Seen the Solstice/Saturn Curve

[jpf]

Based on the pictures in Autocar, do you think the Elise has anything to be worried about? The piccies look very appealing and seem to be going after the nimble sportscar market...

[cuzza]

Have you got a link please? Be nice to see a picture.

I've heard it mentioned along with the VX Lightning as I think the two are meant to use the same platform.

Bearing in mind the VX used Elise technology and the new car won't I'm not sure whether it will get close or not. I'd like to think so as the VX Lightning is a very nice looking car!

[Gfun]

www.ultimatecarpage.com/frame.mv?file=news/current.mv

not sure its the link you wanted but ....

[fizz]

Looks like a baby Bugatti Veyron.

Great looking car--which should be built. If they don't, we at least know why GN has the problems they have.

Having said that, we KNOW the Elise is coming to the USA and will have a better power to weight ratio and is tuned by Lotus.

[cuzza]

I like the Pontiac a lot - has a hint of BMW Z1 in it especially down the sides but it's nice.

Not so sure on the Saturn though.

With the kind of figures quoted in that article, I would say the Elise will come out on top just on power to weight never mind handling.

[86turbo]

I don't think anyone in the market for a Lotus would ever really consider a Pontiac or Saturn, personally. Conversely, anyone who wanted a Pontiac or a Saturn wouldn't be happy with a Lotus anyways (no cup holders, comfort, etc.)
Dan

[jpf]

The Solstice/Curve is not your mothers GM product. The Curve could be a real alternative to the Elise--especially with the large Saturn dealer network.
The Curve looks the part (and doesn't have cupholders) has RWD drive, is light with a good engine. In terms of raw performance, I think the Elise would still beat it, but the Curve could be easier to live with as an everyday proposition. Can't wait to see both the Elise and the Curve at the Chicago Auto Show!

[jbsc5]

In the United States..the Solstice if rumored to be priced out at 20,000 dollars...

The upmarket supercharged version should probably sell for under 28,000 dollars if that..

Its quite an impressive feat.

Whats really interesting about this new car is the technology to bring it to market so inexpensively and have relatively small production runs..

GM is utilizing hydroformed frame rail technology as pioneered by the C5 Corvette..

Whats been added the production mix is hydroformed steel body panels....allowing inexpensive molds to be used to create the shapely Solstice and even nicer Vauxall body panels.

From what we are hearing in the United States the prettier Vauxall may not make production because of some strange upcoming pedestrian safety regulation that would make the styling on the new Vauxall speedster offshoot on this chassis illegal..

How do you guys feel about this new upcoming car but also what about the new crazy government regulation that inhibits styling of sports cars as a whole?

[davemon]

I'm from the states and would NEVER drive anything Pontiac puts on the road. Nothing but a headache.

Saturn, I think it looks goofy, but ok looks aren't everything. Although saturn seems to make inexpensive overall reliable cars, I would never look to saturn to make a fun to drive high revving sportscar. I don't think that his car will win many fans / buyers here in the states.