Autoblog

Click above for high-res gallery of refreshed Pontiac G6 spy shots

The Pontiac G6 is one of those alright-looking cars that isn't begging for a total redesign, so General Motors is planning a mid-cycle refreshening of the car's nose instead. The updated design was recently photographed by spies, actual spies, around Detroit, and the changes to the G6 schnoz are clear. Pontiac designers will be adding some creases to the new front end giving it some angularity that's lacking on the current model, while the twin air intakes of the current car that mirror the grille shape will be replaced with one central lower air intake flanked by two smaller ones and requisite fog lamps. There may be some tweaks to the rear taillamps as well, but we're told those will be minor. Thankfully, the 2009 G6 comes available with GM's new six-speed transmission for the first time, making the overall package much more enticing. Some minor plastic surgery should only sweeten the deal for this very competent car in Pontiac's lineup.


[Source: KGP Photography]

click above image to view high-res gallery of the 2008 Pontiac G6 GXP

Do you love it or hate it? Either way, you'll need to fork over some extra cash if stepping up to the new top model in Pontiac's G6 line up, the G6 GXP. The 2008 Pontiac GXP Coupe will start at $26,595 and the sedan version will base at $26,795. Both prices include a delivery fee of $650.

If you're really daring, you can hand the dealer another $990 for the Street Edition Package that violates all manner of civilized taste. Included in the Street package is a "hammerhead" spoiler that could easily seat two for lunch, as well as all sorts of "scoops and bezels" on the hood. As far as we can tell the G6 GXP comes with that garish nose regardless of whether you choose the Street Edition Package.

The front-wheel drive G6 GXP comes with GM's 3.6L V6 producing 252 horsepower and 251 ft-lbs of torque and a six-speed automatic transmission. That should be enough to squirt the car past that chuckling mob of onlookers, although push it too hard and torque steer might drive you right into them. The car's also feature a performance-tuned suspension and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. If you can't tell, we're not big fans of the G6 GXP's styling, but otherwise it's got some decent hardware to back up being labeled a GXP car.

[Source: Inside Line]

Remember when we suggested there was no way that rapper 50 Cent would choose to put two Pontiacs, the G8 and G6 GXP, in his video for "Amusement Park"? In fact, we went so far as to say that you'd have to suspend disbelief in order to think that Fiddy would want his girlz sliding all over Pontiacs instead of Lambos and Bentleys.

Well, we were wrong.

What we should have remembered is that rappers work in mysterious ways. According to a Pontiac spokeswoman, 50 saw the G6 GXP -- a car that could be called "Flipper" based on that massive, trunk-mounted fluke -- and G8 at the NAIAS, and requested them himself. Total cost to Pontiac: $0.00.

The last time we heard about 50 being pulled over, it was in a Murcielago Roadster, and word is he's also selling his Connecticut mansion. Does his new album "Curtis" and the Pontiac fetish herald a slower, more frugal 50 Cent?

Thanks for the tip, Alex!

[Source: Freep]

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) just wrapped up its own version of a clinical demolition derby on some of the newest drop tops around, and when the airbag dust settled, the Saab 9-3 and the Volvo C70 earned the Institute's Top Safety Pick award. Both vehicles scored "good" in front, side and rear crashes, while others, like the Pontiac G6, didn't fare quite as well.

[Source: IIHS]

This week's recall woes come courtesy of the Pontiac G6, which is currently undergoing investigation by the lovable folks at the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).

According to Bloomberg News, NHTSA has received 19 complaints about the G6s power steering failing, so far resulting in two crashes and one injury.

The affected models include 176,968 vehicles sold in 2005 and 2006 and assuming that NHTSA deems the problem recall-worthy, owners should expect a notice in their near future.

[Source: Detroit News]

click on the above image for a bunch of high-res shots showing the new Pontiac G8

The last decade has been difficult for General Motors enthusiasts who desired an affordable V8 RWD sedan (we love the V-series Cadillacs, but alas, they're not exactly budget rides). With the introduction of the Pontiac G8, however, all is forgiven, for this muscular four-door appears poised to offer a blend of attitude and sophistication appropriate for the brand that claims to build excitement.

This Poncho is based upon GM's new Zeta platform, and the base model offers up a 261-hp, DOHC 3.6L V6. GT models get the 362-hp, L98 OHV 6.0L V8 with Displacement on Demand. No bonus points will be awarded for correctly guessing which we'd pick. The V6 will come with a five-speed slushbox, while the V8 will initially be backed with GM's new 6L80 six-speed auto, and a row-your-own manual with a half-dozen ratios will follow at a yet-undetermined later date. Naturally, the GT gets a bigger wheel/tire package and larger brakes, and a sport package will be offered for either engine type. Under the skin lies a McPherson strut suspension arrangement in the front and multi-link in the rear, with the full array of adjustments available at each corner.

Elements of the show car that won't make it to production include the big brakes, lowered ride height, 20" wheels, and custom interior trim. Note the new badge design; what we're seeing here is a concept version of a new Pontiac logo that eschews the traditional red coloration for a metallic sheen.

Click on the photo above for a gallery of Pontiac G8 live photos and studio shots! Also, check out the exclusive VIDEO of the G8 and Bob Lutz introducing the new rear-wheel drive sedan after the jump.

Click the image above for a full-size gallery.

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.

Click the image above for a full-sized gallery.

Pontiac's 2006 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series championship-winning GTO.R has been retired. In its place, the G6 GXP.R is set to compete in the 2007 series, where it will rub fenders with the best and brightest from BMW and Porsche.

The tube chassis racer is built to Grand America GT class specs and equipped with an LS2 pushrod V8, making upwards of 450 HP and sending power to the rear wheels. Although the exterior is a dead ringer for the production G6, most of the body panels have been replaced with carbon-fiber pieces.

Expect the GXP.R to make its debut at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona later this year.

The full press release is posted after the jump.



For our comprehensive listing of everything from Detroit, click here.

Rumors abound within the hallowed halls of General Motors as it prepares to go through a major transformation that will include products designed to make the world take notice. For a brand that was once deemed "damaged" by car guy Bob Lutz, Pontiac is destined to make a huge splash at the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

An interesting rumor is that the next G6 replacement will be a rear-wheel drive vehicle on a yet-to-be determined platform. Could this be a viable contender to the 3-series?

Yet another possibility is a rear-drive compact car replacing the current badge-engineered G5 under the G4 name. Speculation has this vehicle riding on the Kappa platform that underpins the Solstice and being available in both coupe and sedan models. GM has been mulling a second Kappa car for a while, and it sounds like it still is.

Last but not least, there has been talk of a Grand Prix replacement called the G8 that will be built on the Zeta platform. From what we hear this car will definitely appear at the Chicago Auto Show in February, if not sooner at the Detroit show in January Aren't rumors great?

[Source: GM Inside News]

It's not surprising that the extremely popular Pontiac Solstice roadster is sold out for 2006. But the G6 convertible, which went on sale in April, is also gone for the rest of the (model) year. The convertible completes the G6 lineup that includes the sedan and the coupe and is one of the least expensive hardtops in the market at less than $30,000.

Jim Mateja of the Chicago Tribune found the convertible pleasant to drive and quite roomy for passengers though the trunk shrinks considerably, a common problem among hardtop convertibles. Mateja asked Pontiac if the brand's considering bringing back the Firebird due to the G6's success. Spokesperson Jim Hopson replied, "We have no plans to revive the Firebird name, but have made no secret that if GM decides to build the Chevy Camaro, that rear-wheel-drive architecture would make a great basis for other rear-drive cars and Pontiac is interested."

[Source: Chicago Tribune]