2004 Pontiac G6

DETROIT - It's not just another sedan. (concept carz) With its contemporary, sensuous styling, class-stretching dimensions and European-bred handling dynamics, the all-new 2005 Pontiac G6 sports sedan challenges the conventional wisdom of the midsize sedan market.

It's also the latest example of Pontiac's renaissance - a movement that is reinvigorating the marketplace with responsive, driver-focused vehicles.

Pontiac revealed the G6 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It goes on sale in Fall 2004. Additional models of the G6 will follow, including a 2+2 sports coupe and a convertible.

"The G6 is a sports sedan with a contemporary flair," said Lynn Myers, Pontiac-GMC general manager. "Its combination of sensuous style, exhilarating performance and overall refinement will attract new customers who, frankly, looked to imports for this kind of driving experience. Now, they can get it from Pontiac."

The G6's exceptional ride and handling, contemporary styling and generous rear seat legroom are enabled by its class-leading 112.3-inch wheelbase. Comparable with many larger cars, the G6's wheelbase pushes the wheels to the corners, delivering the smooth ride expected of full-size luxury sedans and the responsive handling, with minimal body roll, demanded by sports car enthusiasts. The 112.3-inch wheelbase also gives rear-seat passengers 37.6 inches of legroom - more than BMW 3-Series or Nissan Altima - and enables the G6's tightly wrapped design.

"There's nothing else like the G6 in terms of style, performance and refinement," said Myers. "It's a total package that is helping Pontiac re-establish itself as a performance division."

The G6's total performance attributes include:
- All-new family of performance-oriented powertrains, including a 175-horsepower HO 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder, 200-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 and 240-horsepower HO 3.9-liter V-6
- Sophisticated, electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode standard on GT model
- European-designed high-performance six-speed manual transmission available with 3.9 V-6
- Class-leading 112.3-inch wheelbase, enabling fresh, contemporary styling, exceptional ride and handling, and generous rear-seat leg room
- Four-wheel sport-tuned independent suspension, with MacPherson strut front suspension, four-link independent rear suspension, variable-assist electric power steering, full function traction control, and a range of 16-, 17- and 18-inch performance wheels and tires
- GM's global Epsilon architecture with cross-car magnesium beam results in 27.3 Hz bending frequency which provide rigidity and body stiffness for quiet, solid and more responsive ride and handling characteristics
- Engaging, driver-oriented interior with sporty, refined controls and instrument layout; tilt and telescoping steering column; available adjustable pedals; highly bolstered, body-hugging seats; automatic climate control; racing-style gauges with true-red LED instrument backlighting; and premium sound system with in-dash 6-CD changer
- Market-exclusive Panoramic roof, which features four sliding glass panels to create a convertible-style open-air driving experience
- Contemporary, sensuous design with upscale refinement and attention to detail
- Outstanding quality, reliability and safety, including standard dual-stage air bags, and available side- and head curtain air bags
- Available remote start

"The G6 builds on the Pontiac renaissance which began with the Vibe and continues to gain traction with the '04 Grand Prix and the new GTO," said Myers. "Fresh, clean styling and uncompromising performance are the cornerstones of Pontiac's renaissance and the building blocks of future products."

Pontiac's renewed performance passion can also be seen in the 2004 Bonneville GXP, a full-size performance sedan with a powerful V-8 under its hood - the second V-8-powered vehicle introduced by Pontiac within four months - and the exciting Solstice roadster.

"They're all cars you want to own," said Myers.



"The new power of Pontiac is here," said Myers. "And we've got the credentials to back that up."

Source - Pontiac Media

DETROIT - At 112.3 inches, the wheelbase of the all-new, midsize 2005 Pontiac G6 sports sedan rivals that of larger cars, yet its overall length is 187.7 inches. These dramatic proportions were the foundation designers used to sculpt a taut, expressive sedan in Pontiac's fresh, contemporary design language.

