Making its last appearance...
Making its last appearance at the Chicago Auto Show (at least so far) was Pontiac's legendary Firebird. The sad event was in the last year of production, 2002. This Collector's Edition Trans Am convertible was on the floor, waiting for spectators to try 'er out one more time.
Though the Solstice bowed at Detroit a month earlier, it was still a sensation at Chicago. "Obviously you can't say it's going to be produced before it has a chance to make the rounds," Lutz said, but everyone knew this one was headed for public consumption. Though it took until the '06 model year to reach the assembly line, Solstice thankfully remained true to its original design and hasn't been messed up since.
Introduced at Chicago by Lutz was the Grand Prix G-Force concept, a very close preview of the '04 Grand Prix four-door sedan. With sleeker styling and minus Pontiac's traditional body-cladding, it showed another aspect of the Lutz influence. A 280hp version of GM's venerable 3800 Series II V-6 was presumably the "force" behind it.
But wait, there's more. A modified Grand Am Hot Wheels machine was on the floor as well. Its new rear fascia and large spoiler, clear taillights, and special rocker-panel styling served notice this was not an ordinary Grand Am. Hot Wheels interior and exterior graphics, twin hoodscoops, and a quick-fill gas inlet all served to tell the young folks that you could build a Hot Wheels car for the street. Along with it was the Sunfire HO 2.4. HO translates to high output, and the 195hp, 2.4L overhead-cam four was helped in that direction by a supercharger. Trick frontal styling, a rear spoiler, lowered ride height, 18-inch chrome wheels, and body enhancements conveyed the intentions of the manufacturer.
Following years of concept...
Following years of concept cars that explored styling extremes, Pontiac pulled it all together and showed off the Solstice concept sports car at the '02 show. While most of the concepts of the last several years never made production, the Solstice would be on a direct line to the showrooms, but it took until the '06 model year. Aimed at the basic sports-car market, it had a four-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive.
A "tuner" version of the Bonneville sedan, dubbed the "G/XP," was on display. It, too, was a Chicago intro and featured a 1.5-inch lower stance, a K&N air filter, and a Corsa after-cat exhaust system. Also supercharged, its 3800 was rated at 10 less horses than the G-Force.
February 14-23, 2003
It was increasingly apparent that new-from-the-ground-up concept vehicles would be a thing of the past at Pontiac. Vehicles labeled as "concepts" were now preproduction previews of future models.
For 2003, the G6 concept was a preview of the replacement for the Grand Am that would arrive as an '05 model. The show car had a 3.5L supercharged V-6 good for 285 hp.
Not labeled a concept was the new '04 GTO, which was to go on sale later in the year. It was the first production use of those famous three letters since the '74 Ventura-based model. A 350hp LS1 V-8 said "GTO," but the Holden Monaro body with minor modifications and an Australian manufacturing point caused some concern among traditional Goat fanciers.
February 6-15, 2004
If you were looking for a concept vehicle at the '04 show, you had to be content with a recycling of the Solstice that first appeared in 2002. It had been approved for production as an '06 model, and that was a good reason to keep it in the public's mind.
Other than that, it was a production-car display at Pontiac. Among them were the '05 Bonneville GXP, the '04 Grand Prix GT1 with optional Driver's Package, and the '05 Montana SV6 "crossover" sport van.
After rumored returns and...
After rumored returns and false starts, Pontiac brought back the GTO name for real as an '04 model. It was on display at the '03 Chicago Auto Show. Sourced from General Motors' Holden operation in Australia, the GTO was a modified Monaro coupe with a healthy dose of 5.7L LS1 V-8 power and rear-wheel drive.
February 11-20, 2005
More of the same production-vehicle showcasing highlighted the Pontiac display at the '05 show. The new G6 was designated for the spotlight.
Though she was more or less unknown at the time, sports car driver Milka Duno was in the Pontiac confines to sign autographs. She co-drove the No. 2 Citgo Crawford/Pontiac to victory in a major race prior to the show. Milka went on to Indy Car racing, and her dust-up with star Danica Patrick last year brought her wide attention. Pontiac racing acknowledgement was rare at this stage.
February 10-19, 2006
Solstice was again in the front row for 2006 when the '07 GXP was presented at the show. Featuring a turbocharged Ecotec 2.0L four and direct injection, it was good for advertising 260 hp.