Car's Lights. NEW YORK–Pontiac is unveiling a hardtop coupe version of its eye-catching Solstice roadster at this week's New York International Auto Show.
The 2009 Pontiac Solstice coupe, based on a concept Pontiac revealed in 2002, is set to hit dealerships in early 2009. Pricing hasn't yet been revealed, but the current Solstice starts at $22,785.
The roof panel is removable for drivers who still want the convertible experience. The roof panel frame is made of lightweight magnesium and weighs 31 pounds.
The coupe has a standard 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine with 173 horsepower. A high-performance GXP version has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 260 horsepower.
Chief engineer Bruce Kosbab said only minimal changes were made to the body structure, but the coupe's sleek roof, which culminates in a rear spoiler, gives the vehicle a new look.
The Pontiac Solstice convertible went on sale in 2005. GM sold 19,710 Solstice convertibles in 2006, but sales dipped 15 percent in 2007, according to Autodata Corp.
The New York show opens to the public Friday after two days of media previews. Car's Lights.
