Franz von Holzhausen—the designer behind the Tesla Model S—has taken a nostalgic turn, showcasing a V8‑powered 2006 Pontiac Solstice on Jay Leno’s Garage. The car, originally a modest roadster, now roars with a 400‑horsepower LS2 engine sourced from a Corvette, a detail that catches attention within the first minute of the episode.
From Concept to Custom Build
Von Holzhausen’s résumé includes stints at Volkswagen, Mazda and General Motors, where he collaborated with former GM chief Bob Lutz to craft a low‑cost roadster aimed at the Mazda Miata market. The original Solstice was meant to be a compact, affordable sports car, but its design also carried an aesthetic that set it apart from rivals.
After a fire at the Eaton plant destroyed the designer’s low‑mileage Solstice, he and his wife acquired another 2006 model. Instead of restoring it to factory specs, they installed a 400‑horsepower LS2 V8 from a Corvette.
The conversion was handled by Mallett. The LS2 was placed under the clamshell hood without modification, keeping the powerplant reliable and drivable. The suspension received reinforcement to manage the added weight, yet the car retained its original five‑speed manual gearbox, a component borrowed from a Chevrolet Colorado.
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Exterior cues remain subtle. The only audible hint of the larger engine is the throaty exhaust note, while the staggered 19‑ and 20‑inch five‑spoke wheels echo von Holzhausen’s original sketches for the Solstice. Those wheels were unique to the prototype, linking the custom build back to its design roots.
On the Garage Floor with Jay Leno
During the episode, Leno expressed genuine admiration for the transformed roadster. He noted that the car can easily break the rear tires loose, yet it behaves calmly when the throttle is eased. The host often revved the engine, allowing the LS2 to sing, a sound that seemed to please both him and the audience.
At roughly 500 pounds lighter than a contemporary Corvette, the Solstice’s power‑to‑weight ratio suggests it could out‑pace its larger sibling on a straight line. This advantage aligns with the original GM goal of creating a spirited, affordable sports car, a goal that the V8 conversion unintentionally fulfills.
While the car’s performance is impressive, the story also highlights an unusual development process. Von Holzhausen, Lutz, and a few confidants reportedly met in a locked room to finalize the design, fearing pushback from the Corvette team. This secrecy shows the competitive atmosphere within GM’s sports‑car divisions at the time.
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Some observers might wonder whether this bespoke Solstice hints at a broader trend of electrified brands revisiting internal‑combustion classics. The answer is not clear, but the enthusiasm surrounding the build suggests that enthusiasts still value the visceral experience of a V8‑powered roadster. The Pontiac Solstice remains a cult favorite, and this iteration adds a new chapter to its legacy.
Looking ahead, the automotive world anticipates the arrival of the new Tesla Roadster later this year. While von Holzhausen’s involvement with that project is well known, the Solstice conversion demonstrates his willingness to explore performance beyond electric platforms.
It’s plausible that such custom projects could influence future design decisions, especially as manufacturers balance heritage appeal with modern technology.
Ultimately, the episode ends with Leno behind the wheel, the engine’s roar echoing through the garage. The car’s blend of classic styling and modern muscle offers a tangible reminder that even designers known for new electric vehicles still appreciate the raw thrill of a V8.