| Manufacturer | General Motors |
|---|---|
| Production | 2004–2009 |
| Model years | 2005–2010 |
| Assembly | Lake Orion, Michigan, United States |
| Predecessor | Pontiac Grand Am |
| Successor | Buick LaCrosse (In Mexico) Buick Regal (In United States/Canada) |
| Class | Mid-size |
| Body style | 2-door convertible 2-door coupe 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | GM Epsilon platform |
| Engine | 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 | 6-speed F40 manual 4-speed 4T45 automatic 6-speed 6T40 automatic (from 2009.5) 6-speed 6T70 automatic (GTP models) |
| 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) |
| Related | Fiat Croma Cadillac BLS Chevrolet Malibu Opel Signum Opel Vectra Saab 9-3 Saturn Aura |
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.[1] 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.[2] Features included a remote starting system (standard on GT, optional on base model) as well as a panoramic sunroof option.
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When the G6 was introduced in 2005, it had two trim levels, base "V6" and sportier "GT". Both trims, however, used a 3.5 L pushrod V6 producing 200 horsepower (150 kW) and 220 lbf·ft (300 N·m) of torque. Matched to a four-speed automatic transmission, 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.
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, 2.4 L DOHC inline-4, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The 3.5 L V6 was now part of a sport-package on the base/SE, and remained standard on the GT. The new GTP used a 3.9 L version of the GT's 3.5 L 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 227 hp, 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 3.5 L V6, raising power from 200 hp to 224 hp. The 3.9 L 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 3.6 L 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 3.9 L, 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 3.9 L engine became an exclusive convertible option, with horsepower down to 222. SAE ratings also dropped the horsepower ratings on the 2.4 L and 3.5 L models to 164 hp and 219 hp (217 hp 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.[3]
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.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Pontiac G6 an overall Good score in the frontal offset crash test[4] 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.[5]
The 2005 GXP concept was built by General Motors Performance Division. It includes a 3.6 L HO VVTI V6 engine rated at 275 hp, 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.[6] The auction ended on May 3, 2009 with winning bid price of US$16500.00.[7]
The launch of the G6 was a major publicity stunt: 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.[8]
It is powered by LS2 V8 engine that produces approximately 450 horsepower (340 kW). 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.[9]
The G6 GXP also raced in the NHRA Powerade Drag Racing Series Pro Stock class.
| Calendar Year | Total American sales |
|---|---|
| 2004[10] | 16,185 |
| 2005 | 124,844 |
| 2006[11] | 157,644 |
| 2007 | 150,001 |
| 2008[12] | 140,240 |
| 2009[13] | 87,171 |
Media related to Pontiac G6 at Wikimedia Commons
Pontiac G6 at The Crittenden Automotive Library
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