Produced between 2006 and 2010, the Pontiac Solstice is quite the looker, with sleek, smooth lines and a sporty, fun-loving attitude. Thing is, the Solstice was only offered with a four-banger under the hood, which begs the question – what would this little sports car be like with a V8? Now, this particular customized Pontiac Solstice will provide an answer to whoever decides to take it home.
Given the powerplant is the main attraction of this build, it makes sense to start there. This custom Pontiac Solstice was created by Mallett Performance Cars to grace the show floor at SEMA, with the North Carolina shop stuffing the droptop with the naturally aspirated 6.0L V8 LS2 engine. Output is rated at 400 horsepower, while a Corsa exhaust system adds some aural spice to the equation.
Motivation is sent to the rear wheels by way of a five-speed manual transmission upgraded with a LUK Pro Gold clutch. Mallett Performance also tuned and upgraded the coilover suspension, while a set of upgraded disc brakes help to slow it down.
Outside, this custom Pontiac Solstice is draped in Aspen White paint, which is complemented by metallic blue striping to give it a custom, racey sort of motorsport vibe. The exterior also shows off a sculpted dual hood scoop and rear spoiler, while spent gasses exit via an integrated center exhaust system. The whole thing rides on eye-catching Budnik wheels sized at 20 inches in diameter.
Inside, we find a tan interior treatment with blue inserts for the seats, a color combo which could be considered something of an acquired taste. Katzkin leather upholstery adds some soft-touch finery. Standout cabin features include power windows, power locks, power steering, and an AM/FM/XM stereo with CD changer and aux input, not to mention a three-spoke steering wheel, upgraded white-faced gauges, and a Hurst shifter.
Critically, this V8-powered Pontiac Solstice sports less than 5,000 miles on the clock, with three previous owners to its name. Now, it’s listed for sale by Streetside Classics at $57,995.
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Comments
Streetside is synonymous with 20% over fair market value but, a cool car nevertheless.
Only 5,000 miles in 16 years? 3 previous owners and none bothered to enjoy driving the car much.
It might be a garage queen, which I think is foolish. Even really expensive cars depreciate, so you might as well enjoy it while you own it. Money? A top-down ride along the coast? I know which one I prefer.
It also doesn’t strike me as the car I want to use for a commute.
I agree with Shawn, I’m thinking the motor don’t match the transmission and driving it probably makes it clear that the motor is too much for the transmission. Especially if they left the original transmission and rear end/gear box. I own a solstice that I drive daily and I don’t see the transmission lasting very long hooking a V8 to it.
Buyer beware.
Then again if you have $60,000 to spend on one or two weeks of fun then why not?
In that case, anyone who really drives it will want to find better transmission and rear end donors, preferably before the current ones fail.
These cars with the Ls engines have swapped in the transmission from the Colorado truck and the rear end from a CTS-V.. No issues there!
This is what GM should have done from the get-go! GM has been so worried about trying to be all things to all people, too long. They are and have been, missing the boat on many, many ideas that could have been BIG money makers. Going all electric sooner, rather than later, is hurting them badly. It seems, Dodge and Ford, listen to their customers. GM, not so much.
First time I saw one, I was at the Memphis LS Fest many years ago. Many SV type manufactures had their monster v8s in about any type of car, Jeep, SUV, and truck. Personally, any rear gearing above 3:23s would just cause major traction issues and be less affective unless you put on big tires. On the other hand, a little Saturday testosterone spit could make you the boss when you’re on the road.
I don’t think they would hook up a 400hp LS to the stock transmission. That wouldn’t make a lot of sense, these guy build crazy hot rods and know their stuff. Why would they do something shady like that?
Is this an automatic or stick ?
Nice car and the V8 just adds more fun to it… Now I bet the reason why it wasn’t driven much was that these people saw a fat money making return in the future on a garage queen 👑. What I don’t like about the article is where are the performance numbers?? 0-60mph, handling, gas mileage, theres a lot left out of this article. But overall nice ride.
I liked the Solstice, but I liked the Sky even better.
It because you probably own one?
Same thing on both cars,the both preform the same,but it’s your opinion to hat counts.
Yeah but… The Saturn Sky was much better looking… I saw one in front of me one night on my way home from work and I thought it was a concept car! It really looked that good… Like nothing else on the road… The Solstice while good looking always looks to me like a mini
wanna be Corvette… Unfortunately in this generation Pontiac lost it’s way the GTO looked like a big caviler, the GXP was ok but could have been better, the Firebird/Transam was gone, the G6 had great potential to be a big seller… As far as I am concerned the Solstice and GXP where the last HIPO Pontiacs… What a shame… Instead of bringing Hummer back what about Pontiac.
I have a 2008 Solstice with a naturally aspirated four cylinder. It has plenty of power. I am not for going crazy for only a couple hundred more horsepower. Mine is a driver. This example is not for me.
The Solstice GXP had a 260 HP 2.0L turbo-charged four cylinder. With minimal tuning it could easily do 300+ HP and weighs less than a 6.0L V8. Also, will save you about $35K (or more depending on condition)
A lot of comments on here state that this is the engine that should have come with the Solstice, only to realize it would have cannibalized Vette sales. The 2.0t is a great engine and they could have stuck a v8 as a limited run but they killed Pontiac off. They should have never abandoned the platform
Is this car still available. Big question how much and where is it located