The car's shoulder line has been penned to move upward on its way toward the rear of the car, creating a high decklid. The rear segment of the G6 has jewel-like tail lamps that wrap around to the rear quarter fenders to a simple trunklid with low loading lip. Only embellished by mild chrome accents, this is a very clean car. Some might even say it's beautiful.

Although it's not particularly innovative, and doesn't set any new standards, the G6's interior is an improvement over the norm. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

My first glance at the interior has me thinking that it's an improvement over the norm. Still there's no denying its Pontiac roots, highlighted by all too familiar organic shapes. It's not particularly innovative, and doesn't set any new standards. The thick-rimmed leather-wrapped steering wheel matches up with the racy look of chromed porthole air vents and sporty instrument cluster. Pontiac calls the lighting theme "True-Red," but these images portray the scheme as pink. A little weird, but whatever goes.

Pontiac calls the lighting theme "True-Red," but these images portray the scheme as pink. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

HVAC controls consist of three simple knobs, and the sound system looks well-laid out with the convenience of an in-dash CD player. Seats are well bolstered, and can be trimmed in optional leather. A unique feature to the G6 is its available panoramic glass-sliding roof. Four tinted glass panels that stretch the full length of the roof can retract to create an open-air targa-like experience. It's an interesting concept that sheds light and a lot of fresh air into what is often a mundane segment of the market.

With the P-90 in its last dying days, I'm glad to see that GM has gone to higher standards in creating its successor. The styling isn't overdone, the performance seems worthy of sport sedan credentials, at least in GTP trim, and its packaging is smart with a larger wheelbase than the Grand Am it replaces.