The tail is a bit more generic appearing than the nose. It's not unattractive, but doesn't scream Pontiac, as does the front end. Contoured taillamp lenses similar to the units used on the 2004 Grand Prix characterize it, but also are similar to those used on the Chrysler Neon and other vehicles. The rear bumper fascia is smooth and like the body sides, free of ridges. A neatly designed license plate recess also houses the round reverse lamps. Flush-mounted quad titanium exhaust outlets provide an elegant, yet muscular touch. The one-off sport sedan's color scheme is listed as tri-coated "Flint" finish, with matching blue-gray tinted glass, making for an integrated visual package.
G6's aggressive performance image is further exemplified in the choice of rolling stock. A set of custom GM-designed, five-spoke, 20-inch billet aluminum wheels mount a set of experimental Goodyear tires.
Inside, is a highly styled, though ergonomically friendly environment, offering the sporty and luxurious appointments befitting a one-off concept car. Yet, the design is still grounded enough to have an eye at future production. The materials used, including burgundy and slate blue leather and titanium, add to the interior's sensory appeal.
The driver is greeted to a cockpit-style dash and console, giving a sense of control and ease of operation. Its main gauge cluster is housed in a hooded shell, which rises above the plane of the dash panel containing a large speedometer, a smaller tachometer to the left and smaller yet fuel and temperature gauges to its right. The design is fresh and cutting-edge, yet almost looks like a modern interpretation of the classic '59 Pontiac dash.
A multi-hue, leather-wrapped steering wheel with a unique four-spoke deign is slightly flattened at the bottom, giving a little extra thigh room. The instrument panel sports a unique, molded Y-grain surface.
Owing to its sporty nature, the G6 features four leather-covered bucket seats, with a full-length console passing between them. The console even houses a second radio-CD stereo system with headphones for rear seat passengers. Custom mesh flooring, which moves up from the floor to cradle the rear bucket seats, is also featured. All trim, such as door handles, the shifter and appliques are brushed titanium, giving a 21st century-style elegance.
PowertrainThis sport sedan imaging needs the hardware to back up the message. The G6's powertrain is a potent combination of upcoming production pieces and items already in production.
A 3.5L, V-6 based on the upcoming redesign of the current 60 degree V-6 engine family is employed. It features an Eaton Generation IV supercharger and "Displacement on Demand" technology, which electronically cuts out three cylinders during light-throttle operation in third and fourth gears. When added power is needed, the deactivated cylinders re-engage in a fraction of a second, making the transition imperceptible to the driver.
Though peak rpm levels and boost pressures are not released, the engine is rated at 285hp and 272 ft-lbs of torque. Power is transferred to a 4T65-E four-speed automatic transaxle with tap-up-tap-down shifting and an Aztek rear differential providing all wheel drive. Both front and rear independent suspension systems exhibit adjustable ride height control and the chassis features a structural "backbone" transmission tunnel, similar in design to those used on the Corvette and the new Cadillac XLR. Braking is aptly handled with four-piston calipers and 13-inch rotors all around.
With AWD, 285hp and a curb weight of 3,310 pounds, performance should be very brisk. If those numbers are accurate, the G6 at least theoretically should be in the high fives 0-60 and run a quarter-mile in the low 14s at 100+mph. Where do we sign up?