Daewoo is planning its first-ever open-top two-seater for launch in early 2007. The sportscar is a Daewoo-designed version of GM’s new rear-drive Kappa platform, which will be the basis of a family of exciting sports cars. Pontiac will get the first model, the Solstice, on sale in the US in late 2006. GM-Daewoo boss Nick Reilly is personally championing the Daewoo sports car, which he wants as a halo car to boost Daewoo’s image. He hinted at the idea of an image car at the Geneva show, but didn’t reveal the sports-car plan.
Power for the Daewoo two-seater is likely to come from the same 170bhp, 2.4-litre four-cylinder Ecotec engine planned for the Solstice, driving the rear wheels through a five-speed manual ’box.
In the more immediate future, Daewoo will be showing off two UK debuts at Motor Show Live: the Giugiaro-styled Lacetti Sport and the new Nubira Station Wagon (right). Powered by a modest 120bhp 1.8-litre engine, the Lacetti Sport will be a warm performance model. The Nubira Station Wagon shares a similar look, but will only be available with 1.6-litre power. Both go on UK sale in October.
Add your comment