New 2009 Pontiac G6

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.

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.

Exterior features include: wedge-shaped profile, wraparound headlights and triangular wraparound taillamps; twin-port grille has chrome accents; 16-inch wheels for base sedan; 17-inch wheels for GT models; 18-inch wheels for GXP editions and new colors: 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.

Other interior features include: brushed metal accents and chrome trim; standard tilt/telescoping steering wheel; optional adjustable pedals; standard XM Satellite Radio and 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. The base model has a 164-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a four- or six-speed automatic transmission.  The GT has a 219-hp, 3.5-liter V-6, four-speed automatic engine and the GXP has a 252-hp, 3.6-liter V-6, six-speed automatic engine.  The convertible has a 222-hp, 3.9-liter V-6.

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