2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP

2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP - Well, Pontiac is charging five grand over the base Solstice price, or $25,995 in all, for a 47-percent increase in horsepower and 57-percent boost in torque with its new GXP. That’s already a good deal, but much of the optional gear on the base Solstice, such as a limited-slip differential, anti-lock brakes, cruise control, and power windows and locks — things you’d want — is standard on the GXP. So, really, it’s just an extra $2710.

The Solstice has been a hit in its first year, selling 11,546 copies during the first six months of 2006, beating out the Mazda MX-5 Miata for roadster sales leader.

Besides addressing that power complaint, the GXP adds a stiffer suspension, a taller axle ratio, and a shorter third-gear ratio in the same five-speed Aisin transmission. That new ratio eliminates the previously large gap between second and third gears, and the base Solstice gets this improvement as well. The stubby shifter falls to hand and engages positively but requires a little more effort than we’d like; a five-speed automatic is an $850 option.

There’s nothing like a big power boost to enliven an already capable chassis. Even though the GXP still likes to understeer at the limit, picking apart corners is much more entertaining now that the rear tires have a chance of breaking loose under power. In fact, this chassis so easily accommodates the added power that we hope Pontiac has plans to add at least another 50 horsepower, if not more.

Our first acceleration times for the GXP were somewhat slower than Pontiac’s claims, and company officials suspected our car may have been delivered — and then tested — with regular fuel. After we retested with premium, the GXP redeemed itself, blasting to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 14.2 at 98 mph. Those times are big improvements of 1.1 and 1.2 seconds, respectively, over the base car.

Another possible result of this less favorable weight distribution is reduced skidpad grip — 0.85 g compared with 0.91 g for the base car.

Headroom can be tight for people much over six feet, but legroom is ample as long as you don’t mind sitting upright. And the added horsepower makes the GXP much more usable in fifth gear, now able to accelerate from 30 to 50 mph in 10.4 seconds and from 50 to 70 in 7.9 (quicker by 3.1 and 5.6 seconds). Here’s a surprise: EPA fuel economy increases from 20 city and 28 highway to 22 and 31. We averaged 26 mpg at 80-mph highway speeds, but 18 overall.

Pontiac credits the Solstice with a 20-percent increase in showroom traffic, and despite the negatives, the turbo version makes it an even bigger hit. Pontiac says up to 40 percent of Solstice production, or 8000 cars, can be GXPs. It is on sale in September, and already more than 3000 orders have been placed. It’s an exceptional deal.