Pontiac G6

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Pontiac G6
Pontiac G6 GT sedan
Manufacturer Pontiac
Parent company General Motors
Production 2005–present
Assembly Lake Orion, Michigan
Predecessor Pontiac Grand Am
Pontiac Grand Prix (Mexico)
Class Mid-size
Body style(s) 2-door convertible
2-door coupe
4-door sedan
Layout FF layout
Platform GM Epsilon platform
Engine(s) 2.4 L LE5 I4
3.5 L LX9 V6
3.5 L LZ4 V6
3.6 L LY7 V6
3.9 L LZ9 V6
Transmission(s) 6-speed manual
4-speed 4T45 automatic
6-speed 6T70 automatic
Wheelbase 112.3 in (2852 mm)
Length Sedan: 189.0 in (4803 mm)
Coupe/Convertible: 189.1 in (4804 mm)
Width Sedan: 70.6 in (1793 mm)
Coupe: 70.4 in (1788 mm)
Convertible: 70.6 in (1793 mm)
Height Sedan: 57.1 in (1452 mm)
Coupe: 56.4 in (1432 mm)
Convertible: 56.7 in (1441 mm)
Fuel capacity 16 US gallons (60 L)
Related Saab 9-3
Chevrolet Malibu
Saturn Aura
Opel Vectra
Cadillac BLS
Opel Insignia
Pontiac G6 coupe
Pontiac G6 coupe
Pontiac G6 hardtop convertible
Pontiac G6 hardtop convertible

The Pontiac G6 is a mid-size car released in September 2004 for the 2005 model year. It uses the GM Epsilon platform, sharing it with the Cadillac BLS, Chevrolet Malibu, Fiat Croma, Opel Vectra, Saab 9-3, and Saturn Aura. Introduced at the 2004 North American International Auto Show, the G6 is a direct replacement for the Grand Am, and is also aimed at the market formerly held by the Grand Prix. The G6 is the sole replacement for both vehicles in Mexico, since that market will not initially receive the new Pontiac G8.

Although the EPA lists the G6 as a compact car, its relative, the Chevrolet Malibu is listed as a mid-size car by the EPA; both cars are still considered mid-size.

The G6 was based on the G6 concept revealed at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show. The concept featured 20 inch wheels, and a 285 horsepower supercharged engine. The car was based on the design theme that Pontiac would from then on be the "athletic" division of General Motors. The G6 is available as a sedan, a coupe and a hardtop convertible. The G6 name is new but the car is a replacement for the Grand Am. Although the name was new to the public, in many respects it could be considered the sixth generation of the Grand Am (with G6 standing for Grand Am 6th Generation), even though that name was retired. Subsequently, Pontiac took such a liking to the letter G that it has since extended the series downward to include the G4 (renamed G5 in 2007) and upward to G8.

Within a year of its launch, the G6 had become the 11th best selling car in the United States (2005), and won several consumer-based industry awards from JD Power (APEAL), Strategic Vision ("Total Quality" and "Delight") and became a Consumer Reports Recommended Buy. Car of the Year by the Spanish magazine Automundo[1][2].

Pontiac introduced a convertible version of the G6 with a retractable hardtop at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show. The G6 convertible began arriving on dealership lots during spring 2006. The starting price for the GT trim level was US$28,490; while the GTP started at US$29,990. At launch, it was the most inexpensive retractable hardtop available in the U.S. market.[citation needed]

G6 sales grew +20% in 2006 over 2005 after all body styles were released, and 45% of its sales came from outside GM.

Contents

[edit] Plant

The Pontiac G6 is the replacement for the Pontiac Grand Am which ceased production on May 2, 2005, when the 100-year old Lansing Car Chassis Assembly plant closed. Most of the 3,500 workers affected were moved to the new Delta Township Assembly plant in late 2006. The G6 is produced at Orion Assembly in Orion Township, Michigan.

[edit] Engines

The G6 base comes standard with the 2.4 L Ecotec LE5 four cylinder engine producing 169 hp (126 kW) and 162 ft·lbf (220 N·m) of torque.

