Pontiac unveils 2007 Solstice GXP

[mikeyb]

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GM has released pictures of the Solstice GXP ahead of its debut at next week's Los Angeles Auto Show. The GXP is powered by GM's 2-liter turbocharged Ecotec inline four, good for 260 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, making it the power leader in the Ecotec engine family. The new 4-valve per cylinder Ecotec turbo features direct injection (a first for GM North America) and piston oil spray cooling. Other features include 18-inch wheels, a limited slip differential, and a choice of 5-speed manual or automatic. 0-60 times are said to be less than 5.5 seconds. The GXP should appear in dealerships in the fall.

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source:http://autoblog.com/2006/01/01/pontiac-unveils-solstice-gxp/

[mikeyb]

Solstice GXP

LOS ANGELES – Pontiac ’s product resurgence zooms forward with the introduction of the 2007 Solstice GXP, the performance version of its in-demand Solstice roadster, at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show.
“The Solstice GXP pushes the production Solstice to the next level with a 47-percent boost in horsepower, and demonstrates how GM is working on all fronts to build and sell exciting products for diverse audiences,” said Mark LaNeve, General Motors North America vice president of Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing.

Solstice GXP features GM’s all-new Ecotec 2.0-liter turbo, the most powerful production engine in the Ecotec family.* This turbo with direct injection kicks a V-6’s worth of power out of a four-cylinder engine, an estimated 260 horsepower (194 kw) and 260 lb.-ft. (353 Nm) of torque.*

The performance roadster will feature GM’s StabiliTrak four-channel electronic stability control system. It will debut in the summer and is expected to be priced about $4,000 to $5,000 above the base Solstice.

Solstice GXP will be on display with the Solstice, which features a powerful Ecotec 2.4L engine rated at 177 horsepower (132 kw) and is matched to a close-ratio five-speed manual transmission. The driver-oriented ****************pit interior features motorcycle-inspired instruments.

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Turbo ECOTEC

PONTIAC , Mich. – General Motors introduces the Ecotec 2.0-liter Turbo engine in the 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP, making it GM’s first direct injection offering in North America . Gasoline direct injection technology helps the Ecotec engine produce more power while maintaining the lower fuel (http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24769#) consumption of a small displacement port-injected engine. It produces 260 horsepower (194 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 Nm),* making it GM’s highest specific output engine ever, at 2.1 horsepower per cubic inch of displacement (130 hp / 97 kW per liter), and the most powerful production engine in the Ecotec family.

Variable valve timing and an intercooled, twin-scroll turbocharging system are used to optimize the Ecotec 2.0-liter Turbo engine’s performance. It was developed with the global resources of GM Powertrain in the United States and Europe , drawing on expertise from the naturally aspirated Ecotec 2.2-liter direct injection engine used in some European applications and the 2.0-liter turbocharged engines already in production.

With direct injection, fuel is delivered directly to the combustion chamber to create a more complete burn of the air/fuel mixture. Less fuel is required to produce the equivalent horsepower, especially at normal cruising speeds, of a conventional port-injection combustion system.

“Direct injection technology works well with turbocharging and helps deliver a great balance of power and economy,” said Ed Groff, assistant chief engineer, Ecotec 2.0-liter Turbo engine. “The Ecotec 2.0-liter Turbo produces the power expected of a V-6, but in a smaller, more efficient package – and the driving response is simply terrific.”

A dual-scroll turbocharger with a lightweight turbine provides nearly instant power and an air-to-air intercooling system bolsters the turbo’s performance by reducing inlet temperatures. Dual cam phasing complements the turbocharging system by optimizing valve timing at lower rpm for best turbo response and quick engine torque build-up time.

The Ecotec 2.0-liter Turbo uses a stronger, “Gen II” Ecotec engine block, which was developed with input from racing experience to support increased horsepower and torque. The cylinder block bulkheads – the areas where the main bearing caps are attached – and the bore walls are enlarged for strength. Other areas of the engine were enhanced to reinforce the structure and the water jacket is deeper for added cooling capacity and improved cylinder bore roundness. This architecture is shared with the 2.4-liter Ecotec engine that debuted in the Pontiac Solstice roadster.

