Franz von Holzhausen, the creative force behind Tesla’s most iconic models, keeps a modified Pontiac Solstice with a roaring V8 in his garage. His preference for classic combustion over electric power challenges expectations.
Franz von Holzhausen, the designer responsible for the Tesla Cybertruck, Model S, Model X, and Model Y, has revealed that his personal car is not a Tesla—or even an electric vehicle. Instead, he drives a heavily modified Pontiac Solstice, a compact American roadster that now houses a powerful V8 engine under its hood.
Von Holzhausen’s choice came to light during his appearance on Jay Leno's Garage, where he showcased the car that stands out in his collection. While many might assume the creative mind behind Tesla’s electric revolution would be loyal to the brand’s own models, his garage tells a different story. The Pontiac Solstice he owns has been transformed by Mallet Performance Cars, a North Carolina workshop specializing in General Motors vehicles, to feature a 6.0-liter Chevrolet LS2 V8 engine producing 400 horsepower. The result is a car that delivers the visceral sound and performance of classic American muscle, far removed from the silent acceleration of Tesla’s lineup.
Pontiac Solstice: An Unlikely Icon
The Pontiac Solstice was introduced in the mid-2000s as part of General Motors’ effort to revive the Pontiac brand. Designed as a rear-wheel-drive convertible, it was built on the Kappa platform, which also underpinned the Opel GT in Europe, as well as the Saturn Sky and Daewoo G2X. The Solstice initially came with a modest 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 177 horsepower, paired with either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission. In 2007, a more potent GXP version arrived, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower and 353 Nm of torque, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds.
In Europe, the Opel GT adopted the same turbocharged engine and platform, offering a similar driving experience but with a distinctly German badge. The Opel GT was sold in Spain from 2007 to 2011, exclusively with the 260-horsepower turbo engine and rear-wheel drive, making it a rare sight on Spanish roads.
A Roadster Transformed
Von Holzhausen’s Solstice, however, goes far beyond the factory specifications. The original four-cylinder engine has been replaced with a Chevrolet LS2 V8, doubling the displacement and boosting output to 400 horsepower. Mallet Performance Cars executed the engine swap, retaining the car’s original five-speed manual transmission and upgrading the wheels to 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear. These changes not only enhance the car’s appearance but also help manage the increased power and performance.
Despite his pivotal role in shaping the future of electric mobility, von Holzhausen’s personal passion for combustion engines remains clear. His Solstice is a celebration of classic driving sensations—sound, vibration, and the unmistakable character of a naturally aspirated V8. This stands in sharp contrast to the silent, high-tech world of Tesla, highlighting the enduring appeal of traditional sports cars even among those leading the electric transition.
Such personal choices among automotive leaders are not unique. For example, King Felipe VI was recently seen driving a rare Cupra Formentor VZ5 during his stay in Mallorca, underlining how even high-profile figures sometimes opt for distinctive, performance-oriented vehicles outside the mainstream. More details on that royal sighting can be found in this report: the king’s summer drive in Mallorca.
Context and Perspective
The story of von Holzhausen’s Solstice offers a reminder that personal taste often transcends professional identity. The Pontiac Solstice, though no longer in production, remains a cult favorite among enthusiasts for its unique blend of American style and European engineering. The LS2 V8 swap is a rare and ambitious modification, typically reserved for those seeking a truly individual driving experience. As the automotive world continues to shift toward electrification, stories like this highlight the diversity of passion that still fuels the car community—sometimes quite literally.
