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Pontiac’s G6 is not merely a replacement for the Grand Am, but a family of vehicles that includes a sedan, coupe and a convertible with a retractable hardtop.

The G6 family is decidedly sporty, and the four-door sedan looks as athletic and energetic as the coupe.

For 2007, the top-of-the-line GTP gets GM’s 3.6-liter V-6 rated at 252 horsepower. The engine is the same as the one used so successfully in Saturn’s Aura, a car that shares much of its body and architecture with the G6.

The new engine has variable valve timing, four valves per cylinder and a torque-based engine management system that enables it to achieve good power and fuel economy. The Environmental Protection Agency rates this engine at 20 miles per gallon in the city and 28 on the highway.

On the road, this engine is a model of good behavior. Acceleration is strong all across the rpm range, and it cruises with a minimum of noise and vibration.

A six-speed automatic transmission drives the front wheels. The six-speed shifts smoothly, and the wide range of gearing improves both acceleration and fuel economy.

The G6 sedan has chiseled body panels and short front and rear overhangs that give it a taut, lean look. The pointed nose and pronounced wedge shape allow it to slip cleanly through the air.

The G6 has a 112.3-inch wheelbase, and the wheels are pushed well out to the ends of the vehicle. Both the windshield and the roof slope dramatically. Rear-seat accommodations are decent, but the coupelike roof infringes on headroom.

A sport suspension is a 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. The sport suspension limits body roll in turns, and while the ride is fairly compliant, it doesn’t have the buttoned-down feel of an import. Cranking 252 horses through the front wheels is accomplished with a minimum of torque steer.

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 instrument panel has nice textures, but the radio and climate controls on the center stack have chunky knobs that lack the sophistication found in the Saturn Aura, for example. Handsome gauges have chrome trim rings, white numbers and red needles. Night lighting is red.

The test car’s steering wheel was equipped with fingertip controls for the cruise control and audio system. The buttons, rather small and flush with the surface of the wheel, weren’t as easy to operate as they could be.

The trunk is fairly spacious, and the split-folding back seat can be opened forward for long items. The backs of the rear seat are covered with ribbed plastic. Levers that unlatch the seat are mounted in the trunk, and while that seems handy at first, you still have to walk around to the back door to fold down the seat after the levers have been pulled. Price

The test car has a base price of $24,400. Options included a panoramic sunroof, upgraded audio system with six-disc CD player, heated leather seats, OnStar and adjustable pedals. The sticker price was $28,920.

Warranty

Three years or 36,000 miles with a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Engine: 3.6-liter, 252-hp V-6

Transmission: Six-speed

Front-wheel drive

Wheelbase: 112.3 inches

Curb weight: 3,428 lbs.

Base price: $24,400

As driven: $28,920

MPG rating: 20 city, 28 hwy.