The G6 sports sedan, as well as 2+2 sports coupe and convertible models to be introduced later, is the newest example of Pontiac's design direction, which combines smooth surfaces and contemporary forms with refined details. The G6 sedan goes on sale in Fall 2004.

"The G6's design says everything about Pontiac's renaissance," said Jeff Perkins, design manager for the G6. "Performance is expressed through clean, dramatic proportions and refined details - it looks fast even while sitting still."

With the class-leading wheelbase as the reference point, designers pushed out the A-pillars and C-pillars to complement the G6's wheels-at-the-corners stance. Along with a wedge-shaped beltline, the raked windshield and rear window help to visually lower the vehicle. Its stance also is accented by tightly wrapped front and rear fascias.

"The G6 is about the same length as the Grand Am, but the wheelbase is five inches longer - that creates dramatically shorter overhangs, which allowed us to wrap the front and rear fascias around the corners for a tighter appearance," said Perkins. "The headlamps and taillamps also were wrapped around the corners to enhance the tight design."

Athletic cues are found in the prominent wheel flares, which were designed around the G6's family of 16-, 17- and 18-inch wheel-and-tire combinations. More pronounced rear flares were enabled by the 112.3-inch wheelbase, which permitted a wider rear track. The flares and sport-touring tires add visual width to the car, enhancing its firmly planted, wide track stance.

European foundation
Beneath the G6's tightly wrapped skin is GM's global Epsilon architecture, which was initially developed in Europe. With numerous built-in strengths, including three integral "torque rings," a magnesium cross-car beam and strategic placement of high-strength steel, the Epsilon architecture is a solid platform that enables the G6 to be built with some of the tightest tolerances at GM. This includes hood and door gaps of 3-3.5 mm.

The G6's windshield and rear glass, for example, do not have traditional sealing frames - the accuracy and exactness of the vehicle architecture allows these two large glass panels to be installed flush with the surrounding bodywork. This contributes to the G6's overall sleek appearance and also is a tangible reference of the vehicle's precise build quality.

High-quality details are found in the G6's lighting elements, too. Crystal-clear lenses cover jewel-looking headlamp elements that consist of three-bulb configurations with high-tech projector beams mounted in highly chromed bezels and specially designed parabolas. The front fog lamps are small and high-tech in appearance, cutting through darkness and fog with laser-like projector beams. The rear lamps also have clear lenses and bright, prominent lighting elements.

"The headlamps and taillamps were details that designers became particularly involved with," said Perkins. "From the placement of the bulbs to the shape of the parabolas, they were designed to enhance the refined performance aesthetic of the G6."



"The more you look at the G6, the more the details stand out," said Perkins. "Its bold design and subtle refinements complement the vehicle's authentic performance dynamics."

Source - Pontiac Media

2005 PONTIAC G6 SEDAN: NO COMPROMISES

When it came to developing the all-new 2005 G6, Pontiac set out to challenge the look and feel of sporty midsize cars – and 'compromise' wasn't in the lexicon of change. This all-new sports sedan reinvigorates the midsize segment with contemporary design, total performance and exceptional attention to detail.
'The G6 is going to shake up the midsize segment,' said Jim Bunnell, Pontiac-GMC general manager. 'It represents Pontiac's performance renaissance through fresh design and dynamic driving experience - and it demonstrates GM's commitment to leadership in the passenger car market.'




• New 3.5-liter V-6 with 200 horsepower (149 kw) and 205 lb.-ft. of torque (278 Nm)

• Sophisticated, electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode standard on GT model



• Four-wheel sport-tuned independent suspension, with MacPherson strut front suspension, four-link independent rear suspension, variable-assist electric power steering, full function traction control, and a range of 16- and 17-inch wheels and tires

• GM's global Epsilon architecture with cross-car magnesium beam results in 27.3 Hz bending frequency which provides rigidity and body stiffness for quiet, solid and more responsive ride and handling characteristics

• Engaging, driver-oriented interior with sporty, refined controls and instrument layout; tilt and telescoping steering column; available adjustable pedals; highly bolstered, body-hugging seats; racing-style gauges with true-red LED instrument backlighting; and premium sound system with available in-dash six-CD changer

• Market-exclusive Panoramic roof, which features four sliding glass panels to create a convertible-style open-air driving experience

• Contemporary, sensuous design with upscale refinement and attention to detail

• Outstanding quality, reliability and safety, including standard dual-stage air bags, and available side- and head curtain air bags

• Available segment-exclusive factory-installed remote start.

