2008 Pontiac G6  sedan by Casey Williams (7/07) www.car-data.com Pontiac G6 GXP Takes It to the Streets Pontiac slipped in under the cover of mid-size style without alerting the competition until sales numbers reached a fiery pace. By then, a swoopy two-door coupe and low price hardtop convertible had rolled into Pontiac showrooms. In case anybody is left to notice, Pontiac takes its most potent G6 GXP editions to the streets.

New for 2008, GXP Street edition models wear an angrier front facia with fog lamps and braided polished stainless steel grille inserts, a twin-nostriled hood, ground affects, chrome dual-wall exhaust tips, and a hammerhead rear spoiler. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels with low-profile sport tires complete the changes. The package looks most menacing on the coupe, but the upgrades will also be available on sedans. Judging from reactions of friends, Pontiac ripped up the asphalt with these enhancements.

Street editions will only improve upon the already-excellent regular-spec 2007 G6 GXP models. A standard 3.6-litre V6 engine connected to a six-speed manumatic transmission pumps out a throaty 252 horsepower and 251 lb.-ft. of torque. Fuel economy is rated a frugal 20/28 mpg city/highway. The sport suspension system and quick steering gives the GXP every opportunity to make whoopee of all that power, while four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and Stabilitrak electronic stability control maintain control even in nasty weather.

Even without the Street edition visual flair, base G6 models look clean and sporty - gone are all of the tacked on plastic panels from Pontiac’s past. An arching roofline, cab-forward stance, long wheelbase, and smooth bodysides look sporty and provide plenty of space to stretch out in the front or rear. A large trunk and fold-down rear seats are bonuses.

Being inside that large interior is a pleasure for both drivers and passengers. Recaro-style heated leather front bucket seats grip you in all of the right places for aggressive driving. Rear legroom is insane for a car this size. Easy-to-read red-backlit analog gauges, a thick three-point leather-wrapped steering wheel, and chrome-tipped shifter contribute to the car’s sporty feel. Getting comfortable is a snap thanks to a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power adjustable pedals, automatic climate control, power seats, and large storage cubbies. XM Satellite Radio with a 6-disc in-dash changer provides a sweet accompaniment to the sport tuned exhaust. Our car came with the retractable panoramic roof, which turns the roomy sedan into the next best thing to a convertible.

Entry-level G6 models begin around $20,000 with cloth seats and a four-cylinder engine; the top-level GXP, including its powerful V6 engine and long list of standard features, begins at $24,400. Check off the CD changer, leather, remote starting, adjustable pedals, and glass roof to see a sticker of $28,920. Street editions will probably be a couple of grand more. Still, for around $30,000, you’ll get one menacing sport coupe or sedan that will scare the crud out of school kids and sport racer wannabes.