Pontiac G6 hardtop convertible
The Pontiac G6 was introduced in the fall of 2004 to replace the popular Grand Am. Not only did the name change, but the styling was altered to a much greater degree than most other recently released Pontiacs. It was an attempt to thwart past criticism over Pontiac´s excessive use of dull gray interior and the use of what many opined to gaudy plastic paneling. Both the inside and outside received make-overs, simplifying the appearance of the dash and adding chrome-ringed gauges. The G6 also gained from available side and side curtain airbags (standard from 2006 on). The G6 boasts a long 112.3" wheelbase, thanks to the extended GM Epsilon platform it shares with the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx.
Overview
For 2005, two trims were offered, base and GT. Both came standard with the 3500 V6 engine that produced 200 horsepower. The engine is matched to a four-speed automatic transmission. Trim levels grew in 2006, when a coupe and convertible version were added. The GTP and new base model were added. The base model used a 2.4L Ecotec engine that produced 169 horsepower. The GTP was added as the top of the line model, with a 240 hp 3.9L V6 engine. This engine could be ordered with a six-speed manual transmission. The convertible used a 227 horsepower version, due to a different exhaust system.
In 2007, the 3.5L V6 was given Variable Valve Timing (VVT), which increased horsepower to 224. The 3.9L and six-speed transmission were moved as an option on the GT, when the GTP received a new 252 horsepower, 3.6L High Feature V6 with DOHC and 24-Valves. The GTP only featured a six-speed automatic transmission. The 3.9L was soon dropped on coupes and sedans and made optional on the convertible only. The six-speed manual transmission was dropped altogether in mid-2007. In 2008, the GTP was replaced by a GXP model, adding to Pontiac's increasing GXP lineup. Other than styling changes, the GXP was the same as the GTP. The 3.5 and 3.9 V6 engines received a drop in horsepower due to SAE ratings. Horsepower was 217 and 222, respectively.
The Value Leader four-cylinder trim level gets a refinement boost in 2009, with the option of a six-speed automatic transmission, found in the new Chevrolet Malibu.
Plant
The G6 is produced in Orion Township, Michigan.
Marketing
The launch of the G6 was a major publicity stunt: 276 of the cars were given away to audience members of The Oprah Winfrey Show on the talk show's fall 2004 season premiere. This promotion, alongside a reported US$110 million publicity campaign, attempted to garner national attention for the brand-new G6. However, the stunt was criticized for not reaching the G6's intended target audience, and for occurring before dealers had full G6 inventories.citation needed
Motorsports
The G6 is currently used in the GT class of Rolex Sports Car Series as a replacement for the Pontiac GTO.R, which is no longer sold. The cars are referred to as GXP.Rs and built by GM's endorsed chassis constructor, Pratt & Miller.[1]
It is powered by LS2 V8 engine that produces approximately 450 horsepower (335 kW). Weight saving features include carbon fiber body panels, shatter-resistant polycarbonate windows. The body panels are attached to a custom tube-frame chassis, with the front and rear fenders flared to cover the wide, 18-inch wheels and class-spec Hoosier racing tires.[2]
The G6 GXP will also race in the NHRA Powerade Drag Racing Series Pro Stock class.
References
External links
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