Flash.(Briefs)

Solstice arrives

General Motors and its Pontiac division are finally confirming what we've been reporting for months: The Solstice roadster is a go for production.

None other than product czar Bob Lutz, the driving force behind the 2002 Solstice concept as well as the push to bring the car to reality, drove the production 2006 Solstice on stage at the Detroit show.

The car, powered by a 170-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder, is the first model to be built off the completely new rear-drive, front-engine Kappa platform. Base price: less than $20,000 when it arrives in about 18 months.

And here's another tidbit: That Kappa-based Vauxhall VX Lightning concept we showed you last year (AW, May 26, 2003) likely won't make production in Europe due to new pedestrian crash standards. But don't be surprised if that stylish roadster appears under another GM brand.

Fourth Porsche?

Reports of a fourth model line coming from Porsche aren't entirely off base, cagey company officials say. But news that the German automaker has settled on a four-door sports car to follow its Cayenne sport/ute into the market may not be correct, says Porsche exec Michael Schimpke. The fourth line, when decided upon, will be far different from any of the company's sports cars or the SUV.