Pontiac SD-290

According to GM, the Pontiac SD-290 concept is "Designed to evoke the emotions of classic sports cars". Introduced at SEMA, the vehicle is derived from a Pontiac Solstice but has been transformed into a pure single-seat race car with its passenger compartment made obsolete by a hard tonneau cover.

Despite its competition red paint scheme, it is difficult not to relate the SD-290 to the timeless shape of a D-Type Jaguar. We can also see the influence of BMW's 2004 H2R land speed record breaking concept in the SD-290's asymmetrical layout, with its racing cockpit protected only by a small windscreen in front of the driver and a faired headrest and roll-bar behind the seat.

The car's power-to-weight ratio has been optimized by the removal of some amenities. The direct-injection and turbocharged 2-liter Ecotec engine generates 290hp and to improve aerodynamics, the front clip, hood and front fenders have been altered. It's plausible that these elements could reappear on a future Solstice revamp.

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