2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP

0-60 mph: 5.5 secondsEngine: 2 liter 260 bhp @ 5300 rpmThe Pontiac Solstice GXP has the capacity to accelerate from 0 to 60mph in 5.5 seconds and that should be enough to keep enthusiasts´ hearts pounding. Still Pontiac loads the sports car with more features that makes it one of the best cars released by Pontiac in years. The Solstice GXP sports car is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine with 260 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, dual overhead camshafts and full circle transmission. It is the first Spark Ignition Direct Injection model released by GM in North America and it provides a more efficient burning of the fuel and air.The sweetest thing about this racing car is its sexy curves. The Solstice GXP is probably the best looking compact sports car in the market today. The designers have perfected the roadster at each angle giving this car the sleek and sexy look from all sides. The side view offers 18" wheels and clean lines. The front looks faultless with the perfectly placed head lights cluster. Even some of the best cars sometimes have awkward rear ends but this sports car has a great looking back that screams "perfect". It has a GXP badge, dual exhaust pipes and optional lip spoiler at the back. It has a well-designed manual convertible roof that includes a rear deck-lid that conceals the roof when it´s down. A hard roof option is also available.Despite the car´s lusty exteriors, some people have misgivings about the Pontiac Solstice because of a few ergonomic flaws in the interiors and some design faults. The cockpit is tight and the center tunnel is made of hard plastic that can cause your right elbow to go stiff. The center tunnel would have been better off with a softer, nicer material. The sports car has very little storage space in the trunk and window switches and the center storage are ill-placed.With manufacturer suggested retail price of only a little over US$ 25,000, many are willing to overlook the flaws and concentrate on the features. This is after all, the best roadster within the price range. Even after you upgrade to all leather seating and chromed wheels, it is very unlikely it will cost you over US$ 35,000 and that´s totally a great deal. Other upgrade options include: anti-lock disc brakes, sports suspension, electric windows, mirrors and locks, cruise control, XM satellite radio, and sporty car pedals.Controlled by a 5-speed manual gearbox, allows for quick, smooth gear changes and quick response giving the sports car tight and steady handling. The 5-speed automatic transmission is available as an option. It has the same cruising trait as the standard Solstice. The handling was further improved with the addition of the StabiliTrak electronic stability control and torque-sensing limited slip differential.Since its debut in the Los Angeles International Auto Show in January 2006, the Solstice is being credited for the 20% increase of showroom traffic of Pontiac. Many more are lined up for the improved GXP priced at only US$ 5000 higher than the base model, with its better transmission and more horsepower.