2009 PONTIAC G5 OFFERS MORE POWER AND BETTER FUEL ECONOMY
06/09/2008
Pontiac
A new, more efficient version of the 2.2L Ecotec engine delivers a dramatic increase in fuel economy for the 2009 Pontiac G5. The 2.2L engine uses variable valve timing to optimize fuel economy at all speeds, for an EPA-estimated highway rating of 37 mpg. It also brings a slight horsepower increase.
"With the new 2.2L engine, the 2009 G5 is a great-looking, low-priced coupe that delivers fuel economy that pushes it to the top of its segment," said Susan Docherty, vice president of Buick-Pontiac-GMC. "It is an uncompromising choice for customers who want style, convenience and great mileage at an affordable price."
In addition to increased power and fuel economy, the '09 G5 coupe continues to offer a wide range of standard comfort, convenience and safety features - many not found on competitors' models - wrapped in a sporty coupe design.
The G5 is available in base and GT models, all marked by clean lines, a spacious, five-passenger interior and standard rear spoiler.
Enhanced safety and style
Last year, the G5 made safety features such head curtain side-impact air bags and GM's tire pressure monitoring system standard. For '09, a passenger sensing system is added, complementing the standard dual-stage frontal air bags.
Also new for the '09 G5 lineup is the addition of Bluetooth connectivity with the OnStar system (OnStar is now standard on all models). This wireless technology enables hands-free phone calls for safer, more convenient connections.
Two new exterior colors are added to the G5's palette: Quicksilver Metallic and Silver Green Metallic (Nitrous Blue Metallic and Titanium Metallic are retired); and a new interior color combination is added: Ebony/Red leather-appointed seating is available on GT models.
Additional changes and new content reflect revisions to popular equipment packages. They include:
Sun and Sound Package - Content includes a new, AM/FM/CD radio with MP3 playback with premium Pioneer seven-speaker sound and a power sunroof.
New MYLINK Package - Content includes 16-inch machine-face wheels, four-wheel ABS, cruise control, chrome exhaust tip, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, steering wheel audio controls and Bluetooth capability.
New Appearance Package - Content includes body-color side moldings, trunk cargo net, chrome exhaust tip and front fog lamps.
G5 standard and available features
The base G5 is well-equipped with standard features including air conditioning; OnStar; power windows and door locks; remote keyless entry, carpeted floor mats; and four cupholders (two in front, two in rear).
Available options on the base model include anti-lock brakes; leather-appointed seats; seven-speaker Pioneer sound system with 10-inch subwoofer; uplevel radio with USB input port; cruise control; traction control; remote start; sunroof; cargo net; body-side moldings; fog lamps; leather-wrapped steering and shift knob; and 16-inch aluminum wheels.
The GT model ups the ante on standard features, including StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, anti-lock brakes, 17-inch aluminum wheels, sport rocker moldings; heated seats; fog lamps, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, leather-wrapped shift knob and cargo net.
XM Satellite Radio also is standard on both base and GT models, providing more entertainment options for drivers and their passengers.
Powertrain
Both the G5 base and GT models employ the Ecotec 2.2L four-cylinder engine. It is rated at 155 horsepower (116 kW)* and 150 lb.-ft. of torque (203 Nm)*. Variable valve timing is added to the 2.2L engine for '09, enabling a dramatic increase in efficiency, as well as an approximate 5-percent increase in horsepower over the '08 version.
The Ecotec engine has a solid architecture and all-aluminum construction, with features that include:
Catalyst located close to the exhaust manifold to speed catalyst "light-off" and reduce hydrocarbon emissions
Direct mounting of all accessories to the engine structure to eliminate common sources of noise, vibration and harshness
Dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and four valves per cylinder
Extremely compact dimensions and low mass
Full circle transmission attachment is more rigid than most four-cylinder powertrains for reduced noise and vibration
GM Oil Life System for optimum oil change frequency
Innovative cast-in oil filter housing eliminates crawling under the car to perform oil changes. The design also eliminates throwaway oil-filter "cans" that retain used oil that typically end up in landfills
Low-friction, roller-finger follower valvetrain with hydraulic lash adjusters
No routine maintenance apart from oil/oil filter changes
Twin counter-rotating balance shafts
Zero-maintenance chain camshaft drive
The standard transmission on both models is a Getrag F23 five-speed manual transmission, known for its smooth shifting. Customers can also choose GM's Hydra-Matic 4T45 electronically controlled four-speed automatic. The 4T45 uses Dexron VI fluid and is "filled for life," meaning no scheduled maintenance is required for the transmission under normal operating conditions.