Highlights of the Ecotec 2.0-liter Turbo engine include:

Steel crankshaft
Forged connecting rods
Forged oil-galley pistons
Jet-spray piston cooling
9.2:1 compression ratio
Aluminum cylinder head with sodium-filled exhaust valves
High-pressure engine-driven fuel pump
Variable pressure fuel rail
Dual-scroll turbocharger
Components including the steel crankshaft, forged connecting rods and forged pistons are high-strength items that provide strength and enhance durability. Jet-spray oil cooling directed toward an oil-galley piston help reduce piston temperatures. The system delivers pressurized oil to continuously lubricate and cool the pistons, which reduces friction and noise and ensures durability for the engine’s higher power levels. To enhance combustion, the piston tops feature a dish shape that deflects injected fuel toward the spark plugs.

To accommodate the direct injection system, the Ecotec 2.0-liter Turbo has a unique cylinder head and intake manifold. The cylinder head incorporates mounting locations for the fuel injectors – which are typically mounted in the intake ports or intake manifold on port injection engines. A high-pressure fuel pump delivers fuel to a variable-pressure fuel rail. Fuel enters the combustion chamber through precision multi-hole fuel injectors. The fuel pump, fuel rail pressure, fuel injection timing, and injection duration are controlled by the engine control module. In this way, fuel is metered and delivered in a finely atomized spray.

Apart from the mounting positions of the fuel injectors, the cylinder head has conventional port and combustion chamber designs, although both are optimized for direct injection and high boost pressures. The sodium-filled exhaust valves and stainless steel exhaust manifold are durable components designed to stand up to the high-performance capability of the engine.

The unique cylinder head, fuel system, pistons, intake manifold, and the dual-scroll turbocharger are the only major components that differentiate the 2.0-liter Turbo from other members of the Ecotec engine family. Mobil 1 synthetic engine oil is installed at the factory. Synthetic oil was selected for its friction-reducing capabilities and high-temperature performance.

How direct injection works

Gasoline direct injection differs from the fuel delivery process of a conventional engine by delivering fuel directly into the combustion chamber, where it is mixed with air drawn in to the chamber. The combustion process of conventional fuel injected engines uses air and fuel that are mixed in the intake port or intake manifold prior to being introduced into the combustion chamber. Direct injection is a continuation of the evolutionary process of moving the fuel introduction point closer to the combustion location to improve control.

With the Ecotec 2.0-liter Turbo, fuel is introduced directly to the combustion chamber during the intake stroke. As the piston approaches top-dead center, the mixture is ignited by the spark plug, giving the name spark ignition direct injection (SIDI). The fuel injectors are located beneath the intake ports. SIDI allows the mixture to be “leaner” – less fuel, more air – at full power. SIDI also permits a slightly higher compression ratio than if the fuel were delivered with conventional fuel injection. The result is better fuel consumption at part and full throttle. The engine uses conventional spark plugs similar to other Ecotec engines.

A high-pressure, returnless fuel system is employed. It features a high-strength stainless steel fuel line that feeds a variable-pressure fuel rail. Direct injection requires higher fuel pressure than conventional fuel injected engines and an engine-driven high-pressure fuel pump is used to supply up to 1,276 psi (150 bar) of pressure. The system regulates lower fuel pressure at idle – approximately 752 psi (50 bar) and higher pressure at wide-open throttle. The cam-driven high-pressure pumps works in conjunction with a conventional fuel tank-mounted supply pump.

Direct injection’s precise fuel delivery enables more complete combustion to help reduce emissions, particularly on cold starts – the time when most engine emissions are typically created. Also, direct injection permits higher a compression ratio in the engine which is a positive influence on fuel economy. At certain power levels, the boosted SIDI engine can provide significant fuel economy benefits to the vehicle compared to a larger displacement naturally aspirated engine.

