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2006 Pontiac G6 Convertible Preview

Worlds Largest Retractable Hardtop Allows True 2+2 Seating

With Pontiacs G6 sedan already on the road and garnering rave reviews, the GM divisions previously announced coupe and convertible iterations were introduced last month at the 2005 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show.

The models, to replace the now defunct Grand Am coupe and Sunfire convertible, move the domestic nameplate up a notch or two with regards to refinement, style and innovation.

The latter descriptive refers to the convertibles retractable hardtop, a first for the G6s entry-level midsize segment. Not only will the folding top provide all-weather protection for those living in colder climates who prefer top-down driving in the summer,

The Pontiac G6 moves the domestic nameplate up a notch or two with regards to refinement, style and innovation. (Photo: General Motors)

but when the roof is raised exterior ambient and wind noise is reduced while rollover crash protection is increased.

The top, made by Germanys Karmann, which also builds for many other automakers, opens or closes automatically in less than 30 seconds by pressing a single button. Incidentally, it has the distinction of being the worlds largest retractable hardtop.

The

The new convertible will have a retractable hardtop, a first for the G6s entry-level midsize segment. (Photo: General Motors)

retractable configuration also allows for greater rear seat room, making the two-door G6 capable of accommodating two adults in back, in either coupe or convertible guise. Of course, the G6s class-leading 112.3-inch wheelbase is also responsible for the extra legroom needed to accomplish such a feat.

"The G6 coupe and convertible are uniquely Pontiac vehicles that are great additions to the family started by the G6 sedan," said Jim Bunnell, Pontiac-GMC general manager.

In GTP trim an all-new 3.9L OHV V6 with 240-horsepower at 5,900 rpm and 245 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm should provide plenty of pep off the line. (Photo: General Motors)

"The G6 coupe delivers outstanding performance and generous interior room, and the G6 is the only hardtop convertible that has room for four adults."

Did Bunnell say outstanding performance? In GTP trim an all-new 3.9L OHV V6 with 240-horsepower at 5,900 rpm and 245 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm should provide plenty of pep off the line, especially when mated to the 6-speed manual; which only comes in the G6 coupe and now sedan. The convertible will have to make due with a Hydra-Matic 4T65-E 4-speed automatic with manual shift mode,

The new convertible gets an agile 4-wheel independent suspension system with MacPherson struts and aluminum L-shaped control arms. (Photo: General Motors)

also available on the coupe and sedan.

GT models get GMs 3.5L V6, pumping out 200-horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 220 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. It comes mated to GMs Hydra-Matic 4T45-E 4-speed automatic with manual shift mode, the only transmission choice.

Like the G6 sedan, both the new convertible gets an agile 4-wheel independent suspension system with MacPherson struts and aluminum L-shaped control arms plus a direct-acting stabilizer bar up front, and a 4-link independent setup with twin tube shocks and dual-rate mini-block coil springs for the coupe, or mono-tube shocks together with dual-rate mini-block

GM has made the decision to outfit all G6 convertible models with 18-inch wheels and tires. (Photo: General Motors)

coil springs for the convertible in the rear. While GT models are configured for sporty driving already, stepping up to the GTP will make sure the suspension has been tuned for optimal performance driving. The GTP also adds a hydraulic power steering system, more sport-oriented than the electric one that comes standard.

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