A mid-year refresh brings a smaller, more efficient 2.4L four-cylinder engine to Pontiac's G6 Coupe despite tumbling gas prices. Car sales have tumbled even further, however, and fuel prices are likely to rise, so the decision is surprising only in its lateness - the G6 Coupe had previously only been available with a pair of 3.5L V6 engines.

The new four-cylinder will be paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and is rated at 164hp (122kW) and 156lb-ft (211Nm) of torque - a step down from the GT's 219hp (163kW) and 219lb-ft (296Nm) of torque, but likely still enough to feel sporty behind the wheel.

A revised front-end to match the new G8 and Vibe is also on the way, featuring a squarer grille and a lower air dam, reports GM Inside News. Interior switchgear also gets an update to match the rest of the lineup.

While the updated model isn't a true model-year edition, it will begin filtering into showrooms as an upgraded 2009 model soon. Both the G6 GT and GXP coupes will continue to offer their more powerful 219hp (163kW) and 252hp (188kW) engines. Pricing for the new four-pot models remains to be announced.