Pontiac today unveiled its new drift vehicle based on the upcoming turbocharged Solstice GXP. The new Red Bull Solstice GXP Drift, which will once again be piloted by 2005 Formula Drift champion Rhys Millen, will make its official Formula D drifting debut on June 10 at Solider Field in Chicago. The car replaces the now-discontinued Pontiac GTO. The heart of the Solstice GXP Drift is the ECOtec 2.0-liter turbo engine, producing over 500 horsepower, roughly double the horsepower of the street-legal GXP available in dealerships this fall. This competition ECOtec turbo engine, running on E85 ethanol-based fuel, uses thick-wall iron cylinder liners, a race-ported cylinder head, tubular stainless steel exhaust headers, a performance camshaft, a unique engine control system and a water to air intercooled turbocharger. Photos after the jump…
Currently second-place in points after the season-opener, Millen will aim to take over the points lead during the second drift event of 2006 on May 12-13 at Road Atlanta. Millen will then put the new Red Bull Solstice GXP Drift to the test at Soldier Field on June 10 during the third round of Formula D competition. Five rounds remain before the championships at Irwindale Speedway on Oct. 14 where the Formula D title will be awarded.
