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Saturn puts out 1/4 mile estimate for Sky Redline

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Old 08-20-2006, 01:50 AM
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Impressed with the Sky, makes the Solistice look embarassing to be even seen in.
Old 08-20-2006, 03:49 PM
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[QUOTE=steven975,Aug 19 2006, 10:32 PM] maybe, maybe not.
Old 08-24-2006, 07:26 AM
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MT tests the Z4 and 350Z cab against the Solstice GXP. No mention of why no S2000 was included.
Z4 was picked overall, but GXP chosen as "price dependant" pick, and awarded #1 in the comparo.
Here are their test numbers:

Old 08-24-2006, 07:39 AM
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apparently this is a new issue of MT? I do wish the S2000 was tested alongside.....
Old 08-24-2006, 08:04 AM
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Would be interesting to see how the S2000 did on the same day/same track, etc, etc.

Looks like, at best, it's the equal of the S2000. From the numbers, though, I'm betting that ultimately it's still a bit short. An S2000 is as quick as a Z4 on a track and handles as well (though apparently not quite as neutral, but the performance is there), and the Z4 was better than the Solstice in every aspect - acceleration, braking, and grip as well as "track" time. Then they had ergonomic issues and I'm guessing fit/finish isn't as good, plus the shifter definitely won't be as good, and that's why it's about $1K cheaper (comparably equipped) than what you pay for an S2000 these days ($30500 before taxes).

Aftermarket, of course, changes everything. With that extra $1000 into mods, the Solstice should be faster, but you'll need more to make it grip or brake better.

Bottom line: Stock, I'm still betting on the S2000. Modified, Solstice all the way.
Old 08-24-2006, 09:38 AM
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Puzzling -- the Solstice's acceleration numbers don't seem to match its horsepower and torque stats. With that much torque, and a torque curve that flat, it should go a lot faster than it does. Compare it to the Z4, for example -- they have near identical weight and peak horsepower numbers, the Solstice has way more torque, yet the Solstice is distinctly slower in literally every speed measurement.

Still, it reflects pretty well on the Solstice GXP that one can mention it in the same breath as the Z4, S2000, etc. without irony.
Old 08-24-2006, 10:06 AM
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[QUOTE=PedalFaster,Aug 24 2006, 12:38 PM] Puzzling -- the Solstice's acceleration numbers don't seem to match its horsepower and torque stats.
Old 08-24-2006, 10:10 AM
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Originally Posted by Scot,Aug 24 2006, 02:06 PM
maybe the gearing is too tall?
That's what I was wondering too, but then the BMW's fuel economy is slighty better (EPA and real world), so what would be the point of taller gearing if you didn't have better fuel economy?

Maybe there's a tire/traction issue? But that shouldn't have as much of an effect on things like the 45-65 passing time. Too bad they didn't do a "street start" 5-60mph run.
Old 08-24-2006, 10:22 AM
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The Solstice is geared taller - 2100 rpm vs 2250 at 60mph (compared to the Z4).
Old 08-24-2006, 10:35 AM
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I think it's right in line with what 260hp will do with 3000+ curb weight. Not to mention, it could have been a green motor.

Remember, torque has nothing to do with acceleration once you're near the horsepower peak and shifting at redline. 260hp is 260hp is 260hp.

The only time the 260 torque will come into play is at lower rpm at an autocross course. It'll squirt out of corners better than the S2000 at lower rpm.


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