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Pontiac adds a sleek-looking coupe and a hardtop convertible to the G6 lineup for 2006, boosting the midsize sedan with some sporty relatives.

For me, the two-door coupe with its attractive fastback styling and GTP performance enhancements was a welcomed improvement over the sedan I drove last year. I found the standard-issue four-door G6 to be depressingly ordinary, not nearly what one might expect from GM’s “excitement division.”

The thinking is that Pontiac should be the BMW of North America, producing cars that combine power, technology and agility and that set a standard for which others aspire. Aside from the landmark Solstice sport car, Pontiac has failed to push the possibilities.

Even the resurrection of the famed GTO turned sour. I thought the Australian-Detroit blend was pretty good, but the expected hordes of muscle-car fans failed to materialize.

The alphanumeric name G6 GTP might not resound, but the attractive car offers plenty to like. Though it would be a stretch to call it a sports coupe, the firm suspension and newly minted 3.9-liter V-6 create a desirable touring car that is strong, maneuverable and comfortable.

GM calls the V-6 a “cam-in-block” design, though that seems like a fancy way to describe a standard pushrod engine, as opposed to the overhead-cam V-6s that proliferate in today’s cars. Nothing to criticize, as the 3.9 churns out 240 horsepower and decent gas mileage.

Still, the GTP provides only some of what is needed to lift the brand. Responsive steering and a more balanced feel would help.

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The lowdown

PERFORMANCE: The 3.9-liter V-6 offers plenty of horsepower and loads of torque, enough to make G6 GTP jump off the line and roar. Compared with the 3.5-liter, 201-horse V-6 in the non-GTP, the new engine is stronger, smoother and more flexible.

The four-speed automatic performed well, though GM needs to join the new millennium and the other auto firms that provide five- or six-gear automatics. The reason? Better performance and fuel economy and smoother operation. A six-speed manual also is offered for the GTP.

DRIVABILITY: The firmed up GTP suspension improves handling, though the coupe still has a ride that’s designed for comfort, not for tossing into curves. The car tracks well and would make a fine companion for a long road trip.

The steering feels heavy and remote, though responsive, and the sense overall is of too much weight over the front wheels and a tendency to plow into turns.

The GTP comes standard with stability control, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock and sports suspension.

STYLING: The G6 Coupe hits the mark here, with a handsomely sloping roof over a chiseled body. The wedge shape is strongly evident, with a high waistline that rises to the rear.

The look is both sporty and sophisticated.

INTERIOR: Small people might find the interior claustrophobic because of that high waistline, with the bottoms of the windows above eyebrow level for some in the back seat.

Actually, those backseat people had better be pretty short anyway, because the sloping roofline cuts into headroom in a big way.

The dashboard and interior trim are simple and attractive, with sporty highlights that add appeal.

BOTTOM LINE: A beautiful coupe with performance that nearly, but not quite, lives up to the styling.

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Related

Vehicle type: Four-passenger, two-door coupe, front-wheel drive.

Engine: 3.9-liter V-6, 240 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 241 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm.

Transmission: 4-speed automatic.

Wheelbase: 112.3 inches.

Overall length: 189 inches.

Curb weight: 3,428 pounds.

EPA rating: 18 city, 26 highway.

Highs: Sporty styling, acceleration, interior comfort.

Lows: Scant rear headroom, numb steering, nose-heavy.

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Pricing

Base price: $23,985.

Price as tested: $28,585.

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Options

* Premium value package, including 18-inch polished-alloy wheels, audio upgrade with six-disc CD player, sunroof, $1,550

* Leather package, including leather seats, steering wheel, shift knob and parking-brake handle; six-way power driver’s seat; heated front seats; $1,265

* Onstar communications system, $695

* Front side-impact and head-curtain air bags, $650

* Remote starting, $150

* Power adjustable pedals, $125

* Shipping, $625