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Author Topic: V8 Solstice - Jay Leno and the Kappa design manager  (Read 10 times)

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Offline Steelmesh

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V8 Solstice - Jay Leno and the Kappa design manager
« on: Today at 11:40:37 AM »
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN4ApeGfxDg

Quote
Before he designed the Tesla Model S, Cybertruck, Model X, and Model Y, Franz von Holzhausen penned the iconic shape of the Pontiac Solstice! But what happens when the factory 4-cylinder is swapped for a 400-horsepower Corvette V8?

In this week's episode, Jay Leno welcomes Tesla Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen to show off his personal 2006 Pontiac Solstice Mallett V8. Originally built during a top-secret General Motors design contest pushed by legend Bob Lutz to reinvigorate the Pontiac brand, the Solstice was GM's answer to an affordable, pure American sports car.

After losing his original Solstice in a California wildfire, Franz replaced it with this ultra-clean Mallett V8 conversion. Featuring a 400HP LS2 engine out of a Corvette, upgraded suspension, heavy-duty brakes, and 19/20-inch staggered wheels, this 2,800-pound roadster is basically a Corvette in a lightweight Miata-sized package!

Watch Jay and Franz hit the road to talk about GM secret design rooms, parts-bin engineering, door handle struggles, and the raw roar of a V8-swapped roadster!
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2013 Cruze Missile, tuned, 42 lb, ZZP SRI/FMIC/DP/MP/CB, Kappadapt trans mount

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Offline Critterman

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Re: V8 Solstice - Jay Leno and the Kappa design manager
« Reply #1 on: Today at 12:10:28 PM »
Saw that, Jay was wondering if Mallett was still out there and said he would check.  Sounds like he might be interested in an addition to his stable.
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Offline Sol Asylum

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Re: V8 Solstice - Jay Leno and the Kappa design manager
« Reply #2 on: Today at 01:12:33 PM »
Wasn't Mallett the one that went bankrupt overnight and a few people's cars got seized by the people who owned the building he wasn't paying rent on?
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