GM released more info on the tuner G6 it plans to unveil at the New York show next week. According to the spec sheet, it's accessorized with the finest JC Whitney has to offer: 3.9-liter V6, six-speed manual, ram air induction with K&N air filter, and cat-back exhaust. (Ok, Ok, we kid.) Still, it's a real sports car — which the G6 line (and Pontiac in general) desperately needs — despite the front drive. It kind of reminds us (and our readers) of the supercharged 1997 Grand Prix GTP, which had 240hp to the front wheels, compared to the GXP's 270. Ok, we're piqued.
Click through for press release.
Press Release:
Pontiac Unveils G6 GXP Show Car
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."
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.
Pontiac is a division of General Motors Corporation (NYSE: GM) and markets the G6 sedan, coupe and convertible, GTO, Solstice roadster, Torrent SUV, Grand Prix, and Vibe. Later in 2006, Pontiac will introduce the Solstice GXP roadster and the G5 coupe. Pontiac sold more than 437,000 vehicles in 2005, ranking third among GM divisions in total sales. More information on Pontiac and its products can be found on the division's website at www.pontiac.com and in Spanish at www.pontiac.com/espanol.
Related:
Pontiac to Show G6 GXP Concept in New York [internal]