NEW PERFORMANCE-ORIENTED GXP MODELS ENHANCE 2008 PONTIAC G6 LINEUP
08/01/2007
Pontiac
The 2008 Pontiac G6 portfolio provides an exhilarating family of distinctive, midsize cars that offers something for every driver looking for a powerful and responsive vehicle. The line up includes the base G6 sedan, with its zippy, fuel-efficient Ecotec 2.4L engine; the GT sedan, coupe and convertible - with its top-down styling; and the all-new GXP sedan and coupe, with their aggressive design and output.
Features made standard for 2008 include seat-mounted, side-impact thorax air bags for additional driver and passenger safety, four-wheel anti-lock brakes with traction control, auxiliary audio jacks for iPod/MP3 players, XM Satellite Radio standard on all GT models and OnStar standard on all models.
The 2008 G6 is more than a stylish vehicle, offering additional standard features with customizable comfort across the board. Standard features include: highly bolstered body-hugging seats; tilt/telescopic steering wheel; racing-style gauges with true-red LED instrument backlighting; air conditioning; power windows; power door locks; power mirrors; AM/FM/CD player; variable intermittent wipers; tachometer; and theft-deterrent system. Available items include power adjustable pedals; six-way power seats; heated seats; leather seating surfaces; in-dash six-CD changer and remote vehicle start.
All G6 models feature athletic, driver-focused interiors with easy-to-use controls and instrument layouts. Interior materials were selected to convey a specific feel and appearance, and the steering wheel is thick and comfortable, with a sporty three-spoke design.
The 2008 G6 is available in three exterior new colors: Cranberry Metallic, Midnight Blue Metallic, and White Diamond Tricoat (at an additional cost).
GXP profile
The new, 2008 G6 GXP performance coupe and sedan bring a new, performance-oriented dimension to the G6's broad lineup, and join other GXP stable mates such as Solstice, Torrent and Grand Prix. G6 GXP models have a potent 3.6L DOHC V-6 VVT engine creating 252 horsepower (188 kW) at 6,300 rpm and 251 lb.-ft. of torque (341 Nm) at 3,200 rpm.A Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission complements the performance-tuned suspension with standard four-channel ABS, 18-inch aluminum alloy painted, flangeless, five-spoke wheels and specific exterior and interior appointments.
The Hydra-Matic 6T70 electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission features state-of-the-art clutch-to-clutch shift operation, designed for high-performance front-wheel-drive applications. The six-speed automatic improves vehicle performance up to 7 percent and increases fuel economy up to 4 percent compared to current front-wheel-drive, four-speed automatics. Clutch-to-clutch operation allows for reduced complexity and compact packaging.
The G6 GXP sedan and coupe deliver responsive ride and handling characteristics expected from Pontiac's performance series, and they are equipped with GM's StabiliTrak electronic stability control system for confident and sure-footed travel.
Body side rocker moldings and a redesigned front and rear fascia with dual exhaust openings make the G6 GXP easily recognizable. Other features include fog lamps and braided polished stainless steel upper and outboard lower grille inserts with chrome surrounds on the upper grille sections. A special "Street Edition" package will also be available for those seeking a more striking appearance, adding dual hood scoops and a model-specific spoiler to the GXP.
Let the fun-shine in
The GT convertible and the GT and GXP coupes feature large doors that allow easy and comfortable access to the rear seats. The G6 sedan and coupe offer open-air motoring thanks to a power sunroof option.
But, drivers who really like to feel the wind in their hair can choose the G6 GT hardtop convertible. In about 30 seconds, the all-weather retractable steel top disappears with the push of a button, allowing the sun to pour into the car. When compared to most midsize convertibles, the G6 offers cargo room at a premium, with 12.6 cubic feet (356.8 liters) of trunk space when the retractable hardtop is up and 2.2 cubic feet (62.3 liters) of cargo space when the top is stowed.
The G6 convertible undergoes stringent water tests at the factory to ensure a dry, hardtop-quality interior, and a double-hinged trunk lid facilitates stowing. It opens like a conventional trunk for cargo storage, but is reverse-hinged to accept the folding hardtop. A hard tonneau cover automatically appears as part of the hardtop retraction process, and there is no visible "stack" when the top is down - it simply disappears into the storage compartment. A specially insulated headliner provides acoustic and thermal protection.
Architecture and engines
The starting point for the G6 engine ensemble begins with the fuel-efficient Ecotec 2.4L with variable valve timing. This powerful four-cylinder engine is paired with a Hydra-Matic 4T45 four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. To comply with more stringent emission and diagnostic regulations the 2.4L equipped G6 will be receiving a new catalytic converter system with slightly elevated exhaust system backpressure. To ensure accurate horsepower and torque ratings we will be certifying the power ratings to SAE standards and will update this information as soon as it becomes available.
