2003 Pontiac G6 Concept - The Next Grand Am? Here's Hoping
Could the G6 be a slimly disguised next generation Grand Am? If the media reaction to its introduction at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit can be construed as a reasonable indication of the public's response to the new concept, Pontiac would do well to think seriously about not veering far from the concept when tooling up for the new version of the popular car.
"The G6 showcases Pontiac's athletic design language," commented Dave Rand, GM executive director of advanced design during the Detroit intro. "Its forms and architecture are clean, lean and agile to visually announce road-hugging confidence. That's what Pontiac Excitement is all about, and today we are fueling that excitement."
The G6 is gorgeous. While many will attribute new chairman and unofficial product czar Bob Lutz to the concept's design, it's safe to say that at the very least the legendary car guy was instrumental in freeing GM's design team to let loose and produce some truly inspirational cars - other concepts the General featured at Detroit were the Buick Centieme crossover SUV, Chevrolet SS sport sedan and Chevrolet Cheyenne pickup.
For years I've read press materials that touted "four-door functionality with the look and feel of a coupe" but this time it's not just marketing hype. From the front quarter view the rear doors are imperceptible. A strong shoulder line begins just under the wraparound headlamp clusters, cuts through the wheel arches and inclines like a wedge to follow the long, low side windows.