Enhancements hint
at possible new offering in growing G6 portfolio
DETROIT - Seeking
to build on the 25-percent retail sales gain by the G6 so
far this year, Pontiac is revealing a new G6 GXP coupe show
car at the upcoming New York International Auto Show. Designed
to augment the G6's sleek styling with a more aggressive
appearance and stance, the new GXP show car will test both
media and public reaction before any final decision on production
is made.
"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," said Dennis Maraone, Pontiac product director.
"We believe the package of exterior, interior and performance enhancements
we've put together on the G6 GXP show car should appeal to 2+2 coupe
enthusiasts."
Photos: GM
Highlighting the exterior
styling changes is a redesigned front fascia, featuring an integrated
lower air dam and an aggressive chrome treatment of Pontiac's signature
twin-port grille, as well as a twin air scoop hood. Around back,
the new rear fascia shows off the dual chrome-tipped exhaust and
unique "hammerhead" spoiler. Side rocker panels, 19-inch wheels,
vented cross-drilled brake rotors, and a 25-mm reduction in suspension
height finish off the GXP's ground-hugging appearance.
Inside, red accents give the
GXP a sportier flavor than a standard G6. The red chrome trim on the instrument
cluster, center stack and door controls augments the red leather seat and
door panel inserts.
Under the hood, the G6 GXP
uses a modified 3.9-liter V-6 engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
Linking a ram air induction system with K&N air filter to a cat-back free
flowing exhaust helps boost engine output to 270 horsepower (202 kw) and
259 lb.-ft. of torque (358 Nm).
The GXP performance series
was introduced in 2003 with the Bonneville GXP. The Grand Prix GXP joined
the line in 2005 and currently accounts for 30 percent of all Grand Prix
retail sales. The Solstice GXP launches this fall.
