Official Pontiac G8, G8 ST, and G8 GXP news and details

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PRESS RELEASE: ALL-NEW G8 ACCELERATES NEW ERA OF REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE PERFORMANCE AT PONTIAC

CHICAGO – Confirming its commitment to style and performance, Pontiac introduced a show car version of an all-new, rear-wheel-drive performance sedan at the Chicago Auto Show. The 2008 Pontiac G8 will be available in dealerships early next year.

“With the balance of rear-wheel drive and the availability of V-8 power, the G8 represents another step in Pontiac ’s commitment to its performance DNA,” said John Larson, Pontiac general manager. “Added to the Solstice and the recently announced additions of the G6 and Torrent to the GXP series, the G8 demonstrates that Pontiac has never been more serious about the business of performance – and we expect this vehicle to be very competitive in the segment, even against cars that cost far more.” The G8 is the first North American application of GM’s new global rear-wheel-drive architecture developed by Holden, GM’s Australian subsidiary.

G8 GT show car details

The G8 show car unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show is representative of the production GT model, including use of the 362-horsepower (270 kW) 6.0L V-8 engine and optional six-speed manual transmission. The show car also features some unique items not found on the production model, including:

Twenty-inch “shadow chrome” wheels and performance tires
Ride height lowered approximately half-inch
High-performance brake rotors with painted brake calipers
Custom interior trim color, including a leather-wrapped dash
Exclusive exterior paint color: Phantom Grey
Concept of “modernized” Pontiac badge, to gauge public opinion.
Production model details

The 2008 Pontiac G8 lineup will offer two models: G8 and G8 GT. Each will come with a host of standard performance, convenience and safety features, including:

Four-wheel independent suspension
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control
Electronic stability control
18-inch aluminum wheels (19-inch wheels available with sport package)
Seat-mounted thorax air bags and dual-stage frontal air bags for front passengers, with automatic passenger sensing system
Roof rail side-impact air bags for both seating rows
OnStar
XM Satellite Radio
Power-adjustable front seats
Fog lamps
Chrome exhaust tips
Rear lip spoiler
A sport package will be available for both models and adds features such as specific wheels – including 19-inch aluminum wheels and performance tires on GT – a rear wing spoiler, leather shift knob, leather-wrapped steering wheel and alloy pedals.

Design

The G8 has a progressive styling package highlighted by strong Pontiac design cues, such as a dual-port grille, fog lamps, bold wheels and a confident, wheels-at-the-corners stance. The design accents the car’s performance lineage, with fenders that flare over the wheels, seemingly hugging the wide tires and enhancing the sporting stance.

Distinctive elements include hood scoops and front fender vents, as well as projector-beam headlamps housed in crystal-clear lenses. At the rear, jewel-like taillamps also are mounted in housings and feature bright detail work surrounding the red lighting elements. G8 models have red taillamp lenses and twin chrome exhaust outlets, while G8 GT models feature clear taillamp lenses and quad chrome exhaust tips. All models have an antenna mounted at the rear of the roof.

Powertrain

The base G8 model receives a 3.6L DOHC V-6 with variable valve timing, rated at 261 horsepower (194 kW). It is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.

The G8 GT is powered by a uniquely configured 6.0L small-block V-8, rated at 362 horsepower (270 kW) and 391 lb.-ft. of torque (530 Nm). A six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode is standard and features the fuel-saving Active Fuel Management system, which enhances fuel economy by alternating between eight- and four-cylinder power. An optional six-speed manual transmission will be available soon after launch. A limited-slip rear differential is standard with GT models.


Suspension system

A 114.8-inch (2915 mm) wheelbase, wide front ( 62.7 inches / 1592 mm) and rear ( 63.3 inches / 1608 mm) tracks, and a fully adjustable, four-wheel independent suspension system combine to give the G8 a confident, sharp driving experience.

The four-wheel independent suspension system employs a MacPherson strut design in the front and a four-link coil-over-shock design in the rear. Tuning is specific between the base and GT models, but both models use a direct-acting front stabilizer bar, decoupled rear stabilizer bar and lateral ball joints on the rear suspension. This system delivers increased lateral stiffness for enhanced handling.

The front suspension features fully adjustable caster, camber and toe; the rear suspension has fully adjustable camber and toe, which enables more precise, tailored suspension tuning.

Brake system

A four-wheel disc brake system includes standard anti-lock and traction control features and is partnered with a standard electronic stability control system. Both the base and GT models feature vented front and rear disc rotors, with twin-piston alloy calipers in front; the rear brakes feature alloy calipers with single-piston actuation. The brakes are approximately one-inch larger on the higher-performance GT model.

Interior

Designed to meld form and function with world-class fit and finish, the G8’s interior delivers both comfort and convenience, packaged in a level of sophistication not often found in its price range. A driver-oriented instrument cluster positions the gauges for easy, direct line of sight; an electronic driver information center is located between the large, round tachometer and speedometer.

Attention to detail includes jewel-like instruments, selective use of satin and chrome trim and rich-feeling, grained textures throughout. The instrument cluster glows with crisp, white light on the primary instruments and Pontiac ’s signature red lighting illuminates the rest of the instrument panel cluster.

The seats offer firm support to hold occupants in place during aggressive cornering; all seats were designed to deliver excellent comfort during long drives. Cloth seating surfaces are standard, with heated leather seating available. G8 GT models will also offer an optional two-tone cloth or leather combination that pairs black with either red or blue inserts and color-matched instrument faces on certain exterior color combinations.

2008 PONTIAC G8 PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
Overview

Models: Pontiac G8 and G8 GT

Body style / driveline: 5-passenger, front-engine, rear-drive sedan

Construction: unitized body frame, 1- and 2-sided galvanized steel

EPA vehicle class: midsize sedan

Manufacturing location: Adelaide, Australia

Key competitors: Nissan Maxima, Dodge Charger

Engines

3.6L V-6 (LY7) 6.0L V-8 (L76)

Application: G8 G8 GT

Type: 3.6L V-6 6.0L V-8

Displacement (cu in / cc): 217 / 3564 364 / 5967

Bore & stroke (in / mm): 3.70 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6 3.99 x 3.62 / 101.3 x 92

Block material: cast aluminum w/ cast-in-place iron bore liners cast aluminum w/ cast-in-place iron bore liners

Cylinder head material: aluminum aluminum

Valvetrain: dual overhead camshafts, 4 valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing valve-in-head; 2 valves per cylinder; roller lifters

Ignition system: electronic individual coil-on-plug; individual cylinder knock control and extended-life platinum-tipped spark plugs high-energy distributorless ignition; solid state direct-fire ignition w/ coil near plug and integrated ignition

Fuel delivery: returnless, multi-port fuel injection returnless, multi-port fuel injection

Compression ratio: 10.2:1 10.4:1

Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): 261 / 194 @ 6300 rpm* 362 / 270 @ 5700*

Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): 250 / 340 @ 3200 rpm* 391 / 530 @ 4400*

Recommended fuel: regular unleaded regular unleaded

Maximum engine speed (rpm): 6900 6000

Emissions controls: evaporative system, single close-coupled catalytic converter, equal-length exhaust, single underfloor catalytic converter, positive crankcase ventilation, intake and exhaust cam phasers, electronic throttle control evaporative system, close-coupled catalytic converters, positive crankcase ventilation, electronic throttle control

Estimated fuel economy: TBD TBD

Transmission

Type: Hydra-Matic 5L40 5-spd automatic Hydra-Matic 6L80 6-speed automatic TR6060- six-speed manual

Gear ratios (:1):

First: 3.42 4.03 3.01

Second: 2.21 2.36 2.07

Third: 1.60 1.53 1.43

Fourth: 1.00 1.15 1.00

Fifth: 0.75 0.85 0.84

Sixth: -- 0.67 0.57

Reverse: 3.02 TBD TBD

Final drive ratio: 2.92 2.92 3.27

Chassis/Suspension

Front: multi-link MacPherson strut; direct-acting stabilizer bar; progressive-rate coil springs; fully adjustable camber, caster and toe

Rear: four-link independent; progressive-rate coil springs over shocks; stabilizer bar; fully adjustable camber and toe

Steering type: variable-ratio rack-and-pinion

Steering ratio: 46-53 mm per revolution

Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock: 2.8

Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m): 37.4 / 11.4

Brakes

Type: four-wheel disc w/ ABS; ventilated front and rear rotors; twin-piston front calipers; single piston alloy rear calipers

Rotor diameter (in / mm): G8 front: 11.73 / 298
G8 rear: 11.89 / 302
G8 GT front: 12.64 / 321
G8 GT rear: 12.76 / 324

Wheels/Tires

G8 / G8 GT

Wheel size and type: 18 x 8-inch painted aluminum
18 x 8-inch painted aluminum (std); 19 x 8-inch painted aluminum (opt)

Tires: P245/45R18 P245/45R18 (std); P245/40R19 (opt)

Dimensions Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm): 114.8 / 2915

Overall length (in / mm): 196.1 / 4982

Overall width (in / mm): 74.8 / 1899

Overall height (in / mm): 57.7 / 1465

Track (in / mm): front: 62.7 / 1592
rear: 63.3 / 1608

Curb weight (lb / kg): Base: 3885 / 1762
GT: 3995 / 1812

Interior

Seating capacity (front / rear): 2 / 3

Headroom (in / mm): front: 38.7 / 989
rear: 38 / 965

Legroom (in / mm): front: 42.2 / 1071
rear: 39.4 / 1001

Shoulder room (in / mm): front: 59.1 / 1501
rear: 59.1 / 1500

Hip room (in / mm): front: 56.7 / 1439
rear: 58 / 1472

Capacities

EPA interior volume (cu ft / L): 124.5 / 3528

Cargo volume (cu ft / L): 17.5 / 496

Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg): 1000 / 454

Fuel tank (gal / L): 19.2 / 72.6

Engine oil (qt / L): 3.6L: 7.6 / 7.2
6.0L: 8.9 / 8.5

Cooling system (qt / L): 3.6L: 10.8 / 10.2
6.0L: 11.4 / 10.8

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NEW GLOBAL REAR-DRIVE ARCHITECTURE IS THE FOUNDATION FOR THE ALL-NEW PONTIAC G8

CHICAGO – The 2008 Pontiac G8 performance sedan is built on GM’s new, global rear-wheel-drive architecture. With the input of Pontiac and GM North America, the G8 was developed in Australia, under the direction of Holden’s engineering department.

Taking advantage of GM’s global centers of engineering expertise, a series of vehicle architectures are being developed that can be easily adapted to the unique vehicle requirements of various regions. For example, global truck architectures are being developed in North America while midsize vehicle architectures are created in Europe .

“The rear-wheel drive engineering team has put together a simply spectacular car that captures the essence of Pontiac,” said John Larson, Pontiac general manager. “We believe that the Pontiac G8 will rival competitors costing far more.”

The Holden-engineered global rear-wheel drive architecture was designed to deliver world-class levels of strength and refinement, along with crisp driving dynamics, while serving as the foundation for vehicles sold in a wide variety of climates and road conditions around the world – from the desert-like desolation of Australia ’s Outback to the frost-heaved highways of North America ’s cold regions.

“We set out to lift the bar on what could be achieved with quality and refinement,” said Tony Hyde, Holden executive director of engineering. “We have gone over this car time and time again to reduce gaps and margins, ensuring that every fit is crisp and tight.”

For North American customers, the result is a tautly-designed rear-wheel-drive performance sedan that is ideally suited for Pontiac customers.

“We spent many hours refining the chassis to create that unique blend of steering precision, vehicle balance and handling that we believe driving enthusiasts will love,” said Doug Houlihan, G8 chief engineer.

Global, balanced architecture

The new global rear-wheel-drive architecture used for the G8 was designed to accommodate production for both left-hand drive and right-hand drive markets around the world. To ensure durability for the vast array of driving conditions and climates, the new architecture was designed with a robust, protected electrical system, superior climate control system and noise/vibration-isolating suspension systems.

Among the new architecture’s design attributes is a layout that promotes a nearly 50/50 front-to-rear weight balance ratio, thanks to design features that include a steering rack mounted ahead of the front axle, engines mounted low and rearward in the front chassis cradle and a rear-mounted battery.

Stiff structure

GM’s new rear-drive architecture has an exceptionally strong unitized chassis/body structure, including advanced-strength steel used in more than 80 percent of its construction. This strong foundation enables several factors than benefit the G8’s driving experience, including smoother, more solid ride characteristics and more precise suspension tuning, as the stiffer structure allows engineers to tune the suspension without having to account for chassis flex.

The stiff structure also enhances safety, as it helps absorb crash energy through a multiple load path strategy that includes optimized front-end and rear-end deformation zones. (See safety section below.)

Chassis and suspension

A unique, four-wheel independent suspension system is integrated with the G8’s structure, and is the result of eight years of development. It uses the strength of the body structure to enhance the driving experience through optimized steering, handling and driving control.

The G8 rides on a long, 114.8-inch (2,915 mm) wheelbase, with the wheels set wide on 62.7-inch (1,592 mm) front and 63.3-inch (1,608 mm) rear tracks. The front suspension features a multi-link, strut-type design that incorporates a direct-acting stabilizer bar, while the rear suspension uses a four-link independent design, with coil springs over shocks and a decoupled stabilizer bar.

The front suspension uses a hydraulically damped bushing on the forward end of the tension link for improved ride isolation. The lateral link feature a rubber spherical joint that enhances lateral stiffness. Camber, caster and toe are fully adjustable.

With the rear suspension, a high degree of lateral stiffness is achieved with the use of two lateral ball joints per side. A rubber-damped suspension frame further isolates the body structure from noise, vibration and road harshness.

Steering and braking

The steering rack is mounted forward of the front axle centerline – with dual lower links and individual ball joints at the outer ends – which enhances the balanced feel of the car while also contributing to a more direct steering feel. Steering rates are tuned specifically for the V-6-powered base and V-8-powered GT models.

Matching the vehicle’s handling and steering agility is a carefully tailored brake system that uses four-wheel discs sized to match each model’s performance. The higher-performance capability of the V-8-powered GT, for example, has larger brakes than the V-6 base model. The brakes are integrated with a standard electronic stability control system.

The basic brake design for all models includes twin-piston front alloy calipers and vented disc rotors, and single-piston, alloy rear calipers with vented disc rotors. ABS is standard.

Safety

Safety was one of the foremost goals in the design of the G8’s architecture. It combines a sturdy, crash-absorbing body structure and state-of-the-art passenger protection technology. Examples of these elements include:

Efficient, energy-absorbing front structure and a strong occupant safety cage
Six standard air bags, including dual-stage frontal air bags, thorax air bags for front-seat passengers and roof rail-mounted head curtain air bags for both seating rows
Multiple air bag sensors: two electronic front sensors and two side-impact sensors, all connected to a sensing diagnostic module
Front safety belts with load limiters and dual pretensioners
Ride-down steering column and breakaway pedal system
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS.
An electronic stability control system is standard on all models, as is full-function traction control. These features bolster driver control during certain driving conditions, which can help avoid a crash.

Safety development included tests that represented occupants ranging in size from a six-month-old baby to a 95 th percentile adult male. Sixty-one physical vehicle safety tests were performed with the variety of test dummies, which helped optimize the structure’s front and rear crush zones.

