Hurst Performance Vehicles, one of the most recognized and respected names in automobile history, announced that it has teamed up with newly appointed Hurst Director Emeritus and legendary performance visionary, “Doc” Watson, to build two new Special Edition Hurst/Pontiacs – a 2010 HURST/Pontiac H.O. version of the G8 and a G6 convertible. (more…)
Tag: Pontiac G6
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2010 HURST/Pontiac H.O.
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Pontiac Rolls Out Enhanced G6 Family
Pontiac has announced that it is ringing in the new year with a fresh look for its best-selling line of G6 mid-size vehicles. Additional fuel-saving powertrain options, more aggressive exterior styling, and a sleek new instrument panel highlight the 2009.5 model G6, which will begin arriving in Pontiac dealerships in January. (more…) -
Pontiac G6 GXP R
Pontiac unveiled the GXP.R racecar, which will compete in the GT class of the 2007 Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve. The GXP.R hits the track running later this month at the famed Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona race in Florida.With the bodywork inspired by the Pontiac G6 GXP Street edition coupe, the GXP.R is the next step in the evolution of a successful racing program that began with the purpose-built GTO.R. The GTO.R was retired after winning the 2006 GT championship; the new GXP.R is built on the same winning foundation as the GTO.R.
“The GXP.R begins the next chapter in a very successful racing campaign that has put Pontiac over Porsche and BMW in the highly competitive GT class,” said John Larson, Pontiac general manager. “The GXP.R promises to pick up the GTO.R’s momentum and carry it into another winning season.”
Built to the specifications of the Grand American GT class, the GXP.R features a rear-drive layout and a racing version of the LS2 V-8 engine that produces approximately 450 horsepower (335 kW). It is based on the same Gen IV V-8 engine design as found in the production Grand Prix GXP. The production G6 GXP is powered by a sophisticated, DOHC 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing that produces approximately 252 horsepower (188 kW).
Pontiac G6 GXP R 
The GXP.R’s bodywork retains the silhouette of a production G6 GXP, but lightweight, carbon-fiber replica panels are used throughout to reduce overall mass. The stock window glass also is replaced with lighter, shatter-resistant polycarbonate pieces. The body panels are attached to a custom tube-frame chassis, with the front and rear fenders flared to cover the wide, 18-inch wheels and class-spec Hoosier racing tires. Also, a huge rear wing that provides stabilizing downforce is tied into the chassis. It’s not a production-model wing, but the G6 GXP street car has its own distinctive rear spoiler.
Production-based racing
The Grand American GT class is comprised of production-based coupes and sedans that are modified for racing. Many of the engine components must be the same as those found on production models. The tube-frame chassis and ground-hugging bodywork are used to ensure high-speed traction and stability, while a purposeful interior deletes amenities such as air conditioning and an MP3-capable radio for a crisscross of safety roll cage tubing, a single racing seat, racing instruments and other race-only accoutrements.Grand American Racing’s racing series, which also includes the Daytona Prototype class, was founded in 1999 with the goal of reinvigorating American road racing. Pontiac models were campaigned in the GT class from its inception, and the GTO.R program was launched in 2005. In their first full season of competition, two GTO.R teams dominated the 2006 season. With eight wins, including a podium sweep at Phoenix , Pontiac clinched its first GT Manufacturers championship, and the No. 65 TRG/F1 Air GTO.R of Andy Lally and Marc Bunting took the GT Drivers and Team championship. The No. 64 TRG GTO.R of Paul Edward and Kelly Collins finished third in points. The remainder of the class’s top 10 finishers included five Porsche GT3 Cups, a BMW M3 and a Chevy Corvette. During the 2005 and 2006 seasons, the GTO.R amassed an impressive 19 consecutive podium finishes – a class record.
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Pontiac G6 GXP
The new, 2008 Pontiac G6 GXP performance coupe and sedan bring a new, performance-oriented dimension to the G6’s broad lineup. They will be available with both base and Street edition packages.G6 GXP Street edition models are easily identified by their new front fascia, which features new fog lamps and braided polished stainless steel upper and outboard lower grille inserts with chrome surrounds on the upper grille sections leading to a revised hood with scoops. New body side rocker moldings lead to a redesigned rear fascia with two exhaust openings. Chrome, dual-wall tips exit through the openings. A rear spoiler also is part of the GXP package, but is specific to either the coupe or sedan; the coupe model receives a larger, more aggressive “hammerhead” spoiler. GXP-specific 18-inch wheels are also standard in the Street edition package.
All G6 GXP models are powered by GM Powertrain’s 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing. It is rated at 252 horsepower (188 kW) at 6300 rpm and 251 lb.-ft. of torque (341 Nm) at 3200 rpm. The engine is a state-of-the-art, DOHC powerplant that uses full four-cam phasing, rapid date processing and torque-based engine management to optimize power, economy and emissions performance.
The 3.6-liter V-6 VVT engine is mated to a new Hydra-Matic 6T70 electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission. It is an advanced transmission with state-of-the-art clutch-to-clutch shift operation, designed for high-performance front-wheel drive applications. Clutch-to-clutch operation allows for reduced complexity and compact packaging. The six-speed automatic improves vehicle performance up to 8 percent and increases fuel economy up to 4 percent over current front-wheel-drive four-speed automatics.
2008 Pontiac G6 GXP 
G6 GXP models have sporty, driver-oriented interiors with refined controls and instrument layouts. Standard features include highly bolstered, body-hugging seats, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, racing-style gauges with true-red LED instrument backlighting, automatic climate control, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, AM/FM/CD player, variable intermittent wipers, tachometer and theft-deterrent system. Available items include power adjustable pedals, six-way power seats, heated seats, leather seating surfaces, in-dash six-CD changers and remote vehicle start. GXP-specific leather-appointed seating with two-tone inserts is available.
On the road, the G6 GXP coupe and sedan deliver the type of responsive ride and handling characteristics expected from Pontiac‘s performance series. They are equipped with GXP-specific sport-tuned suspensions, as well as GM’s StabiliTrak electronic stability control system as standard equipment.
The front suspension uses a MacPherson strut design, with aluminum lower control arms and a direct-acting stabilizer bar. Suspension components mount to a U-shaped hydroformed chassis cradle. Rubber mounts isolate the body from the chassis cradle to minimize noise, vibration and harshness. At the rear, a four-link independent suspension design uses twin-tube shock absorbers and another direct acting stabilizer bar, all intended to minimize body roll during cornering. High-performance braking is an integral part of the G6’s sporty nature. Large, heavy-duty four-wheel disc brakes provide excellent stopping power and great fade resistance. Front discs are vented and the rears are solid. Four-channel ABS is standard.
Base G6 GXP models receive standard 18-inch aluminum alloy painted flangeless five-spoke wheels, while those opting for the Street edition will receive a unique 18-inch wheel. Black chrome-finished 18-inch aluminum wheels are also available.
