2006 Pontiac G6 Convertible Preview

Worlds Largest Retractable Hardtop Allows True 2+2 Seating

With Pontiacs G6 sedan already on the road and garnering rave reviews, the GM divisions previously announced coupe and convertible iterations were introduced last month at the 2005 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show.

The models, to replace the now defunct Grand Am coupe and Sunfire convertible, move the domestic nameplate up a notch or two with regards to refinement, style and innovation.

The latter descriptive refers to the convertibles retractable hardtop, a first for the G6s entry-level midsize segment. Not only will the folding top provide all-weather protection for those living in colder climates who prefer top-down driving in the summer, but when the roof is raised exterior ambient and wind noise is reduced while rollover crash protection is increased.

The top, made by Germanys Karmann, which also builds for many other automakers, opens or closes automatically in less than 30 seconds by pressing a single button. Incidentally, it has the distinction of being the worlds largest retractable hardtop.

The retractable configuration also allows for greater rear seat room, making the two-door G6 capable of accommodating two adults in back, in either coupe or convertible guise. Of course, the G6s class-leading 112.3-inch wheelbase is also responsible for the extra legroom needed to accomplish such a feat.

“The G6 coupe and convertible are uniquely Pontiac vehicles that are great additions to the family started by the G6 sedan,” said Jim Bunnell, Pontiac-GMC general manager. “The G6 coupe delivers outstanding performance and generous interior room, and the G6 is the only hardtop convertible that has room for four adults.”

Did Bunnell say outstanding performance? In GTP trim an all-new 3.9L OHV V6 with 240-horsepower at 5,900 rpm and 245 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm should provide plenty of pep off the line, especially when mated to the 6-speed manual; which only comes in the G6 coupe and now sedan. The convertible will have to make due with a Hydra-Matic 4T65-E 4-speed automatic with manual shift mode, also available on the coupe and sedan.

GT models get GMs 3.5L V6, pumping out 200-horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 220 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. It comes mated to GMs Hydra-Matic 4T45-E 4-speed automatic with manual shift mode, the only transmission choice.

Like the G6 sedan, both the new convertible gets an agile 4-wheel independent suspension system with MacPherson struts and aluminum L-shaped control arms plus a direct-acting stabilizer bar up front, and a 4-link independent setup with twin tube shocks and dual-rate mini-block coil springs for the coupe, or mono-tube shocks together with dual-rate mini-block coil springs for the convertible in the rear. While GT models are configured for sporty driving already, stepping up to the GTP will make sure the suspension has been tuned for optimal performance driving. The GTP also adds a hydraulic power steering system, more sport-oriented than the electric one that comes standard.

All convertible G6 gets 4-channel ABS equipped 4-wheel disc brakes. Safety in mind, GT and GTP models can be purchased with an enhanced traction system, while Pontiacs Dynamic Vehicle Control System is optional with the GTP.

Seventeen-inch alloy rims come standard on GT and GTP models, while 18-inch wheels and lower-profile performance tires available. Whats more, GM has made the decision to outfit all G6 convertible models with 18-inch wheels and tires. While this will improve performance, not all buyers appreciate the firmer ride associated with low-profile sporting tires and replacements can be costly.

But then again, GM is positioning Pontiac towards sport-oriented drivers, much more so than in previous generations, while other brands under its umbrella will offer more comfortable, luxury-biased coupes and convertibles.

“Whether its the coupe or convertible, these cars were designed to perform to the expectations of enthusiast drivers,” added Bunnell.

While targeting those who like to drive, the new G6 convertible wont forget to pamper its occupants. The expected power windows and locks will be standard, as will remote keyless entry. When climbing inside pay heed to the indexing door window glass, which pops 0.25-inches downward when opening and then slides back up into place when the door is fully shut, sealing out exterior noise, odors and climate. A premium audio system will also be part of the package, with a dash-mounted 6CD changer and available XM satellite radio (when the CRTC allows us such luxuries - would someone high up in government please just eliminate the entire department?). A leather-wrapped steering wheel and “highly-bolstered” sports seats are also included.

Of course, leather will be offered as will heated seat cushions. OnStar, however, is strangely unavailable in the convertible but offered with the coupe - go figure. Remote start can be had in either configuration, allowing those in hot or cold climes to cool down or warm up the car prior to getting inside. While this feature is convenient, environmental groups have raised concerns about the negative impact such devices contribute to air quality.

The convertible is also noted for offering easy rear-seat entry, thanks mostly to the previously mentioned extra long wheelbase as well as doors that are 6 inches longer than the G6 sedans front doors, and on average about 2 to 3 inches longer than doors on most rival drop-tops. The doors also integrate counterweights which make them feel light and easy to manage, something I experienced when checking the car out. Of course, longer doors may mean getting out when parked in tight spaces beside other cars is more of a challenge than on the G6 sedan, for instance, but this problem is par for the course with two-door models.

Rear seat passengers should find room enough to get comfortable, with about 35 inches of rear legroom, which is about an inch and a half shorter than the extremely accommodating G6 sedan. Pontiac says that headroom is also comparable to the G6 sedan, impressive considering the convertibles racy roofline.

That raked roofline differs whether inside a coupe or convertible, especially noticeable in the rear quarter window and C-pillar. The coupe features a kink, similar to that of a BMW, while the convertible quarter glass and C-pillar meet at a point. Both designs are attractive, and completely unique to the shape offered by the sedan, which only shares the same body panels ahead of the A-pillars by the way.

Other distinct coupe and convertible features are angular, wraparound taillamps, and LED Center High Mounted Stop Lamps (CHMSLs). The convertibles CHMSL is wider than the coupes, and integrated into the rear decklid.

That rear decklid, by the way, only manages to stow up to 1.8 cubic feet of cargo when the top is lowered which will mean youll need to drive with the top up if loaded with luggage. That said, only 5.8 cubic feet of cargo space is available when the top is upright, which is a far cry from the coupe or G6 sedans accommodating 14.0 cubic foot trunk.

The convertible also shortchanges buyers when it comes to airbags, with the coupe only offering optional side and head curtain airbags. Both cars come standard with dual-stage frontal airbags, of course.

In the event of a rollover the convertible features a reinforced windshield frame that acts as a roll bar, but it doesnt offer automatically deploying roll “hoops” like some premium convertibles incorporate into their safety systems. Important to remember, however, is that the integration of such features costs a great deal of money that inevitably would need to be passed on to the buyer.

What Pontiac will soon provide, alternatively, is an enticing drop-top to rival the Chrysler Sebring convertible and Ford Mustang convertible, plus others from Toyota and Mitsubishi.

Its retractable hardtop sets it apart, as does its accommodating interior and high-quality interior. No doubt Pontiac will be sensitive to the new models price point too, making the new G6 convertible extremely competitive.

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