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Detroit Auto Show: Pontiac G6 GXP
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We've already shown you what Pontiac plans to campaign in the Grand American Sports Car Series, now we'd like to introduce you to the vehicle on which it's based: the Pontiac G6 GXP.
We use the term "based" relatively loosely, as the production G6 GXP won't come with carbon-fiber body panels, a honking LS2 V8 or rear-wheel drive. What you do get when you upgrade, is a little more pedestrian Pontiac excitement.
Like its larger sibling, the Torrent GXP, the G6 GXP will get GM's 3.6-liter V6, complete with variable valve timing, 252 HP and 251 lb.-ft. of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed, automatic that's been optimized for front-wheel drive performance.
On the outside, the GXP variant can be distinguished from its lesser counterparts by revised front and rear ends, chrome grill surrounds, bulging hood with scoops and a "hammerhead" spoiler. Naturally, upgraded wheels are part of the mix, so you'll find a set of multi-spoke, 18-inchers at all four corners.
The front suspension utilizes a MacPherson strut setup, complete with aluminum control arms, while the rear gets a four-link independent suspension.
While it may not be as close to its racetrack-bred elder brother as some would like, the G6 GXP may prove the axiom of selling on Monday whatcha raced on Sunday.
The full press release is post after the jump.
For our comprehensive listing of everything from Detroit, click here.
PRESS RELEASE
G6 GXP
The new, 2008 G6 GXP performance coupe and sedan bring a new, performance-oriented dimension to the G6's broad lineup. They will be available with both base and Street edition packages.
G6 GXP Street edition models are easily identified by their new front fascia, which features new fog lamps and braided polished stainless steel upper and outboard lower grille inserts with chrome surrounds on the upper grille sections leading to a revised hood with scoops. New body side rocker moldings lead to a redesigned rear fascia with two exhaust openings. Chrome, dual-wall tips exit through the openings. A rear spoiler also is part of the GXP package, but is specific to either the coupe or sedan; the coupe model receives a larger, more aggressive "hammerhead" spoiler. GXP-specific 18-inch wheels are also standard in the Street edition package.
All G6 GXP models are powered by GM Powertrain's 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing. It is rated at 252 horsepower (188 kW) at 6300 rpm and 251 lb.-ft. of torque (341 Nm) at 3200 rpm. The engine is a state-of-the-art, DOHC powerplant that uses full four-cam phasing, rapid date processing and torque-based engine management to optimize power, economy and emissions performance.
The 3.6-liter V-6 VVT engine is mated to a new Hydra-Matic 6T70 electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission. It is an advanced transmission with state-of-the-art clutch-to-clutch shift operation, designed for high-performance front-wheel drive applications. Clutch-to-clutch operation allows for reduced complexity and compact packaging. The six-speed automatic improves vehicle performance up to 8 percent and increases fuel economy up to 4 percent over current front-wheel-drive four-speed automatics.
G6 GXP models have sporty, driver-oriented interiors with refined controls and instrument layouts. Standard features include highly bolstered, body-hugging seats, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, racing-style gauges with true-red LED instrument backlighting, automatic climate control, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, AM/FM/CD player, variable intermittent wipers, tachometer and theft-deterrent system. Available items include power adjustable pedals, six-way power seats, heated seats, leather seating surfaces, in-dash six-CD changers and remote vehicle start. GXP-specific leather-appointed seating with two-tone inserts is available.
On the road, the G6 GXP coupe and sedan deliver the type of responsive ride and handling characteristics expected from Pontiac 's performance series. They are equipped with GXP-specific sport-tuned suspensions, as well as GM's StabiliTrak electronic stability control system as standard equipment.
The front suspension uses a MacPherson strut design, with aluminum lower control arms and a direct-acting stabilizer bar. Suspension components mount to a U-shaped hydroformed chassis cradle. Rubber mounts isolate the body from the chassis cradle to minimize noise, vibration and harshness. At the rear, a four-link independent suspension design uses twin-tube shock absorbers and another direct acting stabilizer bar, all intended to minimize body roll during cornering. High-performance braking is an integral part of the G6's sporty nature. Large, heavy-duty four-wheel disc brakes provide excellent stopping power and great fade resistance. Front discs are vented and the rears are solid. Four-channel ABS is standard.
Base G6 GXP models receive standard 18-inch aluminum alloy painted flangeless five-spoke wheels, while those opting for the Street edition will receive a unique 18-inch wheel. Black chrome-finished 18-inch aluminum wheels are also available.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
K. Smith 4:20PM (7/21/2008)
I was wondering If anyone can tell me if there is a way to change the Pontaic G6 GXP front clip/ air dam with a G6 GT? Are the body dimensions exactly the same or am I going to run in to problems like normal? If anyone can help me on this issue I would appreciate it!
