Pontiac G6
Encyclopedia
The Pontiac G6 was a mid-size car
produced under the Pontiac
brand of American
automaker General Motors
.It was introduced in the fall of 2004 to replace the Grand Am
. The car was built on the GM Epsilon platform
which it shared with the Chevrolet Malibu
and Saab 9-3
along with other General Motors vehicles. Styling was redone in a more conservative fashion, and the ribbed cladding and rear spoiler that were prevalent on the Grand Am was replaced by standard sheet metal. Features included a remote starting system (standard on GT, optional on base model) as well as a panoramic sunroof option.
, the GT featured TAPshift, where the driver could select the gears manually. Base models were well equipped, featuring power locks, windows and mirrors with keyless entry, six-speaker CD stereo, power drivers seat, air conditioning and split folding rear seat. GTs added an eight-speaker Monsoon stereo, premium cloth seats with six-way adjustment, remote start, ABS and traction control.
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In 2006, the G6 added two new trim levels and two new bodystyles, a coupe and a retractable hard top convertible. The new trim levels were a new base four-cylinder trim (sometimes referred to as "SE"), and the high performance "GTP". Coupes and convertibles were available in GT and GTP trims only. The new base model used a 167-horsepower, DOHC inline-4, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The V6 was now part of a sport-package on the base/SE, and remained standard on the GT. The new GTP used a version of the GT's V6, but also utilizes variable valve timing
(VVT), increasing output to 240 horsepower. A four-speed automatic transmission was standard, but for no cost, a six-speed manual transmission was available. The GTP convertible was not available with the manual transmission and reduced its power to , due to a more restrictive exhaust system. The GTP also features stability control, not available on other G6 models.
The 2007 G6 saw more engine changes, and standard side torso and side curtain airbags (actually introduced late in the 2006 model year) were new. The GT now featured VVT on its V6, raising power from to . The V6 became an option on the GT, producing 227 horsepower in automatic transmission form and 240 horsepower in manual transmission
form. The GTP was given a new DOHC V6 with 24 valves and VVT, producing 252 horsepower. It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Midway through the model year the six-speed was dropped with the , along with its 240 horsepower output. The GTP convertible was also discontinued. For 2008, the GTP became the GXP with more dramatic styling cues, and the engine became an exclusive convertible option, with horsepower down to 222. SAE ratings also dropped the horsepower ratings on the and models to and ( on convertibles), respectively.
For 2009, the G6 4-cylinder sedan added a sport package that added the GXP's six-speed automatic transmission. Midway through the model year, the G6 was given a facelift, with a revised front and rear fascia as well as a revision on the interior. The 2009.5 model year also marked the availability of a four-cylinder engine mated to the six-speed automatic transmission on the coupe for the first time.
The final 100 G6 vehicles were built November 25, 2009 as part of a fleet order; these were the last United-States-built Pontiac automobiles.
GM began marketing the Buick
brand in Mexico
to replace Pontiac
after the 2009 model year, so GM was forced to replace the Pontiac G6 with the larger Buick LaCrosse
, while in the United States
& Canada
, the G6 & the Saturn Aura
were replaced by GM's revived Buick Regal
nameplate.
gave the Pontiac G6 an overall Good score in the frontal offset crash test but an Acceptable score in the side impact crash test even though side airbags were introduced late in the 2006 model year. The lower side impact score was due to a marginal rating for the structure/safety cage category.
: 276 of the cars were given away to audience members of The Oprah Winfrey Show
on the talk show
's fall 2004 season premiere. This promotion, alongside a reported US$110 million publicity campaign, attempted to garner national attention for the brand-new G6.
The G6 was used in the GT class of 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
.
It is powered by LS2 V8 engine that produces approximately 450 hp. Weight saving features include carbon fiber body panels, shatter-resistant polycarbonate windows. The custom tube-frame chassis is not at all based on the road car's chassis and the 6-speed gearbox delivers power to the rear wheels. The front and rear fenders flared to cover the wide, 18-inch wheels and class-spec Hoosier racing tires. A rear wing reminiscent of sports option package on the race car is fitted at the back, underneath the proper racing rear wing.
The G6 GXP also raced in the NHRA Powerade
Drag Racing Series Pro Stock class.
