2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP First Drive Oklahoma

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Introduction

Pontiac Solstice GXP - 2007 First Drive: Pontiac says it wants to be a brand known for performance. Except for the GTO, the so-called Goat that'll soon be making a one-way trip to the automotive slaughterhouse, and possibly the V8-powered Grand Prix GXP, we've seen little proof in the pudding. The G6? Not a performer. The Torrent SUV? Yeah, not so much. There is, of course, the Solstice roadster, one of the sexiest rides to come out of Pontiac in years, and anyone who has driven it will attest to its tight, responsive demeanor. They'll also likely complain about the horribly unrefined 177-horsepower engine, clunky five-speed manual transmission, low-grade materials and convoluted convertible top that, when stowed, transforms cargo storage into an unrealistic notion.

With the release of the 2007 Solstice GXP, Pontiac has effectively stapled shut the flapping mouths of incessant naysayers. Between the staples, we're still able to get out muffled complaints about the cheap materials and questionable fit and finish, though our babble is basically drowned out by the GXP's sweet exhaust note. Under the hood resides a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine good for 260 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, which Pontiac claims pushes the GXP to 60 mph in only 5.5 seconds, tapping out at a drag-limited 142 mph. Plus, it's all wrapped in the same sexy package that attacks curves and autocross tracks with tenacity. If you, like us, have been waiting for Pontiac performance to mean more than an Aussie-bred GTO, it's time to check out the Solstice GXP.

Features

With its base price of $26,995 (including a $600 destination charge), the 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP carries a $5,000 premium over the entry-level model. Most of that covers the upgraded powertrain and hardware, though there are also quite a few features found on the GXP that are either unavailable or optional on the base Solstice. Those items include cruise control; carpeted floor mats; power door locks, power windows, and power mirrors; keyless entry; and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. Buyers of the GXP also benefit from 18-inch polished alloy wheels rolling on 245/45 Goodyear Eagle F1 performance rubber, front fog lights, a special indicator for engine oil quality, and less obvious items like four-wheel antilock disc brakes, a rear limited-slip differential, and GM's Stabilitrak stability control system.

Besides these unique features, the GXP shares with its less-expensive sibling a tilt steering column, a single-disc CD player, a glass rear window sewn into the soft convertible top, and automatic headlights. Options consist of upgraded sound systems with an MP3 player, XM satellite radio, a six-disc CD changer, or Monsoon premium audio; OnStar; a Premium Package with leather seats and interior trim; a rear spoiler; and alloy wheels finished in either silver or chrome. Surprisingly, air conditioning, standard on all but the cheapest of today's models, is optional on the GXP.

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Sävy Strategic Creative

The Finest in European Automotive in Bend.

1.541.359.3068
Service Rd
Bend, OK
http://www.getsavy.com/

The Finest in European Automotive in Bend.
The moment one walks through the doors at German Master Tech in Bend, Oregon, its meticulously kept, white floored shop currently home to an impressive lineup of detail and restoration in progress: the bright silver Porsche spec racer being built in the center of the room, the Porsche 911 S undergoing a full restoration and the variant of others, from BMWs to Ferraris, it is quickly understood why German Master Tech, with some of the finest European auto technicians and restoration specialists in the country, supports some of the finest European cars on the West Coast. This German-apprenticed, master-trained company, that refers to its work as “a craft”, is known to many by the unmatched service and support they provide their racing and restoration clients across the country, to others by the niche expedition preparation service they provide all-terrain vehicles, and still to their most dedicated customer, the fine European car enthusiast, German Master Tech is truly the one to many in this town.
German Master Tech’s President, a BMW Master Technician, Tim Morris, brings with him over 25 years experience in the industry and has been awarded several achievement and master technician status awards though BMW specialized factory schools. Tim has also achieved BMW’s Center of Excellence Award twice and is a seven-time BMW President’s Club Technician. German Master Tech’s co-founder and past partner, Jay Audia, won the 07 SCCA Regional Championships for GT2 in his German Master Tech-prepared Panoz. The company’s third founder is one of Bend’s most passionate Porsche enthusiasts, John Audette.

“Restorations have been a large part of our focus,” said Morris, describing some of his company’s award winning roots. “From our very first restoration, a 58’ BMW Isetta 300, which we took to the Forest Grove Concours d’ Elegance in 05 and won our class, in addition to taking home the President’s Award, which was judged by Pacific College’s President as “the car the college student would most want to drive,” said Morris. “I drew on my past car show and restoration experience to pull off a surprise win. It was a good deal of timing and the right car, with the right colors. We stole the show with a micro car, it was great!” Morris said standing next to his red Porsche hot rod parked inside his shop. “Car shows and racing are my passions,” he said with a smile.
“Our tuning business is the best around,” continued Morris of the company’s capabilities. “The application of our developed performance packages to already great cars really creates a ‘wow’.” German Master Tech provides full warranty BMW performance upgrades as a Dinan-authorized dealer, and Porsche performance programs that take the 911 to the next level. “Our tuning business has led us to organized racing, which has been a life-long dream of mine.” Included in German Master Tech’s list of champion racing cars are a 64’ BMW 1800 TISA owned by Steve Walker of Salem. The 1800 TISA is BMW’s first post-war racer based on a production car in regional vintage racing. A 911 Porsche racer owned by Bend’s Mark Powell will be racing in one of the West Coast’s fastest growing amateur racing classes, Spec 911. “Mark’s car is special as it ties together the whole business: a restoration with an extreme tuning package.”

“German Master Tech has worked on all my cars, including a Range Rover, BMW, three Ferraris and a Porsche,” said Ervin Richards, a long-time German Master Tech customer. “I bring my cars here because they consistently do it better and because they’ve always gone way beyond the call of duty in their service and support of my vehicles.” “If I can bring it to German Master Tech,” said Richards, “I will.”
To learn more about German Master Tech, contact them directly at 541.322.9647.