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2006 New York Show Concept Draws from Previous SEMA Concepts
Back in 2004, Pontiac launched the GXP performance badge, planned for use across the range. For 2004 and 2005 model years, Pontiac offered the Bonneville GXP with a 275HP 4.6L Northstar V8. Then they shoehorned a 5.3L V8 into the Grand Prix GXP, for a 303HP stealth sedan. The Solstice GXP is next at dealers, offering a breathed-on 260HP four-cylinder.
Pontiac has been testing the waters of acceptance for a GXP variant of its volume G6 line with concepts at the annual SEMA show, culminating in the 2006 New York auto show G6 GXP coupe concept. (SEMA = Specialty Equipment Market Association.) The company has not yet confirmed production, but is testing the waters of public acceptance again with a concept at the 2006 New York auto show. Seeing the GXP in Pontiac showrooms for 2007 model year would not surprise AutoPacific or VehicleVoice contributors.

GXP Concepts
The GX6 G6 Coupe concept looks much like the 2005 SEMA G6 Performance Coupe concept, though wearing different (and better-looking) wheels. Where the SEMA concept was all about the looks, the 2006 GXP concept takes the look of the SEMA concept and adds a 270HP 3.9L V6 mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Air flow tricks include a ram air induction system with K&N air filter to a cat-back free-flowing exhaust.

The front fascia gets an integrated lower air dam, more chrome around the Pontiac grille, and hood scoops. Other body add-ons include a rear spoiler, side rocker panels, nineteen-inch wheels, and a dual chrome-tipped exhaust. The car is also lowered a bit (25mm) and sports vented cross-drilled brake rotors. The New York car adds red accents to the interior that were not on prior car, including a red tint to the shifter, red seat inserts, and red ring around the gauges.

2004 G6 GXP Concept
Just after the launch of the sedan, and before coupe or convertible were available, Pontiac tested a G6 GXP concept at the 2004 SEMA show. The 2004 concept boasted a 275HP high-output 3.6L V6, though the 3.9L may be the favored powerplant for a production GXP. Though the GXP sedan concept also took new front and rear fascias and offered a lowered ride height, its performance wheels were only eighteen-inch units and the rear spoiler was not so aggressive as the coupe.


To GXP or Not to GXP
As these are concepts, we have not driven the GXP G6. The coupe on display in New York offers 270HP, compared with the already available GTP’s standard 227HP 3.9L V6. We have, however, had the opportunity to drive the GTP coupe, and were impressed with the power delivery and driving experience, it is a thirsty machine with the 227HP V6. While one can argue that there is no such thing as too much horsepower, we wonder if in this case the GTP will offer a more balanced power versus fuel-efficiency package. Having said that, the spoiler on the GXP and its larger wheels look terrific; the more aggressive look combined with the increased power may make it worth the fuel hit. Jury will be out until we drive it and find out what the pricing structure is, assuming a GXP is approved for production.
Pontiac has developed these three concepts to establish if there is any demand for such a model. What do you think? Would you buy one? What do you like/dislike about it?