Overview

What Changed for 2009:

• New Solstice coupe (base and GXP) with removable roof panel
• GXP coupe model powered by 2.0-liter turbocharged/intercooled engine
• coupe has late year availability
• ABS and electronic stability control standard on all models
• Standard limited-slip differential
• Bluetooth capability integrated with OnStar system for hands-free calling
• Revised standard 18-inch wheels

Overview
Pontiac says the Solstice is already the best-selling roadster in the United States, and the division expands the Solstice lineup in 2009 with the addition of a new coupe, available in base and GXP models, and featuring a removable roof. Other 2009 changes are minimal, mostly the inclusion of certain safety and performance equipment, such as anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control and limited-slip differential, as standard equipment. Bluetooth capability is also integrated with the OnStar system this year to enable hands-free calling.

Model Lineup
For 2009, the Pontiac Solstice is available as base Solstice or Solstice GXP, both available in roadster and coupe form. The new coupe has a removable roof panel. Standard Solstice equipment includes a power 2-way driver seat-height adjuster; sport bucket seats with racing-inspired style; leather-wrapped manual shift knob; rear window defogger; rake-adjustable steering wheel; and premium acoustic headliner.

Three packages are available as options, including Convenience (with steering-wheel-mounted cruise control, enhanced driver information center controls and fog lamps); Preferred (with power windows/mirrors/locks and remote keyless entry); and Premium (featuring leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and radio controls integrated into the steering wheel).

Powertrain
The base Pontiac Solstice for 2009 features a 2.4-liter Ecotec 4-cylinder dual-overhead cam (DOHC) engine that delivers 173 hp at 5800 rpm and 167 lb.-ft. of torque at 4500 rpm. In the GXP, power comes from an Ecotec 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled engine that is one of GM's first direct-injection offerings in North America, according to Pontiac. This technology helps the engine to produce more power without a sacrifice in fuel economy. Both engines are mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, with a 5-speed automatic transmission optional. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2.4-liter engine are 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway for the automatic and 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway for the manual. In the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, the estimates are 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway (automatic transmission) and 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway (manual transmission).

Electronic stability control, all-speed traction control, limited-slip differential, and 4-wheel disc brakes with ventilated front rotors and ABS are standard. Other notable powertrain features include independent short/long arm-type suspensions at the front and rear, Bilstein coil-over monotube shocks at all corners, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels.

Safety
The 2009 Pontiac Solstice roadster and coupe feature dual-stage frontal air bags for driver and front passenger; electronic stability and traction control; ABS; tire-pressure monitor; and OnStar 8.0 with vehicle diagnostics and advanced automatic crash response system.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2009 Pontiac Solstice convertible receives a 4-star rating in frontal and driver side-impact tests. The new coupe was not tested in frontal or side-impact tests. In the agency's rollover tests, the Solstice roadster and coupe earned 5-star ratings.

Technology
Technological features in the 2009 Pontiac Solstice lineup include an enhanced sound system with MP3-compatible stereo and jack for iPod, XM satellite radio, OnStar, and a driver information center that offers current fuel economy, fuel range, oil life and warning indicators. For 2009, Bluetooth connectivity is integrated with the OnStar system to allow hands-free calling through the vehicle's audio system.