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The Pontiac Solstice was a small sports car from the Pontiac division of General Motors. Introduced at the 2004 North American International Auto Show, the Solstice roadster began production in Wilmington, Delaware, starting in mid-2005 for the 2006 model year. The exterior styling of the production Solstice is similar to that of the 2002 Solstice concept  that preceded it. Production of the Solstice was to be running before summer 2005, but delays at the Wilmington plant pushed volume production to the fourth quarter. The new hardtop targa 2009 model was announced in mid 2008. The Solstice uses the GM Kappa platform, which also underpins the Saturn Sky, Opel GT, and Daewoo G2X.
The Solstice was nominated for the North American Car of the Year award and Design of the Year award from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) for 2006. It was a runaway hit for Pontiac, with 7,000 orders in the first 10 days of availability and 6,000 more orders before winter. Although first-year production was planned at 7,000, GM apologized to customers for delays and increased production, delivering 10,000 by March 1.
Production ended with the closure of the Wilmington Assembly plant in July 2009.

GXP (2007-2009)

The GXP version of the Solstice debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006. It is powered by a new 2.0 L (121.9 cu in) I4 Ecotec engine equipped with a dual-scroll turbocharger. The engine's output is 260 hp (193 kW) and 260 ft·lbf (353 N·m). This is the highest specific output of any engine in the history of General Motors at 2.1 hp (1.6 kW) per cubic inch, and it is the first gasoline direct injection engine from an American automaker. According to pontiac.com, the GXP goes 0 to 60 mph in under 5.5 seconds.
Other GXP features include standard Stabilitrak traction control, a limited-slip differential, and anti-lock brakes. Summer tires on 18 inch wheels are standard.

Pontiac Solstice Concept variations

 Weekend Club Racer concept

Built by GM Performance Division, this special Solstice features a removable hardtop that drew inspiration from the Viper, an aggressive body kit, and an oversized spoiler. Engine is rated 325 hp (242 kW). It includes 18-inch wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 255/45ZR18 tires, cat-back performance exhaust system, T-2 race suspension package, along with larger diameter disc brakes.
The car was unveiled at the 2005 SEMA show.

Pontiac Solstice GXP-R concept

The GXP-R concept is a modified GXP with engine rated 300 hp (220 kW) and 315 lb·ft (427 N·m) torque. It includes SSBC Performance Brake Package, 19-inch x 8.5-inch wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 245/40ZR19 tires.
The car was unveiled at the 2006 SEMA show.

 SD-290 race concept

The SD-290 race concept is a single-seat Solstice GXP with engine rated 290 hp (220 kW). Weight is reduced by installaing driver-side only windscreen and elimination of door glass/hardware, convertible top/hardware, HVAC system and wiper system. It includes Solo Performance cat-back exhaust system, KW Automotive coil-over suspension package, 6-piston aluminum calipers with 13-inch (330 mm) rotors from Stainless Steel Brake Company, forged 19-inch wheels with Hoosier R6 racing tire, rear spoiler, Removable racing-style steering wheel, Racing seat with four-point safety harness, Chrome fire extinguisher, Pegasus center console gauge package, Driver's roll bar
The car was unveiled at the 2006 SEMA show.

 Solstice GXP Coupe concept

The Solstice GXP Coupe concept is based on the GXP coupe. It is equipped with GM Performance Parts Stage 2 performance kit and performance air intake kit, which boost engine horsepower to about 290 (216 kW). The car also includes a GM Performance Parts cat-back exhaust system and race-ready suspension kit, polished factory wheels.
The car was unveiled at the 2008 SEMA show.

 Motorsport

• Pontiac works and Red Bull backed driver Rhys Millen replaced his GTO for a Solstice GXP to compete in drifting events, particularly in Formula D and in the US rounds of D1 Grand Prix
• SCCA Club Racing 2006 National Championship Runoffs the Pontiac Solstice placed first place in Showroom Stock B (SSB).
• SCCA Club Racing 2007 National Championship Runoffs the Pontiac Solstice GXP placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in Touring 2 (T2) and the Pontiac Solstice placed first place in Showroom Stock B (SSB) even after being penalized 200 lbs between the 2006 and 2007 seasons.
• SCCA Club Racing 2008 National Championship the Pontiac Solstice GXP placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in Touring 2 (T2)
• SCCA Club Racing 2009 National Championship the Pontiac Solstice GXP placed 1st and 3rd place in Touring 2 (T2)

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