There is some debate as to whether the changes between 2005 and 2006 warrant a new generation designation. Many of the same exterior body panels and glass are retained. The exterior changes are very similar to the changes between a 1986 Sport Coupe and a 1986 Luxury Sport (front fascia, front fenders, rear bumper cover). The interior for 2006, however, is redesigned, and features a "substantially revamped cockpit-style instrument panel with a new instrument layout and control center stack." (Autoworld.com's reposting of GM press release material) Additionally, the seats and console are revised. However with the completely new engine options for 2006 comes change in some key chassis components such as control arms that cause the track and wheel-base to be slightly larger. GM has yet to specify if the 2006 model year is the beginning of a true seventh generation, or if it is just a "refreshening" of the sixth generation. Similar "refreshenings" were performed to the 1997 to 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix and were considered the same generation.
