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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.



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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.