More Solstice News.
05-21-2003 | 10:14 AM
#1
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From: The Golden State
More Solstice News.
I started to put this on the Solstice Prototype thread, but this has a bit more detail.
Seems the only thing holding it up are the numbers. 
Bolt of Lightning: Vauxhall concept showcases GM's world sports car aspirations
By GREG KABLE
The VX Lightning is not only Vauxhaull's first concept car in 25 years, it's likely GM's future world sports car.
GENERAL MOTORS IS prepping a world sports car chassis that will underpin
production versions of the Pontiac Solstice concept shown at the 2002 Detroit auto show and Vauxhall VX Lightning concept unveiled earlier this month in England by GM’s British subsidiary. The next Opel Speedster will also share the same setup.
Based on a Solstice-like front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, the Vauxhall two-seat- er was designed to celebrate Vauxhall’s 100th anniversary. But insiders suggest the roadster is much more than a centenary showpiece. They say the VX Lightning will go into production as a replacement for the Lotus Elise-based VX220, perhaps as early as 2005. Sources say it will be joined by an Opel-badged version for sale in other European markets, and a Solstice-styled model for North America. All of the cars will be built in the States, following a production announcement slated for next January’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Like the Solstice, the VX Lightning concept is powered by a supercharged 240-hp version of GM’s 2.2-liter EcoTec four-cylinder engine. The Lightning also sports a six-speed manual transmission, four-wheel independent suspension (all aluminum in the rear to help produce a 50-50 weight distribution) and rack-and-pinion steering.
With GM’s bean counters working to make the numbers add up on the Solstice, the idea of additional sales volume overseas helps make the case for the car, which has considerable support inside GM but lacks the needed domestic volume. Industry analysts predict Vauxhall and Opel could sell upwards of 15,000 cars per year. The car may also wear a Holden badge for sale in Australia and Asian markets.
GM bosses, including president Rick Wagoner and design chief Wayne Cherry, attended the gala unveiling of the VX Lightning on May 12 in London. The car was styled by Opel design chief Martin Smith and Simon ***, head of GM’s advanced studio in England.
By GREG KABLE
The VX Lightning is not only Vauxhaull's first concept car in 25 years, it's likely GM's future world sports car.
GENERAL MOTORS IS prepping a world sports car chassis that will underpin
production versions of the Pontiac Solstice concept shown at the 2002 Detroit auto show and Vauxhall VX Lightning concept unveiled earlier this month in England by GM’s British subsidiary. The next Opel Speedster will also share the same setup.
Based on a Solstice-like front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, the Vauxhall two-seat- er was designed to celebrate Vauxhall’s 100th anniversary. But insiders suggest the roadster is much more than a centenary showpiece. They say the VX Lightning will go into production as a replacement for the Lotus Elise-based VX220, perhaps as early as 2005. Sources say it will be joined by an Opel-badged version for sale in other European markets, and a Solstice-styled model for North America. All of the cars will be built in the States, following a production announcement slated for next January’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Like the Solstice, the VX Lightning concept is powered by a supercharged 240-hp version of GM’s 2.2-liter EcoTec four-cylinder engine. The Lightning also sports a six-speed manual transmission, four-wheel independent suspension (all aluminum in the rear to help produce a 50-50 weight distribution) and rack-and-pinion steering.
With GM’s bean counters working to make the numbers add up on the Solstice, the idea of additional sales volume overseas helps make the case for the car, which has considerable support inside GM but lacks the needed domestic volume. Industry analysts predict Vauxhall and Opel could sell upwards of 15,000 cars per year. The car may also wear a Holden badge for sale in Australia and Asian markets.
GM bosses, including president Rick Wagoner and design chief Wayne Cherry, attended the gala unveiling of the VX Lightning on May 12 in London. The car was styled by Opel design chief Martin Smith and Simon ***, head of GM’s advanced studio in England.
05-21-2003 | 01:47 PM
#2
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 224
From: Lincolnwood IL
Sounds encouraging! I am really starting to think about having a Solstice be my next car Great little package with lot's of potential thanks to supercharging...vrooom!!!
...just 8 payments left on my 'Bird
Great little package with lot's of potential thanks to supercharging...vrooom!!!...just 8 payments left on my 'Bird
Last edited by Raven99; 05-21-2003 at 01:57 PM.
05-21-2003 | 03:46 PM
#4
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Posts: 13,711
From: The Golden State
Originally posted by poSSum
I wonder if they're factoring in a "Billy-Bob" or "1LE" version that will run with the S2000. The AutoXers with eat it up.
(Don't forget the integral roll hoops).
I wonder if they're factoring in a "Billy-Bob" or "1LE" version that will run with the S2000. The AutoXers with eat it up.
(Don't forget the integral roll hoops).
What's a "Billy-Bob" version??
05-21-2003 | 03:53 PM
#5
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,479
Originally posted by guionM
What's a "Billy-Bob" version??
What's a "Billy-Bob" version??
It's a stripped C5 hardtop that was part of the original business plan. There's one in the Bowling Green Corvette Museum.
05-21-2003 | 07:21 PM
#7
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,405
From: Michigan's left coast
Re: More Solstice News.
Originally posted by guionM
Seems the only thing holding it up are the numbers.
Seems the only thing holding it up are the numbers.
Seems to me that it'd be much like a Vette Jr. at about $25K - considerably faster than anything else in its class for the same or less money. 240HP and the right chassis would make quick work of a Z4, S2000, or Mazdaspeed Miata, I'd think. If that was the case, I'm guessing that they could do quite well in the market.
05-21-2003 | 08:37 PM
#9
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Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,285
From: Albany, NY
Originally posted by 25thTA
Has anyone seen the Vauxhall VX Lightning concept? Any pics anywhere?
Has anyone seen the Vauxhall VX Lightning concept? Any pics anywhere?
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