2009 Pontiac G3

The 2009 Pontiac G3 is making its appearance in the spring of 2009 (fig. 14).

It's a  five-door hatchback powered by a 1.6L Ecotec 4-cylinder engine with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

Here are some highlights.

1.6L L-4 MFI DOHC ENGINE (LXV)

106 hp @6400 rpm

105 lb-ft @3800 rpm

Cast iron block

Cast nodular iron crankshaft

10.0:1 compression ratio

Forged steel connecting rods

Variable valve timing

Cast aluminum cylinder head

DOHC

4 valves per cylinder

Mechanical tappets

Sequential fuel injectors

The standard engine for the G3 is the Ecotec 1.6L I-4 VVT (LXV) (fig. 15).

The cylinder block incorporates the hollow-frame design, reducing the weight by 17% while maintaining optimized stiffness in the engine-and-transmission unit.

The crankshaft has a new anisotropic magneto-resistive sensor (AMR) in a plastic carrier pressed into the cylinder block. The magnetized sensor disk for the AMR is located between the crankshaft and flywheel.

Camshaft phasing optimizes valve timing over a wide range of engine operating conditions to improve power and low end torque output.

The operating efficiency of the 1.6L Ecotec uses a two step intake manifold. A rotary sleeve controls the flow of air through the intake manifold and is designed to minimize airflow resistance in the manifold at high speeds.

TRANSMISSIONS

Manual Transmission

The D16 manual 5-speed transmission (MLM/MM5) is a two-shaft, transverse design in a one-piece aluminum die cast housing. It uses a rod-type shifting system. The final drive ratio is 3.94.

The MLM/MM5 uses a ceramic hydraulic clutch plate. Shift quality is enhanced by a shift precision device (detent pin), and shift effort is reduced by changing the angle of the 1st/2nd gear synchronizer.

The G3 has a manual transmission shift indicator displayed in the instrument panel as a standard feature (except Canada).

Automatic Transmission

The Aisin automatic 4-speed transmission (MLQ/MX0) is an electronically controlled transaxle, with a torque converter clutch in an aluminum die cast housing. The final drive ratio is 3.84.

Reinforcements to the shaft, gear housing, freewheel, and other areas allow the MLQ/MX0 to handle a maximum engine torque of 150 Nm. The 3rd to 4th shift is clutch-to-clutch, while all other shifts are one-way clutches.

The TCM includes a cruise up-hill shift pattern and improvements to the economic and up-hill shift pattern. The CAN diagnostic protocols meet OBD II regulations.

TIRES AND WHEELS

The standard tire is the 14-inch all-season blackwall P185/60R14 mounted to a steel wheel with full bolt-on wheel cover (fig. 16).

A 15-inch all-season blackwall P185/55R15 mounted to a 5-spoke painted aluminum wheel is included with the Sport Package (PDX).

A tire pressure monitoring system is a standard feature of the G3 (except Canada). If the system detects low pressure in the tire, it will turn ON the tire pressure warning light in the DIC to alert the driver.

BRAKES

The  front disc / rear drum brake system incorporates a 254 mm brake booster and ventilated front disc brakes.

A 4-wheel antilock brake system is available for models with the 4-speed automatic transmission.

The ABS uses sensors in each wheel to balance brake force distribution based on the weight of the passengers and cargo, as well as the road conditions. It also includes an engine immobilizer as part of the theft-deterrent system.

INTERIOR FEATURES

(fig. 17 and 18)

A tilt steering column is standard equipment. A 4-spoke leatherette wrapped steering wheel is included with Sport Package.

The oil life monitoring system is standard and the display is in the instrument panel cluster.

The electronic automatic cruise control  has Set and Resume speed features and is included with the Cruisin' Package. Cruise control is also available as a stand alone option.

An electrical accessory receptacle is suited to common consumer electronics.

Variable delay windshield wipers  wipers and a rear defogger with a timer are standard.

Manual windows are standard, but power windows with rear passenger lockout are included with the Preferred Package.

Power door locks are included with the Preferred Package.

Remote keyless entry with a panic button is part of the theft-deterrent system included and available with the Preferred Package. The engine immobilizer is part of the theft-deterrent system and is available with 4-wheel ABS.

OnStar is a standard feature.

Seats

The charcoal interior includes manually adjusted (fore/aft and recline) cloth front bucket seats and height-adjustable headrests with accessory hooks as standard equipment.

Perforated leatherette seats are available with the Sport Package and the Preferred Package with the 4-speed automatic transmission.

- Thanks to Jerry Parsell