While I haven't had the opportunity to test out the 4-cylinder or the manual gearbox, the V6 with the 5-speed auto is a dream. The engine, designed to Lexus specifications, idles silently with hardly a noticeable vibration. While refined, it reacts brilliantly to throttle input,
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| While refined, the Solara's engine reacts brilliantly to throttle input, zinging to near 6,000 rpm without hesitation. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
zinging to near 6,000 rpm without hesitation while meaty levels of torque are pulling all the way. While such high torque often results in a disconcerting tug on the steering wheel, there isn't a trace of torque steer in the V6 Solara. This frees up the wheel for steering, what a novel idea. Of course, it's no joking matter. Torque steer can prove dangerous, pointing a car off-line when engaging a lower gear or locking the steering during a corner. The Solara uses a rack-and-pinion system; not necessarily the most aggressively tuned but perfectly suited for the day-to-day driving duties of most Solara owners.
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| The SLE's ride/handling luxury bias is well suited to the Solara's mission, offering an excellent comfort/performance compromise. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
The same goes for the suspension tuning. While taut enough to execute a winding highway with poise, it won't walk away from any self respecting sports car. Once again that's not the car's purpose. This is a luxury coupe with sporting pretensions, primarily designed for a comfortable ride first and foremost, with the ability to hold its own for the odd jaunt down a backwoods lane. Braking is good too, with 4-wheel discs featuring standard ABS and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD).
On the subject of sport, Toyota does offer the lesser equipped SE model with an optional Sports Package. No doubt this car's graphite-accented trim and alloy pedals will make it seem quicker, but the truth of its enhanced cornering abilities will be validated on its spec sheet, with features such as a performance-tuned suspension sporting stiffer springs, firmer shock absorbers and 17-inch aluminum wheels lending to the adhesion factor. But while I haven't tested the SE with the Sport Package, I had no problems enjoying the SLE's softer setup and same diameter alloy rims shod with P215/55R17 tires. Its luxury bias is well suited to the Solara's mission, offering an excellent comfort/performance compromise.