Turbocharging system

A unique, dual-scroll turbocharger is partnered with an air-to-air intercooling system to provide up to approximately 20 psi (1.25 bar) of power-enhancing boost. The dual-scroll turbocharger delivers nearly instant response, as dual exhaust passages from the engine to the turbine housing guide exhaust gas to the turbine. This reduces lag time, or spool-up, at low rpm.

“There is virtually no lag with this system,” said Groff. “Throttle response is immediate. The engine acts like a larger displacement engine.”

The turbocharger is matched to the engine’s displacement and performance objectives. It is supported by the air-to-air intercooling system, which uses fresh air drawn through a heat exchanger to reduce the temperature of the warmer compressed air forced through the intake system by the turbocharger. Inlet temperature is reduced by approximately 212 degrees (100 degrees C), enhancing performance because cooler air is denser and promotes optimal combustion.

Dual cam phasing

The camshafts of the Ecotec 2.0-liter Turbo engine have phasers that support the continuously variable intake and exhaust valve timing. They also have cam position sensors, so that the engine control module can accurately control valve timing. The crankshaft and camshaft position sensors are digital. A new engine controller, specific to the engine, is used to sense and control the engine’s performance parameters.

Variable intake and exhaust timing works synergistically with both the gasoline direct injection and turbocharging systems. The variable engine timing enabled by cam phasing allows the combustion process to be optimized. Also, valve “overlap” at low rpm can be adjusted by the controller to increase the response of the turbocharger, providing a more immediate feeling of power.

Ecotec family traits

The Ecotec 2.0-liter Turbo is built on a global platform that was designed at the outset for a range of performance and combustion capabilities. The Gen II block supports the high-performance demands of the engine, but it is merely a strengthened version of the original Ecotec architecture. The oil pump, for example, is the same as used in all other Ecotec engines. It was originally designed to support high-performance applications of future engines.

“The 2.0-liter Turbo is the pinnacle of Ecotec performance to date, with additional growth planned. The groundwork for its capabilities was layed on the drawing table at the very beginning of the Ecotec’s development,” said Groff. “Prior work and a far-thinking engine design continue to help GM respond to market demands around the globe more quickly and with greater accuracy.”

This new Ecotec family member also has traits that have helped forge a reputation for durability and sophistication:

Dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and four valves per cylinder
Twin counter-rotating balance shafts for operational smoothness
Electronic throttle control
Low-friction, roller-finger follower valvetrain with hydraulic lash adjusters
Low-maintenance chain-drive for the camshafts
58X crankshaft positioning
Direct-mount accessories, which reduce or eliminate traditional sources of noise and vibration
Full-circle transmission mount to reduce noise and vibration
GM Oil Life System, which can reduce the frequency for oil changes
Innovative cast-in oil filter housing, which eliminates the need to crawl under the vehicle to perform oil changes and eliminates throwaway oil filter cans that retain used oil
As with other engines in the Ecotec family, the 2.0-liter Turbo engine also has premium features designed to ensure smooth and quiet operation, including a polymer coating and skirt design for the pistons that reduces noise during cold starts. An automatic hydraulic tensioner also is used to maintain optimal tension on the timing chain, which reduces noise and vibration.
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[anarchistchiken]

Oh goodie, I sense a Mazdasped MX5:)


Is it just me or does that steering wheel look just like a 3's?

[mikeyb]

Oh goodie, I sense a Mazdasped MX5:)


Is it just me or does that steering wheel look just like a 3's?

I think it looks BMWish.

[03MzdSpdSTP]

Is it me? or does the Solstice look like a car with down syndrome? The Sky is sucha seckier car. Would love to own the Sky Redline with the same engine.

[CitizenPro]

Saw a couple of the '06 Solstices' on the road the other night.......kinda freaked me out, cause i had no idea what the hell it was. From a distance it looked like some sort of viper........but smaller. I had no idea these were already out........they look better than the mx-5's imo, much sportier.

