Part 2:
ECOTEC ENGINE FAMILY
The Ecotec 2.0-liter Turbo is built on a global platform that was designed at the outset for a range of performance and combustion capabilities. Gen II blocks support the high-performance demands of the engines, but are merely a strengthened version of the original Ecotec architecture. The oil pump, for example, is the same as used in all other Ecotec engines. It was originally designed to support high-performance applications of future engines.
"This 2.0-liter Turbo is the pinnacle of Ecotec performance to date, with additional growth planned," says Groff. The groundwork for its capabilities was laid on the drawing table at the beginning of the Ecotec's development. Prior work and a far-thinking engine design continue to help GM respond to market demands around the globe more quickly and with greater accuracy."
This new Ecotec family member also features:
- Dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and four valves per cylinder
- Twin counter-rotating balance shafts for operational smoothness
- "Drive by Wire" electronic throttle control
- Low friction, roller-finger follower valvetrain with hydraulic lash adjusters
- Low-maintenance chain-drive for the camshafts
- Direct-mount accessories, which reduce or eliminate traditional sources of noise and vibration
- Full-circle transmission to reduce noise and vibration
- GM Oil Life System, which can reduce the frequency for oil changes
- Innovative cast-in oil filter housing, which eliminates the need to crawl under the vehicle to perform oil changes and eliminates throwaway oil filter cans that retain used oil.
- As with other engines in the Ecotec family, the 2.0-liter Turbo engine also has premium features designed to ensure smooth and quiet operation, including a polymer coating and skirt design for the pistons that reduce noise during cold starts. An automatic hydraulic tensioner also is used to maintain optimal tension on the timing chain, which reduces noise and vibration.
THE SOLSTICE GXP PACKAGE
Though prices had not yet been announced at press time, the GXP package is expected to add between $4,000 and $5,000 to the price of a Solstice. In addition to the engine, the package will include GM's StabiliTrak four-channel electronic stability control system, as well as specific appearance items such as blacked-out grilles, GXP badging, and new front and rear fascias to accomodate the intercooler and dual exhaust outlets.
The Solstice GXP is expected to debut in the summer of 2006. If it does come with an MSRP in the $25,000 range, it will be a serious "bang for the buck" value, and we expect that once the hurdles of figuring out the electronics are overcome, the aftermarket will quickly gear up with a host of performance upgrades.
We see no reason to think this engine would have any problem supporting over 500 streetable horsepower, which would make for an insanely fast machine that would also get great mileage -- if, of course, you could keep your foot out of it.
We have been given ample evidence that GM and Pontiac-GMC have come a long way to understanding how to market an affordable two-seat performance car. It appears the bitter lessons learned by the demise of the Fiero have not been lost. With an attractively priced performance package that should deliver on all fronts, a realistic sales forecast, innovative marketing, and the potential for even more power, the Solstice GXP could end up being one of the best performance cars Pontiac has ever released. It had better be -- Pontiac and GM really cannot afford anything other than a grand slam.