Ah, what a difference a turbo makes. This is what the Solstice should have been from day one. Finally, the powertrain fits the car. I said as much while discussing the GXP with a representative from Pontiac, who countered with the notion that, unlike himself and the slew of automotive journalists on hand, not everyone has the need for speed – for some folks, it's all about style. Blasphemy. Sure he's right, and for such people the GXP provides a smooth powertrain that's well suited to the daily commute, though the stiff suspension can be best described as a chiropractor's dream. However, if you've found yourself caught up in an article about a boosted roadster, chances are you and your downright reckless right foot are looking for more than a daily slogger.

A hard jump on the alloy gas pedal elicits lag in the lower rpms, making for a slow start in first gear as the dual-scroll turbocharger spools. After that, there's a quick but moderated release of power all the way up to about red line, which pegs at about 6,600 rpm. Boost peaks at 20 psi for short bursts, and can be sustained at 18 psi. The engine pulls very well through the rev range, and the 260 lb.-ft. of torque is usually enough to nullify the need to downshift, though a click to fourth starts to look good when things bog down at 50 mph in fifth gear. It seems the GXP is better suited to well-timed shifts rather than just leaving the tranny in second or third gear and wringing ‘er out. Thankfully, the five-cog box features short throws that make for quick gear changes and solid chirps of rear rubber, especially fun when dumping the easy-effort clutch for a click into second. The engagement is a bit notchy compared to class leaders like the Honda S2000; a sixth gear, standard on even the mainstream Nissan Versa, is absent; and the clunkiness we experienced in previous Solstice test cars is still evident.

If you can't feel that clunkiness, chances are you won't hear it either – you'll be too involved in listening to the tuned dual exhaust. It's sweet music, and is leagues ahead of the base Solstice in terms of refinement. Even the grainy, rough feel behind the pedal is gone. All told, the upgraded powertrain pushes the GXP to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds; top speed is estimated at 142 mph (drag limited). Braking remained fade-free after a morning of autocross abuse. Equally impressive are the 0.9 g's the Solstice GXP pulls on the slalom, according to Pontiac. That's due in large part to the stiff sport-tuned suspension and the car's wide, almost square foot print that keeps it firmly planted in the twisties, much like the well-bolstered sport buckets do for the driver and passenger. Add in responsive steering with plenty of road feel, and you've got the makings for a bundle of good times, whether on windy back roads or the local autocross track.