2006 Pontiac G6 GTP

GM's self-declared Excitement Division has been trying to find its pulse lately. Although the Firebird is gone and the Northstar-powered Bonneville GXP tanked, the new V-8-fortified Grand Prix is interesting, and the 400-horse GTO remains a Motor Trend favorite. For 2006, the G6 has begat a coupe, and it retains the sedan's 112.3-inch wheelbase in the name of more-than-occasional rear-seat head and legroom.

The G6 is available with the workaday 201-horse, 3.5-liter V-6 or a beefier 3.9-liter version good for 240 horsepower in GTP trim. The latter includes handsome 18-inch rolling stock, sportier suspension tuning, standard StabiliTrak, and the choice of a boring four-speed automatic or a more involving six-speed manual. Hydraulic power steering replaces the numbish electric steering on standard G6s.

It all adds up to an attractive, pleasantly sporty coupe. If you didn't know this engine's an overhead valver, you'd think it's an overhead cammer: It's smooth, revs nicely, and has a wide powerband and a sweet exhaust note. Its 6.2-second 0-to-60 time isn't the stuff of legend, but enough to have fun. The six-speed shifter is notchy, but better than on many front drivers. This steering is much--no, way--improved over the electric unit, with adequate feel and virtually no torque steer. There's plenty of grip (0.83 g on our skidpad), making the GTP an entertaining handler, if not an all-out road racer. And this coupe easily seats four people in comfort.

The G6 GTP is an okay piece, has high equipment levels, and feels like a fair amount of car for the money. One question nags, however: Would you buy this over a 300-horse, V-8-powered, rear-drive Mustang GT for the same money ($27,570 as tested)? Didn't think so.