In the world of the 2006 Pontiac G6 Coupe, there are two choices: GT and GTP. Access to the GT starts at $21,790 including a $625 destination charge, and affords drivers a 3.5-liter, 12-valve V6 with overhead valves. Horsepower rolls on at 5,600 rpm and torque peaks at 3,200 rpm, measuring 201 and 222 respectively. A four-speed automatic directs power to the front wheels, and the EPA suggests that this powertrain will return 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Also included on the GT coupe are standard features like air conditioning, a power driver’s seat, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, fog lights, a single-disc CD player, and a split folding rear seat. Behind the scenes are four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction control, a drive-by-wire steering system, and a fully independent suspension system with MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link setup in the rear. For a little extra coin buyers can outfit the 2006 Pontiac G6 GT Coupe with optional front-side and side-curtain airbags, a power sunroof, OnStar telematics, adjustable foot pedals, and heated leather seats. G6 fans might also be interested in the available six-disc CD changer, remote start system, steering wheel audio controls, or alloy wheels finished in either bright chrome or black chrome.

Though the GT can be dressed up with accessories, getting more muscle requires a bump up to the 2006 Pontiac G6 GTP Coupe, which starts at $23,490 with destination. Under the hood there’s a 3.9-liter, 12-vavle V6 with overhead valves and 240 horsepower cranking out at 6,000 rpm, with 241 lb.-ft. of twist available at 2,800 rpm. Like the GT, the GTP comes with a standard four-speed automatic transmission, but fuel economy drops to 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway; a six-speed manual, returning 18 mpg and 29 mpg, is optional. The GTP’s standard features list mirrors that of the G6 GT Coupe, with the addition of 18-inch alloy wheels wearing 225/50 all-season tires, automatic climate control, a subwoofer, stability control, three months of complimentary XM satellite radio service, and dual chrome exhaust tips. A sport-tuned suspension is added for some extra verve, and a variable-assisted rack-and-pinion steering unit replaces the GT’s drive-by-wire system for more response. Unique options include 225/50 performance tires and bright 18-inch alloy wheels.

We spent a week in a 2006 Pontiac G6 GTP Coupe with a host of options, including front-side and side-curtain airbags, adjustable pedals, OnStar, heated leather seats, and the six-disc CD changer. All told, our test car’s sticker read $28,585, overpriced when compared to a 2006 Honda Accord EX Coupe with a 244-horsepower V6 and a full cache of options for $27,950. However, with GM’s lowered sticker prices, our G6 tester would now retail for about $27,000 including the current $500 rebate, so while the Pontiac may not be competitive in most areas, at least it offers a slight price advantage.