Review: 5 minutes behind the wheel of the G6 GTP Coupe

[Ming]

Coupe quickie: 5 minutes behind the wheel of the next G6
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
By Todd Seibt

ORION TWP. - Five minutes does not a test drive make.

But it does leave an impression.

General Motors' Orion Assembly Plant is getting set to launch a two-door coupe version of the Pontiac G6, currently offered as a four-door sedan.

Hourly workers such as Gary Stoneburg of Lapeer are wringing out pilot versions of the G6 coupe on a special test track at the Orion Township plant, and in short spins on nearby I-75.

On a recent drive, Stoneburg let me slip into the driver's seat.

Two things to note right off: The coupe version of the G6 has a completely different tail than the sedan, and the GTP version I drove had tap-up, tap-down automatic transmission joined to a 3.9-liter V-6 engine, and 18-inch wheels.

Fast impressions: The car is quick, accelerating nicely. While the coupe design cannot swallow the huge, panoramic multipanel sunroof offered in the sedan, it can have a standard sunroof.

The interior is well laid out and user friendly, without too much of the dashboard "busyness" that Pontiac used to "build excitement" in the past.

The ride was good on a variety of surfaces, and the steering felt taut, tight, almost twitchy.

The coupe was quiet and handled bumps and dips just fine.

Mitch Thomas, the plant's quality director, said short spurts in the G6 on local roads typically draw eyeballers who slow down, speed up and lane-change to check out the coupe.

After the coupe comes out this summer, a G6 with a retractable hardtop is on tap for early 2006.

Coupe complaints? Well, Orion folks wish the snazzier two-door had come out sooner to create more sizzle - and offer buyers more choices.

My impression? They're right.

Source: http://www.mlive.com/business/fljour...7221138420.xml

[nsap]

Overall, a very positive review. I can't wait to test drive one myself when they start to arrive in dealers.

[atomicshark]

Very good. I can't wait to see them at the dealer and on the road. These coupes are going to sell in very high numbers. They just look "right". They will probably attract a bunch of import intenders as well.

[nsap]

Originally Posted by atomicshark

Very good. I can't wait to see them at the dealer and on the road. These coupes are going to sell in very high numbers. They just look "right". They will probably attract a bunch of import intenders as well.

I agree, they are going to sell very well. People complain about the interior, but it uses high quality materials (I owned one). I see the interior as unmistakably Pontiac.

[Ming]

People have complained about the G6 looks being "too smooth" without the cladding and all, but that is precisely the kind of body that "tuners" like to add body kits, paint, and vinyl graphics onto - not something that already has a lot of pre defined character lines and ribbing.

The ride was good on a variety of surfaces, and the steering felt taut, tight, almost twitchy.

That explains the switch to hydraulic steering. Better twitchy for enthusiasts than (by comparison) numb and Playstation-Electric.

[dav305z]

The ride was good on a variety of surfaces, and the steering felt taut, tight, almost twitchy.

That's exactly how I would describe the Honda Accord I drove. If Pontiac could get that into this car than they're in good shape.

[TaHoE]

Looks like I found the Grand Prix's replacement!

[GMfan2381]

I really see this model causing a stir. What I like most about it is that it doesnt look like a sedan with two doors missing. There is a clear design difference and I think thats what is going to get most peole to check the car out. It will sell, and it will sell better when the 6-speed auto is in it.

GM has a real shot at pushing this towards the tuner market. I really hope they capitalize on it.

[Phillip]

Originally Posted by GMfan2381

I really see this model causing a stir. What I like most about it is that it doesnt look like a sedan with two doors missing. There is a clear design difference and I think thats what is going to get most peole to check the car out. It will sell, and it will sell better when the 6-speed auto is in it.

GM has a real shot at pushing this towards the tuner market. I really hope they capitalize on it.

It's certainly one of the more alluring mainstream coupes on the market. The Solara strikes me as somewhat tacky while the Accord, Mercedes CL-inspired cues or not, lacks flair. I like the upcoming Eclipse, but as is the case with Mitsubishis this day in age, it looks so very destined to polarise opinion...

That said, I agree with the author; what's the big deal with forcing folks to wait for the more seductive members of the G6 family?

[Codester66]

how soon until more journalist test drives are available? i have been anxious to hear about the GTP version for too long now

[griswold44]

The G6 coupe pictured could use a spoiler.

[khanhdom]

Is it a hatchback? I'm not too crazy about the coupe. I think the convertible with its top up looks a lot better.

[jro4566]

Overall, a good "preview" of the car. I'm hoping to see more of these when the come out compared to the amount of Accord Coupes I frequently see. As for competing against the Camry Solara, it's no competition as there are hardly any of those on the road.

[acascianelli]

I'll definetly need to test drive one before I buy my next car. Its between a G6 GTP, and a Cobalt SS.

[paul8488]

Ah, but it almost had to be a good preview! Bet the guy wasn't even allowed to write anything bad... not that there's anything bad about this car!