[kazmaz94]

That Pontiac is really neat looking, but strangly similar to the new MX-5. Saturn is coming out with a small roadster and BMW already has the Z3. It looks like everyone is trying to cash in on the MX-5 market. I have to say that the new MX-5 was a complete surprise. At first I didn't like the car, but after I saw it in person I was amazed! If I had the money I would take the MX-5 over the RX-8 (kinda sick for me). I did see one of those Solstices on the road a few days ago. I have to say that it does look REALLY GOOD......

[dmitrik4]

the solstice is growing on me. i hope mazda doesn't wait 4 years to put out an MS version.

in this month's C&D, they had a story on Mallett (the Corvette tuner) and his 400hp, LS2-powered Solstice. apparently pretty much anything will fit in the engine bay; even the new Z06 engine.

[RacerXGirl]

The front end has a distinct BMW kidneys look to it with that black grill.

[Hughes412]

I love it, but I bet they still didn't fix the dumb things, one the 5 speed, or the gas tank that takes up all the trunk. Other than that I'd buy one.

[Pretzellogic]

I like the slightly tweaked look. Makes it look a little more purposeful.

Still dig the Sky more, though. I'm eagerly awaiting a "Redline" version of that.

[Roywhitep5]

i havent seen any yet

[Hughes412]

I wonder if the sky is going to have the same problems as the solctice?

[03MzdSpdSTP]

I wonder if the sky is going to have the same problems as the solctice?

what problems?

[Hughes412]

what problems?

These, one the 5 speed, or the gas tank that takes up all the trunk and the crappy top.

Don't get me wrong, I like the car but they really need to move that gas tank and give you some kind of trunk. And the back snaps on the top leave a big wrinkle. And every body (that has a sports car) has a six speed. It this car had one I bet the 0-60 would out do the mx5, just because of the tq. I wonder how much power the msp mx5 will have? I would be suprised to see a 250hp mx5. This is going to be a good War of the convertables soon.

[vindication]

nice. I love it. I also like the ecotec engine and this one seems really nice. wonder how much it could stand on OEM internals?

[Hughes412]

nice. I love it. I also like the ecotec engine and this one seems really nice. wonder how much it could stand on OEM internals?


Is this the same engine thats in the TC?

[vindication]

I dont think so. I dont think toyota uses ecotecs?

[03MzdSpdSTP]

TC engine is the 2.4L from the Camry. Its a toyota only engine.

Anyways that ecotec is probably built strong with all forged internals to make 130hp per liter.

[Mallard]

No relation to the TC engine. This Ecotec should be able to handle a lot of power.

Highlights of the Ecotec 2.0-liter Turbo engine include:

•Steel crankshaft
•Forged connecting rods
•Forged oil-galley pistons
•Jet-spray piston cooling
•9.2:1 compression ratio
•Aluminum cylinder head with sodium-filled exhaust valves
•High-pressure engine-driven fuel pump
•Variable pressure fuel rail
•Dual-scroll turbocharger

Components including the steel crankshaft, forged connecting rods and forged pistons are high-strength items that provide strength and enhance durability. Jet-spray oil cooling directed toward an oil-galley piston help reduce piston temperatures. The system delivers pressurized oil to continuously lubricate and cool the pistons, which reduces friction and noise and ensures durability for the engine's higher power levels. To enhance combustion, the piston tops feature a dish shape that deflects injected fuel toward the spark plugs.

[RaiderMP5]

Too bad it still is a Pontiac, made by GM. Wait a year, get a used one for 1/2 the price, if you dare own a GM product. Tip from an owner of a 2000 GM product- get the longest warranty possible.

Why does pontiac have to make all their cars have the same looking front end? Overally, if an MR2, S2000, and a Grand Prix/G6/GTO all got put together, then microwaved for 5 minutes, that is what the Solstice looks like. The front grills are stolen from the blade patterns of the new Norelco razors.

