DISPITE THIS FULL-COLOR evidence to the contrary, Pontiac officials still say General Motors product planners have yet to give the green light to the Solstice roadster. “We still don’t have an approved program,” says a spokesperson.
Since unveiling the highly acclaimed Solstice concept at the 2002 Detroit show, GM has been struggling with ways to make a competitive yet affordable front-engine, rear-wheel-drive two-seat sports car. Those efforts gained momentum in May when GM’* British subsidiary Vauxhall revealed its VX Lightning roadster concept (AW, May 26), a production-ready showpiece that sources said would also provide the underpinnings for the next Opel Speedster as well as the Solstice.

Power for the sports car will likely come from a supercharged 240-hp version of GM’* 2.2-liter Ecotec inline four-cylinder engine.

Nobody is saying it, but considering the road-readiness of the Pontiac sports car shown here, we anticipate GM is gearing up for a production announcement at the Detroit show in January

I still this thing could be a VERY serious contender with a 3800 engine, and it would give the engine a Huge aftermarket, and propel it to legendary status moreso then it is now among GM. Think about it, an L67 in a solstice, a car that light, and small with 280lb ft of torque! Heck they could remove the torque management program cause it'* RWD to well over 300 lb ft.

What about the 260 hp Series III L67?

That would be good. It'* strange how they 240HP out of their 4 banger. Wonder what kinda blower is on it.

:? ...You can get 400hp out of a 4 banger if you really wanted too...

I know it'* an eaton, but i'm not sure how big. Sure it'* 240 HP, it might be a spinner though, and kinda gutless with torque. A series III L67 with a NICE burbly exhaust would prove americans can compete with Z4 at half the price... And be true to the pontiac heritage. Maybe a Solstice GXP with the L67?

Probably the little M45 Eaton. It'* designed for that size engine.

You actually can get over 600 hp out of a 4 banger, GM did. I posted bout it somewhere.

GM has over 800 HP from a 4 banger, it'* their cavalier, silly turbo'ed and custom but still....

Probably costs a bit to make those 240HP 4 bangers. Wouldn't it be cheaper just to throw an L67 in it?