I figured I'd let you guys know what I thought of the Solstice since I have one to throw around for a couple days. I don't feel like writing a full article since there are a million out there already. So I'll keep it short and sweet:
Engine: Not impressed for the most part. It lacks torque in a major way and doesn't feel like the 170 hp that it's rated at. The powerband is nice in that it pulls harder and harder as the RPMs rise, but it's not like the silky-smooth S2000 that begs for the high-revs. Although it's a 4-banger, it shakes like a hotrod V8. Add a supercharger, GM.
Tranny: Nice. It feels like the RX8 tranny, except that you can shift fast between 1st and 2nd without the synchros randomly locking you out. It transmits a lot of the engine feel back to the driver, too. The gearing is low, so cruising is nice, too. Again, perfect for a supercharger.
Interior: Simply, clean, and purposeful. No complaints here. It does what a roadster's interior should do. The dimensions and ergonomics are perfect for someone my size (5'10' 175 lb.), but bigger guys might feel cramped in the sides. There is plenty of legroom, though.
Handling: I give it an A, not an A+. It's very nice and it hold the road fairly well, but not as well as the Miata or S2000. BUT, it is very predictable at it's limits, which in my opinion is almost more important. The ride is softer than the Miata and S2000, so it's forgivable.
Overall this car is totally worth $20,000. I have a feeling that it's restricted with the exhaust. The intake looks like it has a decent setup, and a filter would probably do enough. I still can't stress enough how much this thing is begging for forced induction, though. I say if you have the cash for a summer-only car, this is the one. Just save some money for engine upgrades.
Here are a few [crappy] photos. It's nighttime and I'm using a crappy camera. You all know what it looks like anyway.
Engine: Not impressed for the most part. It lacks torque in a major way and doesn't feel like the 170 hp that it's rated at. The powerband is nice in that it pulls harder and harder as the RPMs rise, but it's not like the silky-smooth S2000 that begs for the high-revs. Although it's a 4-banger, it shakes like a hotrod V8. Add a supercharger, GM.
Tranny: Nice. It feels like the RX8 tranny, except that you can shift fast between 1st and 2nd without the synchros randomly locking you out. It transmits a lot of the engine feel back to the driver, too. The gearing is low, so cruising is nice, too. Again, perfect for a supercharger.
Interior: Simply, clean, and purposeful. No complaints here. It does what a roadster's interior should do. The dimensions and ergonomics are perfect for someone my size (5'10' 175 lb.), but bigger guys might feel cramped in the sides. There is plenty of legroom, though.
Handling: I give it an A, not an A+. It's very nice and it hold the road fairly well, but not as well as the Miata or S2000. BUT, it is very predictable at it's limits, which in my opinion is almost more important. The ride is softer than the Miata and S2000, so it's forgivable.
Overall this car is totally worth $20,000. I have a feeling that it's restricted with the exhaust. The intake looks like it has a decent setup, and a filter would probably do enough. I still can't stress enough how much this thing is begging for forced induction, though. I say if you have the cash for a summer-only car, this is the one. Just save some money for engine upgrades.
Here are a few [crappy] photos. It's nighttime and I'm using a crappy camera. You all know what it looks like anyway.