Solid foundation
Built on GM's rigid, European-designed Epsilon architecture, the G6 delivers responsive ride and handling qualities thanks, in part, to its class-leading 112.3-inch wheelbase. Stretching more than 5 inches longer than key midsize competitors, the G6's wheelbase pushes the wheels to the corners of the body, enabling razor-sharp handling with minimal body roll.

The G6's long wheelbase is comparable to full-size sedans, giving rear-seat passengers class-leading legroom. On the outside, the aggressive proportions culminate in a taut, contemporary design. The unique proportions allowed many unexpected details, including rear passenger door glass that rolls down all the way and the available Panoramic roof – a four-panel, electronically operated glass roof. Three of the four panels slide rearward, creating a sunroof large enough for even the rear-seat passengers to enjoy an open-air, almost convertible-like experience; the front panel tilts up as an air deflector. The G6 sedan currently is the only vehicle in North America to offer this sliding roof design.

Refined design
With its long wheelbase and short overhangs, the G6 has a dramatic profile. Designers pulled the A-pillars forward, raking the windshield and sharpening the vehicle's aggressive good looks with a wedge-shaped profile that suggests motion even when the car is stationary.

The G6's lithe good looks are reinforced with numerous refinements, including prominent reflective-optic headlamps and projector-beam foglamps with crystal-clear lenses and jewel-like lighting elements. The Pontiac signature twin-port grille features chrome accents and mesh center sections made from galvanized steel.

At the rear of the vehicle, large, bright taillamps flank a prominent trunk that is designed for easy loading. And though many competitors in the midsize segment have gooseneck-style trunk hinges, which can impede storage space, the G6 features gas-charged struts and a four-link hinge system that does not interfere with cargo when the trunk is closed.

Driver-oriented interior
Complementing the G6's bold exterior is a driver-focused, sports car cockpit with intuitively placed controls. Refinement and attention to detail are immediately apparent, from the brushed metal accents and chrome trim, to the precise, crisp true-red LED backlighting on the instrument cluster.

An upscale aura is conveyed through the use of materials selected for their rich, textured surface and low-gloss appearance. Touch points, such as the HVAC vents and instrument panel controls, operate firmly and directly – further heightening the G6's feeling of precision.

The front seats are firm yet comfortable, with high-bolstered sides that hold the driver and passengers confidently in place. Settling into the right driving position is made easier with a tilting and telescoping steering column and available adjustable pedals. Driving confidence also is enhanced with the thick, leather-wrapped four-spoke steering wheel.

Other interior features include: available factory-installed remote start; available adjustable pedals, premium Monsoon sound system with in-dash six-CD changer, sub-woofer and available steering wheel controls; personalized driver information center; 60/40 rear-seat folding combinations; and available XM Satellite Radio.

XM Satellite Radio (continental Ú.S. only) provides more than 120 coast-to-coast, digital-quality channels of original commercial-free music and premier news, sports and talk as well as advanced traffic and weather information for select major metropolitan areas nationwide. Consumers can subscribe to the basic service for $9.99 a month. In addition, GM customers with GMAC financing can choose to include the XM subscription in their car payments.

Exceptional powertrains
The G6's new family of powertrains complements its athletic good looks and 'let's-do-that-curve-again' handling. At the start of production the G6 and G6 GT models will be offered with a new 3.5L V-6 engine, rated at 200 horsepower (149 kw) and 220 lb.-ft. of torque (298 Nm). The engine has broad power bands that produce stirring performance for low-rpm acceleration and high-rpm responsiveness. Technical innovations, including electronic throttle control, enhance the connection between driver and car.

