It's always a good thing when a sensible sedan is corrupted with excessive performance, visual upgrades and attitude-a-plenty. The Pontiac G6 doesn't suffer from a lack of power or personality, but the performance vehicle engineers at GM have been busy tweaking it anyways.
The result is the G6 sedan and coupe entries to Pontiac's GXP lineup. The four-door tester saw the standard model's 17-inch wheels replaced by a set of chrome 18-inchers, as well as the addition of dual chrome exhaust tips, chrome mesh grille accents and a set of fog lamps. The trademark twin-segment grille openings have been stretched downwards for a larger and more prominent look, and additional openings in the lower bumper suggest a higher level of performance breathing is required for whatever's under the hood.
Inside, the tester featured a simple and concise interior that's trimmed mainly with dark plastic and leather. Touch-points on the dash are covered in soft-touch vinyl, and chrome accents are applied to brighten things up. Extra comfort is added by way of heated seat surfaces and automatic climate control- though the overall atmosphere generates a focused and concise driver's environment.
Materials selection and build quality are about average for the class, and the G6 has a solid feel to most interior hardware except for a flimsy feeling gear-lever. Visibility is fantastic, and the Monsoon stereo system packs enough power to rattle nearby license plates and rearview mirrors.
It's much the same story for the engine. The standard powerplant is replaced by a more potent 3.6 liter V6, tuned in this case to send 252 horsepower to the front wheels by a six-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. The engine employs variable valve timing on its overhead camshafts to help deliver an optimal blend of power and economy- depending on the mood of the driver's right foot.
Should that right foot become planted to the floor out of a red light, drivers will hear the tires happily squeal as they hunt for grip while the steering squirms about. Torque steer is present under acceleration, though manageable by a firm, two-handed grip on the wheel.
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| The G6 sedan and coupe enters the Pontiac's GXP lineup. |
The result is the G6 sedan and coupe entries to Pontiac's GXP lineup. The four-door tester saw the standard model's 17-inch wheels replaced by a set of chrome 18-inchers, as well as the addition of dual chrome exhaust tips, chrome mesh grille accents and a set of fog lamps. The trademark twin-segment grille openings have been stretched downwards for a larger and more prominent look, and additional openings in the lower bumper suggest a higher level of performance breathing is required for whatever's under the hood.
Inside, the tester featured a simple and concise interior that's trimmed mainly with dark plastic and leather. Touch-points on the dash are covered in soft-touch vinyl, and chrome accents are applied to brighten things up. Extra comfort is added by way of heated seat surfaces and automatic climate control- though the overall atmosphere generates a focused and concise driver's environment.
Materials selection and build quality are about average for the class, and the G6 has a solid feel to most interior hardware except for a flimsy feeling gear-lever. Visibility is fantastic, and the Monsoon stereo system packs enough power to rattle nearby license plates and rearview mirrors.
It's much the same story for the engine. The standard powerplant is replaced by a more potent 3.6 liter V6, tuned in this case to send 252 horsepower to the front wheels by a six-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. The engine employs variable valve timing on its overhead camshafts to help deliver an optimal blend of power and economy- depending on the mood of the driver's right foot.
Should that right foot become planted to the floor out of a red light, drivers will hear the tires happily squeal as they hunt for grip while the steering squirms about. Torque steer is present under acceleration, though manageable by a firm, two-handed grip on the wheel.
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| The standard powerplant is replaced by a more potent 3.6 liter V6. |