October 30, 2005 – Pontiac’s exciting new 2006 Solstice roadster is an exhilarating performance vehicle with the DNA of a pure sports car. A car this athletic is a natural candidate for the weekend amateur racer.

GM Performance Division built the Solstice Weekend Club Racer concept to showcase how a racing version of the car might be configured. This aggressive package would allow Solstice owners to compete in amateur track events with a minimum of upgrades. By competing in sanctioned, off-highway amateur events, Solstice owners can enjoy spirited driving in a safe environment – and the special components of the Weekend Club Racer concept would let them experience the car’s maximum performance.

The most noticeable changes are external, starting with a removable hard top. The concept top makes a bold styling statement and transforms the Solstice into an enclosed car, which is what many amateur and professional racing classes demand.

A new larger rear wing dominates the view most competitors will see – the tail of the Solstice. Front and rear fascias were modified, and new rocker panels, complete with molded-in rear brake cooling ducts, were fabricated. An air extractor-style hood helps keep the engine compartment cool. Aggressive five-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels and matching tires – Goodyear Eagle F1 255/45ZR18’s – aid both performance and eye appeal. The whole package sports a custom bronze paint job.

Some interior upgrades were made in keeping with the car’s performance nature. The execution of the interior trim and colors reflects a race-inspired, Ebony Suede theme, including the IP top pad, center console and door panel inserts. Also complementing the Ebony Suede appointments is a carbon fiber trim bezel that surrounds the gauges and wraps around the center console. Sparco racing seats were recovered to match the Solstice upholstery, and the underside of the new hard top was trimmed to match the rest of the interior.

Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine rated at 325 horsepower (242 kw). A cat-back performance exhaust system enhances engine performance and provides a sporty exhaust note. A T-2 race suspension package was added, along with larger diameter disc brakes.

Barrett-Jackson Sale

At their 2009 Scottsdale Auction, Barrett-Jackson sold this concept for $27,500 USD. It was described as “Powered by a 2.0 Liter variable flow Turbo engine with 325hp at 6500 RPM and 410 NM and 3000 RPM. Features polished stainless steel induction, Air-to-Air inter-cooler, K&N filter, 18″ x 9″ 1000 Miglia wheels, Goodyear Eagle F1 255/45ZR18 tires, removable hardtop, custom front and rear fascias, a hood with top air extractors, rear wing, custom bronze paint, custom-trimmed interior, upscale velour and Marissa suede interior, Townsend Nubuck custom orange leather, Dorsett black loop carpet, carbon fiber door panel inserts, cluster and center console bezels, and black suede trimmed Sparco racing seats.”