2006 Pontiac G6 Convertible Preview

"The G6 coupe and convertible are uniquely Pontiac vehicles that are great additions to the family started by the G6 sedan,"

In GTP trim an all-new 3.9L OHV V6 with 240-horsepower at 5,900 rpm and 245 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm should provide plenty of pep off the line. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

said Jim Bunnell, Pontiac-GMC general manager. "The G6 coupe delivers outstanding performance and generous interior room, and the G6 is the only hardtop convertible that has room for four adults."

Did Bunnell say outstanding performance? In GTP trim an all-new 3.9L OHV V6 with 240-horsepower at 5,900 rpm and 245 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm should provide plenty of pep off the line, especially when mated to the 6-speed manual; which only comes in the G6 coupe and now sedan. The convertible will have to make due with a Hydra-Matic 4T65-E 4-speed automatic with manual shift mode, also available on the coupe and sedan.

GT models get GM's 3.5L V6, pumping out 200-horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 220 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. It comes mated to

The new convertible gets an agile 4-wheel independent suspension system with MacPherson struts and aluminum L-shaped control arms. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

GM's Hydra-Matic 4T45-E 4-speed automatic with manual shift mode, the only transmission choice.

Like the G6 sedan, both the new convertible gets an agile 4-wheel independent suspension system with MacPherson struts and aluminum L-shaped control arms plus a direct-acting stabilizer bar up front, and a 4-link independent setup with twin tube shocks and dual-rate mini-block coil springs for the coupe, or mono-tube shocks together with dual-rate mini-block coil springs for the convertible in the rear. While GT models are configured for sporty driving already, stepping up to the GTP will make sure the suspension has been tuned for optimal performance driving. The GTP also adds a hydraulic power steering system, more sport-oriented than the electric one that comes standard.