Pontiac G6 Family Adds Two Models

The second and third members of the Pontiac G6 family are unveiled at the 2005 Greater L.A. Auto Show.

Following the debut of the midsize sedan, which went on sale in late 2004, the G6 will begin offering ’06 coupe and convertible models in 2005.

“The G6 coupe and convertible are uniquely Pontiac vehicles that are great additions to the family started by the G6 sedan,” says Jim Bunnell, Pontiac-GMC general manager. “The G6 coupe delivers outstanding performance and generous interior room, and the G6 is the only hardtop convertible that has room for four adults.”

Both the coupe and convertible, which will be built alongside the sedan at General Motors Corp.’s Orion, MI, assembly plant, will be available in GT and GTP models. The GTPs feature a 240-hp 3.9L OHV V-6 coupled to a 4-speed automatic with manual-shift mode or a 6-speed manual in the coupe.

GT models are powered by a 200-hp 3.5L V-6 backed by an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode.

Both powertrains are channeled into a 4-wheel independent-suspension that features MacPherson struts in the front and a 4-link design in the rear. All coupes and convertibles come with 4-wheel disc brakes and 4-channel antilock brake systems. An enhanced traction system is available on the GT and GTP, and Pontiac’s Dynamic Vehicle Control System is available on the GTP.

“Whether it’s the coupe or convertible, these cars were designed to perform to the expectations of enthusiast drivers,” says Bunnell. “They’re great because they fit so many of us. Families living in the north can justify even the convertible – there’s room and the top will keep out the elements.”

The G6 convertible provides GM with an intriguing entry – a retractable hardtop at an affordable price (likely less than $30,000, although Pontiac isn’t providing specifics). The Karmann-designed 2-piece clamshell roof takes less than 30 seconds to transform from coupe-like styling to top-down convertible. Pontiac claims it is the world’s largest retractable hardtop.

A double-hinged trunk lid facilitates stowing the top. It opens like a conventional trunk for cargo storage, but is reverse-hinged to accept the folding hardtop. When the top is stowed, the trunk provides 1.8 cu.-ft. (0.5 cu.-m) of cargo space. With the top up, trunk capacity increases to 5.8 cu.-ft. (0.2 cu.-m).

The greatest styling difference is the rear-end design. The convertible’s tail is reminiscent of the Mitsubishi Eclipse, but with smaller, diagonally positioned taillamps, and the overall design has the tension of a slingshot. The coupe’s tail is fastback-like.

Both models are based on the sedan’s 112.3-in. (285-cm) wheelbase. But the 35 ins. (89 cm) of rear legroom is about 1.5 ins. (3.8 cm) shorter than second-row seat space offered in the sedan.

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