At the 2008 New York Auto Show Pontiac has uncovered the coupe edition of its Solstice model. Inspired by the concept demonstrated in 2002, the Solstice Coupe will come on sale in early 2009.

All images are downloadable 1920x1440 wallpapers of 2009 Pontiac Solstice.

Based on the top-selling roadster in the U.S.A., the Solstice Coupe aims an even broader audience.

2009 Pontiac Solstice Video 

The Solstice Coupe will be for sale in 2 editions: the standard is powered by a 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder engine that gives 173 HP (129 kW) and the GXP edition is weaponed with a 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec engine with 260 HP (194 kW).

The dimensions are the regular like most classical 2-seater front-engine sport cars, with a long hood, glossy profile and fastback roofline.

One of the features is a removable roof board, which transform the sport car from a coupe into a targa.

Jim Bunnell, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager said “Today’s Solstice is the top-selling roadster in the U.S., and we believe this new model has even broader appeal. The coupe has all the design cues and pleasing performance of the original roadster, and is an all-season alternative for people who enjoy open-air driving.”

The market launching is awaited in early 2009.

2009 Pontiac Solstice’s Design

The new coupe was inspired by the Solstice coupe concept demonstrated at the North American International Auto Show in 2002.

The roofline has a “fastback” contour with stylized “rails” that run from the front of the roof to the rear, culminating in a fashionable and usable ducktail-style back spoiler.

The roof board is easy removed from the passenger compartment, and an optional soft roof cover stores in the storage area. A home storage case for the roof board will be provided as an optional.

The Solstice coupe’s roof is fixed aft of the B-pillars, with side windows and a back liftglass for access to the storage area.

Bruce Kosbab, chief engineer said about the car next: “The Solstice coupe exemplifies a great collaboration of design and engineering. The sleek lines of the new roof give the car anew appearance, yet only minimal changes were made to the structure – it’s a great illustration of building on an already solid foundation.”

In spite of the fresh feel, technologists did just small structural changes to produce the Solstice coupe. New rear lamp assemblies flow more smoothly into the tapered roofline.The back fenders and back fascia are as is as those on the convertible.

The roof includes a lightweight plane molding compound cover affixed to a rigid aluminum frame for additional lightweight support.The bow and brackets are stiff, yet low in mass, a design feature that pervades the coupe’s overall expression.

The roof’s structure of Pontiac Solstice was strengthened with extra support components, including an aluminum roof bow attached with aluminum brackets.

A lightweight magnesium roof board frame weighs just 31 pounds (14.2 kilo) and can be removed by one person. The cover is also made of sheet molding compound.

2009 Pontiac Solstice's Technical Features

The coupe is powered by a standard 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder engine that gives 173 HP (129 kW) and the GXP edition is equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec engine with 260 HP (194 kW).

The modification of the Pontiac Solstice body style led in just a slight gain in curb weight, no drivetrain or suspension changes were necessary to shift from the convertible body structure. First tries have demonstrated that the Solstice coupe will present ride and handling, speedup, braking and fuel saving like  the convertible model.


2009 Pontiac Solstice’s Interior

The area behind the seats was redesigned for comfortable access to the storage area, and a storage tray was mounted directly behind the headrests. And a lot of the coupe’s interior stays the same as that of the convertible.

Removing the folding-top system of Pontiac Solstice made way for a new, flat cargo floor and several storage compartments.

Cargo tie-down hooks help safe irregularly shaped items. The storage area's covered bins provide safe storage for small things.

2009 Pontiac Solstice Video