Pontiac G6

The Pontiac G6 is a mid-size car released in 2005. It uses the GM Epsilon platform, sharing it with the Chevrolet Malibu, Saab 9-3, Saturn Aura, Opel Vectra, and Cadillac BLS. Introduced at the 2004 North American International Auto Show, the G6 is a replacement for the Pontiac Grand Am (which previously shared its platform and components with the Oldsmobile Alero). It is currently reminiscent of the Mitsubishi Galant and Ford Fusion.

Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination

Oprah Winfrey giving a G6 to every audience member on her show.

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.

Although the G6 was new to the public, in many respects it could be considered the sixth generation of the Grand Am, even though that name was retired. Within a year, this new car 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.

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

The other bodystyles available are coupe and sedan. In its May 22 2006 issue, Time magazine put the G6 on a two-car list, along with the Buick Terraza, of GM cars that "aren't going anywhere." Time continued to say that "GM did not capitalize on the G6's good reviews for interior styling and power train. It delayed a cheaper, four-cylinder version, as well as a coupe and convertible. Sales now rely on incentives and fleet deals."

Beginning in April 2005, the G6 became one of the first General Motors vehicles since the electric-powered EV1 to wear a "GM" badge. It is placed on both fenders behind the front wheels. Currently, all GM vehicles wear similar badges.

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, Michigan assembly plant closed. Most of the 3,500 workers affected will be moved to the new Delta Township, Michigan assembly plant in late 2006. The G6 is produced in the Orion Township, Michigan assembly plant.

Engine

The G6 base comes standard with the 2.4 L Ecotec four cylinder engine.

The GT Model comes standard with the 3.5 L LX9 engine which produces 201 hp (150 kW) and 222 ft·lbf (301 N·m) of torque. This was the only engine available for the 2005 and 2006 model years. The 2007 model has the 3.5 L LZ4.

New for 2006, the G6 GTP comes with GM's 3.9 L LZ9 engine, producing 240 hp (179 kW) and 241 ft·lbf (327 N·m) of torque.

In 2007 the 3.9 L V6 will go into the GT + Sport Package, making way for the 3.6 L V6 and the new 6-speed automatic in the GTP.

GXP

Pontiac unveiled a G6 GXP concept at the 2006 New York Auto Show in April. It includes a lowered suspension and redesigned front clip with an integrated air dam and more chrome on the grille. A twin air-scoop hood will be most noticeable, however, as will the 19 in wheels. The GXP concept uses a 270 hp (201 kW) and 259 ft·lbf (351 N·m) version of the 3.9 L High Value V6.

References

• CanadianDriver Communications, Inc. (2004). Pontiac G6 sports sedan on sale this Fall!. Retrieved January 11, 2004 from http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/040105-1.html
• Gannett Communications. (2005). Aging Lansing GM plant to close in May. Retrieved June 21, 2005 from http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=
• General Motors. (2005). Pontiac G6 Specifications. Retrieved June 21, 2005 from http://www.pontiac.com/specs/specs_content_files/specs_viewall.jsp?brand=g6&pagename=models_prices

External links

• G6 Owners Forum