For 2007, the Pontiac G6 receives an additional engine: the GTP coupe and sedan used a 3.9-litre V6 exclusively in 2006, but for 2007, these models come with a new 3.6-litre V6, and the 3.9-litre becomes an option on coupe and convertible models. Thanks to its DOHC, variable-valve timing configuration, the 3.6-litre makes 252 hp to the 3.9-litre’s 240 hp. The retractable hardtop convertible comes only in GT trim for 2007; the GTP version has been discontinued.

Click image to enlarge Images courtesy: Pontiac

Other changes include hydraulic power steering standard on GT models; a new auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass display; new 17-inch, five-spoke wheels; standard curtain airbags on sedan and coupe models; and new Blue-Gold Crystal Metallic and Dark Gray Steel Metallic exterior colours.

The G6 is available as a sedan, coupe or as a retractable hardtop, which opens and closes at the push of a button and stores in the trunk.

The sedan starts as a base model, with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission, and includes 16-inch steel wheels, power mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control, electric power steering, power locks with keyless entry, power driver’s seat height adjuster, 60/40 folding rear seat and CD player with six speakers. The base sedan can be optioned as the SE with 3.5-litre V6, which also adds fog lights and cargo net.

The GT sedan uses a 3.5-litre V6 and four-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, and adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, anti-lock brakes, fog lights, rear spoiler, cargo net, remote starter, power-adjustable pedals, and traction control. The 3.9-litre can be optioned on the GT sedan, where it comes only with a six-speed manual transmission.

The GTP sedan uses the 3.6-litre V6 with six-speed automatic transmission, and adds 18-inch wheels, automatic climate control, StabiliTrak stability control, hydraulic power steering, and six-way power driver’s seat.

Coupe models are available in GT or GTP trim, with features similar to their sedan counterparts.

The convertible hardtop comes only in GT trim, and uses the 3.5-litre V6 with four-speed automatic, and can be optioned to the 3.9-litre V6 with four-speed automatic, with features similar to the GT coupe model, but with 18-inch painted alloy wheels.

The coupe and convertible share only the sheet metal ahead of the A-pillars with the sedan models; the coupe and convertible themselves differ in the design of their rear deck lid and rear fascia. The convertible is more of a 2+2 design, with very little legroom for rear-seat passengers. The sedan’s long rear doors make for easier access and look sharp, but you’ll need to be careful when opening them in crowded parking lots to avoid dinging the neighbours.

The G6 is a fun driver, especially with the extra horsepower of the new 3.6-litre, and the switch to hydraulic power steering gives the driver much better feedback over the vague sensation of the electric version. A smaller wheel would be more in character, though, as the G6’s large one feels almost like driving a bus.

But it’s a mixed bag, and Pontiac’s “built for drivers” slogan seems a little out of touch with a racy-looking convertible that can’t be ordered with the robust engine or a standard gearbox. The sedan and coupe have a fairly rigid frame, but it’s painfully obvious the convertible was created as a coupe with its roof chopped off: it feels very flimsy, and displays considerable cowl shake, which may be why it has fewer horses and can’t be ordered with the performance tires available on its coupe sibling. The retractable hardtop divides into panels and stores neatly into the trunk under a metal tonneau lid, and while you have to pack your things before you put the roof down, there’s a fair bit of storage in the trunk well under it.