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COUGAR2000SE 2:26PM (2/08/2009)
I just bought a left over 2008 G6 GXP Street Edition. I am very pleased with the ride, the performance of the car and the build quality. The car is a head turner in a good way.
The two things that leave me wondering is:
1. Why they don't offer a Six Speed Manual as a option? The 06 GTP version did.
2. Why is the Hammer Head spoiler lighted when there is a 3rd light already mounted at the back window? So now I have 4 brake lights.
Pontiac should add back the manual six speed for 2010 as an option.
The additional brake light needs to be look into.
I will be keeping the car for the long haul.
I still have my 2000 Cougar SE 5sp with 150,000 miles on it and still going strong.
I'll use it to go to work and back and the G6 for nice days and weekends.
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Rob 10:25PM (1/08/2007)
That spoiler is ridiculous.
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Gunnar 8:12PM (1/08/2007)
I always wonder if Pontiac has 1 designer working for the whole company. All their cars look just like the other. I don't care what they put in their cars, what is the point if people can't distinguish a high power Pontiac from the normal ones. It isn't like they look great either. I thought the company was turning around with their G lines, I like the appearance of their G6 coupe somewhat.
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Mark 8:23PM (1/08/2007)
Is is me, or does this car look as if it has rabbit teeth?
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Toby 10:04PM (1/08/2007)
It's not you. Pontiac blew it with this one.
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Vette53 9:45PM (1/09/2007)
Outrageous! In the good way. I can see a lot of style craving buyers coming their way.
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megalon 10:13PM (1/08/2007)
quick paint a screeming chicken on the hood.
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SteveP 9:10PM (1/08/2007)
I can't wait for someone to paint a mouth and eyes on that "hammerhead" spoiler. Come onnnn SEMA...
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Jason 9:10PM (1/08/2007)
Attention GM - 16" Chrome wheels stopped being cool in 1989. Please stop putting them on "performance" vehicles.
Thank you
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Dave 9:35PM (1/08/2007)
The decision-makers at Pontiac just can't seem to get in touch with the potential Pontiac customer. They continue to roll out "half-baked" vehicles when it seemingly would require about the same effort to turn out some "Wow!" cars. Example: The GTP line of Gran Prix...if there was ever a car begging for a whup-ass, RWD V8. But, noooooo! Pontiac continued to underpower them with V6 and FWD. Then, the "new" GTO -a thinly disguised Chevy that was nothing less than so pug-ugly that even with the big V8, poeple still refused to buy it.
Now comes the G6 (YAWN!) and here we go again with the V6, FWD and a few "styling" touches that do nothing but add to the snooze factor. C'mon, guys...are we getting through to you? Hello, anybody home?
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Jonathan Hicks 9:35PM (1/08/2007)
All Pontiac needs to do is to offer a 6 speed manual transmission on all G6 GXPs and add a power retractable hardtop convertible GXP model.
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Jonathan Hicks 3:39PM (1/09/2007)
I've seen the coupe. Where's the sedan version?
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laserwizard 9:38AM (1/09/2007)
A very mediocre effort from GM's mediocre division. It is bad enough that Pontiac is a badge-engineered division. It is quite another that its designs are shapeless, bland, wimpy, flaccid and devoid of interesting angles. Perhaps the Putz should have left the plastic cladding on the Pontiacs. At least then there was something covering part of these pathetic eyesores.
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cliff 10:28AM (1/09/2007)
What happened to the fun factor in automobile engineering? Why not have the 5-6 speed manual trannies available for consumers who prefer to do their own shifting and keep the 6 speed autoboxes for the Cadillacs, Lexuses, and Mercedes luxo-cruisers?
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GOKARTN 10:41PM (1/08/2007)
That is just absolutely hideous! I thought they fired the assclown who designed the Aztec. I guess not.
Barf!
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Lee Roy Brandon III 10:19PM (1/08/2007)
Does anyone remember what the Maybach Excelero front end looks like?
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AndyDix 10:50PM (1/08/2007)
#5 The GTO was Australian, ie Holden Monaro not Chevy. Better get your facts right before criticizing.
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Rastus 11:01PM (1/08/2007)
I just blew a load in my diapers. Hold on Garth, I'm cumming!!!!!
Pontiac...we build Excrement!
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moose 12:21AM (1/09/2007)
Yes the spoiler does look a bit ridiculous but otherwise i would say that the G6 GXP looks pretty good depending on what the price is going to be!? The V6 engine is plenty of power these days. the V8 sucks too much fuel and who wants to pay for premium gas? It seems like no matter what GM comes up with u guys will never be satisfied!!??
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