While the G6's V6 engines are updated significantly, they are overhead-valve engines (GM calls them cam in block), low-tech to be sure, but GM has refined this design and they are relatively smooth and quiet and get decent fuel economy, with an EPA City/Highway rating of 21/29 miles per gallon for the 3.5-liter. The 3.9-liter features variable valve timing, which alters when the intake and exhaust valves open and close as the engine revs for more power and efficiency. Some torque steer was evident, a mild tug on the steering wheel on full-throttle starts and low-speed kickdowns.
The automatic transmission worked flawlessly. The four-speed automatic is matched well to the engine's power and torque bands, though it's one gear short of many of the G6's competitors, and performance and fuel economy are consequently affected. Most of the time, we simply put it in Drive and drove. However, it features a neat, simple manual-control mechanism that allows the driver to shift manually. When the manual mode is selected, it will not automatically upshift for you at redline, it goes right up against the rev limiter, a strategy that enthusiasts prefer. An indicator light in the instrument panel helps remind you to shift.
We did a number of 90-0 mph ABS panic stops with the car on a deserted country road, and it stopped straight and true every time with no fade. The brakes have a nice, progressive power application through the pedal. Next Page