Solstice roadster starts at $25,695 this summer

2006 Pontiac Solstice (photo : General Motors)

Some parts are all Solstice, however, including the taillamps, which were designed with special reflectors to eliminate the need for a separate side marker light. ''This not only contributes to the car's sleek design,'' Queen notes, ''but also eliminates the cost of a separate marker lens and bulb.''

Interior design is equally purposeful and clever, Queen believes, with such details as pedals placed for easy heel-and-toe driving and a cockpit-style instrument panel that sweeps around the driver.

''When you sit down in the car,'' says interior designer Vicki Vlachakis, ''your hand naturally falls onto the shifter. It's a very intuitive, comfortable environment, and the feel of the shifter between gears is very short and precise. Designers and chassis engineers worked together to tune the best placement.''
photo:GM of Canada