Validation

GM’s global rear-wheel-drive architecture underwent some of the longest and most stringent testing and validation procedures undertaken by General Motors, which helped ensure its strength, safety and reliability in markets around the world. These procedures included:

More than 2.1 million miles (3.4 million km) of equivalent road evaluation
Approximately 5,000 hours of virtual safety tests
Seventy-nine physical safety tests
Approximately 41,000 hours of electrical system tests
Approximately 11,000 subsystem validation tests and activities
Additional details

The G8’s new rear-drive architecture also incorporates a host of design and technology details that bolster comfort, convenience and quality. They include:

A new electrical system that supports OnStar and XM Satellite Radio

A rear-mounted battery that offers increased protection from the elements and improves vehicle weight distribution

A contemporary “down and forward” instrument panel design that enhances outward visibility and provides a roomier, airy cabin environment

An all-new climate control system with multiple heating/cooling ducts, up to 20 fan speeds in the base configuration, and infinite speed settings in the optional dual zone climate system

A new family of premium radio systems with available color screen display
A unique four-bar deck lid hinge design reduces trunk space intrusion for increased cargo capacity.

[Donas64]

I don't know about you guys but this car really appeals to me. I really like the styling, it looks really solid. I love the exhausts, the interior, the styling oh yeah and that BEEFY 6.0 Liter V8. I loved the GTO and I was really going to look into finding a nice used one for my next car but this car fits the bill perfectly. 4 doors, nice manly looking sport sedan. Of course they had to stick with the kidney grill but that doesn't bother me that much. I know a lot of people here hate GM and their cars but I like this car a lot. I like the Mazdaspeed6 but I prefer N/A motors over Forced Induction so this car is really checking all the right boxes. RWD FTW!!!

BTW: Yes I know its a re-badged Holden like the GTO was but I don't really care! A good car is a good car.

[girth]

I absolutely love it....if they offer it with a manual tranny. Although I own a GTO so no surprise that I like the G8. I'd love to trade my GTO for one just for the 4 doors.

[mikeyb]

Josh you beat me!! I was just in the middle of posting this. Anyways I can not wait to go drive a G8.

[redrims]

Now there are three Pontiacs I wouldn't mine owning. The WS6, GTO, and now this.

[Killer]

me likey

[Donas64]

I absolutely love it....if they offer it with a manual tranny. Although I own a GTO so no surprise that I like the G8. I'd love to trade my GTO for one just for the 4 doors.

My sentiements exactly!

4 Door GTO = Where do I sign up!

I didn't know you owned a GOAT! It's sooooo underrated and people always write it off. I think they are AWESOME cars that are just understated and low key. Just the way I like it. What are you impressions of the car?

Engine? Interior?

[evilmonkeyMSP]

this pic closely resembles a MS6

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q110/Donas64/Pontiac-G8-002.jpg

[mikeyb]

I would take one in this color.

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/02/ve_morpheous_01.jpg

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[evilmonkeyMSP]

mmmmmm Holden.....

[jdm4lyf9]

I like the grill better on the purple one. I'd take the g8 too even though it some how reminds me of an m3 because of the exhaust and the small air damn on the fender.

[mountjonas]

I absolutely love it....if they offer it with a manual tranny. Although I own a GTO so no surprise that I like the G8. I'd love to trade my GTO for one just for the 4 doors.

that pic looks like a manual to me.

i love it except for the name. g8? lame. should've kept it as the gran prix. dumbass alphanumerics.

[mikeyb]

I like the grill better on the purple one. I'd take the g8 too even though it some how reminds me of an m3 because of the exhaust and the small air damn on the fender.

It does look similar to a e46 m3. But the G8 will have two mufflers where the e46 m3 has one large muffler.

[Donas64]

that pic looks like a manual to me.

i love it except for the name. g8? lame. should've kept it as the gran prix. dumbass alphanumerics.

I agree on that. G8 does sound rather formulaic and emotionless. At the same time the Grand Prix name might come with baggage. I think they needed a new trendy but purposeful name.

[mikeyb]

I agree on that. G8 does sound rather formulaic and emotionless. At the same time the Grand Prix name might come with baggage. I think they needed a new trendy but purposeful name.

Like Lemans, thats emotional. Or just leave it with the Holden name Commodore.

[unwound]

very impressive by pontiac! dont like the black/tan linterior with the gray exterior though, but overall still very nice!

[.paul]

Very cool car. I'd definitely rock one!

[bradicus18]

Check out the mirror covers...very Audi S/RS.

I'm diggin' this car over the GTO. The styling is much tighter. The wheel/fender relationship is just right and the car overall looks more athletic. Now, they just need that 6.2l V8 in a GXP or whatever version.

Edit: Oh, and happy for the death of the T56. The TR6060 is supposedly much improved.

[Foolish]

I'm diggin' this car over the GTO. The styling is much tighter. The wheel/fender relationship is just right and the car overall looks more athletic.

Too bad it specifically mentions that the 20's on the show car will not be on the production car. Why TF do car companies do that? Show cars should represent the actual, not the ideal iteration of the car to come.

Also, I agree. In terms of styling, this thing kicks the GTO's ass.

[Captain KRM P5]

stunning. looks like a world class automobile. bravo GM, bravo.

[Gaboost]

If this is the grand prix replacement then wow, this is 1000x's better than that rental car. Nice styling and power with a proper manual transmission.

[seanmcsean]

I agree with the anti-grand prix sentiment. My family had a grand prix.. it was a rabid piece of crap.

I like the g8, I like the holden grille and hood better though.I don't like the dual grille and hood vents on the poncho.

[mikeyb]

Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btRohX44n5s

[Tengo]

arnt those like the nissan altima(maxima?) SE-R wheels?

[mikeyb]

arnt those like the nissan altima(maxima?) SE-R wheels?

No.... They do look like SE-R rims. These are 20"s and the now dead SE-R's are 18"s.

[Hughes412]

GM IS BACK!!!


Well they will be if the don't mess this up. They never should have done away with the RWD cars. I REALLY like this G8. I wonder what the Impala will look like.

[Tengo]

No.... They do look like SE-R rims. These are 20"s and the now dead SE-R's are 18"s.
oh yeah buddy, they look nothing alike at all! none at all!

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/tengoestetempo/ser.jpg

[Hughes412]

Oh and the Monte Carlo! I've alway been a fan of them. I had a loaded out 76 that I ran damn well!

[mikeyb]

oh yeah buddy, they look nothing alike at all! none at all!

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/tengoestetempo/ser.jpg

Who you calling buddy? Just giving you a hard time. They do look similar.

http://altspace.com/photos/g8_3.jpg

[Tengo]

Who you calling buddy? Just giving you a hard time. They do look similar.

http://altspace.com/photos/g8_3.jpg
i was just messing with you "buddy" lol. your a good guy and the King of auto news lol

[mikeyb]

i was just messing with you "buddy" lol. your a good guy and the King of auto news lol

I was messing with you too. Thanks

[altspace]

Please clean up your messes.

[bradicus18]

GM IS BACK!!!


Well they will be if the don't mess this up. They never should have done away with the RWD cars. I REALLY like this G8. I wonder what the Impala will look like.

They have a digital illustration in the new Motortrend of the Impala. It looks similar in shape to the SS Concept. I hope it is GM sourced because it looks good.

[Maxx Mazda]

I like the G8 better than the Holden. TEH SEX!

[mikeyb]

http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/2007_chicago/0702_z+2008_pontiac_g8+front_corner_show.jpg

http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/2007_chicago/0702_z+2008_pontiac_g8+front_show.jpg

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http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/2007_chicago/0702_z+2008_pontiac_g8+side_show.jpg

[Kansei]

no HIDs? :'(

[mikeyb]

I can not wait for this car to get here. I was talking to my cousins in Australia and they have just ordered a Commodore VE SS. They already own a Monaro SS and Aclaim sportwagon.

On a side note the Commodore SS comes with 19" rims and has optional 20"s.

[mikeyb]

no HIDs? :'(

What more do you want???? I'm sure it will be an option. I wonder why the GTO did not have HIDs?

[.paul]

I wonder why the GTO did not have HIDs?
Because the accountants said so, duh :P

[Kansei]

What more do you want???? I'm sure it will be an option. I wonder why the GTO did not have HIDs?

Guess it was too new of a thing when that model was first made probably.

[mikeyb]

Guess it was too new of a thing when that model was first made probably.

The Monaro had HIDs as an option. So who knows why we did not get them here. Caddy and Saab are the only two GM brands that offer HID headlamps here.

[altspace]

dayum.

[Donas64]

If they don't screw this car up dynamically, and the price is right, it should MOP the floor with the competition

[txrxs]

i'll buy one, poor mans cts-v.

[Donas64]

i'll buy one, poor mans cts-v.

Good enough for me! :)

[Newf]

I don't know guys, I just can't get excited about yet another high horsepower, large RWD american sedan. It's still a pontiac

[Donas64]

I don't know guys, I just can't get excited about yet another high horsepower, large RWD american sedan. It's still a pontiac

Correction, its a Holden and they have a rep for building quality solid performance vehicles. Besides whats not to like:

Good Looks? Check

Reliability? Since the GTO is proving to be reliable I assume the same for this car

Nice Interior? Check

Handling? Maybe not BMW but the GTO drove well so Check

I mean seriously whats not to like? And its not going to be THAT large. I'm sure it will be smaller than a 300C. Probably about the same size as an MS6.

[mikeyb]

Correction, its a Holden and they have a rep for building quality solid performance vehicles. Besides whats not to like:

Good Looks? Check

Reliability? Since the GTO is proving to be reliable I assume the same for this car

Nice Interior? Check

Handling? Maybe not BMW but the GTO drove well so Check

I mean seriously whats not to like? And its not going to be THAT large. I'm sure it will be smaller than a 300C. Probably about the same size as an MS6.

The GTO handles just as well as a BMW 3 series. So I think the G8 will be very similar. The G8 is smaller the the DCX triplets.

[Donas64]

The GTO handles just as well as a BMW 3 series. So I think the G8 will be very similar. The G8 is smaller the the DCX triplets.

I seriously don't see any weakpoints of this car. Its just such a solid looking product. The kind of car Pontiac should have been building years ago. An attractive, enthusiast yet sensible, RWD American family sedan. If pontiac somehow manages to screw this up, there is no hope for them.

[mikeyb]

I seriously don't see any weakpoints of this car. Its just such a solid looking product. The kind of car Pontiac should have been building years ago. An attractive, enthusiast yet sensible, RWD American family sedan. If pontiac somehow manages to screw this up, there is no hope for them.

I know someone that works for Pontiac and he told me that the concept G8 is basically the a production car. The only area that could have a problem on this car if GM did not beef it up is the IRS. The GTO also has IRS which is known for blowing out the differential and axle shafts. My uncle blow the rear differential and both axle shafts on his 04 GTO S/C.

[Donas64]

I know someone that works for Pontiac and he told me that the concept G8 is basically the a production car. The only area that could have a problem on this car if GM did not beef it up is the IRS. The GTO also has IRS which is known for blowing out the differential and axle shafts. My uncle blow the rear differential and both axle shafts on his 04 GTO S/C.

Lets hope all the parts are beefed up to spec. The S/C must have stressed the components beyond what they could bare.

Besides I'd take the handling characteristics of an IRS over a live axle anyday. I can live with "only" 400 hp.

[txrxs]

whats the pricing going to be on this beast. And yes, I deserve a punch in the face if I missed it in the initial text.

[mikeyb]

Lets hope all the parts are beefed up to spec. The S/C must have stressed the components beyond what they could bare.

Besides I'd take the handling characteristics of an IRS over a live axle anyday. I can live with "only" 400 hp.

Stock GTOs have been having diffs and axle shafts grenading too.

[Donas64]

Stock GTOs have been having diffs and axle shafts grenading too.

Wow really, thats not good. They need to beef up the IRS

[Donas64]

whats the pricing going to be on this beast. And yes, I deserve a punch in the face if I missed it in the initial text.

I have no clue but I'm guessing 29-34K range.

[Rally Ninja]

BLAH. G8 looks tame and outdated before it came out!!!

America gets screwed again: we get 362hp, brits get 419 and a sweeter looking car
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2007/02/vauxhall-vxr8-uk-version-of-419hp-hsv.html

http://i8.tinypic.com/257nk8j.jpg
http://i7.tinypic.com/257np1f.jpg

[mikeyb]

BLAH. G8 looks tame and outdated before it came out!!!

America gets screwed again: we get 362hp, brits get 419 and a sweeter looking car
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2007/02/vauxhall-vxr8-uk-version-of-419hp-hsv.html

http://i8.tinypic.com/257nk8j.jpg
http://i7.tinypic.com/257np1f.jpg

Horsepower is not everything. I think the G8 is a good liking car. Plus all the HSV parts will bolt right on the the US spec G8. Its looks alot better then a Mitsu Galant, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and alot of other General's offerings.

[Donas64]

Horsepower is not everything. I think the G8 is a good liking car. Plus all the HSV parts will bolt right on the the US spec G8. Its looks alot better then a Mitsu Galant, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and alot of other General's offerings.

Bingo. Besides anything with over 300 horses is MORE than fast enough for me. Granted the Brit Spec version does have a nicer front end but the GM makeover is pleasing to the eye. I'm REALLY REALLY looking forward to this car getting to the states.

[bradicus18]

Whoo hoo, new Motortrend has some G8 pics in it. They also go to Australia to road test the Commodore SSV (not to be confused with the 412bhp HSV GTS). They liken it to the previous generation M5!!

[Donas64]

Whoo hoo, new Motortrend has some G8 pics in it. They also go to Australia to road test the Commodore SSV (not to be confused with the 412bhp HSV GTS). They liken it to the previous generation M5!!

Can't wait to get mine in the mail. Sure thaey have a slight Honda bias but they still have some decent writing. Since the previous gen M5 is one of my top 3 fave cars ever and I was hoping to get one used someday, maybe I can swing a G8 new sometime in the future. *crosses fingers*

[Brian MP5T]

hgroefigiofedighosf +1

[Donas64]

hgroefigiofedighosf +1


(boom08)

[mikeyb]

http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/3741/compcomparoob2.jpg

[Donas64]

http://www.dieselstation.com/

http://athena.divshare.com/athena2/files/2007/05/07/587563/pic0177.jpg
The guys over at KickingTires managed to get some preproduction pictures of the Pontiac G8 in red on their cellphone's camera. Their initial reactions:

"The G8 is really nice. This red G8 we got a look at isn't a production model, but it's the most polished prototype I've ever seen. I can't believe the one that goes on sale at the end of the year will be different in the least. Perhaps, the new emblem will get some alterations. A Pontiac rep said the new, silver one is getting a lot of positive comments though.
The interior is far beyond any Pontiac in a long time, mainly because it's from Australia, but even still, it is an improvement from the GTO's interior. The armrests for example are padded in leather. The rear seats are quite comfy too."

I would have to say this thing looks BAD ASS in red.

[seanmcsean]

Saw this on autoblog the other day. Red is a very flattering color for that vehicle!

Moved to automotive news.

[Donas64]

My goodness I'm stoked about this car. I'll have mine in black please. I wonder what the pricing will be for the V8 version. I'm guessing about MS6 range.

Finally a car to replace my GTO lust, and its got 4 doors and a nice interior and a barrell chested V8 and RWD!!!

Nirvana!

[mikeyb]

http://blogs.cars.com/photos/pontiac_g8_buick_enclave/pic0174.jpg

http://blogs.cars.com/photos/pontiac_g8_buick_enclave/g82.jpg

[Donas64]

Saw this on autoblog the other day. Red is a very flattering color for that vehicle!

Moved to automotive news.

Thanks!

[mikeyb]

The only thing I don't like is the Galant-like tails.


http://www.vwvortex.com/vwbb/confused.gif
http://www.cardata.com/spoilers/images/CD_Spoilers/Mitsubishi_Galant_432N.jpg http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/2007_chicago/0702_z+2008_pontiac_g8+rear_show.jpg

[Donas64]

http://blogs.cars.com/photos/pontiac_g8_buick_enclave/pic0174.jpg

http://blogs.cars.com/photos/pontiac_g8_buick_enclave/g82.jpg

What you think Mike, Hit or a miss?

