks and the Stabilitrak system are no doubt the main contributors to the Solstice GXP's .89 lateral G skid pad accomplishments. This is also thanks in part to the Solstice GXP's perfect 50/50 weight distribution from front to rear. Power from the engine is transferred through a five speed manual gear box that comes standard which is also borrowed from the Hummer H3; the Solstice GXP is a Frankestein from the GM parts bin. The Solstice GXP will not only go, it will also stop with a 60 to 0mph measurement of 119 feet; this is attributed to the highly functional ABS system and 11.7 inch slotted rotors in the front and 10.9 inchers in the rear. Rolling is done via 18x8 inch chrome plated cast aluminum wheels wrapped in 245/45/18 sticky summer tires.

For such a small roadster the Solstice GXP is in the front of the line when it comes to safety with dual airbags standard and a four star crash test rating, so if you're worried about the safety of owning such a small car; have no fear when it comes to the Pontiac Solstice GXP. The Solstice GXP also comes with On Star, Bluetooth, and satellite radio standard. So what do you get for $33,000? You get a 2 seat roadster with an excellent crash test rating, fantastic braking, and a 260 horsepower turbocharged engine that's rear wheel drive.