forgive the mbr like qualities of this post

[ff]

Originally Posted by Soltice

The program was executed in just under four months from the first sketch, to the drivable vehicle. The thesis is an affordable roadster that would sell for about $20,000, which would be very easy to build in a flexible manufacturing environment. This was accomplished using existing componentry from the GM system.

4 Months from concept to working vehicle??? $20,000 convertible sports car? From GM? Using parts from the existing parts bins?
Sounds like it will use a version of the dreadful 4 cylinder that's used in the Cavalier. No thanks.

Sounds like another in a very long line of GM stinkers, if you ask me.

[lemming]

Originally Posted by ff

4 Months from concept to working vehicle??? $20,000 convertible sports car? From GM? Using parts from the existing parts bins?
Sounds like it will use a version of the dreadful 4 cylinder that's used in the Cavalier. No thanks.

Sounds like another in a very long line of GM stinkers, if you ask me.

yeah.

it's the same ecotec engine. probably the 2.2 litre engine with 140hp. maybe tweaked, but who knows.

that's why i have a wait and see attitude about the car. should be interesting.

(i have the same attitude toward the upcoming z06, also).

i think miatas are way overpriced and s2000s are a pretty penny, also. (consider this being the "other" third car). used miatas are okay and so aren't s2000s. but in the end, i don't trust most people to properly match revs on the s2000, in particular, or know how to NOT abuse the clutch. so i'd be extremely wary of buying a used one.

so the solstice is more appealing.

[clyde]

Originally Posted by lemming

it's the same ecotec engine. probably the 2.2 litre engine with 140hp. maybe tweaked, but who knows.

GM Canada says 240hp. Is that just those wacky Canucks playing around without the the NHL to watch?

The road test previews in the magazines a few months ago all said 170hp/170tq.

[lemming]

Originally Posted by clyde

GM Canada says 240hp. Is that just those wacky Canucks playing around without the the NHL to watch?

The road test previews in the magazines a few months ago all said 170hp/170tq.

actually, you are probably right. in cavalier trim, that engine is good for 140hp. in ecotec solstice form, it could be 170hp and 240 with the blower.

in either case, it's quick. after the initial hubbub, at a corporate discount, it's a neat car.

[blee]

The Ecotec isn't horrible. It's no LS1, but it's a decent little four-banger. With a supercharger, it would be a more-than-devent four-banger.

[lemming]

if it's as good as the current generation miata, but with more power, it sounds good already.

[hockeynut]

Originally Posted by mbr129

Now... I think a Miata would be best over a solstice. Mazda knows how to build a fun, small car. You'd have to take GM's word that they do.

Fiero?

[FC]

Originally Posted by hockeynut

Fiero?

I stand corrected. But those engineers are now playing golf in Florida.

[clyde]

Originally Posted by mbr129

I stand corrected. But those engineers are now playing golf in Florida.

Yeah, it took them a few too many years to get it right

[lemming]

Originally Posted by clyde

Yeah, it took them a few too many years to get it right

and they didn't have:

1. bob lutz
2. global expertise
3. reliable 4 bangers
4. suitable cross-platform usages for the car chassis, so it died quickly