PONTIAC SOLSTICE RETURNS IN NEW GM PATENT
The Solstice coupe was the last new Pontiac model introduced before the brand was discontinued in 2010, but it has now returned in an unlikely place.
General Motors was issued a patent on Feb. 13 for a new “vehicle including multi-tone paint scheme” technology. The patent, first reported on by GM Authority, covers a method for applying several layers of paint to a car that are individually cured and allow for patterns to be created.
The patent describes how the first layer of paint would be applied and oven cured, while subsequent layers would be applied on top and cured with ultraviolet light, which would help help save time and energy compared to a typical two-tone paint process.
Additional layers could also be added using an “overspray-free applicator” that could create shapes, patterns or lines simultaneously with multiple color paints, which would also be cured using ultraviolet light without atomizing the previous layer.
Read Also: GM REINVENTED THE SEATBELT SO YOU CAN SLEEP SAFELY IN A CAR
The 10-page document goes into additional detail, but perhaps the most interesting thing about it is one of the cars used in the illustrations. The two-door vehicle is clearly modeled on the Solstice and has the same lighting arrangement along with Pontiac’s iconic split grille.
Read Also: GENERAL MOTORS DESIGNED A WHEELCHAIR LIFT FOR COMPACT CARS
An illustration of an applicator for painting surface with multiple colors of UV-curable paint simultaneously.
The roof in the sketch differs from the production car, however, as it has a notchback rear instead of a fastback, and creates a profile closer to the convertible Solstice, which has an unpainted fabric drop top. Another less identifiable car is also used in some of the illustrations, which depict how the system can be used to draw numbers and even something like the Chevrolet bowtie logo.
GM hasn’t announced if the system is being used in any of its factories yet, but does the patent does make reference to an overspray-free paint applicator that is available from Dürr Systems.
Unfortunately for Pontiac fans, patent illustrations involving cars typically use generic vehicles as to not give anything away about future products, so the Solstice’s inclusion is just a more detailed way to achieve that and no indication that it or brand is making a return. But it’s not the first time in recent memory that enthusiasts of GMs “excitement” division have been teased.
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE AMERICAN CARS AND RACING NEWSLETTER
The May/June 2024 issue of Car And Driver included an advertisement proclaiming “Pontiac Is Back” and that a new car with a 667 hp supercharged 372-cubic-inch V8 was in the works. The reasoning behind it never explained, as it was not the March/April [Fools’ Day] edition of the magazine, but a fine print disclaimer said it was not to be “taken seriously” and General Motors officially denied its involvement.
“We understand the ad was a joke and it was not placed by GM or anyone affiliated with GM. We appreciate the passion for all our brands as well as a good sense of humor,” the automaker said.
Follow us on MSN to see more exclusive content.
More must-reads:
2025-03-10T21:20:59Z