The 3.5 V-6 is backed by theHydra-Matic 4T45-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) For drivers who enjoy more control of the engine's power bands, the G6 GT's automatic transmission also is equipped with a manual shift mode. The feature allows the driver to manually select the gears without the need for a clutch or just leave it in the fully automatic mode.

With the manual-shift mode, sophisticated programming allows much more driver control than some competitors' manual-control automatics. Gear changes are quick and crisp; and although the system's programming won't allow the engine to rev into a damaging rpm zone, it will only shift for the driver in manual mode when safety may be a concern.

Intuitive handling
With its wheels at the corners and long wheelbase, the G6 significantly raises the bar for responsive handling in the midsize segment. The 112.3-inch wheelbase provides a smooth ride and enables more aggressive and responsive suspension tuning.

The front suspension consists of a MacPherson strut design with aluminum lower control arms and a direct acting stabilizer bar. The suspension is mounted to a Ú-shaped hydroformed chassis cradle that is isolated from the body with four specially tuned rubber mounts. The mounts reduce noise, vibration and harshness felt in the vehicle for a smoother, quieter ride.

In the rear, a four-link independent suspension design uses twin-tube shocks and, like the front suspension, a direct acting stabilizer bar. Attached to the shocks, in addition to the chassis, direct acting stabilizer bars respond more quickly to suspension loads and driver input, as well as reduce body roll. Sixteen-inch wheels are standard on the G6, with 17-inch wheels standard on GT.

Variable-assist electric power steering (EPS) is standard and aids low-speed maneuvering with a lighter feel, while increasing in firmness at higher speeds. EPS reduces underhood mass and, because there is no hydraulic fluid, eliminates a potential environmental pollutant.

World-class braking also is an integral component of G6's performance. Large, heavy-duty four-wheel disc brakes have reduced caliper drag performance, as well as European-style brake pads that provide excellent pedal feel, stopping power and fade resistance. An enhanced traction system is available on base models, while a full-function traction control system is available on G6 GT. Anti-lock brakes are standard on the GT.

Safety assurances
The solid Epsilon architecture provides the G6 with built-in safety assurance. Its safety cage construction is complemented with reinforcements in the rocker areas, front body hinge pillar and roof pillars designed to improve impact protection.

A magnesium cross-car beam is an integral component in the G6's safety construction. Serving as the foundation for the instrument panel, this beam ties together the lower sections of the A-pillars and helps the vehicle protect passengers in side-impact crashes. Additionally, high-strength steel is used throughout the architecture in strategic areas to bolster overall strength while reducing mass.

Safety belts remain the primary and most effective form of occupant protection. All seating positions in the G6 have three-point safety belts. Retractors for front outboard seating positions have built-in load limiters that allow a controlled amount of give in the belt, thereby reducing the peak load on the chest during the 'ride down' in a crash.

The G6 has dual-stage frontal air bags for supplemental protection of front seat passengers. Dual-stage frontal air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of air bag-induced injury. When the air bag system's control unit detects an impact, it determines whether the crash is severe enough to trigger a deployment, and whether the primary amount of inflation is sufficient. The primary stage alone will deploy in most frontal impacts requiring the supplemental protection of an air bag, while a secondary stage is designed to deploy in more severe frontal collisions.

The G6 also has pretensioners in the front safety belt system that deploy at the same time as the frontal air bags to take up slack in the safety belt webbing. Pretensioners also help reduce the amount of occupant movement in the event of a crash to help reduce the risk of injury.

The G6 is equipped with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) System anchors for child safety seats. This system provides two lower anchors and a top tether anchor to be used to secure a child seat to the vehicle seat structure. These anchorages are designed to make it easier to properly install compatible child safety seats.

Remote keyless entry and a content theft alarm are standard on V-6 models.

Source - Pontiac

DETROIT - No limitations, no compromises and no excuses. No kidding.