Fuel economy improvement details
The '09 G5 delivers a dramatic increase in fuel economy with the 2.2L Ecotec engine, 25 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, the highest of any Pontiac product.
Variable valve timing added to the 2.2L Ecotec engine enables the more efficient performance, along with an increase in horsepower from 148 (110 kW) to 155 (115 kW)* - and the engine also qualifies the G5 as an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle. Helping to maximize fuel economy is a new, "taller" 3.63 final drive ratio for the manual transmission (previous final drive was 3.84:1) and new, 15-inch low-rolling resistance tires.
Energetic driving experience
Pontiacs are known for delivering a crisp driving experience, and the G5 is definitely part of the family. It uses a MacPherson strut-type front suspension, semi-independent torsion beam rear suspension, and front and rear stabilizer bars for more exact body roll control. Suspension tuning for each model, including steering feel, spring rate and stabilizer bar diameter, is precisely tuned to provide distinct driving and handling characteristics. Two suspension settings are offered:
FE1 touring suspension - standard on the base model, provides a smooth ride and includes a 19-mm front stabilizer bar and a 16-mm rear stabilizer bar
FE3 sport-tuned suspension - standard on GT, delivers a firmer, more responsive ride and includes 22-mm front and rear stabilizer bars, four-wheel disc brakes, monotube shocks and 17-inch wheels and performance tires
The G5's strut-type front suspension has 90 mm of compression travel and 87 mm of rebound, which beats most competitors and provides long wheel travel in a compact wheel base. A distinct road feel is provided by L-shaped front control arms containing a forward pivot bushing, which transmits most of the cornering force, and a larger, high-damped composite rear hydraulic bushing that allows rearward movement to minimize harshness from road surface impacts.
Defined steering response and improved cornering agility with decreased body roll are created by the direct-acting front stabilizer bar that connects to each strut. All front suspension components are mounted to a firm cradle assembly comprised of four large hydroformed steel tubes and two side members that are integrally welded to front and rear cross members. The cradle is mounted to the G5's space frame at four widely spaced points.
The G5's torsion beam rear suspension provides excellent ride and handling, while maximizing interior space. A hydraulic rear suspension bushing is employed on the FE1 suspension to improve the ride and suppress road noise. Rear wheel travel, at 126.5 mm in jounce and 68.5 mm in rebound, is longer than most vehicles in the segment.
Safety features
The rigid body structure that lays the foundation of G5's dynamic driving experience also reinforces its safety. In addition to the solid unibody structure, dual-stage frontal and front-and-rear head curtain side-impact air bags are standard across the lineup. Front seat belt pretensioners, rear center shoulder belts and the LATCH child seat retention system are also standard.
GM's tire pressure monitoring system is standard and uses sensors to track pressure changes, helping motorists avoid premature tire failure and potentially dangerous, costly breakdowns.
The G5's digital OnStar system features enhanced hands-free voice recognition capabilities including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Hands-Free Calling that allow drivers to make and receive voice-activated phone calls using an externally mounted antenna for greater reception.
The OnStar service on the G5 also includes the General Motors Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system, making crash data available to the participating 911 centers to help them dispatch the appropriate life-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster. Optional is OnStar's Vehicle Diagnostics notification system that allows subscribers to receive free monthly diagnostic reports via e-mail. Each diagnostic report provides crucial tire pressure information, remaining engine oil life data, emissions, engine and transmission, and braking systems, as well as air bag system checks.