If not with unnecessary glitz, the effort to impress has clearly been put into operational refinement and performance. If there is

The GTP either meets or out muscles the competition's best with a new 240-hp 3.9-litre OHV V6 featuring only 2-valves per cylinder, yet variable intake valve timing and a variable intake manifold. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

a singular drawback in the GTP's performance department, it's undoubtedly the vehicle's front-wheel drive (FWD) configuration. Sure FWD is fine for the G6 sedan, but when it comes to performance-oriented driving enjoyment, FWD doesn't measure up - at least not by my dipstick. Of course, adapting rear-wheel drive (RWD), or even AWD to a FWD architecture is more than simply plugging in a driveshaft, and wouldn't likely have been cost effective for a one-off application. Once resigned to being pulled through hairpins rather than pushed, the strengths of the G6 GTP coupe emerge.

The GTP designation informs those in-the-know that this coupe is not your average

When equipped with its six-speed manual transmission, Pontiac claims a 0 to 100 km/h time of only 6.7 seconds. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

mid-size 2+2-seater, and it boasts 240-horsepower and six gears to back-up the claim. Pontiac was astute enough to put some serious brawn behind its top performing G6. The GTP either meets or out muscles the competition's best with a new, 3.9-litre (231 cu in) V6 featuring variable intake valve timing and a variable intake manifold. Backing up the ponies is 241 persuasive foot-pounds of torque, online at only 2,800 rpm. Running that kind of torque through six gears (when equipped with a manual transmission) easily propels the GTP coupe's 1,575 kg (3,472 lbs) of mass. Power is plentiful sub 3,000 rpm, which isn't always the case with V6 mills. Thanks to a torque rating consistent with many V8 engines, keeping the front wheels of the GTP from spinning frantically when the traction control system is deactivated can be a challenge. Pontiac claims a 0 to 100 km/h GTP time of only 6.7 seconds.