When it came to developing the all-new 2005 G6, Pontiac set out to challenge the look and feel of sporty midsize cars - and 'compromise' wasn't in the lexicon of change. This all-new sports sedan reinvigorates the midsize segment with contemporary design, total performance and exceptional attention to detail.
Pontiac revealed the G6 sports sedan at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It goes on sale in Fall 2004. Additional models, including a 2+2 sports coupe and a convertible, will follow the sedan's rollout.




With its contemporary, sensuous styling and athletic proportions, the G6 is a tightly wrapped package of total performance, engaging driver's environment and outstanding quality and safety. Highlights include:
- All-new family of performance-oriented powertrains, including a 175-horsepower HO 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder, 200-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 and 240-horsepower HO 3.9-liter V-6
- Sophisticated, electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode standard on GT model
- European-designed high-performance six-speed manual transmission available with the 3.9-liter V-6
- Class-leading 112.3-inch wheelbase, enabling fresh, contemporary styling, exceptional ride and handling, and the rear-seat legroom of a larger car
- Four-wheel sport-tuned independent suspension, with MacPherson strut front suspension, four-link independent rear suspension, variable-assist electric power steering, full function traction control, and a range of 16-, 17- and 18-inch performance wheels and tires
- GM's global Epsilon architecture with cross-car magnesium beam results in 27.3 Hz bending frequency which provides rigidity and body stiffness for quiet, solid and more responsive ride and handling characteristics
- Engaging, driver-oriented interior with sporty, refined controls and instrument layout; tilt and telescoping steering column; available adjustable pedals; highly bolstered, body-hugging seats; automatic climate control; racing-style gauges with true-red LED instrument backlighting; and premium sound system with in-dash 6-CD changer
- Market-exclusive Panoramic roof, which features four sliding glass panels to create a convertible-style open-air driving experience
- Contemporary, sensuous design with upscale refinement and attention to detail
- Outstanding quality, reliability and safety, including standard dual-stage air bags, and available side- and head curtain air bags
- Available remote start

'The G6's responsive performance and high level of refinement are impressive and typically found in more expensive sports sedans,' said Myers.



The G6's long wheelbase is comparable to full-size sedans, giving rear-seat passengers class-leading legroom. On the outside, the aggressive proportions culminate in a taut, contemporary design.

'The benefit of the all-new architecture allowed a clean-sheet approach, enabling us to design a great looking, great driving car with outstanding performance, comfort and utility,' said Gene Stefanyshyn, GM vehicle line executive, midsize cars.

The G6's unique proportions allowed many unexpected details, including rear passenger door glass that rolls down all the way and the available Panoramic sliding roof - a four-panel, electronically operated glass roof. Three of the four panels slide rearward, creating a sunroof large enough for even the rear-seat passengers to enjoy an open-air, almost convertible-like experience; the front panel tilts up as an air deflector. The G6 sedan currently is the only automobile in North America to offer this sliding roof design.

Refined design
With its long wheelbase and short overhangs, the G6 has a dramatic profile. Designers pulled the A-pillars forward, raking the windshield and sharpening the vehicle's aggressive good looks with a wedge-shaped profile that suggests motion even when the car is stationary - it's a bold, yet clean look that characterizes Pontiac's new, contemporary design philosophy.

The G6's lithe good looks are reinforced with numerous refinements, including prominent, projector-beam headlamps and fog lamps with crystal-clear lenses and jewel-like lighting elements. The Pontiac signature twin-port grille features chrome accents and mesh center sections made from galvanized steel.

At the rear of the vehicle, large, bright taillamps flank a prominent trunk that is designed for easy loading. And though many competitors in the midsize segment have gooseneck-style trunk hinges that can impede storage space, the G6 features gas-charged struts that do not interfere with cargo when the trunk is closed. It's a feature typically found on more expensive cars.

Driver-oriented interior
Complementing the G6's bold exterior is a driver-focused, sports car cockpit with intuitively placed controls. Refinement and attention to detail are immediately apparent, from the brushed metal accents and chrome trim, to the precise, crisp true-red LED backlighting on the instrument panel.