I think it deserves to be a huge it if the driving dynamics are competent. I know the block will be solid and if the interior is better than the GTO's then thats a done deal also.

I view it as a poor mans CTS-V, a VERY poor mans M5 or anyone who just wants some 4 door muscle.

[CantCMe]

Please tell me it comes with a REAL manual transmission that includes a clutch!!!!!

[Donas64]

Please tell me it comes with a REAL manual transmission that includes a clutch!!!!!

6 spd and all my friend! Meat and potatoes manual tranny! Like I said, this one looks to be a winner!

[seanmcsean]

6 spd and all my friend! Meat and potatoes manual tranny! Like I said, this one looks to be a winner!

I'm not a big GM supporter, but a proper transmission and beastly engine have the potential to make this one hell of a vehicle.

[Pirana]

sweet looking

[mikeyb]

What you think Mike, Hit or a miss?

I think it deserves to be a huge it if the driving dynamics are competent. I know the block will be solid and if the interior is better than the GTO's then thats a done deal also.

I view it as a poor mans CTS-V, a VERY poor mans M5 or anyone who just wants some 4 door muscle.

It will be a hit for the General. There is alot of other threads about test drives on the Holden SS. I would take this over any SRT-8. But I'm a General guy not a Mopar one.

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123669615

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123663507&highlight=Holden

[Rainman]

I'm not a big GM supporter, but a proper transmission and beastly engine have the potential to make this one hell of a vehicle.

This is ALREADY one hell of a vehicle. Now if only GM doesn't mess up the gift they got from Holden.

R

[sam1]

This is ALREADY one hell of a vehicle. Now if only GM doesn't mess up the gift they got from Holden.

R

GM has a way of screwing up even the best of things, tho.
I'll reserve my opinions until I test drive one, but I'm thinking this is going to be just another piece of GM garbage. GM, and especially Pontiac, hasn't put out a single decent model in...hmmm...35 years! That is, aside from the Vette, which is in a class of its own. I will say that it does look nice, but GM and quality are usually antonyms.

[03promaz]

I'd drive it

[Talbot]

Damn, thats a nice car.

[BadKarma]

GM has a way of screwing up even the best of things, tho.
I'll reserve my opinions until I test drive one, but I'm thinking this is going to be just another piece of GM garbage. GM, and especially Pontiac, hasn't put out a single decent model in...hmmm...35 years! That is, aside from the Vette, which is in a class of its own. I will say that it does look nice, but GM and quality are usually antonyms.

+1

[Donas64]

+1

Umm the GTO was a VERY solid well put together car. Sure it was just a Holden Badge swap job but Aussie or not, that was a quality car for what it was. Corvetter motore but with a MUCH nicer interior.

[p5power]

well, i guess i should add my cell phone pic to the mix...

http://www.msprotege.com/members/p5power/Holden%20SSV.jpg

For the michiganders here, this is at the intersection of 11 mile and Campbel on the east side of Royal Oak. My brother took the photo knowing it was something special when he saw the manufacturer plates with the driver on the wrong side of the car. He said the guy left him in his dust...and that it sounded oh so nice...

[Karma_hunden]

Is that....is that... is that the aussie GTO????













(omg)

[Donas64]

Is that....is that... is that the aussie GTO????

(omg)

No, its the aussie Holden Commodore being brought over here as the Pontiac G8. That car is going to OWN!!!!

I'll take mine in black with a wing delete please.

400hp, four door, RWD stealth bomber. (drive2)

[Foolish]

Barrel-chested, Donas? As in, oil barrels? As in, this thing's going to get 6MPG, at $3.00 a gallon? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

I know that's not what you meant, it's just the first thing I thought of when I read the word "barrel". I'd love to drive one of these, and I'm really psyched that GM (anyone, really) is coming out with a 4-door RWD V-8 rocket, but now that gas has gone from really expensive to STUPID expensive, I'm thinking "small is good, can I get something in a 3-cylinder?"


Sorry, it's late, I'm tired and weird right now.

[Donas64]

Barrel-chested, Donas? As in, oil barrels? As in, this thing's going to get 6MPG, at $3.00 a gallon? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

I know that's not what you meant, it's just the first thing I thought of when I read the word "barrel". I'd love to drive one of these, and I'm really psyched that GM (anyone, really) is coming out with a 4-door RWD V-8 rocket, but now that gas has gone from really expensive to STUPID expensive, I'm thinking "small is good, can I get something in a 3-cylinder?"


Sorry, it's late, I'm tired and weird right now.

I"m sure it will get something like like 19 city and 25 hwy. I still want one!

[Karma_hunden]

The GTOs millage wasnt bad. 16 city and 25 highway, members reported a 19mpg average...not bad though. I have a friend with an 04 STI with uppipe, TBE and reflash, and he's doing 150miles the tank. WTF?

A bud of mine with a 06 Mustang GT also says he gets 250miles the tank with his car running around the city 90%...320miles on highway only (road trips etc). Pays the same as I do for my speed for some reason...except I pay for premium and he pays for 87.

[TheMAN]

looks like a GTO under the hood ;)

[Pirana]

My ranger did 17mpg on a 3.0L V6 (WTF), so 19 on this is great...besides GM small blocks have always given good gas milage.

Was up with the Neon-essk rake?

[mikeyb]

To some it's Deja vu; to others it was simply a matter of time before GM tried to market another Holden in the United States. This time, however, the offer seems to have something to please everyone-and plenty to scare its competitors. It will undoubtedly have the same exceptional Holden build-quality and materials we've come to know and love since the GTO hit the US. The G8 will be offered initially in two flavors: a "base" model, and the uplevel "GT" version. Building on the base model's already impressive list of features, the GT adds a sportier suspension, styling cues, and of course, the all important V-8.



The G8 GT, shown here at Holden's Headquarters in Australia, is a good indicator of what the actual production car will look like when it arrives in the US. Note the production size/style wheels and tires. The body lines are the same as the show car-a welcome change since GM has a history of teasing us with the styling on show vehicles and then radically altering them for production.

CHASSIS AND BRAKES

An independent suspension is standard on the base and GT models. Both sport a 114.8-inch wheelbase with 62.7-inch front and 63.3-inch rear tracks. The front suspension is a strut-type/multi-link-style design with a stabilizer bar, and camber, caster, and toe are fully adjustable and customizable. The rear suspension uses a four-link independent setup, with non-adjustable coilover shocks, as well as a stabilizer bar.

A hydraulic power steering rack is located ahead of the front axle centerline, which adds to the balance and responsiveness of the car, and the braking system is also quite remarkable on paper. Both brake systems use discs at each corner, sized relative to the trim level's performance. Naturally, the GT features a larger braking capacity of 12.64-inch front, 12.76-inch rear rotors, while both trim levels include twin-piston PBR calipers up front and single-piston PBR calipers out back (along with integrated traction control and ABS).
DRIVELINE

The G8 Base V-6 is coupled to a standard five-speed automatic. This powertrain team is best compared to the 3.6L Cadillac CTS, as they share the same engine and transmission; however, unlike the Caddy, there is no indication that the G8 base will be offered with a five-speed manual option. On the other hand, the G8 GT comes standard with a 6L80 six-speed automatic with a steep First Gear to get the 4,000-pound G8 out of the hole quickly. While the initial offering of the G8 GT will only offer the 6L80 transmission, gear rowers rejoice, as the venerable six-speed manual will join the fray soon after production begins. Regardless of your engine or transmission choice, all that power is channeled via a two-piece driveshaft to an independent rearend with a final drive ratio of 2.92:1 for the six-speed automatic. While this may seem meager, the 4.03 First Gear should make up for any second thoughts. The final drive for the upcoming six-speed manual is 3.27.



While the L76 destined for the G8 GT doesn't appear terribly different from its Gen IV counterparts, it does incorporate quite a few changes (including variable cam-phasing, to allow it to make 362 hp on regular fuel).

G8 BASE-LY7 3.6L "GLOBAL" V-6

This 3.6L screamer develops a healthy 261 hp at 6,300 rpm and 250 ft-lbs at a relatively low 3,200 rpm, and incorporates interesting upgrades over the original LYZ (like a variable intake system). Controlled by the ECM, the intake manifold houses a valve in its plenum area, which opens and closes according to engine speed and load. The valve begins to open just off idle and then closes higher in the rpm band, creating two inlet plenum ports for half of the cylinders. This system allows the LY7 to develop low-end torque much greater than that of a standard 3.6L engine, while still making a lot of top-end horsepower. It's amazing to think that to get close to these numbers before, we had to slap a 90ci supercharger onto a 3.8L. The LY7 also incorporates new Bosch dual spray injectors that have two individual nozzles for more complete combustion through increased atomization, and of course more horsepower, to boot.

The LY7's block and cylinder heads are sand cast from A319 aluminum. The block features six bolt mains and cast-in iron cylinder liners, housing forged aluminum slugs that are cooled via oil-squirters aimed at the underside of the piston.



The LY7 or global V-6 doesn't look like much, but it can definitely get the job done and has quite a service record in everything from Cadillacs to rental cars.

G8 GT-L76 6.0L V-8

If you've read this magazine for any measurable length of time, you've undoubtedly heard us bantering about the L76 intake paired with L92 cylinder heads. Oddly enough, up until now we didn't even have a vehicle in the United States that used this particular manifold. The good news is that not only do we finally get this mystical intake, we also get cylinder heads that fit the smaller bore-but with the same benefits of the L92-style heads, including the rectangular LS7-style intake ports.

In basic terms, the L76 is a natural extension of the LS2. They share a similar bore (101.6mm LS2, 101.3mm L76), and the same 92mm stroke, but there are also many differences that should be noted. First up is the addition of "Active Fuel Management," or Displacement on Demand, as it was originally termed. This system allows the deactivation of four specially provisioned cylinders through the use of particular lifters, oil channels, and tolerances on the camshaft lobes of those four cylinders. The L76 can thus transition from a V-8 to a V-4 and back again, with nearly seamless precision all but unnoticed by the driver. Additionally, this system increases fuel economy under low-load, low-throttle situations such as highway driving, but doesn't play a large role in city fuel economy. Currently, Holden does not have this feature activated on their L76s; however, the Pontiac model will reportedly have Active Fuel Management.

Next up is the option of variable cam-phasing. While the L76 currently in use in the Holden Commodore does not have the ability to change cam timing, the L76 truck variant here in the US does, which means we are likely to see it in the car (http://www.gmhightechperformance.com/features/0707gm_pontiac_g8/#) relatively soon. This system works by metering the oil flow to the cam phaser, effectively physically advancing or retarding camshaft timing. Couple that with Active Fuel Management, and we have a V-8 that can not only pass upcoming stricter emissions standards, but also get incredible fuel economy.

Speaking of fuel, the L76 in the G8 is calibrated to unleash an astounding 362 hp on regular fuel. This is a dream come true for tuners, who will likely be able to wring over 40 hp by simply tweaking the fueling and spark to use high-test premium gasoline. Tuning, of course, leads us to another topic: the engine controller. As of press time, it appears the G8 will be sporting the relatively new Delphi E67 controller. This faster processor allows control of the Displacement on Demand and cam-phasing (if equipped) simultaneously, and adds a few needed input and output drivers, as well.

G8 GXP-LS3/LSA?

While there have obviously been no official on-the-record comments regarding the possibility of a 2009 G8 GXP, I don't think anyone doubts the likelihood. Sources inside both GM North America and GM Holden Australia confirm that an uplevel HSV Spec GXP is on the horizon for the second model year of the G8 (as has been the trend with Pontiac in the past, with the introduction of the Solstice, G6, and Torrent). Sources say the powerplant is still up in the air, though it's possible it will be the 6.2L 425-plus horsepower LS3, or, less likely, the 500-plus horsepower supercharged LSA slated to find its way into the new CTS-V. This would make the G8 GXP the ultimate Bimmer fighter, as it could probably take on the M5 in a head-to-head for roughly half the cost.

One thing is for sure: expect great things from this car, as well as a huge aftermarket following. The Grand Prix the G8 replaces was a 130,000-plus unit a year car line in its heyday. If the G8 comes even remotely close to that, the aftermarket will have no choice but to embrace the new offering. We'll keep you updated as we learn more.

- GM High Tech Performance Magazine

[mikeyb]

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/06/img00035.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/06/img00032.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/06/img00033.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/06/img00030.jpg

reader named Dominic sent in photos of a car he spotted in Troy, MI this week. In his email, he noted only that said car was RHD. To our enjoyment, when we looked at the photos, we were pleased to find an E-Series HSV Clubsport R8 (http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/22/holden-hsv-e-series-lineup-unveiled/) (official pic at right). HSV (http://www.hsv.com.au/index_eseries.asp) is the performance arm of GM's Australia-based Holden division, and the HSV cars have the goods to back up their aggressive looks.

The Clubsport, like the other E-Series HSV sedans, sports different front and rear fascias than the regular Holden Commodore SS-V (which we'll see as the Pontiac G8 GT). It's also identifiable easily thanks to the "Clubsport" badging ahead of the rear wheel well (plainly visible in the spy photo gallery below). Its 6.0L LS2 is good for a rocking 411 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of tire-shredding twist -- a notable upgrade over the forthcoming G8 GT's 362 horses and 391 lb-ft.

While it's not at all surprising to see Holdens in the Detroit area sporting manufacturer tags like this one (there are always several sightings during the Woodward Dream Cruise, as the stuff just comes out of the woodwork), it's encouraging to see one of the latest and greatest HSV's tooling about. After all, everyone knows that the best Pontiacs get a GXP designation now, and we hope that this car's presence is an indicator that the General is looking to add a range-topper to the G8 lineup sometime after it makes its debut next year.

- Autoblog

[mikeyb]

HSV Clubsport R8 (E-Series)

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/06/hsvcsr82.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/06/hsvcsr83.jpg

[Talbot]

Beautiful car, it would be interesting to live in Detroit just to see what kind of new cars you can find on the road.

[tunersteve]

Beautiful car, it would be interesting to live in Detroit just to see what kind of new cars you can find on the road.

It's really cool to drive around once and a while and see things that catch your eye. If its not something odd, its something covered up. I also saw a Ford Falcon in my friend's subdivision the other day, which really caught me by surprise.

[p5power]

it is sweet driving around SE michigan. I have to drive out to the GM tech center or Proving Grounds every now and then for my job, and it's amazing what you see. I've been seeing a lot of the 2008 CTS's lately, which by the way, look hot on the road.

This is what my brother caught right by my house a few weeks ago...
http://www.msprotege.com/members/p5power/Holden%20SSV.jpg

I was so pissed I missed it!!

[seanmcsean]

that's a holden too!

man, I really hope they bring the falcon over. the fact that they are being seen a lot of places is a good sign!

[tunersteve]

I'll load up that pic of the Falcon shortly. I snagged one from my cell.

[meGrimlock]

i really want american autos to win. not that i hate japanese cars (i own a mazda--duh), but what got me interested in the cars were the shelby cobra 427, C3 corvette, and i'd love to see these aussie imports revive a dying breed. G8, here comes my wallet!

[Donas64]

If the G8 does not sell like gangbusters, I'm going to shed a tear for Pontiac. They are making an effort to bring quality, fun, interesting cars out (Solstice, GTO, and now G8) and a gem like the G8 really deserves to move units. Heres hoping I can pick up a lightly used example somewhere in the future. Really looking forward to reading some comparos of this Aussie born bad boy!

BTW: Post those Falcon pics post haste!

[seanmcsean]

I like the styling of the charger better, but as of right now I'd choose the g8 over the charger. 6spd > slushbox.

