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2006 G6 GXP Show Car Concept

Show Time for Pontiacs Hottest G6

For this years New York International Auto Show, Pontiac presentied a show-car display version of the G6 Coupe called the GXP Show Car. This is an important vehicle for GM, as the brand claimed a 25 percent retail sales gain by the G6 up to that point; a critical element behind GMs turnaround, not to mention Pontiacs overall relevance.

The new addition to the GXP performance series, a sport-tuned lineup that currently includes a hopped-up Grand Prix GXP and recently introduced Solstice GXP, has sportier, sleeker styling than current G6 models, giving buyers something to look forward to.

Pontiacs G6 got the full performance treatment for New York. (Photo: General Motors)

Pontiac Product Director, Dennis Maraone explained why they waited to add GXP technology to the G6.

"Although the GXP performance series has been very successful in the past, weve never attempted to introduce a GXP on our largest volume vehicle and we want to be sure we do it right. We believe the package of exterior, interior and performance enhancements weve put together on the G6 GXP show car

Brighter interior trim helps to convey the GXPs improved performance. (Photo: General Motors)

should appeal to 2+2 coupe enthusiasts."

Powering the coupe concept is a modified 3.9-liter V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission. Engine performance is augmented by tweaking the variable valve timing system, linking a ram air induction system with K&N air filter to a cat-back free flowing exhaust which boosts engine output to 270 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. This is definitely a step up from current G6 GTP models, which sports the same motor, but only tuned for 240 maximum horsepower.

Significant changes

Large rear spoiler boldly juts out of the G6 coupes sleek, Camry Solara-like profile. (Photo: General Motors)

were also made to the G6 GXPs exterior styling. Up front, a redesigned fascia with a lower air dam has been added. Pontiacs signature twin-port grille has a chrome treatment, which extends down, much deeper than the standard grille. In the rear, you will find a dual chrome-tipped exhaust, hinting at the engines enhanced power output, and a hammerhead spoiler thats sure to catch the eye of passersby. Also adding to the aerodynamic styling upgrades are side rocker panels. The coupe show car rolls on 19-inch wheels with vented, cross-drilled Wilwood brake rotors. To give the car a more ground hugging appearance and lower its center of gravity for better handling, the GXPs suspension

This is the G6 shown at SEMA. The only thing different about this car is the wheels. (Photo: General Motors)

height was dropped by an inch.
 
To jazz up the interior for a sportier feel, the G6 GXP features new copper-colored accent trim on the centre console and shift-knob. More of the reddish-orange chrome trim highlights the instrument cluster and door controls. This brightly-colored trim is also featured on the seat edges and door panel inserts.

New York wasnt the first time that the G6 GXP Show Car was shown; Pontiac first introduced this car to a private gathering of industry insiders at the SEMA show in Las Vegas last fall. The New York show was the first time the car was displayed to the public at large. Pontiac have no doubt been gauging reaction to the show car at follow up shows, before any final production decisions are made, but hopefully the GXP coupe will be showing up in the

The first-ever Pontiac GXP... Concept. (Photo: General Motors)

G6 lineup in the months to come. When the G6 Sedan first made its introduction in 2004, General Motors debuted it as a GXP concept car. Possibly, this latest coupe will convince Pontiac that theres no time like the present for a sportier G6.
The GXP series was first seen in 2003 when it was added to the full-size Bonneville line-up; it featured a performance version of Cadillacs Northstar V8 engine.  The Grand Prix GXP was next in line in 2005 and according to General Motors it now accounts for 30 percent of all Grand Prix retail sales. It features GMs latest LS-series engine, the 5.3-liter LS4 V8 in 303 horsepower guise, an engine specifically designed for a front-wheel drive chassis. That being said, the one to watch for this year is the much-anticipated Solstice GXP, which launches this fall. The 260-horsepower, turbocharged direct-injection inline-four is certain to give high-performance roadster rivals a good run for their money. 

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