An upscale aura is conveyed through the use of materials selected for their rich, textured surface and low-gloss appearance. Touch points, such as the HVAC vents and dashboard controls, operate firmly and directly - further heightening the G6's feeling of precision.

The seats were designed to support the G6's sporting nature. The front seats, with their firm yet compliant feel and high-bolstered sides, are comfortable and hold the driver and passengers confidently in place as the road begins to twist. Settling into the right driving position for those twisting roads is made easier with tilt and telescoping steering column and available adjustable pedals. Driving confidence also is enhanced with the thick, leather-wrapped four-spoke steering wheel, which works harmoniously with the variable-assist electric power steering to react immediately to driver input.

Other interior features include: available remote start; automatic climate control that maintains constant programmed cabin temperatures by automatically switching heating and air conditioning modes; premium Monsoon sound system with in-dash 6-CD changer, sub-woofer and available steering wheel controls; personalized driver information center; 100/60/40 rear-seat folding combinations; and available XM Satellite Radio.

Exceptional powertrains
Simply put, the G6's new family of powertrains complements its athletic good looks and 'let's-do-that-curve-again' handling. At the start of production the G6 and G6 GT models will be offered with a new 3.5-liter V-6 engine, rated at 200 horsepower and 220 lb.-ft. of torque - more standard power and torque than the Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series. The engine has broad power bands that produce stirring performance for low-rpm acceleration and high-rpm responsiveness. Technical innovations, including electronic throttle control, enhance the connection between driver and car.

The 3.5 V-6 is backed by the Hydra-Matic 4T45-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) For drivers who enjoy more control of the engine's power bands, the G6 GT's automatic transmission also is equipped with a manual shift mode. The feature allows the driver to manually select the gears without the need for a clutch or just leave it in the fully automatic mode.

With the manual-shift mode, sophisticated programming allows much more driver control than some competitors' manual-control automatics. Gear changes are quick and crisp; and although the system's programming won't allow the engine to rev into a damaging rpm zone, it will not shift for the driver when in manual mode.

'The driver has total control with the transmission in manual-shift mode,' said Stefanyshyn. 'It adds an exhilarating component to an already rewarding driving experience and supports the G6's total performance mission.'

Later in the '05 model year, the G6 GTP debuts with an all-new 3.9-liter HO V-6. Rated at 240 horsepower, the powerful V-6 also benefits from variable valve timing and active air intake technology. Transmission choices include a Hydra-Matic 4T65-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic with manual shift mode or an all-new, high-performance six-speed manual transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

For the 2006 model year, the G6 will add a 2.4-liter HO four-cylinder to its lineup. The all-aluminum, DOHC 16-valve Ecotec engine delivers 175 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. of torque. It is mated to the 4T45-E transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

Intuitive handling
With its wheels at the corners and long wheelbase, the G6 significantly raises the bar for responsive handling in the midsize segment. The 112.3-inch wheelbase provides a smooth ride and enables more aggressive and responsive suspension tuning.

The front suspension consists of a MacPherson strut design with aluminum control arms and a direct-acting stabilizer bar. The suspension is mounted to a Ú-shaped hydroformed chassis cradle that is isolated from the chassis with four specially tuned rubber mounts. The mounts reduce noise, vibration and harshness felt in the vehicle for a smoother, quieter ride.

In the rear, a four-link independent suspension design uses twin-tube shocks and, like the front suspension, a direct-acting stabilizer bar. Attached to the shocks, in addition to the chassis, direct-acting stabilizer bars respond more quickly to suspension loads and driver input, as well as reduce body roll.

Sixteen-inch wheels are standard on the G6, with 17-inch wheels standard on GT and GTP models. GTP customers also will be able to select optional 18-inch wheels.

Variable-assist electric power steering (EPS) is standard and aids low-speed maneuvering with a lighter feel, while increasing in firmness at higher speeds. EPS reduces underhood mass and, because there is no hydraulic fluid, eliminates a potential environmental pollutant.

