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2006 Pontiac G6 Coupe Preview

Rebuilding GM One Model at a Time

There just arent as many personal coupes on the market as there used to be, which makes the introduction of an entirely new one, the Pontiac G6 Coupe, a bit of a celebration.

No doubt General Motors is celebrating the success its Pontiac division is enjoying with the sedan that goes by the same alphanumeric designation even more. Its a strong entry into an almost overwhelmingly challenging midsize market segment, and with its success GM is learning first hand that good products bring positive cash flow.

What makes it so much better than the Grand Am it replaces? Absolutely everything! From styling to interior fit, finish and materials quality, interior room

From styling to interior fit, finish and materials quality, interior room to driving dynamics, the new G6 is a solid step up from the old model. (Photo: General Motors)

to driving dynamics, the new G6 is a solid step up from the old model.

The new coupe will also go far in changing perceptions new car buyers have about domestic cars. Will it pull Honda Accord Coupe and Toyota Camry Solara owners away from their imports? Possibly some will jump ship and buy into GMs sportiest brand, but more realistically and of equal importance

The new G6 coupe will also go far in changing perceptions new car buyers have about domestic cars. (Photo: General Motors)

the new G6, in all of its configurations, will do much to slow the exodus of previously loyal customers out of the Generals fold.

There will be three versions of the G6 when the latest two finally arrive on the scene. When will that occur? The coupe will show up in dealerships later this month and the convertible will come to market next January. The retractable hardtop (read convertible with a collapsible metal roof) will be a first for the G6s entry-level midsize segment.

"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. (Photo: General Motors)

But this model will without doubt be more expensive than any Grand Am owner could have afforded, or at least would have been willing to fork over for a car. And most convertible owners hardly ever drop their tops anyway, with a roof overhead to block the sun and air conditioning pumping cool comfort on all inside.

This is why, for some buyers, a coupe makes a great deal of sense. And despite its two-door layout, which GM says wont hamper ingress and egress for rear passengers,

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 get-up-and-go. (Photo: General Motors)

the coupe allows plenty of rear legroom, and then again, a surprising amount of overall seating area. Exactly how much more room? The two-door G6 accommodates 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. "The G6 coupe delivers outstanding performance and generous interior room, and the G6 is the only hardtop

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. (Photo: General Motors)

convertible that has room for four adults."

And just what levels of outstanding performance was Bunnell referring too? 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 get-up-and-go 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 Hydra-Matic 4T65-E 4-speed automatic with manual shift mode, also available on the coupe and sedan.

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