Quote:
|
Unfortunately, the G6 continues Pontiac's obsession with red instrument lighting...
|
...and that point alone would make me avoid purchasing a Pontiac. I just cannot see the instruments very clearly at night, and I drive extensively during the dark. Can somebody tell Pontiac that red instrument lights does not equal 'sporty'!
Quote:
|
Both initial models are powered by the same 3.5-litre, pushrod V6 engine ... rated at 200 hp at 5600 rpm, and 220 lb-ft of torque at 3200 rpm. That is less power than any of its primary Japanese V6 competitors...
|
Call me a traitor, but I prefer high-revving, DOHC engines to American-style lumbering low RPMs but higher torque. Get a car with a 5 or 6 speed manual and a red line at least 7500, shifting to keep the engine at 4000 RPMs or higher, and you'll know what I mean. Loads of fun.
Quote:
|
Both models get four-speed automatic transmissions, while most of their competitors offer five or six-speed automatics. The GT's includes a manual-shift mode...
|
Same ol' story. I hate the looong reaches between gears in GM cars and trucks, especially when driving with cruise control in very hilly areas. Makes for a jerky ride. Also, every GM 'manual shift' auto that I've driven, even the Cadillac SRX, is a waste ... I bump the shifter to 'upshift', and you can time the actual shift with your calendar. Not much fun for spirited driving.
Quote:
|
...and steering feel is all but absent in the base car. It is better in the GT, but well short of class-best.
|
So Pontiac is to be GM's 'sporty' division but its volume vehicle has numb steering feel. Great. Oh, I forgot ... 'sporty' means red instrument lights.
Certainly an improvement over Grand Am, but GM must reach beyond the competition.