Road Tests

World's Largest Retractable Hardtop Allows True 2+2 Seating

With Pontiac's G6 sedan already on the road and garnering rave reviews, the GM division's previously announced coupe and

The Pontiac G6 moves the domestic nameplate up a notch or two with regards to refinement, style and innovation. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

convertible iterations were introduced last month at the 2005 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show.

The models, to replace the now defunct Grand Am coupe and Sunfire convertible, move the domestic nameplate up a notch or two with regards to refinement, style and innovation.

The latter descriptive refers to the convertible's retractable hardtop, a first for the G6's entry-level midsize segment. Not only will the folding top provide all-weather protection for those living in colder climates who prefer top-down driving in the summer, but when the roof is raised exterior ambient and wind noise

The new convertible will have a retractable hardtop, a first for the G6's entry-level midsize segment. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

is reduced while rollover crash protection is increased.

The top, made by Germany's Karmann, which also builds for many other automakers, opens or closes automatically in less than 30 seconds by pressing a single button. Incidentally, it has the distinction of being the world's largest retractable hardtop.

The retractable configuration also allows for greater rear seat room, making the two-door G6 capable of accommodating two adults in back, in either coupe or convertible guise. Of course, the G6's class-leading 2,852 mm (112.3 inch) wheelbase is also responsible for the extra legroom needed to accomplish such a feat.