When the Pontiac Solstice was first launched, company officials were adamant about the base price – it must be below $20,000. That allowed the Solstice's style to make it to market, though quality was questionable and performance from its 177-horsepower four-banger was less than exhilarating.

Prices have inched up since that initial launch, and with an extra $5,000 padded onto the sticker, GM gave itself some breathing room on the GXP version. Consider it an example of You Get What You Pay For. Instead of the base's overwhelmed 2.4-liter powerplant, the Solstice GXP gets a turbocharged, 16-valve, aluminum four-cylinder with dual overhead cams. Horsepower reaches 260 at 5,300 rpm with an equal amount of torque unleashed on the rear wheels at only 2,500 rpm. Plus, petrol hoarders should be content, as the increased output only knocks EPA-rated highway fuel economy down to 27 mpg, or one mpg less than the base Solstice's 28 mpg. Of course, that requires driving with a light foot, a habit the GXP does not foster.

Behind the 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP's unique 18-inch alloy wheels is the same four-wheel disc brake setup, though this application the system is supported by standard ABS. Rack-and-pinion steering is carried over from the existing Solstice, but the suspension system has been retuned and the stabilizer bars increased in diameter.