Pontiac Solstice GT Mallett - The Velvet Hammer

Let's cut right to the juicy part: What's it like to drive a Solstice stuffed with a 400-horse, 6.0-liter, LS2 V-8? Imagine the spine-tingling thrill of piloting a nimble sports car with low-end torque in abundance, where too much is just about right; where a subtle stab of the go-pedal induces all the wheelspin you could possibly ask for and more, with tail-out driving at the slightest provocation, then you'll relish this V-8 version of the Pontiac Solstice GT.

With its Mallett LS2 engine conversion, along with a number of enhancements from Mike Jonas of Stainless Steel Brakes (800/448-7722 www.ssbrakes.com), this Solstice is more fun than any car has a right to be. No matter what you want to do, it's ready to be your new best friend. The LS2 Solstice possesses lightning-fast acceleration, the sweetest exhaust note this side of a new GTO, and genuine excitement every time you push your right foot to the firewall.

You want numbers? Mallett's testing [HPP was not present for these tests.-Ed.] produced company claims of 4.4 seconds from 0 to 60 mph. That's two full seconds quicker than a stock Solstice. And it'll run up to 100 mph in less than half the time (10.2 versus 21.0 seconds).

The V-8 Solstice's 0- to 60-mph acceleration figures are comparable to a Corvette's despite the difference in weight between them because the shorter gearing on the Solstice requires an extra shift to get to 60 mph. Its transmission channels torque to the Solstice's independent rearend that features a 3.91:1 ratio. The gears are housed in a rear axle derived from the Cadillac CTS, which was chosen for its excellent performance characteristics and high torque capability. A limited-slip rear differential is available. It uses a pre-loaded, friction clutch-type design and divides power equally between both rear wheels during normal driving conditions, but in low-traction conditions, the differential transfers torque to the wheel with better grip. Not only that, the Solstice is one tail-waggin' puppy, so it takes some finesse to keep it off the wall and headed in a straight line down the strip.

We're not griping, though. This is a real sports car, a wild hair that requires your full attention. You really have to drive the Solstice, and with your inputs, be they steering, braking or acceleration, all become an integrated part of the sensory experience. No autopilot wanted here-that's the real fun of this vehicle.

This type of full-tilt boogie shouldn't come as that big a surprise to high-performance Pontiac readers. Dropping a hot V-8 into a lightweight body is a time-honored and highly successful approach to producing exhilarating performance. Look at the original GTO and Firebird. This two-seater however, is more akin to Shelby's Cobra.

Like the underpowered AC Ace that was infused with 289 Ford power via Carroll Shelby to create the legendary AC Cobra, the Solstice could really use a shot in the arm if blistering straight-line performance is the goal. After all, the 2.4-liter, Ecotec four-banger puts out a modest 177 hp. Although GM has a turbo version of the Solstice in the works as you read last month ("Solstice GXP: A Serious Boost In Perform-ance"), and adding 83 hp will certainly improve acceleration and maintain a balanced package, it's still not 400 hp.

As you can see, Mallett Cars knew that fact all too well. The company saw the opportunity to blend the brute power of the LS2 with the sports car prowess of the Solstice and seized it. Mallett Cars Ltd. (440/243-8550 www.mallettcars.com) was founded in 1997 by racing veterans Chuck and Lance Mallett. They're known for building some of the fastest signature-series C5 Corvettes, along with C6 Corvettes and V Series Cadillacs. With all this firsthand experience breathing on Corvette engines, whattya do next? Stuff one into a Pontiac Solstice, of course.

It's not a simple swap, yet Mallett Cars engineered the transplant as a complete package, and did extensive track and street testing to ensure the car handles better than stock with that big load of LS2 firepower up front. The cars are equipped with Genuine and Official Licensed Products of GM including the OEM catalytic converters for emissions compliance. This package retains stock features such as cruise control, ABS brakes, and all OBD-II diagnostics. Mallett Cars backs the Solstice with a two-year, 24,000-mile warranty, and the package costs $19,995 (see package specifics in the sidebar).