Four-wheel disc brakes are standard and consist of 11.7-inch (297 mm) ventilated front rotors and 10.9-inch (277 mm) rear rotors. ABS (with dynamic rear proportioning) is available. Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering is standard. It features a 16.4:1 ratio and requires only 2.7 turns, lock to lock. The steering system is tuned to provide a confident "on center" feel and delivers excellent driver feedback, further enhancing the driver's feeling of being connected to the road.

Additionally, engineers executed the following dynamic details to enhance Solstice's overall feeling of refinement, balance and performance:

• A near 50/50 weight distribution provides a balanced handling feel

• Hydraulic engine mounts are used to provide a smoother engine feel

• An optimized acoustic barrier and sound absorption package to provide world-class levels of interior quietness

• Tires selected for handling performance and low noise.

2006 Pontiac Solstice Design & Interior

Pontiac Solstice is a modern, American update of the classic roadster ethic - a seductive form ruled by careful attention to proportion. The design is inspired by the romantic era of sports cars, which began in the years after World War II and culminated in the mid-Sixties.

A long hood - to cover the longitudinally mounted rear-wheel drive powertrain - and a short rear deck are hallmarks of a true sports car and Solstice's design accents those traits with wide 18-inch wheels and tires that are pushed to the vehicle's corners. The tires have a minimal gap between the fenders, while the face of the tires matches the width of the fender edges. These detailed features give the Solstice a low, aggressive stance.

Pontiac Solstice's short overhangs are complemented by clean body sides and minimal front or rear protrusions, for a pure, uninterrupted form. A dual-port grille, wide fog lamps (optional) and five-spoke wheels are signature Pontiac styling cues. The headlamps are prominent and have a premium, jewel-like appearance, as do the taillamps. The taillamps wrap around the side of the body and have a unique reflector that creates the side marker lamps within the same housing.

"Solstice's smooth, pure design exemplifies Pontiac's brand character," said Clay Dean, design director. "The clean lines and perfect stance are reinforced with a classic proportion that everyone identifies as a true sports car."

The seductive curves of Pontiac Solstice are drawn together with taut lines and a high belt line, giving occupants a feeling of being in the vehicle rather than on it. Indeed, elements, from the sweep of the front fenders to the curves of the instrument panel, are designed to make the driver feel one with the Solstice.

An integrated appearance is achieved whether the top is lowered - as it is intended - or raised. When lowered, a body-color inset blends seamlessly between in the interior and exterior. The top lowers behind the seats in a separate, fully enclosed compartment - there is no visible convertible top "stack". Integrated fairings behind the seat headrests contribute to the vehicle's sporty look and are a nod to racing sports cars of the past.

The top is manually operated. When it is raised, it has a sculptured look that wraps around the headrest fairings. A rear-window defogger is standard.

The design of Pontiac Solstice matches the original 2002 concept vehicle almost perfectly, as the use of advanced, sheet metal hydroforming for the hood, door panels, deck lid and rear quarter panels allowed the complex-curved forms to be reproduced almost exactly (see Solstice Sheet Metal Hydroforming section). The production model also retains the forward-opening clamshell hood of the concept. The deck lid is rear-hinged to accept the folding top. When the top is raised, the cargo area offers 3.8 cubic feet (107.6 liters) of storage space.

To reinforce Pontiac Solstice's refined feel, the exterior design also was fine-tuned in the wind tunnel. The outside mirrors, for example, vary from the concept vehicle, but are shaped to reduce wind noise.

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