Pontiac launched the Solstice in late 2005, turning it into its first two-seat sports car after a successful 2002 concept. When equipped with the four-cylinder 2.4‑liter engine, the regular model created 173 horsepower, with the GXP having a turbocharged 2.0‑liter that made 260 horsepower and could be upgraded to 290 with the Performance Parts Stage 2 kit. Because of its two-seat, dual-shock suspension geometry and oversized ventilated disc brakes, the Pontiac Solstice could handle well on the road and its eye-catching body which offered both hard and soft tops, that giving it both style and open-air appeal. Despite its spirited performance, the Pontiac Solstice was often criticized for having very little cargo space, not much passenger room and a lot of wind noise at low speed. When the Wilmington Assembly plant of GM was closed in 2009, there wasn’t any more production of original Solstice. Therefore, Pontiac Solstice owners should use genuine Pontiac parts since these ensure the right level of precision and proven functionality.