Mid-size car
A mid-size car is the North American/Australian standard for an automobile with a size equal to or greater than that of a compact...
produced under the Pontiac
Pontiac
Pontiac was an automobile brand that was established in 1926 as a companion make for General Motors' Oakland. Quickly overtaking its parent in popularity, it supplanted the Oakland brand entirely by 1933 and, for most of its life, became a companion make for Chevrolet. Pontiac was sold in the...
brand of American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
automaker General Motors
General Motors
General Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...
.It was introduced in the fall of 2004 to replace the Grand Am
Pontiac Grand Am
The original Grand Am was introduced in the fall of 1972 as a 1973 model. It was based on the GM A platform along with other cars such as the Pontiac LeMans, Pontiac GTO, Chevrolet Chevelle, Buick Century, and the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme...
. The car was built on the GM Epsilon platform
GM Epsilon platform
Epsilon is General Motors' mid-size front-wheel drive automobile platform. The architecture was developed by Opel, and debuted in the 2002 Opel Vectra and 2003 Saab 9-3. Since this platform falls squarely in the center of the worldwide automobile market, GM plans to produce a great many Epsilon...
which it shared with the Chevrolet Malibu
Chevrolet Malibu
Malibus and all other Chevelles were completely restyled for 1968 with semi-fastback rooflines on two-door hardtops and wheelbases split to on two-door models and 118 for four-door sedans and station wagons. Engine offerings included a new V8 rated at that replaced the V8 that had served as the...
and Saab 9-3
Saab 9-3
The first generation 9-3, a substantially improved 'new-generation' Saab 900 was launched in 1998 for the 1999 model year. Saab claimed that 1,100 changes were made, including a revised suspension in an attempt to tighten up the handling characteristics of its predecessor, the Saab 900...
along with other General Motors vehicles. Styling was redone in a more conservative fashion, and the ribbed cladding and rear spoiler that were prevalent on the Grand Am was replaced by standard sheet metal. Features included a remote starting system (standard on GT, optional on base model) as well as a panoramic sunroof option.
Overview
When the G6 was introduced in 2005, it had two trim levels, base "V6" and sportier "GT". Both trims, however, used a pushrod V6 producing 200 hp and of torque. Matched to a four-speed automatic transmissionAutomatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
, the GT featured TAPshift, where the driver could select the gears manually. Base models were well equipped, featuring power locks, windows and mirrors with keyless entry, six-speaker CD stereo, power drivers seat, air conditioning and split folding rear seat. GTs added an eight-speaker Monsoon stereo, premium cloth seats with six-way adjustment, remote start, ABS and traction control.
Variable valve timing
In internal combustion engines, variable valve timing , also known as Variable valve actuation , is a generalized term used to describe any mechanism or method that can alter the shape or timing of a valve lift event within an internal combustion engine...
(VVT), increasing output to 240 horsepower. A four-speed automatic transmission was standard, but for no cost, a six-speed manual transmission was available. The GTP convertible was not available with the manual transmission and reduced its power to , due to a more restrictive exhaust system. The GTP also features stability control, not available on other G6 models.
The 2007 G6 saw more engine changes, and standard side torso and side curtain airbags (actually introduced late in the 2006 model year) were new. The GT now featured VVT on its V6, raising power from to . The V6 became an option on the GT, producing 227 horsepower in automatic transmission form and 240 horsepower in manual transmission
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
form. The GTP was given a new DOHC V6 with 24 valves and VVT, producing 252 horsepower. It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Midway through the model year the six-speed was dropped with the , along with its 240 horsepower output. The GTP convertible was also discontinued. For 2008, the GTP became the GXP with more dramatic styling cues, and the engine became an exclusive convertible option, with horsepower down to 222. SAE ratings also dropped the horsepower ratings on the and models to and ( on convertibles), respectively.
The final 100 G6 vehicles were built November 25, 2009 as part of a fleet order; these were the last United-States-built Pontiac automobiles.
GM began marketing the Buick
Buick
Buick is a premium brand of General Motors . Buick models are sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China, Taiwan, and Israel, with China being its largest market. Buick holds the distinction as the oldest active American make...
brand in Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
to replace Pontiac
Pontiac
Pontiac was an automobile brand that was established in 1926 as a companion make for General Motors' Oakland. Quickly overtaking its parent in popularity, it supplanted the Oakland brand entirely by 1933 and, for most of its life, became a companion make for Chevrolet. Pontiac was sold in the...
after the 2009 model year, so GM was forced to replace the Pontiac G6 with the larger Buick LaCrosse
Buick LaCrosse
The Buick LaCrosse is a mid-size entry-level luxury sedan produced by General Motors. It replaced the Buick Century and Regal in North America beginning in the 2005 model year.-North America:...