[Donas64]

I like the styling of the charger better, but as of right now I'd choose the g8 over the charger. 6spd > slushbox.

Whaaa............

I love you man but the charger (unless in SRT-8 Form) is not a particularly good looking car. Its butch and beefy to be sure but thats like saying a bulldog looks nicer than an akita or a dobermann.

I know its all in the eye of the beholder but I think the G8 mops the floor with the charger looks-wise and I'm sure the GTP model will look even more aggressive.

[seanmcsean]

I only like the SRT trim. I should have specified.

[Donas64]

Actually I take that back, theres a black charger in our parking lot right now and its not bad looking. Still think the G8 looks FAR better though

[seanmcsean]

It also may help to say that I've never particularly cared for pontiac styling.

I like the looks of the SRT better, but I'd still buy the G8 over it because of the transmission. I hate automatics.

I also haven't driven a g8 yet. I drove an SRT charger and had quite a bit of fun. I'm sure my opinion of both vehicles would change if I got behind the wheel of a top trim g8.

[Donas64]

It also may help to say that I've never particularly cared for pontiac styling.

I like the looks of the SRT better, but I'd still buy the G8 over it because of the transmission. I hate automatics.

I also haven't driven a g8 yet. I drove an SRT charger and had quite a bit of fun. I'm sure my opinion of both vehicles would change if I got behind the wheel of a top trim g8.

Yeah, I need to go take some testdrives. There is an SRT-8 charger that hands around a local eatery close to where I live and the thing looks mean as heck! It just oozes attitude.

[mikeyb]

Charger is ugly as a base model but the SRT-8 is hot. I'm waiting for the new GTO to show up.

[Donas64]

Charger is ugly as a base model but the SRT-8 is hot. I'm waiting for the new GTO to show up.

Thats a ways down the road isn't it?

I think I've seen some concept art but theres nothing solid right?

[Roywhitep5]

Beautiful car, it would be interesting to live in Detroit just to see what kind of new cars you can find on the road.i'd rather move to Australia

[seanmcsean]

so what happened to those falcon pics?

[meGrimlock]

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123671649&highlight=falcon
http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123662446&highlight=falcon
http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123672487&highlight=falcon

you mean these?

[seanmcsean]

tunersteve said he caught one being tested in the wild. I wanna see the pic :)

I've seen and commented on all those threads before.

[tunersteve]

tunersteve said he caught one being tested in the wild. I wanna see the pic :)

I've seen and commented on all those threads before.

http://www.msprotege.com/members/tunersteve/SSPX0169.jpg

[mikeyb]

Thats a ways down the road isn't it?

I think I've seen some concept art but theres nothing solid right?

I saw those pics too. There are rumors that the Firebird is coming back.

[starwars_guy456]

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?p=1560926#post1560926

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?p=1560926#post1560926

if the above link doesn't work... it's post 114

There's a rumour that the LS7 might be fit into our HSV... very very interesting times

[mikeyb]

^^There are rumors about a LS7 powered Camaro coming in the future. So a LS7 powered HSV is probably in the works as well.

[mikeyb]

This is the production car, just like the one shown at the Dream Cruise (though that had silver badges).You can tell it's a V6 model because of the single exhausts on both sides, plain red tails and no GT badge on the trunk. All V8s have the GT badge, clear tails and quad exit exhaust tips. They will also be sporting the red Pontiac badge and not the silver badge on the concept.
Link: http://www.gminsidenews.com/fo...54206 (http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54206)
http://www.wheelsmag.com.au/wheels/site/articleIDs/26F4211D6969978CCA2573440080F642/$file/G81.jpg
http://www.wheelsmag.com.au/wheels/site/articleIDs/26F4211D6969978CCA2573440080F642/$file/G83.jpg
http://www.wheelsmag.com.au/wheels/site/articleIDs/26F4211D6969978CCA2573440080F642/$file/G82.jpg

[coolmazda5]

Apart from the color, it looks nice.

(lol2) I love the back bumper sticker. It would have been handy to sport one of those when I had my Irish friend as a neighbor and used to drive him around, before he got his first "American driving" type car. The guy was always trying to get to the same side of the car as I was when taking off.... What the...? :D

[mikeyb]

^Nothing wrong with purple. I drive a Techno Violet M3 alot.

[coolmazda5]

^Nothing wrong with purple. I drive a Techno Violet M3 alot.

Exactly, an M3. I also saw a really nice purpl-ish 350ZX the other day (painted aftermarket), and it looked (2thumbs).

I like the purple color when applied to true sports cars (it has a meaning somehow), but applied to a large 6cyl sedan? Hmmm, Maybe if its applied to the GTP or GXP trims with 6sp MT, if they make it? (now, those might be like a Holden Commodore SS, fair enough :D)

[Newf]

barney-mobile......barf

[lasermp5]

too bad it doesn't say Clubsport R8 on the back....

[SciFiMan]

It looks like every other Pontiac produced in the last 10 years. But at least they have saved a lot of payroll money by not having a styling department.

[lasermp5]

I would love to have a GT, as long as I could import the commodore ss bits. I just spent 3 months in Australia, and I must say their Holden product is FAR superior in styling imo. The pontiac variant frankly just looks like shit compared to the domestic article. This car is awesome though (talking v8)... be ready for GTO reminiscent interior along with the same quality (we hope)

[mikeyb]

The production interior looks nice.

http://xtreme3s.net/images/DC07/DSC06173.JPG

http://xtreme3s.net/images/DC07/DSC06174.JPG

http://xtreme3s.net/images/DC07/DSC06176.JPG

http://xtreme3s.net/images/DC07/DSC06177.JPG

[coolmazda5]

Me likes the interior (the central console window/mirror controls make it look sexier). Nice exterior color as well.

Non-GT taillights look better IMO though...

[mikeyb]

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f81/mrpig286/scan.jpg

[Donas64]

I am so stoked for this car its silly. My next car as soon as I can buy one used!

[Donas64]

the V6 has about 260 HP, I figure with i/h/e you can get close to 300. It might not be a bad bargain. But I really want the V8!

[coolmazda5]

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f81/mrpig286/scan.jpg

I love car ads. Those pic enhancements and wheels make it look even sexier...

"Some photos in this catalog may contain optional equipment" Oh, really? :D

[meGrimlock]

i was hoping that blaze of light behind the tails were a standard option, but i guess you have to get the photoshop package. so when is the "redline" comin?

[mikeyb]

i was hoping that blaze of light behind the tails were a standard option, but i guess you have to get the photoshop package. so when is the "redline" comin?

LOL, worng brand dude! You mean the GXP?

[mikeyb]

GM's just announced base pricing on the upcoming Pontiac G8 sedan, with V6 models checking in at $27,595 and the V8 pricing out only $2400 higher, at $29,995. At first blush, the cost of entry seems steep, at $2,500 more than the Chrysler 300, but those basic Chryslers come with the mousy 2.7 V6 and a four-speed automatic.

The base G8 comes with a 3.6-liter DOHC V6 with variable valve timing and a five-speed automatic, while the G8 "GT" comes with a six-liter V8 mated to a six-speed automatic, as well as a six-disc CD changer, automatic climate control, and quad exhaust tips. Notably absent from the options list at the G8 minisite (http://www.pontiac.com/g8/) are HIDs, navigation, bluetooth integration, and a satellite radio option, but those are preliminary specs and are subject to change.

[SilverBulletES]

Black, 6-speed manual. That's the first American car I'd buy in years.

I admire the SRT8's but no manual option... and a little too faux bling for my style... and miserable gas mileage. This is better on all fronts. Basically a 4-door Vette, I'm there.

Car and Driver seems to really like their first drive
http://www.caranddriver.com/previews/14124/first-drive-2008-pontiac-g8.html?al=157

[TinmanMS6]

Yeah--granted, I'm driving a Chevy now, but I'm not happy about it--I'd consider this for my next car. I'd be happier if they had a wagon, but I'd give it a look.

[mikeyb]

^ Holden does have a sportwagon in the works so maybe GM will market it here.

[Foolish]

The base G8 comes with a 3.6-liter DOHC V6 with variable valve timing and a five-speed automatic, while the G8 "GT" comes with a six-liter V8 mated to a six-speed automatic, as well as a six-disc CD changer, automatic climate control, and quad exhaust tips. Notably absent from the options list at the G8 minisite (http://www.pontiac.com/g8/) are HIDs, navigation, bluetooth integration, and a satellite radio option, but those are preliminary specs and are subject to change.

"Notably absent" is the god-damned clutch pedal!! WTF happened to the 6-speed manual trans we saw in all the Holden pics?? Excitement division my ass! This car is officially off my RADAR unless there's a stick-shift version in the works, until that happens, Pontiac can kiss my ass.
(drive)
Morons.

[mikeyb]

The manual G8 will be introduced shortly after the auto.

[TinmanMS6]

"Notably absent" is the god-damned clutch pedal!! WTF happened to the 6-speed manual trans we saw in all the Holden pics?? Excitement division my ass! This car is officially off my RADAR unless there's a stick-shift version in the works, until that happens, Pontiac can kiss my ass.
(drive)
Morons.

LOL. Somebody needs to simmer. It's coming.

[TinmanMS6]

^ Holden does have a sportwagon in the works so maybe GM will market it here.

I've heard that rumor too. That would be awesome. I have actually considered buying a Magnum, just to have a big V8 with RWD and utility that's not an SUV, even though I hold the opinion that nobody in the industry builds a worse <strike>interior</strike> car than Chrysler.

[seanmcsean]

The manual G8 will be introduced shortly after the auto.


it better, or it will fall into the dreaded "another boring automatic GM sedan" category.

[Foolish]

The manual G8 will be introduced shortly after the auto.

LOL. Somebody needs to simmer. It's coming.

Fair enough, but it really wouldn't have surprised me to find that Pontiac decided that Americans don't want manual transmissions in their sports-sedans. It would have pissed me off, but it wouldn't have surprised me!

[TinmanMS6]

Fair enough, but it really wouldn't have surprised me to find that Pontiac decided that Americans don't want manual transmissions in their sports-sedans. It would have pissed me off, but it wouldn't have surprised me!

I'll give you that. Historically, GM would have done something that stupid. Lately, though, GM is surprising me with the quality of the new products they're bringing out.

[seanmcsean]

Fair enough, but it really wouldn't have surprised me to find that Pontiac decided that Americans don't want manual transmissions in their sports-sedans. It would have pissed me off, but it wouldn't have surprised me!

I'm in the same boat. It wouldn't be the first time GM sucked the fun out of something

[seanmcsean]

I'll give you that. Historically, GM would have done something that stupid. Lately, though, GM is surprising me with the quality of the new products they're bringing out.

Saturn especially. I want to test drive an astra..

[mikeyb]

Saturns are just rebadged Opels now.

Aura = Vectra
Vue = Captiva

[seanmcsean]

Saturns are just rebadged Opels now.

Aura = Vectra
Vue = Captiva

Nothing wrong with that.

Better build quality and a tighter ride? Yes please!

[TinmanMS6]

Yup. The GM re-badging game is a good thing, now that they're doing it with better products that we wouldn't otherwise see. It really bothered me when they were doing it with every goddamned car they sold.

[TinmanMS6]

You build it, I'll buy it. Thanks.
http://jalopnik.com/cars/australian-international-motor-show/holden-ve-commodore-wagon-revealed-again-ahead-of-show-307459.php
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t7/linnta08/holden_commodore_wagon_new.jpg

[coolmazda5]

Saturns are just rebadged Opels now.

Aura = Vectra
Vue = Captiva

...and Astra = Astra (no Red Line on 08 I'm afraid)

"Rethink American..." is what they say nowadays (boom07)

[SilverBulletES]

You build it, I'll buy it. Thanks.
http://jalopnik.com/cars/australian-international-motor-show/holden-ve-commodore-wagon-revealed-again-ahead-of-show-307459.php
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t7/linnta08/holden_commodore_wagon_new.jpg

Now you're talking with the 6-liter V8 and 6-speed manual. (yes)

[mikeyb]

...and Astra = Astra (no Red Line on 08 I'm afraid)

"Rethink American..." is what they say nowadays (boom07)

There will be a Redline Astra. Its going to be a rebadged Astra VXR or OPC.

[TinmanMS6]

There will be a Redline Astra. Its going to be a rebadged Astra VXR or OPC.

In '08? Not as far as I know. There should be one coming eventually, though.

[coolmazda5]

There will be a Redline Astra. Its going to be a rebadged Astra VXR or OPC.

Yup, but not for 08 (XEs, XRs should be sufficient to keep engineers busy for the first launch year (freak))...

[coolmazda5]

Manual, Yummy...

Interesting leather/dashboard combination though

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/il/news/2007/1003/pontiac.g8.4.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/il/news/2007/1003/pontiac.g8.5.500.jpg

[mikeyb]

As long as you want an automatic transmission, that is.

Yep, you read that right: The G8's probably the best thing to happen to Pontiac since John DeLorean bent the rules to make the GTO, but the first models shipped to these shores from Australia will have just two pedals, like it or leave it.

Early adopters, it appears, will have to be satisfied with slushboxes — six-speeders with GM's Drive Shift Control manual-shift function, at least. But if you can hold off, we're betting a manual transmission for the G8 GT will be along later in 2008, but perhaps not until the '09 model year.

Right now, Pontiac's G8 site says the automatic is the "standard" and only transmission offered for the G8 GT. And a Pontiac spokesperson tells Inside Line, "What we've said — and which is still the case — is that the six-speed manual won't be available at launch."

So Pontiac will not mention a manual option for the V8-powered variant of the G8 rear-drive sport sedan. Further complicating the issue, press information disseminated earlier this fall by GM's Powertrain Division clearly indicates the '08 G8 GT can be fitted with a combination of the 6.0-liter V8 and a six-speed manual transmission — effectively the Corvette combo until the 'Vette got a standard 6.2-liter V8 for '08.

But a powertrain spokesman says that information is a mistake, flatly adding, "There is no manual option for 2008."

Self-shifters thinking they might get a manual gearbox with the base-model G8 and its 256-hp, 3.6-liter dual-cam V6 also are out of luck. The only available transmission is GM's 6T70 six-speed automatic — despite the fact that the same engine (with direct-injection fueling) already is teamed with a six-speed manual transmission for the Cadillac CTS (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/ViewModelDetail/make=Cadillac/model=CTS).

- Insideline

[Foolish]

Do I look surprised?


I'm not.

[altspace]

Reminds me of when the IS 300 was first introduced. Then people kept hounding Lexus for a manual.

[TinmanMS6]

They said "There is no manual option for 2008." It's still believed that one will come in 2009. I don't think this is new news.

[mikeyb]

Its not new news.

[mikeyb]

http://www.g8power.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=98&stc=1&d=1191091205 http://www.g8power.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=99&stc=1&d=1191091205 http://www.g8power.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=100&stc=1&d=1191091205 http://www.g8power.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=101&stc=1&d=1191091205 http://www.g8power.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=102&stc=1&d=1191091205

[coolmazda5]

I'm fixated with those wheels and gauges (drive2)

No manual transmission huh? I keep on forgetting that it is Pontiac bringing it over and it is North America the main market. I'm assuming Pontiac won't target a niche base with the G8, but rather a mainstream one which means manual transmission sadly is not a must-have item for 80%+ of the potential buyers :(.

[Donas64]

I'd still rock the HECK outta that car. Someday I will own one. Auto or manual I don't care!

[TinmanMS6]

I'd pass if there were no manual available. I've driven a slushbox C6 Corvette, and it even managed to take a lot of the fun out of that.

[Donas64]

I'd pass if there were no manual available. I've driven a slushbox C6 Corvette, and it even managed to take a lot of the fun out of that.

