Pontiac’s G6 midsize model adds an available 6-speed automatic transmission to its base 2.4-liter engine for 2009, along with new packages, standard XM satellite radio on all models, OnStar 8.0, and available remote start. Four new exterior colors are also added: Quicksilver Metallic, Summit White, Gold Mist Metallic and Silver Green Metallic. The front-engine, front-wheel-drive G6 family includes 4-passenger G6 coupé, 5-passenger sedan, and 4-passenger convertible models. In addition, Pontiac offers its G6 GT and GXP models and Street Edition package. Other high-performance GXP models from Pontiac include the 2009 G8 GXP, Solstice GXP and Torrent GXP.

Model Lineup
For 2009, Pontiac’s G6 lineup includes coupé, sedan and convertible models, available as GT and GXP coupé; base sedan, GT sedan and GXP sedan; as well as base convertible models. Standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels; tilt/telescoping steering wheel; racing-style gauges with red LED instrument backlighting; air conditioning; power windors/locks/mirrors; variable intermittent wipers; tachometer; theft-deterrent system; AM/FM/CD player with auxiliary audio jacks for iPod/MP3 players; and highly-bolstered body-hugging seats. Seven option packages are available: Sport 1 and 2 (available on G6 base); Sport 1 on GT convertible; Preferred (G6 base) and Premium (G6 base and GT); Sun and Sound, and Sun and Sound Plus (GT/GXP sedan and coupe).

Options include 17-inch painted aluminum wheels on models with the Sport 2 package; 17-inch Chrome Tech wheels available on GT coupé/sedan models; 18-inch, 5-spoke machine-face aluminum wheels optional with the GT Street Edition package; 18-inch, Chrome-Tech aluminum wheels optional on the GT convertible; and GXP optional black chrome 18-inch, 5-spoke flangeless Chrome Tech wheels. Remote start is optional on base models, and standard on GT and GXP models.

The GXP performance coupé and sedan models include body side rocker moldings; unique front and rear fascias with dual exhaust openings; fog lamps; braided polished stainless steel upper and outboard lower grille inserts with chrome surrounds; body-hugging, highly bolstered seats; racing-style gauges with true-red LED instrument backlighting; automatic climate control; tachometer; and theft-deterrent system. Available options include heated seats; 6-way power-adjustable pedals; leather seating surfaces and leather-appointed seating with 2-tone inserts; remote vehicle starting; and an in-dash 6-disc CD changer. GXP coupé and sedan models feature performance-tuned suspensions with a 4-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control. The special Street Edition package adds dual hood scoops and a rear spoiler.

Powertrain
Four powertrain combinations power the 2009 Pontiac G6 lineup. The Ecotec 2.4-liter 4-cylinder dual-overhead cam (DOHC) with variable valve timing (VVT) engine, standard on G6 sedan, generates 164 hp and 156 lb.-ft. of torque and is paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. When the Sport package 1 is ordered, the 2.4-liter engine is paired with a Hydra-Matic 6T40 6-speed automatic transmission.

G6 GT models have a standard 3.5-liter V-6 (LZ4) engine that delivers 219 hp (Bin 4 and PZEV emissions classifications) and 221 hp (Bin 5 emissions) and 220 lb.-ft. of torque or 221 lb.-ft. of torque (Bin 4 and PZEV, and Bin 5 emissions, respectively), mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission with driver shift control. The GT convertible has an optional 3.9-liter V-6 engine rated at 222 hp and 238 lb.-ft. of torque, mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The G6 GXP coupé/sedan are powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 DOHC VVT engine that produces 252 hp at 6300 rpm and 251 lb.-ft. of torque at 3200 rpm. It’s mated to an advanced, electronically controlled Hydra-Matic 6T70 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.

EPA fuel-economy estimates for the family of G6 engines are as follows: 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway for the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with 4-speed automatic transmission; 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway with 6-speed automatic transmission; 18 mpg city/29 mpg highway for the 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 4-speed automatic transmission and 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway for the 3.6-liter V-6 engine with A-S4 transmission. The 3.6-liter V-6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission gets 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway, and the 3.9-liter V-6 with 4-speed automatic transmission gets 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway.

Safety
Standard safety features on the 2009 Pontiac G6 include ABS; traction control; electronic stability control system (on GXP); theft-deterrent system; OnStar; and 6 standard air bags: dual-stage frontal air bags and passenger-sensing system,side-impact thorax (seat-mounted) air bags, and standard head curtain side-impact air bags (except on G6 convertible). There are also 3-point safety belts with pre-tensioners for front-seat occupants. OnStar 8.0 with automatic crash notification is standard on all 2009 Pontiac G6 models.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2009 Pontiac G6 coupé and sedan receive a 5-star rating in driver frontal and in side-impact testing, and a 4-star rating in passenger frontal testing. The G6 convertible was not rated in either frontal or side-impact tests. In the agency’s rollover testing, the G6 coupé received 5 stars and the sedan received 4 stars, while the G6 convertible received a perfect 5-star rollover test rating.

Technology
Standard radio in the 2009 Pontiac G6 is an AM/FM/CD player with auxiliary audio jacks for iPod/MP3 players. The Sun and Sound package includes an AM/FM stereo with 6-disc CD changer. OnStar 8.0 is standard on all 2009 Pontiac G6 models and includes advanced automatic crash notification, as well as the optional Directions & Connections plan with Turn-by-Turn Navigation. XM satellite radio is also standard on all models.