Minimalist Interior

The interior design emphasizes a back-to-basics, driver-focused theme. This philosophy is reflected in the prominent and purposeful motorcycle-inspired gauges, as well as an overall cockpit layout with controls canted toward the driver. The instrument panel carries minimal controls. Power locks and power windows are packaged with the available Power Package.


But while carrying a minimalist style, the Solstice is nonetheless well equipped and comfortable. It offers generous shoulder room (52.4 in. / 1332 mm) and legroom (42.7 in. / 1085 mm), creating a more comfortable driving environment for taller drivers. Racing-inspired bucket seats are standard and are designed with bolsters that firmly support the driver and passenger during cornering. The seats also feature clever storage pockets. Leather-covered seating is available.


The steering wheel is thick and the diameter is optimized for performance driving; it also has adjustable rake. The shifter for the standard five-speed manual transmission is leather-covered and was carefully calibrated to deliver smooth, precise and quick shifts. Engineers optimized the placement of the shifter, as well as the "just right" feel to the length and weight of the gear throws.


Additional interior features include a standard AM/FM stereo with CD player and six speakers. Air conditioning, an MP3-capable audio system, a premium Monsoon audio system, OnStar and XM Satellite Radio are available. Cruise control, a driver information center and front fog lamps are available as part of the Convenience Package.

To speed the process of taking Solstice from concept to production, engineers cleverly used proven, existing components for some interior elements, which reduced cost and time. For example, the HVAC control module was borrowed from the all-new Hummer H3, the seat frames are from the Opel Corsa (with new trim) and some latches and buttons are from the Chevy Corvette. Although the parts come from multiple sources, the design neatly integrates the overall appearance so that every component looks like it belongs in the car.



2006 Pontiac Solstice Powertrain

2006 Pontiac Solstice delivers pure roadster performance through a powertrain that drives the rear wheels. It consists of a 2.4L Ecotec engine with variable valve timing and a standard close-ratio five-speed manual transmission. Later in the 2006 model year, an optional Hydra-Matic 5L40-E five-speed automatic transmission becomes available.


The 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder is rated at 177 horsepower (132 kw) at 6600 rpm and 166 lb.-ft. of torque (225 Nm) at 4800 rpm.* That power is available throughout much of the rpm band, as approximately 90 percent of peak torque is available from 2400 rpm to 5600 rpm. And with Pontiac Solstice's curb weight of just 2,860 pounds (1,297 kg), the 2.4L Ecotec engine helps give the vehicle a weight-to-horsepower ratio of nearly 16.2 to 1.

Balanced performance and economy are hallmarks of the Ecotec engine family, with the 2.4L engine offering unique features such as variable valve timing, coil-on-plug ignition, piston oil-cooling jets and integrated engine oil cooler. To accommodate the increased power level of the engine, the 2.4L Ecotec's cylinder block bulkheads - the areas where the main bearing caps are attached - are enlarged for strength. Other areas of the engine were enhanced to reinforce the structure; the water jacket is deeper for added cooling capacity and improved cylinder bore roundness.

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