In a pure performance car like the Vetter, an auto is silly. But this is a high power luxo cruiser. The G8 is BIGGER than an MS6. I'm sure it will handle respectably and it will be plenty fast but this is just the sort of handsome meat and potatoes stealth bomber dad mobile I've been waiting for. No turbo tomfoolery, no LOOK AT MEEEEEEEEEEE styling, just hones V8 RWD power with handsome good looks and a nice comfy family of 4 interior. A manumatic suits me just fine. Now if this were the next coming of the GTO, then its 6 spd or bust!

[TinmanMS6]

In a pure performance car like the Vetter, an auto is silly. But this is a high power luxo cruiser. The G8 is BIGGER than an MS6. I'm sure it will handle respectably and it will be plenty fast but this is just the sort of handsome meat and potatoes stealth bomber dad mobile I've been waiting for. No turbo tomfoolery, no LOOK AT MEEEEEEEEEEE styling, just hones V8 RWD power with handsome good looks and a nice comfy family of 4 interior. A manumatic suits me just fine. Now if this were the next coming of the GTO, then its 6 spd or bust!
It's an '07 Vette drivetrain. Funny you should mention GTO, because that is basically what this is, plus two doors.

[Donas64]

It's an '07 Vette drivetrain. Funny you should mention GTO, because that is basically what this is, plus two doors.

I'm well aware that its nothing more than a Holden bad engineering job, which is why I can excuse the lack of a manual transmission. Clearly its a family car with gusto not an out an out sports car like the vette or a GT bruiser like the GTO. Its a kinder, gentler kind of monster.

[TinmanMS6]

What I'm saying is that it will essentially be a long-wheelbase GTO. I'm 90% sure that a Commodore (G8) is nothing but a 4-door Monaro (GTO).

[Donas64]

What I'm saying is that it will essentially be a long-wheelbase GTO. I'm 90% sure that a Commodore (G8) is nothing but a 4-door Monaro (GTO).

Close but I'm pretty sure its a new chassis and not a carryover of the monaro/GTO chassis. Its a similar concept but all new running gear. Either way, this has a 70% chance of being my next car, and I only say 70% because I don't know if I'll be able to afford it yet. My wife wants a Mazda6 after we say goodbye to her protege, while I love the 6 style and handling (we're looking at a blazing copper one), 220hp is just not going to cut it for me.

Criteria for my next car:

4 doors

RWD or AWD

280+ hp

V6 or V8 (no turbos)

Good manumatic gearbox (the wife doesn't drive manual)


And the G8 fits that criteria. I'm tempted by the V6 G8 because I just love the looks of the thing but its gotta be V8 or bust!

[TinmanMS6]

OK, quick Google tells me that the Monaro is discontinued. I thought they just killed it over here, even though I hadn't heard anything about a new one with the Commodore redesign. Too caught up in the G8 to think about a new Monaro.

Still, same spirit/performance as the GTO if you get the right model. Just four doors.

[Donas64]

OK, quick Google tells me that the Monaro is discontinued. I thought they just killed it over here, even though I hadn't heard anything about a new one with the Commodore redesign. Too caught up in the G8 to think about a new Monaro.

Still, same spirit/performance as the GTO if you get the right model. Just four doors.

That seems to be the ticket. Soul of the GTO but room for the kids. Its like they made the car just for me!

I need to get one and go hunting for MS6's! :)

[mikeyb]

The Monaro will be coming in probably a year from now. I've seen spyshots on a camoed Holden coupe. I'll look for them.

[TinmanMS6]

Still trying to clean this up. The forum isn't liking my table for some reason.
<table width="100%" border="1">
<tr>
<td></td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"><font class="smtext"><b>Model</b></font></td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"><font class="smtext" ><b>Model Description</b></font></td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"><font class="smtext"><b>List<br>Price</b></font></td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"><font class="smtext"><b>Factory<br>D/H(b)</b></font></td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"><font class="smtext"><b>MSRP(c)</b></font></td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom" nowrap><font class="smtext"><b>Employee<br>Price (c)</b></font></td>
<td align="center"><font class="smtext"><b>DFC</b></font></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top"></td>
<td align="center" valign="top"><font class="smtext">2ER69</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="top"><font class="smtext">G8 Sedan Base</font></td>
<td align="center" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$26,910.00</font></td>
<td align="center" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$0.00</font></td>
<td align="center" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$26,910.00</font></td>
<td align="center" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$24,772.65</font></td>
<td align="center" valign="top"><font class="smtext"> <font class="smtext">$685.00</font></td></tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top"></td>
<td align="center" valign="top"><font class="smtext">2EC69</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="top"><font class="smtext">G8 Sedan GT</font></td>
<td align="center" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$29,310.00</font></td>
<td align="center" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$0.00</font></td>
<td align="center" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$29,310.00</font></td>
<td align="center" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$26,968.65</font></td>
<td align="center" valign="top"><font class="smtext"> <font class="smtext">$685.00</font></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img src="img/space.gif" width=1 height=10></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="1%"></td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom" width="8%"><font class="smtext" ><b>Option<br>code</b></font></td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"><font class="smtext"><b>Description</b></font></td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom" width="8%"><font class="smtext"><b>List<br>Price</b></font></td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom" width="8%"><font class="smtext"><b>Factory<br>D/H(b)</b></font></td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom" width="8%"><font class="smtext"><b>MSRP(c)</b></font></td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom" width="8%" nowrap><font class="smtext"><b>Employee Price(c)</b></font></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td align="center" valign="top"><font class="smtext">PCQ</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="top"><font class="smtext">Premium Package - Base </font></td>
<td align="right" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$1,375.00</font></td>
<td align="right" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$0.00</font></td>
<td align="right" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$1,375.00</font></td>
<td align="right" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$1,100.00</font></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td align="left" valign="top"><font class="smtext">Premium Package - GT</font></td>
<td align="right" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$1,250.00</font></td>
<td align="right" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$0.00</font></td>
<td align="right" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$1,250.00</font></td>
<td align="right" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$1,000.00</font></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td align="center" valign="top"><font class="smtext">PDD</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="top"><font class="smtext">Comfort & Sound Package - Base</font></td>
<td align="right" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$795.00</font></td>
<td align="right" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$0.00</font></td>
<td align="right" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$795.00</font></td>
<td align="right" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$636.00</font></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td align="center" valign="top"><font class="smtext">PDX</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="top"><font class="smtext">Sport Package - GT </font></td>
<td align="right" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$600.00</font></td>
<td align="right" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$0.00</font></td>
<td align="right" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$600.00</font></td>
<td align="right" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$480.00</font></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><img src="img/space.gif" width="1" height="10"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td WIDTH = "1%"></td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom" width="8%"><font class="smtext" ><b>Option<br>Code</b></font></td>
<td colspan="2" align="center" valign="bottom"><font class="smtext"><b>Description</b></font></td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom" width="8%"><font class="smtext"><b>List<br>Price</b></font></td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom" width="8%"><font class="smtext"><b>Factory<br>D/H(b)</b></font></td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom" width="8%"><font class="smtext"><b>MSRP(c)</b></font></td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom" width="8%" nowrap><font class="smtext"><b> Employee Price(c)</b></font></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan = "3" align=left><font class="smtext"><b>Sunroof:</b></font></td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr >
<td valign="top"></td>
<td align="center" valign="top"><font class="smtext">CF5</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="top"><font class="smtext">Power Sunroof</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="top"><font class="smtext"></font></td>
<td align="right" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$900.00</font></td>
<td align="right" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$0.00</font></td>
<td align="right" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$900.00</font></td>
<td align="right" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$720.00</font></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan = "3" align=left><font class="smtext"><b>Tires:</b></font></td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr >
<td valign="top"></td>
<td align="center" valign="top"><font class="smtext">QFX</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="top"><font class="smtext">18" All Season Tires - GT</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="top"><font class="smtext"> </font></td>
<td align="right" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$150.00</font></td>
<td align="right" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$0.00</font></td>
<td align="right" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$150.00</font></td>
<td align="right" valign="top"><font class="smtext">$120.00</font></td>
</tr>
</table>

WTF?!?!

[TinmanMS6]

I give up. That's as pretty as it's going to get.

I can't really spend more than an hour on ONE post, no matter how slow work is today.

[mikeyb]

^It gets the point across.

[DuBy]

x2

[Donas64]

A G8 GT is a steal. You think there will be much dealer mark-up?

[TinmanMS6]

Colors for G8 GT:
Black, Panther Metallic
Blue, Stealth Metallic
Gray, Magnetic Metallic
Orange, Ignition Metallic
Red, Liquid
White, Hot

Fuel economy:
15mpg city/24 mpg hwy

Standard features will include:
-CD Changer
-Power windows, locks, mirrors
-Dual power seats
-Remote keyless entry
-Driver/passenger side head/curtain airbags, rear airbags
-Traction control

Not on the option list is a navigation system.

[mikeyb]

It's bon voyage for Pontiac's version of the Commodore


Pontiac's new rear-wheel drive large car has hit the high seas, ahead of a first quarter 2008 release in the US.
Based on Holden's VE Commodore and built at the Elizabeth plant, the G8 is initially available in two levels of trim and with two engines: the 3.6-litre V6 and a 6.0-litre V8 running in what GM calls 'Active Fuel Management' mode, allowing the engine to operate on just four cylinders for improved fuel economy.

According to Holden's MD, Chris Gubbey: "We're now actively looking at the opportunity to introduce that into Australia."
That news is not so startling, since the VE Commodore Sportwagon concept at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney blatantly wore the 'AFM' legend on the V8 engine fitted.

Initially at least, the G8 will be sold in America without a manual option.
From 2004 to 2006 the majority of sales for the Pontiac GTO -- a Holden Monaro facelifted and badged as a Pontiac -- were manual variants, so the precedent is there for the G8 to sell in relatively large numbers with manual transmission, but Gubbey says: "There are no particular issues there. We had, in terms of the requirements for North America, a particular spec that we are focussing on -- which is the higher-end spec -- and there's no necessary limit to getting what they need over in North America..."

But: "are not in the initial spec."
With the introduction of the G8, Pontiac is the first GM division in the US to place a 'Zeta' platform car on sale, pre-empting the Chevrolet Camaro by at least twelve months. The G8 is expected to replace Pontiac's FWD Grand Prix, which has traditionally sold in large volumes to fleet buyers. There'll be no such volume marketing for the G8, which will be positioned higher than the Grand Prix.

With production of the G8 commencing at the Elizabeth plant, Holden's local manufacturing is now effectively dedicated in equal parts to export and domestic consumption. Pontiac is the fourth brand to 'buy' cars from the Elizabeth factory, with a fifth (GM-Daewoo) anticipating production of the Statesman-based L4X some time next year.

[jred321]

i'm seriously thinking a G8 or camaro will be in my future. around the time the manual G8 and camaro are coming out is probably when i'll be shopping for a new car (actually shopping not just imagining like normal :))

[coolmazda5]

It's bon voyage for Pontiac's version of the Commodore

The G8 is expected to replace Pontiac's FWD Grand Prix, which has traditionally sold in large volumes to fleet buyers. There'll be no such volume marketing for the G8, which will be positioned higher than the Grand Prix.


I was just imagining this thing parked in my driveway as well :D. Still, I had the remote dream of renting one given the current Pontiac presence as a fleet vehicle. Well, not surprising anyway.

Drive testing event a-la Saturn Astra to say the least?

[Donas64]

I was just imagining this thing parked in my driveway as well :D. Still, I had the remote dream of renting one given the current Pontiac presence as a fleet vehicle. Well, not surprising anyway.

Drive testing event a-la Saturn Astra to say the least?

I would be all over that. I see G8's in my dreams

[mikeyb]

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/il/features/general/08.pontiac.g8.gt/08.pontiac.g8.act.f34.1.500.jpg

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Is Pontiac Back?

Now that the Grand Prix has faded into front-wheel-drive oblivion, it's up to the 2008 Pontiac G8 to restore a little legitimacy to Pontiac's performance reputation. There's a good chance it will succeed, as the G8 is a real American muscle sedan with rear-wheel drive and the power of a V8.

The G8 started out life in Australia as the Holden Commodore, but Pontiac tells us that the G8 was part of the plan all along. The transformation has done some good, as the 2008 Pontiac G8 is a far more chiseled-looking sport sedan than its Australian cousin. It uses all the traditional Pontiac design cues, but this time they look purposeful instead of merely tacked on.

Proper Power Under the Hood

There wouldn't be much to talk about if the G8 was just another V6-powered family sedan, so Pontiac did itself a favor and made sure that a V8 is on the options list. If you order the big engine, it's called the G8 GT.

A 6.0-liter L76 V8 powers the G8 GT. It's an aluminum-block V8 shared with several of GM's full-size trucks and SUVs, although the G8 engine doesn't get variable valve timing like the trucks. This doesn't put a damper on its performance, as the G8's 6.0-liter still delivers 361 horsepower at 5,300 rpm and 385 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm.

It's hooked to GM's 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission, the same gearbox used in the Cadillac STS-V and Chevrolet Corvette. At this time there are no plans to offer a manual transmission for the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT.

Between the wide-ratio 6L80 transmission, the V8's Active Fuel Management system and the G8's tall, 2.92:1 rear-end gear, Pontiac says the GT will have EPA ratings of 15 mpg city/24 mpg highway. When you take into account its sizable 19-gallon fuel capacity, the GT will go more than 420 miles on a single tank.

Not bad, considering that Pontiac also says the G8 GT will do zero to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds and run the quarter-mile in 13.8 seconds at 101 mph. That's quicker than the last Dodge Charger SRT8 we tested from zero to 60. Needless to say, adding a shorter rear-end gear would probably get the 3,995-pound G8 GT to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds, especially with the car's standard limited-slip differential to put down the power.

If all-out performance isn't your priority, there's a V6-powered base model, too. It gets GM's 3.6-liter LY6 V6, an engine that's also used in the Cadillac CTS and Saturn Aura. It's rated at 256 hp at 6,300 rpm and 248 at 2,100 rpm and is matched with GM's 5L40 five-speed automatic.

It may not have the burly sound of the bigger V8, but the base G8 still delivers some decent numbers, according to Pontiac. A 7.0-second 0-60-mph time isn't bad and a 15.2-second run at 91 mph in the quarter-mile keeps it competitive with most other full-size sedans. Mileage is only slightly better than the V8, with EPA estimates of 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway.

18s for Everybody

In order to handle all that power, the 2008 Pontiac G8 features multilink independent rear suspension with progressive rate springs, while MacPherson struts are used up front. Pontiac says this is an FE2 calibration, GM-speak for a kind of midlevel, slightly sporty setup. All G8s will come with this setup as standard equipment. Pontiac says the G8 has a nearly 50 percent front/50 percent rear weight balance with a driver and two passengers in the car.

All G8s get 18-inch wheels that are 8-inches wide rims. The base model has split five-spoke cast-aluminum wheels wearing 245/45R18 all-season tires. GT's get solid five-spoke wheels with machined-aluminum faces and 245/45R18 summer performance tires. An optional Sport package for the GT adds 19-inch wheels and 245/40R19 summer performance tires.

The standard four-wheel disc brakes feature ABS, ventilated rotors and twin-piston calipers up front and single pistons in back. Oddly enough, the rear rotors are larger in diameter than the fronts. The base G8 has 11.9-inch rotors in back and 11.7-inch rotors in front. The GT gets 12.8-inch rotors in back and 12.6-inch discs in front. Traction and stability control are standard.

An American-Size Sedan

At 196.1 inches in overall length, the 2008 Pontiac G8 is about 4 inches longer than a Dodge Charger, but it rides on a 5-inch-shorter wheelbase of 114.8 inches. The two sedans are within an inch of each other in width and height.

