2008 G6 GXP "Street" & G6 GXP.R--2007 NAIAS, Detroit, MI

[y2k_ta]

A friend and I attended the Detroit Auto Show today, and I snapped these pics...

2008 GXP "Street"


GXP.R
http://www.seriouswheels.com/cars/to...c-G6-GXP-R.htm

(from General Motors Press Release) 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).

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.

[WILWAXU]

What's with the wheels on the street car? They're almost disappointing compared to the concept.

[WILWAXU]

Here's the concept:

[Mystic 98 TA]

I like the wheels on the concept a lil better too. But wheels can be changed. The big question is: does this mean we're gonna see a V8 rear-drive coupe from Pontiac? Thats one step closer to a Firebird than we were a year ago

[y2k_ta]

Originally Posted by Mystic 98 TA

I like the wheels on the concept a lil better too. But wheels can be changed. The big question is: does this mean we're gonna see a V8 rear-drive coupe from Pontiac? Thats one step closer to a Firebird than we were a year ago

The street version is still FWD & V6-powered

[JS]

Can anyone say G35

[Mystic 98 TA]

^^^ that was on my mind, too. Think how much of a better seller the G6 would be as a RWD car... keep the V6 in there as an option.. maybe an LS4 GXP version??? That'd kick a lot of ass...

*i'll wake up now* Well, at least my Trans Am is my Daily Driver.

[y2k_ta]

I'd like it if they got the "Street" and the "R" versions confused

[Formula350]

Street, is too "Import" sounding to me. With all the new-day cars around that is. However I still say street = RWD, since Street Racing started with RWD cars. Thusly, the G6 Street SHOULD be RWD :\

[530transam]

i would have already bought a gtp if they just kept a manual in these damned cars. the 3.6 was a big step but then loosing out on any manual transmission at all was a bigger step backwards. i hope to god that with this gxp theyrll iron everything out and the g6 with realize its potential. By the way it wont be called "street version" its the gxp trim model. You know lately gxp has meant something awesome. In the grand prix gxp means two more cylinders, nice body upgrades, and even a navigation! in the solstice, you get a turbo and intercooler, and again, a nice lip kit. It would be awesome to see the body kit seen here along with a v-8 or a turbo v-6 and a manual. a navigation is probably a stretch but would be awesom! as far as the hammerhaed spoiler thats already available, i think its cool, but the car looks more unique without it.

edit; im sorry looks like there will in fact be a street version according to pontiac.com. oh well its still appealing to me

[y2k_ta]

8:45 a.m. and one of the two GXP.R race cars is running second in the 24 Hours of Daytona GT class. I won't be home to see the finish

[Formula350]

They get a 6spd manual I thought?

[y2k_ta]

I noticed the front ends on the GXP.R cars were more like the current model and not like the 2008 version that I saw in Detroit. Maybe they'll have the bigger grill next year?

[11 Bravo]

Originally Posted by Formula350

They get a 6spd manual I thought?

They will have a 6 speed auto. Would be a cool daily driver.