Overview

What's New
For 2007, the G6 gets a major engine shuffle; the top-of-the-line GTP gets a new, more powerful V-6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, while last year's 3.9-liter GTP engine is now optional on the GT model. Side curtain air bags are now standard on all G6 coupes and sedans, while the GT models get a revised power steering system. The GTP version of the hard-top convertible is discontinued, leaving only the GT version for those that want to drive with the top down.

Overview
The 2005 Pontiac G6 sedan made its debut in 2004 with one of daytime TV's most memorable moments: Oprah Winfrey giving away new G6s to all 276 members of a specially-chosen studio audience, shouting "You get a car, you get a car everybody gets a car!" Pontiac followed up in 2006 with coupe and hard-top convertible versions. The 2007 model year brings a new engine and a major powertrain shuffle for the G6, which is sold in base, GT, and GTP trim levels.

The sporty G6 GTP version gets the new engine-a 3.6-liter V-6 with variable valve timing. With 252 hp and 251 lb.-ft. of torque, it's smaller but more powerful than last year's GTP engine, a 3.9-liter V-6 good for 240 hp and 240 lb.-ft. of torque. That engine is now optional on the mid-level GT. Other engines include a 169-hp, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, which is standard on the base model, and a 224-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 that is standard on the GT and optional on the base model. A 4-speed automatic transmission is standard on all but the GTP, which gets a new 6-speed automatic. A 6-speed manual is optional on 3.9-liter GTs. V-6-powered base and GT models also exchange their electrically-assisted power steering for the GTP's hydraulic system (the electric system is still used on 4-cylinder G6 models). The technology is older, but the hydraulic system offers better road feel, according to Pontiac.

The G6 convertible, notable for its retractable steel roof, returns for 2007 but only in GT form. In place of last year's GTP model is a sport package (also available on the GT sedan and coupe) that includes the bigger 3.9-liter V-6 (albeit with slightly less power for the convertible) and StabiliTrak electronic stability control. As with other GM cars, the G6's warranty now includes 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage.

The Competition
The Pontiac G6 competes in the Midsize Conventional segment, which consists of 18 models. Buyers in this segment look for reliability, fuel economy, and performance, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Toyota Camry (397,630 units sold), Honda Accord (354,441), and Nissan Altima (232,457). The Pontiac G6 sold 157,644 units in 2006, an increase of 26.3 percent compared to the previous year. Other models offered in the Midsize Conventional segment include the Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Ford Fusion, Subaru Legacy, and Buick LaCrosse. Joining the segment in 2007 is the Saturn Aura.