Inside, the G8's interior is nearly as spacious as that of the Charger. There's more front legroom in the Pontiac and less than an inch of difference when it comes to rear legroom. Hip- and shoulder room are within an inch of each other, both front and rear. The G8 also features a monstrously large 17.5-cubic-foot trunk with a standard rear seat pass-through.

Bench Seat Is Not an Option

Pontiac is positioning the G8 as a premium sport sedan, so the interior is fitted with more features than you might expect. Every G8 gets power-adjustable bucket seats for the driver and front passenger, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, full instrumentation including an oil temperature gauge, and a trip computer.

On the entertainment side, the base G8 gets a seven-speaker Blaupunkt audio system with single-disc CD changer, 5-inch multifunctional visual display and an auxiliary music player input. The upgraded system that's standard on the GT adds a six-disc CD changer and a 230-watt amplifier for its 11 speakers. An optional comfort-and-sound package for the base model adds the enhanced Blaupunkt system along with dual-zone climate control that comes standard on the GT.

There's a premium package on both the base G8 and the GT that adds leather upholstery and six-way power adjustment for the driver and front passenger seats. Pontiac also manages to get heated seats added to the premium package — an option doesn't exist on the Australian model. And in addition to the usual black-and-gray interior colors, the G8 GT offers gray with red inserts on both the cloth and leather interiors. There are six exterior colors: black, blue, gray, orange, red and white.

Is Pontiac Back?

Not quite. It'll be a long time before Pontiac is considered a serious player on the performance scene again, what with the Torrent in the lineup and all. Replacing the forgettable Grand Prix with the 2008 Pontiac G8 should help earn back a little respect, however, as it appears to offer a solid rear-wheel-drive package at an attainable price.

The base G8 starts at $27,595, while the GT scrapes the $30K barrier at $29,995. Not cheap, but name another V8 sedan that will run mid-13s in the quarter-mile, return 24 mpg on the highway and swallow five suitcases for $30 grand. Yeah, Pontiac may be back after all.

- Insideline

[mikeyb]

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — With Job 1 officially behind them, the first shipment of 2008 Pontiac G8s is currently floating its way from Australia to the United States. A total of four ships will soon arrive in Northern California's Benicia port, with the first ship expected on January 28. Aboard will be 1,800 new G8 sedans, a 50/50 mix of the 3.6-liter V6 G8 and the 362-horsepower 6.0-liter V8 G8 GT.

The G8 is expected to arrive in Pontiac showrooms by March 1, with West Coast dealers likely to receive their cars first due to the San Francisco Bay Area arrival port. General Motors used the same port for the Australian-built Pontiac GTO that GM imported briefly from 2004-'06. Pontiac says it will have 7,000 G8s on U.S. soil at launch, and expects to reach an annual sales volume of 40,000 cars in a full production year.

Customers won't necessarily have to wait for the G8 of their choice to be configured on the Australian production line, but instead may choose a G8 that is already in transit. Craig Bierley, Pontiac marketing director said, "The dealers and plant are so far apart, orders would take a lot of time. Instead, we've configured cars 11 different ways, and dealers will be able to use a "tagging tool" to choose cars that are already on the boat and reduce the order lead time."

With few available options, the top-of-the-line G8 GT tops out just under $33,000.

What this means to you: Pontiac is anxious to get the G8 from Down Under to your local dealer as quickly as possible.

- Insideline

[CantCMe]

rwd+V8=happy customers.

[coolmazda5]

With few available options, the top-of-the-line G8 GT tops out just under $33,000.


That on itself is a good start for a car like that. Looking forward to go to the dealer and check them out. Now, if there is test-drive event a-la Saturn Astra, I'll be lining up for it :D. Won't buy sh*t, but hell, I like it.

[Donas64]

I am head over heels in love with the G8. 33 grand loaded. I'd almost settle for a V6 but I REALLY want the V8. Too bad I don't make that kind of cash...yet!

[jred321]

they just need to hurry up with the manual.


i might go give the auto a test drive anyways for fun :)

[mikeyb]

^I would go test drive the auto. I actually went to the local Pontiac stealer of Sunday to see if they were on the lot yet.

[mikeyb]

http://images.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0802_01z+2008_pontiac_g8_sedan+front_profile_b urnout.jpg

Judging by the wild reception it received while prowling the streets of L.A., Pontiac (http://www.motortrend.com/new_cars/01/pontiac/index.html)'s new G8 (http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2008/pontiac/g8/index.html) GT is the hottest import from Down Under since Elle MacPherson.



This bold new four-door Grand Prix (http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2008/pontiac/grand_prix/index.html) replacement-bred and built by GM's Holden division in Australia-sure looks the part: front air dam with foglights standard; racy hood scoops (although they're only for looks); wide, muscular proportions (track is 62.7 inches up front, 63.3 at the rear); handsome details (check out the chrome-accented ducts behind the front-wheel arches). It's a vast improvement over the Grand Prix, a winning blend of Euro elegance and American flash that'll have BMW (http://www.motortrend.com/new_cars/01/bmw/index.html) devotees doing double-takes. Perhaps more important for Pontiac fans, the G8 sports the visual sizzle so lacking in the division's last Aussie import, the Holden Monaro-based GTO coupe (which appeared on our shores from 2004 to 2006). And check out the color: Pontiac calls it Ignition Orange. Bring your best sunglasses.




http://images.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0802_02z+2008_pontiac_g8_sedan+front_burnout.j pg



he G8 dazzles underneath, too. First off, just like its GTO forebear, it's rear-drive (we'll wait while you cut loose with wild applause). And it's loaded with worthy hardware. When the G8 goes on sale in March, Pontiac will offer two versions. The base car is powered by a DOHC, 3.6-liter V-6 with variable valve timing that kicks out 256 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 248 pound-feet of torque at 2100. The engine mates to a five-speed automatic transmission. Eighteen-inch, silver-painted alloy wheels are standard, as are projector-beam headlights, a tilt-telescoping wheel, polished stainless-steel exhaust tips, remote start, and a seven-speaker Blaupunkt audio system with CD player and iPod jack.


The car you see here, the G8 GT ripples with a 6.0-liter OHV V-8 that booms out 361 horses at 5300 rpm and 385 pound-feet at 4400 rpm. The engine features active fuel management for enhanced economy. The big mill's output flows through a standard six-speed automatic with Sport mode. No manual is available yet, but when we pressed Pontiac execs, they hinted that one may be coming-perhaps in concert with a higher-tuned engine.




http://images.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0802_03z+2008_pontiac_g8_sedan+side_view_motio n.jpg



Added GT goodies include quad stainless-steel exhaust tips, a limited-slip diff, dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped wheel, a more potent audio system, and machine-faced 18-inch wheels wearing summer performance tires. Leather seats and a power sunroof are available in both G8 models. The GT also offers an optional Sport package (seen on our test car), which adds 19-inch alloys, sport metallic pedals, and a meatier steering wheel. Pricing is aggressive. The base G8 starts at $27,595, while the mighty GT lists at just $29,995-making it, Pontiac points out, the most powerful automobile available in the U.S. for under 30 grand.



he cabin is nicely tailored with a "tech-grain" dash, deeply bolstered seats, and simple controls. What's more, though it might not look it, the car is huge inside-particularly in back, where it sports what at first sight appears to be the world's largest pass-through. Four adults could happily travel all day in the G8. The trunk serves up a generous 17.5 cubic feet.



Looks like another victory for GM. Meantime, stay tuned to this channel. Coming soon is an instrumented road test you won't want to miss.




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<table class="insettxt" border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr class="hdr"><td colspan="2" align="center"> 2008 Pontiac G8 GT </td></tr><tr class="hdr2"><td> Base Price </td><td> $27,595 - $29,995 </td></tr><tr class="hdr3"><td> Vehicle Layout </td><td> Front engine, RWD, 4-door, 5-pass sedan </td></tr><tr class="hdr2"><td> Engine </td><td> 3.6L/256hp/248 lb-ft/DOHC/24-valve/V6 - 6.0L/361hp/385 lb-ft/OHV/16-valve/V8 </td></tr><tr class="hdr3"><td> Transmission </td><td> 5- or 6-speed automatic </td></tr><tr class="hdr2"><td> Curb Weight </td><td> 4096 lbs </td></tr><tr class="hdr3"><td> Wheelbase </td><td> 114.8 in </td></tr><tr class="hdr2"><td> Length x Width x Height </td><td> 196.1 x 74.8 x 57.7 in </td></tr><tr class="hdr3"><td> 0-60 mph </td><td> 5.3 sec (mfr est) </td></tr><tr class="hdr2"><td> EPA City/Hwy Econ </td><td> N/A </td></tr><tr class="hdr3"><td> CO2 Emissions </td><td> N/A </td></tr><tr class="hdr2"><td> On Sale In U.S. </td><td> March 2008</td></tr></tbody></table>

[SilverBulletES]

Fast and I really like it. But porky cars are not my thing. Oink oink. It's a complete lard ass. :)

[lasermp5]

hell yes! Fell in love with that car down under, and look forward to seeing them here.

[coolmazda5]

So orange is the new red for GM sports cars in NA huh? I like the color (now), it makes a statement.

[Hughes412]

So orange is the new red for GM sports cars in NA huh? I like the color (now), it makes a statement.

Don't know if you know it, but ornge has always been their color. At least for there engines.

[Donas64]

Fast and I really like it. But porky cars are not my thing. Oink oink. It's a complete lard ass. :)

Its not meant to be a miata. Its basically a cut rate M5. 8/10ths the awesome, 2/10ths the price.

I know I've been saying this for months now but I REALLY want one of these. Someday, someday!

[mikeyb]

I want Hugger Orange to make a comeback on the 5th Gen Camaro.

[coolmazda5]

Don't know if you know it, but ornge has always been their color. At least for there engines.

As per the exterior I've seen them in the old days muscle cars (I'm glad they are reviving it) but not on later models, like the defunct Pontiac GTO. I say it because as we all seen it in the forum it is one of the poster colors for the G8 and the Challenger at least (different orange variations looks like, but orange at last)

And note: I mentioned GM earlier. It should say GM and Chrysler LLC (Cerberos, etc.m any guess is valid)

[mikeyb]

As per the exterior I've seen them in the old days muscle cars (I'm glad they are reviving it) but not on later models, like the defunct Pontiac GTO. I say it because as we all seen it in the forum it is one of the poster colors for the G8 and the Challenger at least (different orange variations looks like, but orange at last)

And note: I mentioned GM earlier. It should say GM and DaimlerChrysler.

DaimlerChrysler is no more.

[coolmazda5]

DaimlerChrysler is no more.

Ooops, true. GM and Cerberus (Chrysler Holding?), fixed ;)

[SilverBulletES]

Its not meant to be a miata. Its basically a cut rate M5. 8/10ths the awesome, 2/10ths the price.

I know I've been saying this for months now but I REALLY want one of these. Someday, someday!

I was thinking the new M5 curb weight was somewhere around 3600. But you're right -- it's a touch over 4000. Still, 2/10ths the price, not quite. ;)

But I'll always find the weight stuff unfortunate and dulling of the driving experience no matter how much power or "neato" technology.

[mikeyb]

e60 M5 weights in at 4012 unladen

where a e46 is in the ballpark of 3200 to 3400 depending on the model and options. I can not find my e46 sedan brochure to make sure.

e46 325ci 3197/3285 and 330ci 3285/3362

e90 328i 3340/3406 328xi 3582/3627 335i 3594/3605

The G8 makes up for its laudass in hp and tq.

[SilverBulletES]

My 328 is a bit lighter than the post 2000 facelifted E46 but that's nitpicking ;)

And it might not matter being chunky in a straight line with all that power, but it won't be as fun on a windy road. :) That said... that's not what it's made for. It's a giant muscle car. I'm sure it's fun as hell.

[mikeyb]

My 328 is a bit lighter than the post 2000 facelifted E46 but that's nitpicking ;)

And it might not matter being chunky in a straight line with all that power, but it won't be as fun on a windy road. :) That said... that's not what it's made for. It's a giant muscle car. I'm sure it's fun as hell.

Facelift did not happen until early 02 for the sedan and wagon. The coupe and convertible were facelifted in the middle 03 for 04 model year. I wish BMW facelifted the M3.


I was looking in my e46 brochures and the e46 weights are all over the place between 3K and 4K. Depending on the body style and options.

EVO mag compared the Vauxhall VXR8 with the e92 M3 and C63 AMG. Which the VXR8 just steamrolled both of them. But that VXR8 was supercharged. Top Gear did a comparo of the non S/C'd VXR8 against the BMW 525 e60, Audi A6, and MB E350 because they are in the same price range. The VXR8 out accelerated and outhandled the Germans.

My uncle owns a 04 GTO and it handles just as well as his e39 M5, my aunts e39 540i Sport 6-spd, and my cousin's e46 330i ZHP.

He actually tracks the GTO instead of his M5 now. I've tracked it this past summer and all the e46 M3 have no chance against the GTO unless they get on the inside in the corners.

[mikeyb]

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http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/il/features/general/pontiac.g8.in.australia/pontiac.g8.factory.line.8.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/il/features/general/pontiac.g8.in.australia/pontiac.g8.factory.line.3.500.jpg

[mikeyb]

It's a Small (GM) World, After All
While half of America eagerly awaits the sight of the very first 2008 Pontiac G8 (http://www.edmunds.com/il/pontiac/g8/index.html) in U.S. showrooms, literally half a world away we're watching a parade of them in various stages of undress. We've seen car assembly plants before, and this particular General Motors example is surprisingly little different.

The incongruity stems from the fact that these U.S.-bound Pontiacs are on the line at Holden's plant in Elizabeth, a town on the flat, dusty plains north of Adelaide in South Australia. And right behind this orange, fully kitted 2008 Pontiac G8 GT that might soon be strutting the streets of Manhattan or Milwaukee, comes a bone-basic, steel-wheeled Holden ute likely to lob in outback Innamincka.

The plant that commenced production of the 2008 Pontiac G8 in mid-December might be on the doorstep of the South Australian desert, but there are no kangaroos hopping among the panel presses. Indeed, after US$479 million of investment in the past three years, Elizabeth could be almost anywhere within the parallel universe that is General Motors.

The Lion's Share
It's a year of anniversaries for GM, and Holden's Elizabeth plant is no exception. When it opened 50 years ago (exactly 10 years after Holden commenced local manufacturing), Holden could boast of an assembly plant in each of Australia's five mainland states.

Mind you, it needed such resources. In 1958, Holden's share of the Australian new vehicle market briefly topped 50 percent.

With increasing competition and a steadily falling market share, Elizabeth had become Holden's sole assembly plant by 1988. Holden's corporate headquarters (along with its Family II four-cylinder and High Feature V6 engine plants) have remained some 400 miles away in the neighboring state of Victoria.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd. (MMAL), the only other local car manufacturer based in South Australia, makes for an interesting (if sad) contrast. Originally established by Chrysler in 1966 for the local manufacture of the Valiant, it was taken over by Mitsubishi in 1981. A succession of locally modified, midsize models failed to excite the market and various export plans (including the U.S.-bound Diamante) floundered.

Finally, on February 5 this year, MMAL announced that it was quitting local manufacturing altogether.

Increasingly Ex-portant
Which leaves only Ford, Holden and Toyota now building cars in Australia.

Last year Toyota exported close to two-thirds of the 144,000 Camrys that it built in Australia; it's the Middle East's biggest-selling model. Holden has also enjoyed success in the Middle East, along with deals in New Zealand, Brazil and the United Kingdom, and last year it exported a total of 36,000 cars from a production of around 145,000.

