The annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas is more than simply a venue for aftermarket companies to introduce new products, it's also a world stage for the major auto manufacturers to present wild concept cars like the SD-290 Solstice and the more production-viable G8 GT SEMA Edition featured herein.
Solstice SD-290
For those who fondly recall the halcyon days of '50s and '60s sports car racing, the Solstice SD-290 concept will certainly strike a chord. And for the rest of us who are too young to remember such competitions on storied race tracks, we have keen recollections of the sports cars we raced in H.O.-scale on our Aurora AFX or Tyco road race sets.
"Designed to evoke the emotions of classic sports cars, the Pontiac Solstice SD-290 race concept captures the purposeful design of these vintage race vehicles," is how Pontiac sees the SD-290. "Featuring a covered passenger cockpit, custom body design, and enhancements to the powertrain and chassis, this concept takes Solstice to an entirely new level."
Note the asymmetrical appearance...
Note the asymmetrical appearance when viewed from the top thanks to the custom passenger-side hardtop cover, which creates a vintage racer look.
While the outward appearance makes you think vintage, the modifications under the skin are firmly grounded in 21st century cutting-edge technology. Beneath the hood is an Ecotec 2.0L direct-injected turbocharged engine that pumps out 290 horsepower, thanks to a Stage II performance kit and a free-flowing Solo Performance after-cat exhaust system. It feeds power through a five-speed trans to a 3.91-geared rear.
To keep the shapely racer glued to the tarmac, a Coilover Variant suspension system by KW Automotive and Custom 19-inch wheels with Hoosier R6 racing rubber were installed. The road course rocket is hauled to a stop with Force 10 Tri Power 13-inch Stainless Steel Brakes Corp binders featuring 3-piston aluminum calipers.
Though it will never see daylight as a production car, the SD-290 is nevertheless an interesting concept and some of its attributes may find their way into the street Solstices of the future.
 The Candy Apple Red SD-290...  The Candy Apple Red SD-290 Solstice racer concept features custom body panels and rear spoiler. |  Stylish fender air vents complement...  Stylish fender air vents complement the hood vents. The graphics are quite subtle. |  The rollbar for the driver...  The rollbar for the driver is seamlessly integrated into the body design. |
 Displayed on the SEMA show...  Displayed on the SEMA show floor you can see custom nose, hood, front fenders, and grille inserts of the SD-290. The chin spoiler and rocker extensions are carbon fiber, and the headlights are tinted. |  Most of the necessities of...  Most of the necessities of a road racer can be found in the cockpit with little fluff. A rollbar, fire extinguisher, quick-release steering wheel, racing seat, 4-point harness, and upgraded instrumentation hint of the road course. Missing HVAC controls, windshield wipers, door glass, and convertible top cut weight and solidify the SD-290's track-only (or show-floor-only) status. |  This stacked center exhaust...  This stacked center exhaust exit is from Solo Performance. |
G8 GT SEMA Edition
Whereas the SD-290 Solstice can be described as radical, conversely, the G8 GT Sema Edition is tame with regard to modifications from the upcoming production model. The drivetrain retains its stock 361hp 6.0L V-8 engine, six-speed trans and 2.92 rear. Visual upgrades include exterior paint and interior panels, both of which are orange. Mechanical enhancements are comprised of Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) suspension, brakes and the HSV 20-inch wheel/tire package of the G8 show car from 2007. If you want more mods on a G8 SEMA show car, you'll have to flip back to "Tribal News" to read about 50 Cent's LSX-powered machine.
 If you like your G8 in orange,...  If you like your G8 in orange, then this custom tri-coat paint is for you. |  HSV upgrades were performed...  HSV upgrades were performed to augment the braking and suspension systems and the wheel/tire package. |  The interior has orange accents,...  The interior has orange accents, too. |