For more than three decades, the Mazda Miata (MX-5) has defined the accessible roadster category. Its formula – lightweight construction, sublime balance, telepathic handling, and pure driver engagement – created an enduring icon and the benchmark against which all hopefuls are judged. In the mid-2000s, General Motors launched an ambitious challenger: the Pontiac Solstice. Spearheaded by automotive executive Bob Lutz, the Solstice aimed to capture hearts with stunning, show-car-like aesthetics and an affordable price point, seeking to steal thunder from the dominant Miata.
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