PONTIAC G6 SPORTS SEDAN DELIVERS TOTAL PERFORMANCE, STYLE AND REFINEMENT

DETROIT - No limitations, no compromises and no excuses. No kidding.

Pontiac revealed its all-new G6 sports sedan at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It goes on sale in Fall 2004. Additional models, including a 2+2 sports coupe and a convertible, will follow the sedan’s rollout.

When it came to developing the 2005 G6, Pontiac set out to challenge the look and feel of sporty midsize cars - and “compromise” wasn’t in the lexicon of change. This all-new sports sedan reinvigorates the midsize segment with contemporary design, total performance and exceptional attention to detail.

“The G6 is a game-changing car,” said Lynn Myers, Pontiac-GMC general manager. “All the elements came together in a way that emphasizes Pontiac’s fresh design direction and renewed performance spirit – and demonstrates GM’s commitment to leadership in the passenger car market.”

With its contemporary, sensuous styling and athletic proportions, the G6 is a tightly wrapped package of total performance, engaging driver’s environment and outstanding quality and safety. Highlights include:

• All-new family of performance oriented powertrains, including a 170-horsepower HO 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder, 200-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 and 240-horsepower HO 3.9-liter V-6
• Sophisticated, electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode standard on GT model
• European-designed high performance six-speed manual transmission available with the 3.9-liter V-6
• Class-leading 112.3-inch wheelbase, enabling fresh, contemporary styling, exceptional ride and handling, and the rear-seat legroom of a larger car
• Four-wheel sport-tuned independent suspension, with MacPherson strut front suspension, four-link independent rear suspension, variable-assist electric power steering, full function traction control, and a range of 16-, 17-, and 18-inch performance wheels and tires
• GM’s global Epsilon architecture with cross-car magnesium beam results in 27.3 Hz bending frequency which provides rigidity and body stiffness for quiet, solid and more responsive ride and handling characteristics
• Engaging, driver-oriented interior with sporty, refined controls and instrument layout; tilt and telescoping steering column; available adjustable pedals; highly bolstered, body-hugging seats; automatic climate control; racing-style gauges with true-red LED instrument backlighting; and premium sound system with in-dash 6-CD changer
• Market-exclusive Panoramic roof, which features four sliding glass panels to create a convertible-style open-air driving experience
• Contemporary, sensuous design with upscale refinement and attention to detail
• Outstanding quality, reliability and safety, including standard dual-stage air bags, and available side- and head curtain air bags
• Available remote start.

“The G6’s responsive performance and high level of refinement are impressive and typically found in more expensive sports sedans,” said Myers.

Solid foundation:

Built on GM’s rigid, European-designed Epsilon architecture, the G6 delivers responsive ride and handling qualities thanks, in part, to its class-leading 112.3-inch wheelbase. Stretching more than five inches longer than key midsize competitors, the G6’s wheelbase pushes the wheels to the corners of the body, enabling razor-sharp handling with minimal body roll.

The G6’s long wheelbase is comparable to full-size sedans, giving rear-seat passengers class-leading legroom. On the outside, the aggressive proportions culminate in a taut, contemporary design.

“The benefit of the all-new architecture allowed a clean-sheet approach, enabling us to design a great looking, great driving car with outstanding performance, comfort and utility,” said Gene Stefanyshyn, GM vehicle line executive, midsize cars.

The G6’s unique proportions allowed many unexpected details, including rear passenger door glass that rolls down all the way and the available Panoramic sliding roof – a four-panel, electronically operated glass roof. Three of the four panels slide rearward, creating a sunroof large enough for even the rear-seat passengers to enjoy an open-air, almost convertible-like experience; the front panel tilts up as an air deflector. The G6 sedan currently is the only automobile in North America to offer this sliding roof design.

Refined design:

With its long wheelbase and short overhangs, the G6 has a dramatic profile. Designers pulled the A-pillars forward, raking the windshield and sharpening the vehicle’s aggressive good looks with a wedge-shaped profile that suggests motion even when the car is stationary – it’s a bold, yet clean look that characterizes Pontiac’s new, contemporary design philosophy.

The G6’s lithe good looks are reinforced with numerous refinements, including prominent, projector-beam headlamps and fog lamps with crystal-clear lenses and jewel-like lighting elements. The Pontiac signature twin-port grille features chrome accents and mesh center sections made from galvanized steel.

At the rear of the vehicle, large, bright tail lamps flank a prominent trunk that is designed for easy loading. And though many competitors in the midsize segment have gooseneck-style trunk hinges that can impede storage space, the G6 features gas-charged struts that do not interfere with cargo when the trunk is closed. It’s a feature typically found on more expensive cars.

Driver-oriented interior:

Complementing the G6’s bold exterior is a driver-focused, sports car cockpit with intuitively placed controls. Refinement and attention to detail are immediately apparent, from the brushed metal accents and chrome trim, to the precise, crisp true-red LED backlighting on the instrument panel.

An upscale aura is conveyed through the use of materials selected for their rich, textured surface and low-gloss appearance. Touch points, such as the HVAC vents and dashboard controls, operate firmly and directly – further heightening the G6’s feeling of precision.