[03MzdSpdSTP]

Too bad it still is a Pontiac, made by GM. Wait a year, get a used one for 1/2 the price, if you dare own a GM product. Tip from an owner of a 2000 GM product- get the longest warranty possible.

Why does pontiac have to make all their cars have the same looking front end? Overally, if an MR2, S2000, and a Grand Prix/G6/GTO all got put together, then microwaved for 5 minutes, that is what the Solstice looks like. The front grills are stolen from the blade patterns of the new Norelco razors.

i doubt it. Solstices are gonna hold their value especially the GXP. Hell Corvettes is one of the resale value leaders, also try to find a used CTS-V for cheap. Cars that people acutally want your just not gonna find a good deal on them.

[RaiderMP5]

i doubt it. Solstices are gonna hold their value especially the GXP. Hell Corvettes is one of the resale value leaders, also try to find a used CTS-V for cheap. Cars that people acutally want your just not gonna find a good deal on them.

a Pontiac is not a Corvette, nor will it ever be. It will probably hold the value of a modern Pontiac. I will give you one thing. It will hold more of its value than the Aztek. But it will still drop like a rock quickly.

[03MzdSpdSTP]

yeh well we'll see. unlike sedans/suvs/vans. Typcially sports cars hold better resale. Hence why the Trans am WS6 is still more then 60% of its value which is excellent for used cars.

[RaiderMP5]

Will have to see for sure. There are 1 or 2 cars from GM that might hold their value. I had a rommate with a TA ws6. After a year, he traded it in on an Infiniti. That hunk of crap broke down on him regularly. The 8th time in 2 months, he got it fixed under the warranty, and traded it in.

[03MzdSpdSTP]

I guess theres a lemon for every brand. My friend has a 02 SS Camaro. Had it about a year now hasn't had a single problem. Surprised that even with t-tops theres no rattles or squeaks, unfortuanly my protege is a rattle box.

[RaiderMP5]

In my experiences, the only lemons and problematic cars I have owned, or that friends have owned, have been Domestic. I will stick to imports. At least my seats do not slide into the dash when I stop in my Mazda.

[Hughes412]

I guess theres a lemon for every brand. My friend has a 02 SS Camaro. Had it about a year now hasn't had a single problem. Surprised that even with t-tops theres no rattles or squeaks, unfortuanly my protege is a rattle box.

I had my 97 z28 for almost 2yrs and did not have one problem with it. And if I wasn't in a bind I would have kept it. This protege im in now rattles to hell. Even the door. Most cars that have problems are because of the drivers not the cars. While GM has dropped the ball this Solstice is just the thing to get them going. There will be more, they are also bring back the rwd cars. IMO a place they never should have left.

[dmitrik4]

the reliability difference between most recent american and japanese cars is mostly more perceived than real at this point. domestics are still battling their (earned) reputation, which tends to magnify the importance of every problem that now occurs. a problem on, say, a nissan is treated as a rarity; the same problem on a chevy is treated as an inevitability.



Why does pontiac have to make all their cars have the same looking front end?

most car companies try to maintain a common "family" look to the grill/front end; jeep, audi, BMW, and dodge, to name a few.

[Antoine]

Higher Power levels and Performance driven models are all the rage now...Mazda has got to step things up and not just with delayed...limited run...Mazdaspeed versions...but with more mainstream production and availability...There is so much potential there...I just hope Mazda let's Mazdaspeed achieve more presence in the current and future lineup.

[RaiderMP5]

I had my 97 z28 for almost 2yrs and did not have one problem with it. And if I wasn't in a bind I would have kept it. This protege im in now rattles to hell. Even the door. Most cars that have problems are because of the drivers not the cars. While GM has dropped the ball this Solstice is just the thing to get them going. There will be more, they are also bring back the rwd cars. IMO a place they never should have left.

I am sure everone here would take car with rattles over a car that has the seats slide into the dash when you stop ("repaired" 17 times in 1.5 years), alternators that literally catch on fire, driveshafts that fall out, etc.

