Pontiac to Show G6 GXP Coupe

General Motors Corp.’s Pontiac division will take the wraps off its new G6 GXP coupe show car at next week’s New York International Auto Show.

Based on the coupe version of the brand’s volume-leading G6 sedan, the new GXP show car illustrates the model’s performance potential, while also serving as a test bed for public reaction that could spur it into production.

“Although the GXP performance series has been very successful in the past, we’ve never attempted to introduce a GXP on our largest-volume vehicle and we want to be sure we do it right,” says Pontiac Product Director Dennis Maraone.

Power for the G6 GXP comes from a 270-hp version of GM’s 3.9L V-6 engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

A functional ram air hood with twin inlets adorns the front of the car and complements a redesigned front fascia sporting a more aggressive air dam. Other exterior highlights include special chrome accents, a new rear bumper with dual, chrome exhaust tips, rocker panel extensions and a unique “hammerhead” spoiler, GM says.

A lowered suspension, vented, cross-drilled brake rotors and special 19-in. wheels round out the GXP’s performance upgrades.

Inside, the standard G6 interior is accented by red leather seat and door panel inserts and red chrome trim on the instrument panel, center stack and door controls.

Pontiac’s GXP performance line was introduced in 2003 with the Bonneville GXP sports sedan. A Grand Prix GXP debuted last year, while the latest edition, the 260-hp Solstice GXP, launches this fall, the auto maker says.