The seats were designed to support the G6’s sporting nature. The front seats, with their firm yet compliant feel and high-bolstered sides, are comfortable and hold the driver and passengers confidently in place as the road begins to twist. Settling into the right driving position for those twisting roads is made easier with tilt and telescoping steering column and available adjustable pedals. Driving confidence also is enhanced with the thick, leather-wrapped four-spoke steering wheel, which works harmoniously with the variable-assist electric power steering to react immediately to driver input.

Other interior features include: available remote start; automatic climate control that maintains constant programmed cabin temperatures by automatically switching heating and air conditioning modes; premium Monsoon sound system with in-dash 6-CD changer, sub-woofer and available steering wheel controls; personalized driver information center; 100/60/40 rear-seat folding combinations; and available XM Satellite Radio.

Exceptional powertrains:

Simply put, the G6’s new family of powertrains complements its athletic good looks and “let’s-do-that-curve-again” handling. At the start of production the G6 and G6 GT models will be offered with a new 3.5-liter V-6 engine, rated at 200 horsepower and 220 lb.-ft. of torque – more standard power and torque than the Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series. The engine has broad power bands that produce stirring performance for low-rpm acceleration and high-rpm responsiveness. Technical innovations, including electronic throttle control, enhance the connection between driver and car.

The 3.5 V-6 is backed by the Hydra-Matic 4T45-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. For drivers who enjoy more control of the engine’s power bands, the G6 GT’s automatic transmission also is equipped with a manual shift mode. The feature allows the driver to manually select the gears without the need for a clutch or just leave it in the fully automatic mode.

With the manual-shift mode, sophisticated programming allows much more driver control than some competitors’ manual-control automatics. Gear changes are quick and crisp; and although the system’s programming won’t allow the engine to rev into a damaging rpm zone, it will not shift for the driver when in manual mode.

“The driver has total control with the transmission in manual-shift mode,” said Stefanyshyn. “It adds an exhilarating component to an already rewarding driving experience and supports the G6’s total performance mission.”

Later in the ’05 model year, the G6 GTP debuts with an all-new 3.9-liter HO V-6. Rated at 240 horsepower, the powerful V-6 also benefits from variable valve timing and active air intake technology. Transmission choices include a Hydra-Matic 4T65-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic with manual shift mode or an all-new, high-performance six-speed manual transmission.

For the 2006 model year, the G6 will add a 2.4-liter HO four-cylinder to its lineup. The all-aluminum, DOHC 16-valve Ecotec engine delivers 170 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. of torque. It is mated to the 4T45-E transmission.

Intuitive handling:

With its wheels at the corners and long wheelbase, the G6 significantly raises the bar for responsive handling in the midsize segment. The 112.3-inch wheelbase provides a smooth ride and enables more aggressive and responsive suspension tuning.

The front suspension consists of a MacPherson strut design with aluminum control arms and a direct acting stabilizer bar. The suspension is mounted to a U-shaped hydroformed chassis cradle that is isolated from the chassis with four specially tuned rubber mounts. The mounts reduce noise, vibration and harshness felt in the vehicle for a smoother, quieter ride.

In the rear, a four-link independent suspension design uses twin-tube shocks and, like the front suspension, a direct acting stabilizer bar. Attached to the shocks, in addition to the chassis, direct acting stabilizer bars respond more quickly to suspension loads and driver input, as well as reduce body roll.

Sixteen-inch wheels are standard on the G6, with 17-inch wheels standard on GT and GTP models. GTP customers also will be able to select optional 18-inch wheels.

Variable-assist electric power steering (EPS) is standard and aids low-speed maneuvering with a lighter feel, while increasing in firmness at higher speeds. EPS reduces underhood mass and, because there is no hydraulic fluid, eliminates a potential environmental pollutant.

World-class braking also is an integral component of G6’s performance. Large, heavy-duty four-wheel disc brakes have superior caliper drag performance that contributes to improved fuel economy and reduced pulsation, as well as European-style brake pads that provide excellent pedal feel, stopping power and fade resistance. Anti-lock brakes are standard on GT models.

Enhanced Traction System full-function traction control and Vehicle Dynamic Control System, which uses a yaw sensor and other features to keep the vehicle under control in the most challenging driving conditions, also are available.

Safety assurances:

The solid Epsilon architecture provides the G6 with built-in safety assurance. Its safety cage construction is complemented with reinforcements in the rocker areas, front body hinge pillar and roof pillars designed to improve impact protection.

A magnesium cross-car beam is an integral component in the G6’s safety construction. Serving as the foundation for the dashboard, this beam ties together the lower sections of the A-pillars and helps the vehicle protect passengers in side-impact crashes. Additionally, high-strength steel is used throughout the architecture in strategic areas to bolster overall strength.

The G6 comes standard with dual-stage front air bags, seatbelt pretensioners and an energy absorbing steering column. Head curtain “roof rail” side air bags, which help protect the outboard front and rear passengers’ head and upper torso during a side-impact collision, are available. Seat-mounted side air bags, which help protect the thorax in side collisions, also are available.

Remote keyless entry and a content theft alarm are standard on V-6 models.

“The G6 has the refinement and attention to detail needed to compete in today’s competitive sports sedan market,” said Myers. “Its outstanding power, ride and handling make G6 a ‘gotta have’ car for sports sedan enthusiasts.”

Story by Pontiac