2008 Pontiac G6 GXP review

Pontiac G6 GXP review:

Bringing a new, performance-oriented dimension to the G6's broad lineup the 2008 G6 GXP performance coupe and sedan will be available with both base and Street edition packages.

With their new front fascia, which features new fog lamps and braided polished stainless steel upper and outboard lower grille inserts with chrome surrounds on the upper grille sections leading to a revised hood with scoops the G6 GXP Street edition models are easily identified. New body side rocker moldings lead to a redesigned rear fascia with two exhaust openings. Chrome, dual-wall tips exit through the openings. A rear spoiler also is part of the GXP package, but is specific to either the coupe or sedan; the coupe model receives a larger, more aggressive "hammerhead" spoiler. GXP-specific 18-inch wheels are also standard in the Street edition package.

All G6 GXP models are powered by GM Powertrain's 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing. It is rated at 252 horsepower (188 kW) at 6300 rpm and 251 lb.-ft. of torque (341 Nm) at 3200 rpm. The engine is a state-of-the-art, DOHC powerplant that uses full four-cam phasing, rapid date processing and torque-based engine management to optimize power, economy and emissions performance.

The 3.6-liter V-6 VVT engine is mated to a new Hydra-Matic 6T70 electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission. It is an advanced transmission with state-of-the-art clutch-to-clutch shift operation, designed for high-performance front-wheel drive applications. Clutch-to-clutch operation allows for reduced complexity and compact packaging. The six-speed automatic improves vehicle performance up to 8 percent and increases fuel economy up to 4 percent over current front-wheel-drive four-speed automatics.

With refined controls and instrument layouts the G6 GXP models have sporty and driver-oriented interiors.
Standard features include highly bolstered, body-hugging seats, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, racing-style gauges with true-red LED instrument backlighting, automatic climate control, 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 changers and remote vehicle start. GXP-specific leather-appointed seating with two-tone inserts is available.

On the road, the G6 GXP coupe and sedan deliver the type of responsive ride and handling characteristics expected from Pontiac 's performance series. They are equipped with GXP-specific sport-tuned suspensions, as well as GM's StabiliTrak electronic stability control system as standard equipment.

The front suspension uses a MacPherson strut design, 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. At the rear, a four-link independent suspension design uses twin-tube shock absorbers and another direct acting stabilizer bar, all intended to minimize body roll during cornering. High-performance braking is an integral part of the G6's sporty nature. Large, heavy-duty four-wheel disc brakes provide excellent stopping power and great fade resistance. Front discs are vented and the rears are solid. Four-channel ABS is standard.

Base G6 GXP models receive standard 18-inch aluminum alloy painted flangeless five-spoke wheels, while those opting for the Street edition will receive a unique 18-inch wheel. Black chrome-finished 18-inch aluminum wheels are also available.