Pontiac G6
The Pontiac G6 is a mid-size car produced under the Pontiac brand of American automaker General Motors. It was introduced in the fall of 2004 to replace the Grand Am. The car is built off the GM Epsilon platform which it shares with the Chevrolet Malibu, Saturn Aura, and Saab 9-3.
Styling was redone in a more conservative fashion, and the ribbed cladding and rear spoiler that were prevalent on the Grand Am was replaced by standard sheet metal.[1] New features included a remote starting system as well as a panoramic sunroof option.
Overview[edit]
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.
Models with the four-cylinder Ecotec engine see the option of a six-speed automatic transmission, similar to that found in the new Chevrolet Malibu for the 2009 model year.
Marketing[edit]
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[edit]
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.[2]
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.[3]
The G6 GXP will also race in the NHRA Powerade Drag Racing Series Pro Stock class.
Notes[edit]
References[edit]
- Gannett Communications. (2005). Aging Lansing GM plant to close in May. Retrieved June 21, 2005 from http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=