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Pontiac’s G6 is not merely a replacement for the Grand Am, but a family of vehicles that includes a coupe and a convertible with a retractable hardtop in addition to the four-door.

In keeping with their sporty styling, the coupe and convertible are available in GT and GTP trim. I drove a GTP coupe that had a 240-horsepower V-6, sports suspension and six-speed manual gearbox.

Even though the coupe looks smaller than the sedan because of the steeply sloping roof, it has the same 112.3-inch wheelbase. The coupe also has individual body panels from the windshield back. Chiseled body panels and short front and rear overhangs give it a taut, lean look.

The roofline slopes dramatically from the top of the windshield to the trunk. Smaller adults can fit in the back seat, but they won’t like it if they’re claustrophobic. When I was seated in the back, the roof just barely cleared my head, which was actually under the glass window, not the top. Rear-seat legroom is good, and wide doors and front seats that slide forward facilitate getting in. A small console and cup holder divide the back seat. Given the low roof, it’s natural to assume that the back seat is best used by kids, pets or briefcases.

The GTP performance package consists of a 3.9-liter V-6 that uses variable valve timing to generate 240 horsepower and 241 pound-feet of torque. This engine is one of a family of new cam-in-block V-6 engines that adjust the orientation of the camshaft to alter intake and exhaust valve timing.

The GTP’s V-6 produces good power across a wide range. Strong acceleration and good midrange throttle response enhance performance. The six-speed manual transmission is the ticket for obtaining maximum performance, but a rough shift linkage spoils its advantage.

A sport suspension is another key component of the GTP package. The G6’s body structure is quite stiff, thanks in part to a cross-car magnesium beam behind the instrument panel, and that translates into a solid ride with tight handling. Cranking 240 horses through the front wheels occasionally causes the front wheels to tug one way or another on hard acceleration.

The variable-assist electric power steering occasionally feels a bit vague, mostly in tight turns.

The GTP’s cabin is sporty without being gaudy. The bucket seats are contoured to give good lateral support. The top of the instrument panel is dark to cut down on glare, while the bottom portion is light to give a feeling of airiness. Handsome gauges have chrome trim rings, white numbers and red needles and glow red at night.

The controls on the center stack are small and chunky, unlike those in many of GM’s newest interiors. Redundant radio controls are mounted on the steering wheel spokes.

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Price

The test car’s base price was $23,985. Options included 18-inch alloy wheels, a six-disc CD player, power sunroof, heated leather seats, OnStar, side-impact and side-curtain airbags, manual transmission, 3.55 axle ratio and woodgrain trim accents. The sticker price was $28,310.

Warranty

Three years or 36,000 miles.

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Engine: 3.9-liter, 240-hp V-6

Transmission: Six-speed

Front-wheel drive

Wheelbase: 112.3 inches

Curb weight: 3,428 lbs.

Base price: $23,985

As driven: $28,310

MPG rating: 18 city, 29 hwy.

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At A Glance

Point: Pontiac’s G6 coupe has a sleek profile and chiseled styling. The GTP has a 240-horsepower V-6, sport suspension and an optional six-speed manual transmission. Bucket seats and handsome gauges complement the interior.

Counterpoint: The coupe profile results in a back seat with very little headroom. The six-speed’s shift linkage is rough, and the center stack’s controls are small and chunky.

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To get in touch with Tom Strongman, send e-mail to tstrongman@kc.rr.com.