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Future Products Models

Business Week reports, "Pontiac is unveiling a hardtop coupe version of its eye-catching Solstice roadster at this week’s New York International Auto Show." The Solstice Targa features a 31-pound removable roof panel "which culminates in a rear spoiler.".

Autoblog adds, "While the roof panel doesn’t fit in the car when removed, there’s no need to be concerned (too much) about getting caught in the rain. A soft roof cover can be stashed in the back and put in place in case of a sudden downpour."

Motor Trend says the Targa was "inspired by the Solstice hardtop concept that wowed the crowds at the 2002 Detroit auto show."

"Solstice coupes will be offered in both base model with a 2.4-liter 173 hp inline four-cylinder, and GXP version powered by a direct-injection 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 260 hp," according to AutoWeek

The AP expects the coupe to "hit dealerships in early 2009."

Kicking Tires wonders "what the demand for the Solstice coupe will be," noting that "much of it may depend on the price. Common practice usually prices coupes less than convertibles, and the 2008 vert’s prices of $22,165 and $27,845 for the base and GXP versions are already pretty affordable."

The Solstice Coupe comes as part of a GM effort to rebuild Pontiac’s image.

Read about the Solstice, and its competition, with U.S. News’ rankings and reviews of affordable sports cars.