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Unlike a number of other debuts at the SEMA show, the 2006 Pontiac G6 GXP promises to deliver more than an abundance of electronic gadgetry and engine modifications that would never be covered by your manufacturer’s warranty. Exterior enhancements are subtle, but enough to distinguish the GXP from the mid-grade GT model. Up front is a much larger air dam and side vents that, if functional, will serve to cool down the front brakes. Adding to the more aggressive appearance are smoked headlight lenses and a rear bumper with a lower diffuser panel and cutouts for the dual chrome exhaust tips. Eighteen-inch chrome wheels, color-keyed mirrors, side skirts and GXP badges round off the list of improvements.
However, to merit wearing the GXP badge the boys in the GM Performance Division insist on more than a few superficial add-ons. For example, the Grand Prix GXP marks the first time in nearly 20 years that Pontiac has planted a V8 in a GP (and one approaching 300-horsepower, no less). Not to be outdone, the 2006 Pontiac G6 GXP concept offers a 275-horsepower, 3.6-liter high-output V6. That’s up from 200 horsepower offered by the G6’s standard 3.5-liter V6. Also gone is the standard four-speed automatic transmission, which has been swapped out for a livelier six-speed manual gearbox. A lowered suspension with Bilstein shocks replaces the standard underpinnings, helping to control that extra get-up-and-go.
However, to merit wearing the GXP badge the boys in the GM Performance Division insist on more than a few superficial add-ons. For example, the Grand Prix GXP marks the first time in nearly 20 years that Pontiac has planted a V8 in a GP (and one approaching 300-horsepower, no less). Not to be outdone, the 2006 Pontiac G6 GXP concept offers a 275-horsepower, 3.6-liter high-output V6. That’s up from 200 horsepower offered by the G6’s standard 3.5-liter V6. Also gone is the standard four-speed automatic transmission, which has been swapped out for a livelier six-speed manual gearbox. A lowered suspension with Bilstein shocks replaces the standard underpinnings, helping to control that extra get-up-and-go.
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