Called the Solstice Coupe, a new targa-top variant was added to the successful sports car line for 2009. Before the convertible was launched, Pontiac actually previewed the Solstice with a coupe concept, so it seems fitting a production version of that car is finally available.

Production may be limited to as few as 10,000 units annually, though nothing has been confirmed. The coupe is powered by a standard 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine that generates 173 horsepower, while the GXP version is equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec engine with 260 horsepower. The Solstice Coupe is produced at General Motors' Wilmington, Del., plant.

Because the change to a coupe body style resulted in only a slight increase in curb weight, no drivetrain or suspension changes were necessary to shift from the convertible body structure. Initial tests have shown that the Solstice coupe delivers ride and handling, acceleration, braking and fuel economy comparable to the convertible model.

The Solstice has a traditional targa setup, with the panels directly over the driver and passenger's head being removable. Buyers also have the choice of hard or soft removable panels. The trunk has been reconfigured to stow the canvas roof, but there's not enough space for the hardtop.

The area behind the seats was redesigned for easy access to the cargo area, and a storage tray was mounted directly behind the headrests. Removing the folding-top mechanism made way for a new, flat cargo floor and several storage compartments. The cargo area's covered bins provide secure storage for smaller items. Cargo tie-down hooks help secure irregularly shaped items.

The roof's structure was strengthened with additional support elements, including an aluminum roof bow attached with aluminum brackets.

Two years ago, GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said a Solstice coupe would keep consumers interested in the Solstice model line when the "new" wears off the roadster. The launch of this new model, then, seems perfectly logical.

"Today's Solstice is the top-selling roadster in the U.S., and we believe this new model has even broader appeal," said Jim Bunnell, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager. "The coupe has all the design cues and pleasing performance of the original roadster, and is an all-season alternative for people who enjoy open-air driving."

"The Solstice coupe represents a major collaboration of design and engineering," said Bruce Kosbab, chief engineer. "The sleek lines of the new roof give the car a fresh appearance, yet only minimal changes were made to the body structure - it's a great example of building on an already solid foundation."