“Creating a GXP performance edition of the Solstice is a natural extension of
the capabilities of this car,” said John Larson, Pontiac general manager. “On
its own, the base Solstice offers all of the qualities one would expect from a
classic roadster – style, crisp handling, and spirited performance. The Solstice
GXP takes that pure roadster DNA and pushes it to a new level, with a 47 percent
boost in horsepower and other enhancements for a more thrilling driving
experience.”
Advanced Combustion Technology Improves Power and Efficiency in the 2007
Pontiac Solstice GXP
General Motors introduced the Ecotec 2.0-liter Turbo
engine in the 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP, making it GM’s first direct injection
offering in North America. Gasoline direct injection technology helps the Ecotec
engine produce more power while maintaining the lower fuel consumption of a
small displacement port-injected engine. It produces 260 horsepower and 260
lb-ft of torque, making it GM’s highest specific output engine ever, at 2.1
horsepower per cubic inch of displacement (130 hp per liter), and the most
powerful production engine in the Ecotec family.
Variable valve timing and an intercooled, twin-scroll turbocharging system are
used to optimize the Ecotec 2.0-liter Turbo engine’s performance. It was
developed with the global resources of GM Powertrain in the United States and
Europe, drawing on expertise from the naturally aspirated Ecotec 2.2-liter
direct injection engine used in some European applications and the 2.0-liter
turbocharged engines already in production.
With direct injection, fuel is delivered directly to the combustion chamber to
create a more complete burn of the air/fuel mixture. Less fuel is required to
produce the equivalent horsepower, especially at normal cruising speeds, of a
conventional port-injection combustion system.
“Direct injection technology works well with turbocharging and helps deliver a
great balance of power and economy,” said Ed Groff, assistant chief engineer,
Ecotec 2.0-liter Turbo engine. “The Ecotec 2.0-liter Turbo produces the power
expected of a V-6, but in a smaller, more efficient package – and the driving
response is simply terrific.” ...Pontiac Solstice GXP: Page 2
