2009.5 G6 Revealed: Revised Fascias, New Controls

[caddycruiser]

Flipping through my December issue of Automobile magazine that came in the mail today, I saw a Pontiac insert in the middle that said "posters".

Looking at the pics, specs, etc., boom, there was the revised 2009 G6 from the front stating "benefits from a slew of 2009 improvements".

Outside, the new nose with more detailing and new shapes and also the--finally--painted mirror caps. And then below the 2009 convertible exterior is the revised dash, with the current gen GM head unit, new auto climate control from the Aura & Malibu as well as their steering wheel controls, as well as the new gauge cluster with revised numbering and the now moved DIC.



Having just come from an '08 G6, I really like the new nose and the much improved center stack, even though it's minor, thanks to the new controls. I just wondered if they made any other revisions aside from the fascia & center stack, like some Aura-Malibu suspension revisions or quieting. Don't think so, but oh well.

A cheap update for a car that still sells well enough, and gets it a little more current in basic GM ways. And things like the new 2.4L/6-speed 33mpg coupe should help with a few more sales, as a great new combo.

[tamatt27]

At first glance, the new facia looks like a Sky. I like it.

[BORG]

The G6 is even older than the Fusion and this is all they could put together? Do they want to sell it only to daily rental agencies? This is change for the sake of change, there is nothing recognizably new.

[page2171]

I like the new front end...a lot better than the buck tooth look of whatever that special package was. I'll have to judge the interior when I can see it in person.

[mgescuro]

No changes to the interior. Not so significant.
Exterior is a nice evolution.

It's a G6. Pontiac lost the opportunity to make a significant impact with it in 2005. And this will unfortunately continue the trend.

[mikesright]

In defense of the G6, if GM did this kind of thing for more models, like the Cobalt and the Impala, for example, instead of making us wait only 2 years instead of 3 for a full redesign, I think GM could save quite a bit of money on product development and still keep us satisfied overall.

[Hunter]

Four transmissions? All automatics I assume

[Pedal 2 Metal]

I'm not liking it. I can't get over those really odd and feminine headlamps. And the interior is just not a place I would want to be.

[steve333]

Originally Posted by mikesright

In defense of the G6, if GM did this kind of thing for more models, like the Cobalt and the Impala, for example, instead of making us wait only 2 years instead of 3 for a full redesign, I think GM could save quite a bit of money on product development and still keep us satisfied overall.

All I wanted from the Cobalt was a more comfortable seat and a telescoping steering wheel. A new front end would have been nice.
Instead we get bubkis

[Astra RL]

They definitely missed a chance to pump up the G6 a little. Ford saw a chance with the Fusion, but it did not have to be as drastic as the Malibu. But a touch up to the dash to make the center stack not look so tacked on. Oh and dropping the High Value family of engines with its 4 speed auto would help the sporting image.
I see a lot of potential in Pontiac, but there is so much working against the brand.
On a side note I did not see Pontiac is Car anywhere in this ad.

[eb110americana]

Since I've been b!tching up and down on GMI about Pontiac not updating the center stack, I have to give them credit where credit is due for putting the corporate stereo and HVAC in there. It's long overdue. Too bad they're still housed in the boxy plastic console though.

The coolest bit are the gauges which now have white lettering when illuminated and a dark red halo around the perimeter. That's the first application like this I've seen on a Pontiac. The underside of the dash appears white in this image, though it could be just lighting. I wonder if there will be a 2-tone white and black interior package? Edit: I also noticed the upper image has 2-tone seats with a light tan center section and darker gray or black bolsters, trim, and dash.

The grills are okay, but that lower fascia is too busy, too many holes in the front bumper. I liked the old 2 sided slot below better. The deeper grills do have some connection to the G8, so that's good I suppose.

Overall, this should allow the G6 to soldier on a few more years, but Pontiac really deserves better--and not the Aveo kind of better either. At any rate, I won't be buying any non-RWD Pontiacs ever, so what I think matters little. Bring Alpha.

[BORG]

G6 is the core of their brand and volume, why they haven't invested more into the product is inexcusable. They can bring over the G8 ST but can't give the G6 proper care. This is a crummy vehicle and they haven't fixed it at all.

[SAngelo]

Well finally this is all G6 car really needed. The center stack on the dash looked very dated, otherwise a very nice looking dash. The materials are soft to the touch while the chrome rings and gearshifter make the interior look upscale. The new nose looks alot softer and its a nice refresh overall.

I would think the suspension and handling would be improved too so it would drive like the Malibu and Aura. I will go to the dealer and check it out. I only wish GM would make the necessary changes to allow for a Nav screen on these Epsilon I models.

[FenwickHockey65]

Not bad. I wish they would've done more, but it looks pretty good.

[GMusa]

...pathetic