With thanks to the Yanks, the Pontiac G8 will drive Holden's exports to 50 percent of a similar production total this year.

Meanwhile, Ford has all but missed the export boat, aside from nits-and-lice numbers of the current Falcon going to right-hand-drive markets like New Zealand and South Africa. It faces an anxious wait until the export-friendly Focus (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/ViewModelDetail/make=Ford/model=Focus) comes on line in 2011.

Two-Way Traffic
Contrary to reports in the U.S., Holden sources say that the half-billion dollar investment in Elizabeth — with an equal sum spent on developing the new Zeta platform — was locked down before the G8 deal was certain. A left-hand-drive VE Commodore was always in the model mix for the Middle East.

While long-wheelbase Zeta-platform models are already being built in China, and the shortened Camaro (http://www.edmunds.com/il/chevrolet/camaro/index.html) will be built in Oshawa, Ontario (Canada), the Aussie operation considers itself the heart of Zeta production. GM manufacturing supremo Gary Cowger said as much during a visit to Elizabeth last November.

It's not like the air at this Holden plant is normally thick with American accents, either. Elizabeth has just two implanted Americans: Human Resources Director Joe Piechocki and General Assembly Area Manager Marcos Purty.

Purty, who moved to Australia in January from GM's truck plant in Fort Wayne, Indiana, says the Elizabeth plant has long been singing the GM song.

"There was definitely no imposing of any standards," he says. "Coming here from the U.S., it's the same systems, the same processes and the quality of the vehicle is great. It's actually a pleasure to be here looking at how we implement our GMS [Global Manufacturing System] strategy...and all that pre-dated G8."

Purty says an international feel pervades the place: "Everyone's speaking globally. The buzz in here is, I wanna build the best car, period. No matter whether it stays here in Australia or goes over to the U.S. or to China. I feel that, I see it, I hear it."

Aussie Innovation
The Zeta platform is heavy on manufacturing design; it's a vastly easier car to build than Holden's preceding VT-VZ Commodore family. This is evident from the first stage of the body assembly, where the subassembly known as the WIFE — walk-in front end — presents an open-fronted engine bay. The FEM (front-end module), comprising radiator and bumper supports, is attached later.

A claimed Australian first is the method of installing the instrument panel, wherein a robot twists it in through the windscreen aperture. It looks like a large-scale wriggling of a magician's hand — and it wriggles differently for left- and right-hand-drive vehicles.

Robots and humans alike scan each car's "broadcast sheet," a build description attached to the front fender. There are a few other ways to spot a partly dressed G8 on the line. For example, the G8 has hood nostrils, the left-hand-drive apertures in the firewall and beefier bumper supports.

Pontiacs are also likely to be less colorful. Both G8 (V6) and G8 GT (V8) offer a palette of six exterior colors. Their closest Commodore cousins, the SV6 and SS V8, add three distinctly Australian out-there hues in Morpheus Purple, Atomic Green and Crunch Passionfruit.

And the patchwork parade of disparate wheelbases, body styles, mechanical and trim levels isn't just to show off the Elizabeth plant's flexibility. General Assembly operators have a task time of 76 seconds, so model specs are intentionally staggered to even the work flow.

The Difference Between Yanks and Aussies
If you're curious about the specific differences between the 2008 Pontiac G8 and the Holden Commodore SS, here are the details from the Holden people:


Body structure changes for FMVSS (U.S.) and CMVSS (Canada) legal requirements, plus corrosion protection against salted roads in snow/ice road conditions
Interior safety and restraint system upgrades for FMVSS and CMVSS regulations, particularly details to protect the "unbelted occupant"
Significant electronics and software upgrades for OnStar, active occupant-sensing airbags, engine active
fuel management
Revisions to electronic stability-control calibrations for snow/ice conditions
Engine performance upgrades and fuel-economy measures including active fuel management V8, and Euro IV-specification exhaust for the V6
Pontiac styling — the body fascias and hoodSixes and Eights
Of the 620 cars being built per day, a look along the line suggests around 1 in 4 is a Pontiac. The plant's current engine ratio is about three V6s for every V8 — but that's more a reflection on the Commodore's V6/V8 sales ratio of around 4.5 to 1, rather than any projection of G8 versus G8 GT.

While nobody's saying how many G8s will be built this year, the plant's current configuration of two shifts in Body Shop and three in General Assembly means a capacity of 145,000 cars per year — half, it's said, for export. Subtracting current export markets, this suggests the U.S. will get around 30,000-35,000 Pontiacs this year.

The big unanswered question is whether a left-hand-drive Holden ute (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=120855) (a.k.a. Chevy El Camino) will go Stateside with them; we certainly looked hard for one, in vain. And Bob Lutz has quite firmly nixed the VE Sportwagon, which comes on line for Australia in the first half of next year.

The Bottom Line
Holden says that the Sportwagon, like the G8s, will be absorbed into the plant's current capacity of 145,000 units. Uhh? Meaning, a new model variant will be added — and exports have doubled — with no increase in overall production?

Therein lies the extent of the market freefall of traditional, large passenger cars in Australia's domestic market, as buyers flock to smaller models and compact SUVs. But large passenger cars are all that Australia makes.

As illustrated by official VFacts registration figures, in 2005, Holden and Ford each sold just over 96,000 of their locally made Falcon and VZ Commodore. (The Elizabeth plant worked three shifts to produce a record 165,000 cars.) In 2006, local sales fell to around 77,000 for each brand. But in 2007, Ford slumped to 67,000 units, while Holden's VE helped buoy local sales only to 74,000 units. All of this in an overall market showing strong growth.

Only Toyota's all-new and aggressively marketed Camry/Aurion has reversed the trend in the local market. But Toyota has also made starkly clear the message for Holden and the 3,500 workers at Elizabeth: Exports aren't just sexy, they're survival.

So it's not just Pontiac that is looking to the 2008 Pontiac G8 for its survival. There are a lot of people in Elizabeth, Australia, who are also hoping for the revival of the muscle-bound, rear-wheel-drive American sedan. Think of it as a bit of Motown among the mulga shrublands.
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[redrims]

That white is gorgeous. :)

[coolmazda5]

Therein lies the extent of the market freefall of traditional, large passenger cars in Australia's domestic market, as buyers flock to smaller models and compact SUVs. But large passenger cars are all that Australia makes.


Good stuff. Also not mentioned is the fact that New Zealand and Australia get a massive influx of semi new imported Japanese cars. Let me see if I got it right, it was explained to me by the Kiwi guy who showed me what a Holden Commodore SS is all about and drove me around :D:

Why Japan? The cars are right hand wheel drive, "cheap", have low mileage and given the strict safety and pollution rules they are usually in a very good shape. Also the fact that Japanese owners take great pride of their cars and maintain them well (in average, let me note). Finally, Japanese ditch cars faster than the average car owners around the World so the cars are not old at all.

All in all this affects the local market new car sales as well I suppose (scratch)

[Donas64]

That white is gorgeous. :)

Nuff said! Looks AMAZING in white. I WILL own one of these pre-owned 5 years from now!

[Donas64]

The stock stance is GREAT!

[mikeyb]

http://g8gt.com/attachments/465d1193665999-g8-gxp.jpgThe upcoming 2008 Pontiac G8 has a lot going for it. There's the oh-so-hot-right-now rear-wheel-drive chassis, a base price under $28,000 and the high-performance G8 GT with a 361-horsepower 6.0L V8 starts below $30,000. It's the performance bargain of the year, and if a forum post over at G8GT.com is to believed, the bargain is about get a whole lot better.
A dealership employee somewhere has posted a pic of GM's inventory controls website in which the engine option for the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP is revealed to be none other than the LS3 6.2L V8. To refresh your memory, the LS3 replaced the LS2 as the base engine for the Corvette this model year. In the Vette, it produces 430 horsepower from 376 cubic inches, or 436 hp if you opt for a special dual-stage exhaust system.
There was a time when the Corvette kept all of its components to itself, but that ended when they started building the Cadillac XLR side-by-side with the iconic American sports car and began using its engines in the CTS-V. Nowadays, Cadillac regularly pilfers the Corvette parts bin, so why not Pontiac, too? An LS3-powered G8 GXP would be just short of epic in its degree of awesomeness, so let's hope the internet is right on this one. Thanks for the tip, John!
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/ls3g8gt_opt.jpg

[Donas64]

although I'm skeptical about this, it wouldn't surprise me one bit and would make it pontiacs big gun! Man that would rock so hard.

[mikeyb]

Speed Read


Vehicle Tested:
2008 Pontiac G8 GT 4dr Sedan (6.0L 8cyl 6A)
MSRP of Test Vehicle: $32,745 What Works:
Fast, nimble and comfortable, and an awesome value besides; Pontiac builds the poor man's 5 Series.
What Needs Work:
Soft brake pedal; no redline on the tach; exhaust is too quiet.
Bottom Line:
This is the Pontiac we've all been waiting for. ..

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/roadtest/08.pontiac.g8.gt/08.pontiac.g8.act.f34.2.500.jpg

There's more body roll than there should be, but it doesn't keep the G8 from being fun or fast.

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/roadtest/08.pontiac.g8.gt/08.pontiac.g8.act.f34.3.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/roadtest/08.pontiac.g8.gt/08.pontiac.g8.act.r34.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/roadtest/08.pontiac.g8.gt/08.pontiac.g8.burnout.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/roadtest/08.pontiac.g8.gt/08.pontiac.g8.eng.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/roadtest/08.pontiac.g8.gt/08.pontiac.g8.int.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/roadtest/08.pontiac.g8.gt/08.pontiac.g8.int.det.1.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/roadtest/08.pontiac.g8.gt/08.pontiac.g8.cc.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/roadtest/08.pontiac.g8.gt/08.pontiac.g8.int.det.2.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/roadtest/08.pontiac.g8.gt/08.pontiac.g8.int.det.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/roadtest/08.pontiac.g8.gt/08.pontiac.g8.ip.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/roadtest/08.pontiac.g8.gt/08.pontiac.g8.f34.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/roadtest/08.pontiac.g8.gt/08.pontiac.g8.r34.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/roadtest/08.pontiac.g8.gt/08.pontiac.g8.rint.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/roadtest/08.pontiac.g8.gt/08.pontiac.g8.whl.500.jpg

Pontiac Reinvents Itself

The conversation went something like this: "Hey, Steve, come by with the Bee. Let's see how it stacks up against this 2008 Pontiac G8 GT."

Motorhead Steve lives up the street. His dad was a Dodge dealer back in the 1960s. The guy knows option codes from the muscle car era like they're his kids' names and has a tattoo on his left forearm that reads "Mopar is Mom." More important, he just bought himself a screaming yellow 2007 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee. We knew he wouldn't hesitate.

"Now?" he asked.

"Now."

"Be there in five."

Ten minutes later we were lined up.

Declining Numbers at an Even Rate
Honestly, we didn't think we had a chance. The 2008 Pontiac G8 GT is powered by a 6.0-liter V8 rated at 361 horsepower at 5,300 rpm and 385 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. Steve's Mopar, a virtual twin to the one we tested a few months ago, is packing a 6.1-liter V8 pumping 425 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque.

We clicked off the Pontiac's traction control with the clearly marked button ahead of its shifter and brake-torqued the big V8 to 2,000 rpm. To our right we could hear Steve do the same. On the count of three we went for it.

Both cars left clean, with just a turn or two of tire slip. Then Steve pulled a fender on us. No surprise considering his Bee's torque advantage. But that's all he had. Past 60 mph the Mopar was still just a fender ahead. The Pontiac's six-speed automatic clicked off clean, crisp gearchanges just before its 6,000-rpm rev limiter, and kept pace with that Charger well past 100 mph.

We raced again. And again. And again. It was like a scene out of Woodward Avenue circa 1969, only we were in sedans, with sunroofs and heated seats, on a deserted, burned-out industrial section of downtown Los Angeles. Every race was a carbon copy of the first.

We lost. But not by much.

Steve wasn't happy. His Mopar had more power, louder paint and many more stickers than the G8 GT. It also costs more than the Pontiac, which carries a base price of $29,995 and tops out at $32,745 with our red car's sunroof, leather and big wheel and tire option. No, Steve wasn't happy at all.

Let's Do the Math
Doug Houlihan, GM's global vehicle chief engineer based in Melbourne, Australia, told us his car should run from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and cover the quarter-mile in 13.8 seconds at 101 mph.

Seemed about right. The Super Bee we tested ran to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and the quarter-mile in 13.6 seconds at 106 mph. We hadn't tested this red 2008 Pontiac G8 GT yet, but Steve's Bee had us by a fender at 60 mph and 105 mph.

The next morning at our test track, the G8 GT ran as expected, perfectly splitting Houlihan's numbers and the Bee's previous performance. The Pontiac launches to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and covers the quarter-mile in 13.7 seconds at 104 mph.

"How's that?" you ask. "The Mopar packs so much more muscle under its hood. Why doesn't it smoke the Pontiac?"

Honestly, we're not really sure. At first we figured the Pontiac was just lighter. It sure feels that way from behind the wheel. But it isn't. At 4,106 pounds, the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT weighs only 56 pounds fewer than that Bee we tested. Transmission? Maybe. The Pontiac's six-speed automatic is an absolute performance advantage over the Bee's sluggish five-speed. We also have to consider the Mopar's heavy 20-inch rims and rubber, which don't do it any favors on the dragstrip. The Pontiac's optional 19-inch wheels and summer tires are certainly lighter, which makes it easier for the car to accelerate. These things matter, but don't fully explain how the G8 keeps up. Or why the Bee isn't quicker.

Plus the Pontiac has more gear in it. The rear-wheel-drive G8 GT manages this miracle with a 2.92:1 rear axle ratio. At 80 mph in top gear, its tach reads a lazy 2,000 rpm. Put some shorter gears in this sedan and Steve would've been looking up the G8's four exhaust pipes.

Think down the road, and the G8 GT should run with the Challenger SRT8, which shares its drivetrain and platform with the Super Bee SRT8. And the Camaro SS, which is based on the G8's underpinnings, should have no problem keeping up with the Challenger.

More Than Just Thrust
And when the road turns, things get even better. All G8s, V6- or V8-powered, get the same suspension tuning. GM calls the setup FE2, and it delivers a ride and handling compromise that falls just short of perfect.

With our test car's optional 245/40R19 Bridgestone RE050A tires providing the grip, this big, heavy sedan is fast on a mountain road. Very fast. But it also rides right, with proper compliance, buttoned-down body motions and a tight overall feel. The one misstep is a rear suspension that can feel a tick underdamped over some surfaces, especially when the G8's huge 19.2-gallon fuel tank is full.

With that tank topped off with premium (GM recommends regular but says premium maximizes performance), our scales say 51.4 percent of the G8's weight is carried by its front tires. Pontiac says that evens out to a 50/50 split when there's a driver and a passenger aboard. We flogged it with an empty right seat and found the G8's balance to be ideal. There's good turn-in, slight understeer at the limit and power oversteer when you want it.

Even with its standard stability control off, the G8 GT is fast, stable and just plain fun to toss around. So there may be a bit more body roll than there should be, and the steering wheel feels a bit large at first, but neither gets in the way of the fun or the pace. We also have to thank Pontiac for the G8's soft rev limiter and the rev-matching downshifts of the six-speed automatic. Together they add to the G8's lick on a mountain road but not necessarily in our handling tests.

At the test track, the G8 GT circles our skid pad at 0.85g and zips though our slalom course at over 65 mph. These numbers are behind smaller cars like the BMW 335i and the Infiniti G35 S, but all but match the performance of the Dodge Charger SRT8 and the last BMW 535i we tested.