World-class braking also is an integral component of G6's performance. Large, heavy-duty four-wheel disc brakes have superior caliper drag performance that contributes to improved fuel economy and reduced pulsation, as well as European-style brake pads that provide excellent pedal feel, stopping power and fade resistance. Anti-lock brakes are standard on GT models.

Enhanced Traction System full-function traction control and Vehicle Dynamic Control System, which uses a yaw sensor and other features to keep the vehicle under control in the most challenging driving conditions, also are available.

Safety assurances
The solid Epsilon architecture provides the G6 with built-in safety assurance. Its safety cage construction is complemented with reinforcements in the rocker areas, front body hinge pillar and roof pillars designed to improve impact protection.

A magnesium cross-car beam is an integral component in the G6's safety construction. Serving as the foundation for the dashboard, this beam ties together the lower sections of the A-pillars and helps the vehicle protect passengers in side-impact crashes. Additionally, high-strength steel is used throughout the architecture in strategic areas to bolster overall strength.

The G6 comes standard with dual-stage front air bags, seatbelt pretensioners and an energy absorbing steering column. Head curtain 'roof rail' side air bags, which help protect the outboard front and rear passengers' head and upper torso during a side-impact collision, are available. Seat-mounted side air bags, which help protect the thorax in side collisions, also are available.

Remote keyless entry and a content theft alarm are standard on V-6 models.

'The G6 has the refinement and attention to detail needed to compete in today's competitive sports sedan market,' said Myers. 'Its outstanding power, ride and handling make G6 a 'gotta have' car for sports sedan enthusiasts.'

Source - Pontiac Media

Every now and then during the Pontiac G6's development, a small caravan of engineers in disguised prototype vehicles left behind the confines of the engineering lab and hit the open road. The clandestine trips - which also included competitors' vehicles for comparison - provided real-world feedback on the progress of the G6's performance.
The all-new 2005 Pontiac G6 midsize sports sedan was introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It goes on sale in Fall 2004.




Únlike other midsize competitors, the G6 rides on a 112.3-inch wheelbase - comparable to many full-size luxury sedans - enabling razor-sharp handling, a smooth, controlled ride and generous rear-seat legroom.

'There's nothing else in the midsize segment with the G6's proportions,' said Bellopatrick. 'With its long wheelbase, the G6's wheels are pushed to the corners. This dramatically reduces the feeling of body roll, while enabling the smooth ride expected of a larger luxury sedan. (concept carz)'



'The rolling, twisting scenery of the Pennsylvania countryside was a perfect environment to evaluate how the G6 performed and how it stacked up against the competition,' said Bellopatrick. 'The G6's sport-tuned suspension gives the vehicle a more precise road feel that is supported by the 112.3-inch wheelbase - it's a nimble, responsive feel that driving enthusiasts will appreciate.'

Although much of the G6's inherent handling ability is due to its class-leading wheelbase, it also is supported by a strong body structure. It's a taut, midsize package that stretches the G6 sedan 189.1 inches from stem to stern. Those dimensions minimize front and rear overhang, literally pushing the wheels to the corners.

'The long wheelbase/short overhang design not only gives the G6 a dramatic look, it allowed engineers to develop outstanding performance handling capability and a world-class smooth ride - two traits that often conflict in midsize vehicles,' said Bellopatrick.

Tuning dials
The G6 has fully independent front and rear suspensions, including a MacPherson strut front suspension and four-link rear suspension, which are tailored to deliver handling commensurate with the expectations of Pontiac's renewed emphasis on performance. Those expectations are admittedly high.

'I can't remember another vehicle that we've sweated over so many details,' said Bellopatrick. 'There are 20 or 30 chassis 'dials' and we fine-tuned every one of them until the car exceeded everyone's expectations.'