, while in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
& Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, the G6 & the Saturn Aura
Saturn Aura
The Saturn Aura is a mid-size car produced under the Saturn brand of American automaker General Motors. It debuted as a concept car at the North American International Auto Show in January 2005. The production model of the Aura was shown at the 2006 New York Auto Show in April, with production...
were replaced by GM's revived Buick Regal
Buick Regal
The Buick Regal is a mid-size car introduced by General Motors for the 1973 model year. North American production ended in 2004 and began again in 2011. For the 2011 model year, Buick re-introduced the Regal to the North American market, positioned as an upscale sport sedan...
nameplate.
Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway SafetyInsurance Institute for Highway Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a U.S. non-profit organization funded by auto insurers, established in 1959 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. It works to reduce the number of motor vehicle crashes, and the rate of injuries and amount of property damage in the crashes that...
gave the Pontiac G6 an overall Good score in the frontal offset crash test but an Acceptable score in the side impact crash test even though side airbags were introduced late in the 2006 model year. The lower side impact score was due to a marginal rating for the structure/safety cage category.
2005 GXP concept
The 2005 GXP concept was built by General Motors Performance Division. It includes a HO VVTI V6 engine rated at , F40 six-speed manual transmission, performance intake, GM Performance cat-back exhaust with bright tips, and 19-inch wheels with Bridgestone Potenza RE040 255 series tires. It was unveiled at the 2004 SEMA show, and was later sold on the eBay Motors website. The auction ended on May 3, 2009 with winning bid price of .Marketing
The launch of the G6 was a major publicity stuntPublicity stunt
A publicity stunt is a planned event designed to attract the public's attention to the event's organizers or their cause. Publicity stunts can be professionally organized or set up by amateurs...
: 276 of the cars were given away to audience members of The Oprah Winfrey Show
The Oprah Winfrey Show
The Oprah Winfrey Show is an American syndicated talk show hosted and produced by its namesake Oprah Winfrey. It ran nationally for 25 seasons beginning in 1986, before concluding in 2011. It is the highest-rated talk show in American television history....
on the talk show
Talk show
A talk show or chat show is a television program or radio program where one person discuss various topics put forth by a talk show host....
's fall 2004 season premiere. This promotion, alongside a reported US$110 million publicity campaign, attempted to garner national attention for the brand-new G6.
Motorsports
Rolex Sports Car Series
The Rolex Sports Car Series is the premier series run by the Grand American Road Racing Association. It is a North American-based sports car series that was founded in 2000 under the name Grand American Road Racing Championship to replace the failed United States Road Racing Championship...
as a replacement for the Pontiac GTO
Pontiac GTO
The Pontiac GTO is an automobile built by Pontiac Division of General Motors in the United States from 1964 to 1974, and by GM subsidiary Holden in Australia from 2004 to 2006. It is considered an innovative, and now classic muscle car of the 1960s and 1970s...
.R, which is no longer sold. The cars are referred to as GXP.Rs and built by GM's endorsed chassis constructor, Pratt & Miller
Pratt & Miller
Pratt & Miller Engineering and Fabrication is a company formed by Gary Pratt and Jim Miller in 1989.Based out of New Hudson, Michigan, they have been one of General Motors official racing teams since 1999 when they were key in the development of the Chevrolet Corvette C5-R...
.
It is powered by LS2 V8 engine that produces approximately 450 hp. Weight saving features include carbon fiber body panels, shatter-resistant polycarbonate windows. The custom tube-frame chassis is not at all based on the road car's chassis and the 6-speed gearbox delivers power to the rear wheels. The front and rear fenders flared to cover the wide, 18-inch wheels and class-spec Hoosier racing tires. A rear wing reminiscent of sports option package on the race car is fitted at the back, underneath the proper racing rear wing.
The G6 GXP also raced in the NHRA Powerade
Powerade
Powerade is a sports drink manufactured and marketed by The Coca-Cola Company. First introduced in 1988, its primary competitor is PepsiCo's Gatorade...
Drag Racing Series Pro Stock class.
Yearly United States sales
| Calendar Year | Total American sales |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 16,185 |
| 2005 | 124,844 |
| 2006 | 157,644 |
| 2007 | 150,001 |
| 2008 | 140,240 |
| 2009 | 87,171 |