Pontiac Considers the S2000 it's "Main Rival"?
01-04-2006, 10:04 AM
#11
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hmmm, not too impressive
the S2000 got 240 hp out of a NA 2.0 I4 6 years ago, by using high compression (?)... yeah the S uses a lot of gas, but the complexity of the turbo is not there
also... the S2000 cannot go 0 to 60 in under 6 seconds consistently, because of the crappy rear end (which is a downer)... maybe the solstice doesn't have this issue
the S2000 got 240 hp out of a NA 2.0 I4 6 years ago, by using high compression (?)... yeah the S uses a lot of gas, but the complexity of the turbo is not there
also... the S2000 cannot go 0 to 60 in under 6 seconds consistently, because of the crappy rear end (which is a downer)... maybe the solstice doesn't have this issue
01-04-2006, 10:35 AM
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Originally Posted by Skatemur,Jan 4 2006, 05:33 PM
Though I find it no suprise that an American auto maker would release an article and only compare a 0-60mph acceleration figure, a number that is virtually irrelevant for a lightweight roadster...though US car manufactuerers never fail to talk about POWER POWER POWER. 
I don't disagree with your point, however Auto companies market "horsepower", "0-60 times" and "1/4 mile times" because the strategy works! Unfortunately, there is a whole facet of buyers out there willing to spend $$'s for acceleration bragging rights.
There is a whole lot more that goes into making the S2000 a great car beyond horsepower. However, if you visit "Street Encounters" (on any message board)you would think that acceleration is ALL that matters.
01-04-2006, 10:39 AM
#13
As much as I love my S2000, the GXP, given what we know, will be sweet. It's about time the S2000 had some real roadster competition. Miata's were always under powered, Porsche's too expensive, and BMW's were either too expensive or underpowered (depending on the M badge).
There are a few things that Pontiac could drop the ball on though.
-While the Solstice starts at $20K, you don't get much. IIRC a $24K miata is comprably equipped to a $24K solstice. If you add $5K to that, it's only a slight bargain compared to the S2K
-Chasis rigidity, S2000 is great for a roadster
-Turbo lag - yes, we have to wait for vtec
-transmission - is Aisin making their tranny?
-handling (probably not an issue since the base solstice is pretty impressive)
-other GM issues - maintenance, build quality, overproduction that will keep it being as exclusive as the S2K, etc.
Oh, and I think the S2K is a prettier car
There are a few things that Pontiac could drop the ball on though.
-While the Solstice starts at $20K, you don't get much. IIRC a $24K miata is comprably equipped to a $24K solstice. If you add $5K to that, it's only a slight bargain compared to the S2K
-Chasis rigidity, S2000 is great for a roadster
-Turbo lag - yes, we have to wait for vtec
-transmission - is Aisin making their tranny?
-handling (probably not an issue since the base solstice is pretty impressive)
-other GM issues - maintenance, build quality, overproduction that will keep it being as exclusive as the S2K, etc.
Oh, and I think the S2K is a prettier car
01-04-2006, 11:39 AM
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Originally Posted by DimaK321,Jan 4 2006, 07:04 PM
also... the S2000 cannot go 0 to 60 in under 6 seconds consistently, because of the crappy rear end (which is a downer)... maybe the solstice doesn't have this issue
Also they use the stock transmission with a Z06 clutch so its going to hold the power just fine. If they build it up form the base the GXP it will hold a bit more.
01-04-2006, 11:59 AM
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Originally Posted by Ray S (Chicago),Jan 4 2006, 02:35 PM
American companies aren't alone in marketing power. Notice how it was mostly Japanese manufacturers that had to revise their claimed horsepower down with the new SAE standard?
I don't disagree with your point, however Auto companies market "horsepower", "0-60 times" and "1/4 mile times" because the strategy works! Unfortunately, there is a whole facet of buyers out there willing to spend $$'s for acceleration bragging rights.
There is a whole lot more that goes into making the S2000 a great car beyond horsepower. However, if you visit "Street Encounters" (on any message board)you would think that acceleration is ALL that matters.
I don't disagree with your point, however Auto companies market "horsepower", "0-60 times" and "1/4 mile times" because the strategy works! Unfortunately, there is a whole facet of buyers out there willing to spend $$'s for acceleration bragging rights.
There is a whole lot more that goes into making the S2000 a great car beyond horsepower. However, if you visit "Street Encounters" (on any message board)you would think that acceleration is ALL that matters.
Certainly nothing in its price range could beat the S2000. Other cars are often considered 'slow'. So there are bragging rights for 0-60 times, and alot of the bragging occurs here, on this site.
THe S2000 is a technological showpiece and a damn fine (and fast for what it is) automobile, but it just MIGHT have some serious competition and all of a sudden speed is not important as in this line: "I dont know anyone who likes to drive places that are 5.5 seconds ". Give me a break!
Can GM pull it off? Can GM make a car that is Faster than the S2000 in the 'meaningless 0-60', handles and brakes as well? Will it be reliable? What about it's fuel economy?
Get a grip! First off GM has the ability to pull it off, look at the Corvette, it was carving up roads long before the S2000 ever was.
Why not just wait and see if GM does pull it off? I am sure they have much more important things on their mind than beating the S2000 in 0-60.
The world will not come to such a screeching halt that we all fall off if a (gasp!) Pontiac Solstice can beat an S2000 in 0-60. - LOL
01-04-2006, 12:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Christople,Jan 4 2006, 10:48 AM
Competition is bad? I think not. It makes the other try to excel in the next version. Wasn't there a thread a few months ago where a bunch of art students got together and make new honda s2000 concepts. Honda seems interested in the "competition". Keep in mind that Honda probably is in some contract to use parts and when that contract is up, they will make new parts for the new car.
01-04-2006, 12:38 PM
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Originally Posted by MulderATO,Jan 4 2006, 04:22 PM
I can't wait to see these cars parked all over trailer parks like the Fieros have been.... Woooo competition (lame)!
can't wait until kids with caps turned backwards, and 15" subs will be driving the S
01-04-2006, 12:51 PM
#20
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Originally Posted by DimaK321,Jan 4 2006, 11:04 AM
also... the S2000 cannot go 0 to 60 in under 6 seconds consistently, because of the crappy rear end (which is a downer)... maybe the solstice doesn't have this issue