2009 Pontiac G6: What's New

Vehicle Overview
Pontiac’s sporty midsize front-wheel-drive G6 is available as a sedan, coupe and retractable-hardtop convertible, and is aimed at the Mazda6, Mitsubishi Galant and Nissan Altima. A GXP high-performance trim, available as a coupe or sedan, was added to the lineup in 2008.

New for 2009
A four-cylinder engine is available with a six-speed automatic transmission to increase fuel economy. The G6 was also updated in the middle of the car’s model year.

Exterior
Built on a 112.3-inch wheelbase, each body style has short overhangs and measures 189 inches long overall and 70.6 inches wide. The G6 is longer than the Mazda6 and Altima but 2 inches shorter than the Galant. It’s roughly the same width as the Mazda6 and Altima but 2 inches narrower than the Galant.

GXP models receive their own front- and rear-end designs with new rocker moldings, dual-exiting exhaust and polished stainless-steel grille outlines. A Street Edition adds dual hood scoops and a unique rear spoiler to the GXP.

• Wedge-shaped profile, wraparound headlights and triangular wraparound taillamps
• Twin-port grille has chrome accents and mesh inserts
• 16-inch wheels for base sedan
• 17-inch wheels for GT models
• 18-inch wheels for GXP editions
• New colors include Quicksilver Metallic, Summit White, Gold Mist Metallic and Silver Green Metallic

Interior
Like other Pontiacs, the G6 cockpit has sporty controls and racing-style gauges with red LED backlighting. The coupe and retractable-hardtop models have seating for four, but the sedan can seat up to five.

Because of its relatively long wheelbase, the G6 sedan promises abundant backseat legroom. The sedan’s trunk measures 14 cubic feet — the coupe’s and convertible’s are slightly smaller at 12 and 12.6 cubic feet, respectively — but the convertible’s drops to 2.2 cubic feet when the top is down. Competing cars such as the Mazda6, Galant and Altima are not available as convertibles.

• Brushed metal accents and chrome trim
• Standard tilt/telescoping steering wheel
• Optional adjustable pedals
• Standard XM Satellite Radio
• Standard remote start on GT and GXP trims; optional on base G6

Under the Hood
Just as there is a variety of body styles, the G6 also has a range of engine and transmission choices.

• Base: 164-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder with four- or six-speed automatic transmission
• GT: 219-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 with four-speed automatic
• GXP: 252-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 with six-speed automatic
• Convertible: 222-hp, 3.9-liter V-6 with four-speed automatic
• Fully independent suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars standard

Safety

• Standard all-disc antilock brakes and traction control on all models
• Electronic stability system is optional (standard on GXP sedans, coupes and convertibles)
• Side curtain and side-impact airbags standard in coupes and sedans

2009.5 G6
Pontiac’s updated version of its G6 midsize car receives new exterior styling, nicer controls for the stereo and air-conditioning systems, and restyled gauges. Designated a 2009.5 model, the updated G6 hits dealerships in January 2009. Competitors include the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Mazda6.

Exterior
Pontiac’s subtle restyling of the G6’s front end may go unnoticed by some car shoppers, but the changes include a new twin-port grille and revised lower-bumper styling. The updates are more evident if you’re able to look at a previous G6 side by side with the new one, and Pontiac seems to be heading in the right direction with the way it’s evolving the look of the car.

Other exterior changes are equally subtle, like the mildly restyled headlights and rear bumper. The G6 is available in three body styles: sedan, coupe and retractable-hardtop convertible.

Interior
Competitors had left the G6 behind in terms of cabin quality, but the updates for the 2009.5 model year somewhat address this issue. Like the Chevrolet Malibu and Saturn Aura with which it shares its platform, the G6 now uses GM’s corporate audio and air-conditioning controls in the center of the dashboard. The lettering and backlighting for the gauges are also new.

These changes — especially the new center controls — raise the level of refinement in the G6’s cabin, but it still doesn’t offer the sense of quality that an Accord or GM’s own Chevrolet Malibu does. GM’s optional My Link system includes a USB port for connecting and controlling select portable music players with the stereo.

Under the Hood
The front-wheel-drive G6 is available with a choice of four engines: one four-cylinder and three V-6s. The base 164-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder is the most efficient engine of the bunch, with an EPA-estimated 22/33 mpg city/highway when paired with the six-speed automatic transmission.

The G6’s six-cylinder engine choices include a flex-fuel 219-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 (217 hp in convertibles); a 222-hp, 3.9-liter V-6; and a 252-hp, 3.6-liter V-6.

Safety
Available safety features include antilock brakes, side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags. An electronic stability system is optional.