Introduced in 2005 the Pontiac G6 comes in sedan and coupe versions, as well as the hard-top convertible like we the one we drove. There's no missing the Pontiac family resemblance as the traditional split front grille can trace its lineage back nearly six decades to the early 1950s.
The single most defining aspect of the G6 design is the retractable steel hard top roof that separates into two sections and stows neatly away beneath the rear trunk lid. The complete transformation from coupe to convertible takes less than 30 seconds and is accomplished hydraulically with the push of a single button.
And although the stowed top does take away room from the rear seats and truck, the fun of open-top cruising and secure, quiet top-up driving seems well worth the trade off.
There are two engine/transmission choices; A 3.5 liter V6 that produces 217 horsepower paired with a 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission and the up-rated 3.9 liter V6 that produces 227 horsepower and 235 foot pounds of torque. The larger engine can be mated to either a six speed manual or the four-speed/sequential automatic.
EPA estimates fuel usage for the 3.5 liter engine at 20 City and 30 Highway with the larger engine coming in with significantly less effieciency of 17 and 24 MPG, respectively.
Opting for the "Sport Package" to get the larger engine also means your G6 will come equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels and Pontiac's "StabiliTrak" vehicle handling system that modulates throttle and braking input to maintain control if a skid is imminent.
Braking for all models in the G6 line-up is provided by four-wheel discs with ABS and traction control.
The leather wrapped steering wheel is adjustable and includes controls for the audio system that features Satellite radio, 6-disc-in-dash-CD changer and a high performance 8-speaker sound system. Heated seats are optional and the standard frontal airbags can be up rated to provide side-impact protection.
MSRP for the Pontiac G6 GT Convertible starts at $29,330 with are nicely equipped version coming in at just about $32,000.
Considering the one-button convertible top and the availability of the 3.9 liter V6 power plant, this coupe/convertible could be your answer to the age old question: hard top? Or convertible?
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