Engineers used other Epsilon architecture vehicles as a reference point and tailored the G6 chassis with:
- Larger front and rear stabilizer bars
- Increased spring rates
- Únique strut and shock valving
- Increased bushing rates
- Wide track stance

'Ride motions are very controlled in the G6,' said Bellopatrick. 'Cornering is flat and firm, but compliant. And with the long wheelbase, the ride is very smooth - it's going to surprise and delight a lot of drivers.'

The front suspension is carried by a perimeter-type chassis cradle assembly, which consists of a Ú-shaped hydroformed steel tube welded integrally with a rear cross member. The cradle is isolated from the chassis by four widely spaced rubber mounts that dampen noise, vibration and harshness.

As with other recently introduced Pontiacs, including the 2004 GTO and 2004 Grand Prix, the G6's handling benefits from direct-acting stabilizer bars. Mounted directly to the struts, direct-acting stabilizer bars help reduce body roll and enable the vehicle to respond more immediately to driver inputs. Additionally, variable effort electric power steering (EPS) provides a direct, 'just right' feel behind the wheel at different speeds - a lighter feel at lower speeds and a firmer feel at higher speeds. EPS also reduces packaging and with no need for hydraulic fluid, it eliminates a potential environmental pollutant.

Sure-footed driving assurance also comes from Enhanced Traction System, available on G6, and full-function traction control, standard on GT. Also available is Vehicle Dynamic Control System (VDCS), which uses a yaw sensor, lateral accelerometer and steering angle sensor to help keep the vehicle under control in the most challenging driving conditions. Únlike earlier examples, the G6's VDCS can apply all of the vehicle's four brakes to help maintain control.

Braking performance is another G6 strength. All models benefit from four-wheel disc brakes, with braking capability enhanced with large, vented front discs and available anti-lock with Dynamic Rear Proportioning (DRP). With DRP, improved stability and braking during cornering results from the use of independent rear control. DRP also allows more effective use of the rear brakes as vehicle loading changes. Anti-lock brakes are standard on G6 GT.

Torque rings
The built-in strength of the G6's Epsilon architecture enables much of the vehicle's ride and handling finesse. It's a solid structure that helps the G6 achieve a 27.3 Hz bending frequency - a rigid foundation that ranks with the world's best luxury cars.

'When you don't have to account for body flex, you can spend a lot more time fine-tuning handling traits,' said Gene Stefanyshyn, vehicle line executive for midsize vehicles. 'The steering is sharper and more precise, too.'

Three integrated torque rings contribute much of the Epsilon architecture's strength. Tied into complementing structural members, the torque rings add stiffness-enhancing support to key areas of the architecture. The rear torque ring, for example, ties the package tray horizontally to structural members on opposite sides of the chassis. This not only enhances overall strength, but still allows a generous rear-seat pass-through from the trunk - a feature one recently introduced competitor gave up for the sake of bolstering vehicle rigidity.

Another one of the torque rings includes the magnesium cross-car beam that forms the foundation for the instrument panel. The mag beam is lightweight, but extremely stiff, contributing greatly to the G6's solid feeling behind the wheel and side-impact crash protection.

In addition to the torque rings, the G6's structure also benefits from an infusion of high-strength steel (HSS) - comprising approximately 59 percent of underbody components. It is used primarily in critical areas, including the front and rear structures, longitudinal rails and rocker panels. HSS also is used in a strong, reinforcing 'backbone' that forms the floor's center tunnel. Rather than just a single layer of sheet steel, the tunnel has an extra piece of HSS welded between it and the floor pan, running the length of the tunnel.

Also contributing to the Epsilon architecture's strength are deep draw rear frame rails and a welded front bumper beam. The front bumper beam is bolted to the body structure in many other vehicles; the welded beam adds rigidity by integrating it with the structure.

'The G6's built-in strength enhances safety while enabling an exhilarating, responsive sports car driving experience,' said Stefanyshyn. 'The G6's 112.3-inch wheelbase not only stretches the vehicle's proportions, it stretches the expectations of midsize sports sedans.'

Source - Pontiac Media