For a little more juice, GT models feature a standard 3.5L V-6 rated at 219 horsepower (163 kW), which is matched with a standard four-speed automatic with manual shift control. The GT convertible has an optional 3.9L V-6 rated at 222 horsepower (166 kW) and 238 lb.-ft. of torque (323 Nm) that is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission with electronically controlled overdrive and manual shift mode for individual driving preferences.
All G6 GXP models are powered by GM Powertrain's 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing, providing 252 horsepower (188 kW) at 6,300 rpm and 251 lb.-ft. of torque (340 Nm) at 3,200 rpm. The engine is a state-of-the-art, DOHC powerplant that uses full four-cam phasing to optimize power, economy and emissions performance.
The chassis of all G6 models are tuned to complement their respective powertrains with responsive handling, and are installed on the same strong chassis that includes a class-leading 112.3-inch (2852 mm) wheelbase. All models use a MacPherson strut front suspension, with aluminum lower control arms and a direct-acting stabilizer bar. Suspension components mount to a U-shaped hydroformed chassis cradle. Rubber mounts isolate the body from the chassis cradle to minimize noise, vibration and harshness.
Designed to minimize cornering body roll, a four-link independent suspension uses twin-tube shock absorbers and a direct-acting stabilizer bar to provide fine-tune handling. Four-channel ABS and traction control are standard. Large, heavy-duty four-wheel disc brakes provide excellent stopping power and fade resistance.
Sixteen-inch steel wheels are standard on the 1SV value-leader four-cylinder G6 model, while the G6 base sedan carries 17-inch custom five-spoke, high-vented wheels and optional 17-inch painted cast aluminum wheels. GT models come standard with 17-inch Chrome-Tech cast aluminum wheels with an option to upgrade to 17-inch black Chrome-Tech cast aluminum or 18-inch five-spoke, flangeless painted aluminum (standard on the GT convertible). GXP sedans and coupes sport 18-inch five-spoke, flangeless ultra-bright alloy wheels.
Protection and customization
Experiencing a G6's performance and quickness off the line is one thing, but experiencing it safely with a vehicle tailored exactly the way a driver wants is another. The G6 features safety cage construction that is complemented with reinforced rocker sections, front body hinge pillar and roof pillars designed to improve impact protection. A magnesium cross-car beam unites the lower sections of the A-pillars and helps protect passengers in side-impact crashes and also serves as the foundation of the instrument panel.
All G6 seating positions have three-point safety belts. Front outboard retractors have built-in load limiters to reduce peak chest loads by allowing a controlled amount of belt give during "ride down" crash conditions.
The G6 family provides six standard air bags for supplemental protection in frontal and side-impact crashes, including dual-stage frontal air bags; side-impact thorax (seat-mounted) air bags and standard head curtain side-impact air bags (except on the G6 convertible). GM's Passenger Sensing System is standard on all models. This system works with the front passenger seat and differentiates between adults - 5th percentile females and larger - and small children or child seats to adjust air bag deployment. This smart system helps reduce the risk of air bag-induced injuries. Front safety belt pretensioners deploy at the same time as the frontal air bags to take up slack in the safety belt webbing. Pretensioners minimize occupant movement during a crash.
G6 interiors also are equipped with the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child safety seat attachment system. Two lower anchors and a top tether anchor secure the child seat to the vehicle seat structure for proper installation of compatible child safety seats.
Newly standard on all G6 models, OnStar digital equipment 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 allows drivers to make and receive voice-activated phone calls using an externally mounted antenna for greater reception.
The OnStar service includes the GM Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system, making crash data available to the participating 911 centers to help dispatch the appropriate life-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster. OnStar's uplevel Directions & Connections Plan with Turn-by-Turn Navigation also is available on G6 models. The new service allows OnStar customers to talk to a live advisor, who in turn sends complete step-by-step directions to customers' vehicles through their OnStar system.
XM Satellite Radio, now standard on all GT and GXP models and available on the base G6, has a wide variety of programming to please any driver.
Additionally, several option packages are available to tailor almost every facet of the vehicle:
Preferred Package - includes cargo net, remote vehicle start system, front and rear carpeted floor mats, trunk cargo net, leather-wrapped brake handle and shift knob, steering-wheel mounted audio controls and leather wrapped steering wheel
Preferred Package (GXP) - offers remote vehicle starter system, front and rear carpeted floor mats, trunk cargo net and adjustable pedals
Premium Package - includes leather-appointed front bucket seats (GT), leather-appointed front bucket seats with two-tone leather inserts (GXP), six-way driver seat adjuster (GT), heated driver and front passenger seats, remote vehicle start system, cargo net, front and rear carpeted floor mats and power adjustable pedals
Sun and Sound Package - includes AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD changer, power sunroof and rear spoiler (rear spoiler for GT sedan only)