Optional on the base model and standard on the GT, the 3.5 L LX9 engine produced 201 hp (150 kW) and 222 lb·ft (301 N·m) of torque for the 2005-2006 model years. GT models also had a shiftable automatic transmission called "TAPShift". The 2007 and later models have the 3.5 L LZ4 uprated to 224 hp (167 kW) and 220 lb·ft (298 N·m). The additional horsepower from the LZ4 is a result of the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) that was added to the engine. Convertible models have 217 hp (162 kW) and 217 lb·ft (294 N·m) of torque. The reduction in power on the Convertible models is a result of the use of Hydraulic power steering instead of the electronic power steering that came standard on the roofed models. Another cause of power loss for the convertibles is a result of the revised exhaust systems used to accommodate the different floorpan design. This engine is optional in base models.

For 2006, the G6 GTP came with GM's 3.9 L LZ9 engine, producing 240 hp (179 kW) and 241 lb·ft (327 N·m) of torque. This model was equipped with a variable intake design which used two different intake runners to either allow a small amount of air in the car for normal driving conditions, or the larger intake runner to accommodate the increased air volume that the engine would consume in full throttle conditions. The GTP model was also available with a close ratio Getrag 6-speed manual transmission, no other 2006 G6 model had a manual transmission option.

In 2007, the 3.9 L V6 became available only in the GT with Sport Package, making way for the 3.6 L LY7 engine with 252 hp (188 kW) and 251 lb·ft (340 N·m) of torque mated to the new 6-speed automatic in the GTP. Shortly after the model year began, the GT Sport package ceased production on G6 coupes and sedans. The 3.9L V6 remained an option for convertibles.

For 2008, the GTP trim was discontinued and replaced by the new GXP trim. The 2008 GXP is mechanically identical to the 2007 GTP, powered by the same 3.6L High Feature engine and 6-speed automatic transmission.

[edit] GXP

Pontiac unveiled a G6 GXP concept car at the 2006 New York Auto Show in April. It included a lowered suspension and redesigned front clip with an integrated air dam and more chrome on the grille. Also notable were a twin air-scoop hood and 19 inch wheels. The GXP concept used a 270 hp (201 kW) and 259 ft·lbf (351 N·m) version of the 3.9 L High Value V6.

The production GXP version is available in both sedan and coupe configurations; a convertible is not available. The trim is distinguished by unique redesigned front and rear fascias as well as new 18" 5-spoke flangeless Chrome rims; color options for the GXP trim have also changed slightly. Interior options are basically carry-overs from the lower GT and Base trims. However Ebony Nuance Leather-appointed Seats and Light Taupe Nuance Leather-appointed Seats are standard. Current packages available on the GXP trim include the "Preferred Package": convenience cargo net, remote vehicle start, floor mats front/rear, power adjustable pedals, and the "Sun & Sound Package" which includes: AM/FM stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD changer and a power sunroof. Exclusive to the GXP trim is the "Street Edition Package" which includes a performance-styled hood with non-functional scoops and a hammerhead-style spoiler.

[edit] Marketing

The launch of the G6 was a major publicity stunt: 276 of the cars were famously given away to audience members of The Oprah Winfrey Show on the talk show's fall 2004 season premiere. This promotion garnered international attention, a reported US$110 million in publicity, and put the G6, a previously unknown name, solidly on the lists of many shoppers. However, the stunt was also criticized for not reaching the G6's intended target audience, and for occurring before dealers had full G6 inventories.[citation needed] This despite the fact that the Grand Am had previously sold 65% to women, and Pontiac was intending on preserving that audience as part of its overall plan.[citation needed]

[edit] Motorsports

The G6 is currently used in the Rolex Sports Car Series as a replacement for the Pontiac GTO.R, which is no longer sold. The cars are referred to as GXP.Rs and built by GM's endorsed chassis constructor, Pratt & Miller.

The G6 GXP will also race in the NHRA Powerade Drag Racing Series Pro Stock class.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Pontiac G6 2005 car of the year Sportscar.com
  2. ^ sicgmtrucks.com

[edit] External links

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