Although Mazda is not the perfect car, I know that I feel a lot safer in that, than I did in my GM product.

[CHICO2003]

I think everyone here who's bashing the future resale value of the Solstice should check out this article.

http://www.cars.com/go/news/Story.jsp?section=news&subject=recent&story=121505storyaAN

I don't care for the front end of this car (wish the grille was more integrated) and definitely like the more conservative approach mazda took, you can't argue with it's power or concept car styling. It's also worth noting that, as nice as the new MX-5's interior is, pontiac seems to have beat them at their own game.

one thing's for sure... no other car in this price range would look WORSE with a stupid front license plate drilled into it's nose.

[Spooled]

I agree with Chico on the front end. I want to see a perfomance version of the Sky.

That little Ecotec is a badass engine, though. 260hp in that car is going to be exhilarating to say the least.

[altspace]

2007 Ecotec Turbo 2.0L I-4 (LNF) Turbocharger System

[Spooled]

2007 Ecotec Turbo 2.0L I-4 (LNF) Turbocharger System

Wow, I can't believe David Kimble is still hand drawing these things! I remember having Corvette posters drawn by him when I was 8.

[mikeyb]

I am sure everone here would take car with rattles over a car that has the seats slide into the dash when you stop ("repaired" 17 times in 1.5 years), alternators that literally catch on fire, driveshafts that fall out, etc.

Although Mazda is not the perfect car, I know that I feel a lot safer in that, than I did in my GM product.

Sounds like a 96-02 BMW Z3 seats that slide forward.

[Captain KRM P5]

i'm in love

[RaiderMP5]

Sounds like a 96-02 BMW Z3 seats that slide forward.

really? It was like I had pulled the lever up to adjust the seats, so I stop, whamo into the dash or steerring wheel. Seatbelts did not help there.

[mikeyb]

really? It was like I had pulled the lever up to adjust the seats, so I stop, whamo into the dash or steerring wheel. Seatbelts did not help there.

The Z3 actually was the bolts that hold the seat to the floor. They would loosen up and cause the seat to move. Z3s have power seats.

[RaiderMP5]

I wish my seat problem was that easy. they replaced the frame 10 times, and "shimmed" them 7 other times. I never understood what they meant. I think it is like "rigging it to work until you leave the dealer". I thought I was alone. lots of complaints with the GMC Sonoma and S-10 extra cab trucks around 2000.

My truck was a "Certified Used GM Vehicle". That meant lemon laws did not apply.

[mikeyb]

I wish my seat problem was that easy. they replaced the frame 10 times, and "shimmed" them 7 other times. I never understood what they meant. I think it is like "rigging it to work until you leave the dealer". I thought I was alone. lots of complaints with the GMC Sonoma and S-10 extra cab trucks around 2000.

My truck was a "Certified Used GM Vehicle". That meant lemon laws did not apply.

My cousin had a 04 Blazer ZR2 that had similar problems with the drivers seat. He traded it after 6 months of owning it. He paid almost 30K and they gave him 18K for it. He now drives a 05 Nissan Xterra SE.

[RaiderMP5]

my Sonoma was worth 24K when I bought it, 1.5 years later...$8K. I watched myself go upside down by the thousands every month. Had to spread the $6K difference in what I owed when we got the Mazdas. Yes we paid a lot. Yes we got screwed on financing. But we do not feel like we are risking our lives driving the damn GMC truck. I just hoped the next owner found all the records stuffed where the jack was supposed to be stored, and then torched it.

[REMillers]

Is there a rollbar for it yet..........One that is track acceptable......

[Mallard]

Is there a rollbar for it yet..........One that is track acceptable......
Not yet, but I know of a few that are in the works.

[anarchistchiken]

That thing is hot!

[RaiderMP5]

You obviously dont know that much, here's a picture I have for when I troll the WRX and RSX forums:

Well looky at that, 4 of the 6 are IMPORTS.

I was using real life experience of my and my friends. Sorry if my real life experience does not match up with your picture. To say I do not know that much is kind of funny. I hope you bought my old Sonoma.

