Editors' Choice: Next New Star - Solstice/KAPPA
Most exciting concept

Sure, there are many exciting new vehicles poised to debut in the coming year or two, some of which, look to grab bigger headlines than our choice for the next new automotive star. The Ford Mustang, the Escape Hybrid and the Chrysler ME-12 are all exciting and promising vehicles that will do good things for the automakers that build them.

But none of them mean as much as the Pontiac Solstice/KAPPA vehicle architecture means to General Motors. Our Next New Star is Bob Lutz' vision, his way to bring excitement back to GM vehicles. KAPPA is designed to support the short overhangs, long wheelbase and wide stance on the Solstice, and cars of its ilk. This allows for improved performance, and a more comfortable interior, with increased legroom and hip room. Engineers developed a lower tube structure for the chassis and Hydroformed frame rails, which run the length of the vehicle, are the basis of the chassis.

So from KAPPA comes Solstice, and the Chevy Nomad and Saturn Curve to follow. You want excitement? Some of the most excited people around are the ones working at Pontiac these days, because they have built a vehicle people will likely drool over, given its combination of roadster-classic looks, performance and price ($19,995). The Solstice seems designed to handle the road and provide off-the-line explosions. The vehicle has independent front and rear suspensions, monotube shock absorbers and coil springs. Eighteen-inch wheels and tires are standard. From the look of it, the Solstice is a real roadster, with a classic style and a wide stance that creates a uniquely aggressive look. Front and center is Pontiac's dual port grille - and it's tough to find a car that looks better wearing it. In the back, the top disappears into a rear clamshell area. Perhaps most attractive, however, is the price: a Solstice at $19,995 buys you a vehicle that offers 4-wheel disc brakes, Bilstein shocks, and 18-inch wheels, all as standard. Significant downgrades will likely be confined to fabric interior material and manual windows.