[RaiderMP5]

I can now say I found an American car that is not like the other vehicles the manufacturer currently has out there, and one I would even consider buying, if it looks like this in production:

http://www.cnn.com/2006/AUTOS/funonwheels/01/04/dodge_challenger/index.html

http://i.cnn.net/money/2006/01/04/Autos/funonwheels/dodge_challenger/dodge_challenger.03.jpg

[InFlames]

You obviously dont know that much, here's a picture I have for when I troll the WRX and RSX forums:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/napoleansrt/lemonlawpwned.jpg

Well looky at that, 4 of the 6 are IMPORTS.


Im gonna have to side with raider on this one....I too owned an srt4 for 2 years. It was my first domestic car, and I had my fair share of dealer visits. Don't get me wrong I loved the car, it was a blast! But part of the reason I sold it was the constant worry of something else happening to it. Before the srt I owned two honduhs and now the mazduh, I never ran into the kind of problems i ran into with the dodge. You on the other hand probably dont have my luck...

[InFlames]

I can now say I found an American car that is not like the other vehicles the manufacturer currently has out there, and one I would even consider buying, if it looks like this in production:

http://www.cnn.com/2006/AUTOS/funonwheels/01/04/dodge_challenger/index.html

http://i.cnn.net/money/2006/01/04/Autos/funonwheels/dodge_challenger/dodge_challenger.03.jpg


(alright) Amen brotha

[RaiderMP5]

Im gonna have to side with raider on this one....I too owned an srt4 for 2 years. It was my first domestic car, and I had my fair share of dealer visits. Don't get me wrong I loved the car, it was a blast! But part of the reason I sold it was the constant worry of something else happening to it. Before the srt I owned two honduhs and now the mazduh, I never ran into the kind of problems i ran into with the dodge. You on the other hand probably dont have my luck...


Actually, my wife had a Dodge before we got married. If it was not parked facing uphill, the engine and transmission oil would pour out overnight. A spare case of each was in the trunk. It had the 1990's paint falling off because they did not use primer Big 3 problem. Eventually the freon fell out of the compressor, headliner held up with pushpins, and unable to go more than 65 mph, we left it with her dad 2 weeks after the wedding. We backed it into his driveway, facing downhill. :) It never did have any major safety related issues, just a lot of stuff breaking.

My mom's 1990 Chrysler was recently pulled out of their garage by a tow truck and winch. The ignition fried, thinking it was in gear, and would not start. However, it left a charge to the starter, that overheated it, frying that too. $600 to repair that and the fried wiring to the starter. Here it is being yanked before going to the stealer. They get their Prius in a couple weeks. The Concorde is for sale for $4K in the South Bay Area of CA. Lots/all repair and maintanence records are kept.

[Captain KRM P5]

You obviously dont know that much, here's a picture I have for when I troll the WRX and RSX forums:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v734/napoleansrt/lemonlawpwned.jpg

Well looky at that, 4 of the 6 are IMPORTS.

well at least you admit you are a troll.

according to the federal government's safety tests, a Mazda Protege ranks 4 to 5 stars across the board in all crash situations. a Dodge Neon of the same year never exceeds 4 and ranks 3rd in several categories. i guess therefore the Protege is a better car.

according to the government's own records, the Protege has more technical service bulletins issued for it than a Dodge Neon of the same year. i guess therefore the Neon is a better car.

i own an 02 Protege and an 03 Neon. the Protege has not once been in for maintenance, failure or repair. the Neon has spent 1/4 of the time we have owned it on a rack at a DCX dealer having all sorts of shit replaced, more often than not being replaced twice. i guess therefore the Protege is a better car.

lesson for you; empirical and intelligent research means not trusting one lone source before shooting your uneducated mouth off. i guess to quote you, "you obviously don't know that much."

[altspace]

Hardtop version. Nasty!

http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-2006/2006-EDAG-Solstice-Hardtop-S-1024x768.jpg