The G8 GT's four-wheel disc brakes are also worthy. They help produce a stopping distance from 60 mph of just 109 feet with excellent fade resistance, and they can hang with the best from Germany. But they're also activated by a soft pedal that provides little feel. It's the one real dynamic flaw in an otherwise impressive package.

No Sunfire Required
Unlike the most recent GTO, the Solstice or the laughable Grand Prix GXP, the G8 GT feels like a fully finished automobile. This is a car that's actually ready for public consumption. The entire public. No double-wide trailer or Sunfire ownership required.

This time Pontiac's engineers cared how their car felt, not just how it performed. For the first time in a long time, they decided to sweat the details. And the result is a Pontiac without any goofy missteps, colossal blunders or overtones of trailer-park style. They even resisted the temptation to put a big silly wing on it, leaving the G8's two hood scoops and four real exhaust pipes to state its case.

Restraint also found its way to the G8's interior. When you consider its well-shaped seats, simple white-on-black gauges and three-knob climate controls, it's clear that Pontiac's designers didn't take any unnecessary risks. Instead they built an honest, interesting interior that doesn't try too hard. Even our test car's optional red-on-black interior fails to feel overdone.

Pontiac obviously looked to Audi for the overall look and layout of the interior, and the results are a real argument for such acceptable plagiarism. Tactile feel is high and the interior's simple layout works. The driving position is also spot-on thanks to a tilt and telescoping steering wheel and a height-adjustable driver seat.

No, it's not perfect. There's no redline on the tach, in manual mode the shifter is still pushed to upshift and pulled to downshift (only BMW and Mazda get this right), and those digital gauges on the center stack must have been borrowed from a 1982 Datsun Z. The exhaust is also just too damn quiet. Yet forgivable all. These are just misdemeanors from a car company with a long list of felony offenses.

Rear seat room is also worth mentioning. You can play volleyball back there. And the trunk? Huge: 19.4 cubic feet.

Better Than the 6000 STE
And so we're smitten. Won over. The Australian-built 2008 Pontiac G8 GT is the best Pontiac since John Z. invented the GTO. No, not that GTO. The first GTO in 1964. You know, the one Ronny and the Daytonas immortalized in song. The one that started the whole muscle car thing. The Tiger.

No, we're not kidding.

The G8 GT is better than the 6000 STE, the Bonneville SSEi, the Grand Prix GTP, the G6 GXP and the Aztek UGLY. It even makes the Solstice feel like a half-ass effort. When it hits dealers in early March, the 40,000 examples of the G8 being shipped in from Down Under will reinvent Pontiac along the way.

Pontiac needs a win and the G8 is it. Just ask Motorhead Steve.

[mikeyb]

This car touches my "Do Want" button. http://www.vwvortex.com/zeroforum_graphics/biggrin_upper.gif

[CantCMe]

I officially want this car.

[mikeyb]

Needs lowering springs and larger swaybars.

[CantCMe]

Needs lowering springs and larger swaybars.

Stop reading my mind!!

[coolmazda5]

Fast, nimble and comfortable, and an awesome value besides; Pontiac builds the poor man's 5 Series.

LOL. The poor man's 5 series? I'm really, really poor then :D

I'm glad this car is living up to the expectations. We know that in many instances adapting a car successful in other Countries does not translate into success here in NA (i.e. radical engine and performance changes, uglyfication of the original design or even unappealing rebadging)

What color is it? Hot hot orange?

[Donas64]

This car touches my "Do Want" button. http://www.vwvortex.com/zeroforum_graphics/biggrin_upper.gif

Same here!

I'm all about fiscal responsibility and all but I'm seriously considering a really big car payment right now.

Patience is a virture......patience....patience.........patience .....

[mal_tiempo]

I can't wait until this hits the dealers. Can you say test drive?

[TinmanMS6]

If this car had a stick, I'd leave my baby batter in the tailpipe. As it is, I'll wait.

[daonly1around]

F*** a manual, put that thing in drive and just ride...

I'd still have the protege for my "fun" driving...

Looks like i won't b getting a MS3 after all and the white is gorgeous

[jred321]

Needs lowering springs and larger swaybars.
and a nice exhaust. and maybe some seats that aren't meant to fit 300lb americans. then it'll be perfect. once the manual comes of course :)

[TinmanMS6]

F*** a manual, put that thing in drive and just ride...

I'd still have the protege for my "fun" driving...

Looks like i won't b getting a MS3 after all and the white is gorgeous

360hp and RWD is more fun than any Protege. Period.

[mikeyb]

and a nice exhaust. and maybe some seats that aren't meant to fit 300lb americans. then it'll be perfect. once the manual comes of course :)

Similar seats to a BMW M3s and maybe a Vortech S/C.

[daonly1around]

360hp and RWD is more fun than any Protege. Period.

yea, but paying 400-500 bucks for two rear tires won't be fun, so i would have to be responsible with that much power... catch my drift?

now back on topic...


atleast we know the reliability of this car should be good, atleast the drivetrain anyway

[jred321]

Similar seats to a BMW M3s and maybe a Vortech S/C.
that's too bad that the M3's seats suck too. there's very little side bolstering. a supercharger certainly would be nice. SC small block v8s are always a good time

[mikeyb]

that's too bad that the M3's seats suck too. there's very little side bolstering. a supercharger certainly would be nice. SC small block v8s are always a good time

then you are sitting in the wrong m3s. e30 m3 with Recaros

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m101/e_manzano/BMW%20M3%20E30/IMG_3058.jpg

[jred321]

oh i get what you were saying, i thought you were saying the G8's seats were similar to an M3's. now i get it. i'd take my seats over those though :)

[Donas64]

It's just so pretty

http://www.velocityjournal.com/images/full/2007/221/pn2007g8gtshowcar22113981.jpg

The wheels remind me of Altima SE-R wheels. But thats a good thing.

[mikeyb]

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/dscn7944.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/dscn7945.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/dscn7947.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/dscn7953.jpg

[CantCMe]

Damn that looks good...
It's just so pretty

http://www.velocityjournal.com/images/full/2007/221/pn2007g8gtshowcar22113981.jpg

The wheels remind me of Altima SE-R wheels. But thats a good thing.

[mikeyb]

It's just so pretty

http://www.velocityjournal.com/images/full/2007/221/pn2007g8gtshowcar22113981.jpg

The wheels remind me of Altima SE-R wheels. But thats a good thing.

They look very similar. This has actually be dedated about before.

http://www.nissannews.com/multimedia/nissan2006/altima_se-r/800px/09_2005_altima_se-r.jpg

[mikeyb]

http://images.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0804_37z+2008_pontiac_g8_GT+burnout.jpg

http://images.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0804_30z+2008_pontiac_g8_GT+side_view.jpg

http://images.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0804_06z+2008_pontiac_g8_GT+interior.jpg

http://images.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0804_43z+2008_pontiac_g8_GT+interior.jpg

http://images.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0804_36z+2008_pontiac_g8_GT+burnout.jpg

http://images.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0804_40z+2008_pontiac_g8_GT+side_view.jpg

http://images.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0804_03z+2008_pontiac_g8_GT+steering_wheel.jpg

http://images.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0804_04z+2008_pontiac_g8_GT+rear_view_mirror.j pg

[mikeyb]

To those of you who've eagerly awaited the launch of Pontiac's super-hot, Australia-sourced 2008 G8 sport sedan, we're pleased to announce the following: We have liftoff. The test numbers are in.

We were as eager as you to get behind the wheel of this bold new four-door Grand Prix replacement -- bred and built by GM's Holden division in Australia. And that's largely because, first and foremost, the G8 is rear-drive, which immediately gains it admission into a lofty arena occupied by the likes of BMW and Infiniti. The G8 is a genuine, kick-the-tail-out sport sedan, not a front-drive compromise. Let us all pause now and give GM a huge round of applause.


The good stuff isn't limited to the layout. When the G8 goes on sale in a few weeks (target is early March), Pontiac will offer two versions. The base car is powered by a DOHC, 3.6-liter V-6 with variable valve timing that kicks out 256 horses at 6300 rpm and 248 pound-feet of torque at 2100. The engine mates to a five-speed automatic transmission. Eighteen-inch, silver-painted alloy wheels are standard, as are projector-beam headlights, a tilt-telescoping wheel, polished stainless-steel exhaust tips, remote start, and a seven-speaker Blaupunkt audio system with CD player and iPod jack.

Seen here is the up-level G8 GT, which ripples with a 6.0-liter OHV V-8 that booms out 361 horses at 5300 rpm and 385 pound-feet at 4400. The engine features computer-managed cylinder deactivation for enhanced economy. The big mill's output flows through a standard six-speed automatic with Sport mode. No manual is available yet, but when we pressed Pontiac execs, they hinted one may be coming later this year -- perhaps in concert with a higher-tuned engine.


Added GT goodies include quad stainless-steel exhaust tips, a limited-slip diff, dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped wheel, a more potent audio system, and machine-faced 18-inch wheels wearing summer performance tires. Leather seats and a power sunroof are available in both G8 models. The GT also offers an optional Sport package (seen on our test car), which adds 19-inch alloys, sport metallic pedals, and a meatier steering wheel. Pricing is aggressive. The base G8 starts at $27,595, while the mighty GT lists at just $29,995-making it, Pontiac points out, the most powerful automobile available in the U.S. for under 30 grand.



And now for the big news: the sound and the fury, the rubber dust and the tire smoke. At the track, the G8 GT nailed the sprint to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds and charged through the quarter mile in 13.8 seconds at 102.8 mph. Those numbers are on par with the twin-turbo BMW 335i and the Infiniti G37, but the Pontiac's sticker undercuts both by thousands (more than $10 grand in the case of the Bimmer). The G8's engine note is quite reserved at cruise-almost too quiet given the high-flash bodywork-but at WOT it comes alive with a delicious bawl. And once the car is up to speed it really hits its stride, the V-8 pulling particularly hard as the speedo sweeps past the century mark. For relatively modest bucks you get mega straight-line performance.


The 19-inch summer tires and well-tuned suspension combine to wring out 0.88 g of grip-far more than either the 335i or the G37. More important, the GT responds to handling inputs with impressive balance (weight distribution is 51/49 percent front/rear). Braking from 60 mph, aided by vented rotors fore and aft and twin-piston calipers up front, takes just 112 feet (the BMW and Infiniti each do it in 110 feet). While StabiliTrak with all-speed traction control is standard on both G8 models, you can switch it entirely off. So configured, the GT will happily kick out its tail wide under throttle-useful for balancing the car on the track, though for most road driving StabiliTrak is the smarter choice, keeping the torque nicely under rein.

Ride quality is quite good given the G8's athletic abilities; the GT makes an excellent executive's express. The cabin is nicely tailored with a "tech-grain" dash, comfortable and enveloping seats, and simple controls. What's more, though it might not look it, the car is huge inside-particularly in back, which also features what at first sight appears to be the world's largest pass-through. Four adults could happily travel all day in the G8. The trunk serves up a generous 17.5 cubic feet.


Judging by our first drives, the G8 GT is good indeed. Good enough, in fact, to merit BMW, Infiniti, and Lexus intenders dropping by the Pontiac store for a serious look. As for how Pontiac's new Aussie expat compares to perhaps its single biggest American rival...stay tuned to this channel. We've prepared a head-to-head match-up you won't want to miss.

<TABLE class=insettxt cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=1><TBODY><TR class=hdr><TD align=middle colSpan=2>2008 PONTIAC G8 GT </TD></TR><TR class=hdr1><TD colSpan=2>POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS </TD></TR><TR class=hdr2><TD>DRIVETRAIN LAYOUT </TD><TD>Front engine, RWD </TD></TR><TR class=hdr3><TD>ENGINE TYPE </TD><TD>90 V-8, alum block/heads </TD></TR><TR class=hdr2><TD>VALVETRAIN </TD><TD>OHV, 2 valves/cyl </TD></TR><TR class=hdr3><TD>DISPLACEMENT </TD><TD>364 cu in/5967cc </TD></TR><TR class=hdr2><TD>COMPRESSION RATIO </TD><TD>10.4:1 </TD></TR><TR class=hdr3><TD>POWER (SAE NET) </TD><TD>361 hp @ 5300 rpm* </TD></TR><TR class=hdr2><TD>TORQUE (SAE NET) </TD><TD>385 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm* </TD></TR><TR class=hdr3><TD>REDLINE </TD><TD>6000 rpm </TD></TR><TR class=hdr2><TD>WEIGHT TO POWER </TD><TD>11.3 lb/hp </TD></TR><TR class=hdr3><TD>TRANSMISSION </TD><TD>6-speed automatic </TD></TR><TR class=hdr2><TD>AXLE/FINAL-DRIVE RATIOS </TD><TD>2.92:1/1.96:1 </TD></TR><TR class=hdr3><TD>SUSPENSION, FRONT; REAR </TD><TD>Struts, control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar </TD></TR><TR class=hdr2><TD>STEERING RATIO </TD><TD>13.6:1 </TD></TR><TR class=hdr3><TD>TURNS LOCK-TO-LOCK </TD><TD>2.8 </TD></TR><TR class=hdr2><TD>BRAKES, F;R </TD><TD>12.6-in vented disc; 12.8-in vented disc, ABS </TD></TR><TR class=hdr3><TD>WHEELS </TD><TD>8.0 x 19 in, cast aluminum </TD></TR><TR class=hdr2><TD>TIRES </TD><TD>245/40R19 94W, Bridgestone Potenza RE050A </TD></TR><TR class=hdr1><TD colSpan=2>DIMENSIONS </TD></TR><TR class=hdr2><TD>WHEELBASE </TD><TD>114.8 in </TD></TR><TR class=hdr3><TD>TRACK, F/R </TD><TD>62.7/63.3 in </TD></TR><TR class=hdr2><TD>LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT </TD><TD>196.1 x 74.8 x 57.7 in </TD></TR><TR class=hdr3><TD>TURNING CIRCLE </TD><TD>37.4 ft </TD></TR><TR class=hdr2><TD>CURB WEIGHT </TD><TD>4096 lb </TD></TR><TR class=hdr3><TD>WEIGHT DIST., F/R </TD><TD>51/49% </TD></TR><TR class=hdr2><TD>SEATING CAPACITY </TD><TD>5 </TD></TR><TR class=hdr3><TD>HEADROOM, F/R </TD><TD>38.7/38.0 in </TD></TR><TR class=hdr2><TD>LEGROOM, F/R </TD><TD>42.2/39.4 in </TD></TR><TR class=hdr3><TD>SHOULDER ROOM, F/R </TD><TD>59.1/59.1 in </TD></TR><TR class=hdr2><TD>CARGO VOLUME </TD><TD>17.5 cu ft </TD></TR><TR class=hdr1><TD colSpan=2>TEST DATA </TD></TR><TR class=hdr2><TD colSpan=2>ACCELERATION TO MPH </STRONG< td></TD><TR class=hdr3><TD>0-30 </TD><TD>1.8 sec </TD></TR><TR class=hdr2><TD>0-40 </TD><TD>2.8 </TD></TR><TR class=hdr3><TD>0-50 </TD><TD>4 </TD></TR><TR class=hdr2><TD>0-60 </TD><TD>5.3 </TD></TR><TR class=hdr3><TD>0-70 </TD><TD>6.9 </TD></TR><TR class=hdr2><TD>0-80 </TD><TD>8.7 </TD></TR><TR class=hdr3><TD>0-90 </TD><TD>10.7 </TD></TR><TR class=hdr2><TD>0-100 </TD><TD>13.2 </TD></TR><TR class=hdr3><TD>PASSING, 45-65 MPH </TD><TD>2.6 sec </TD></TR><TR class=hdr2><TD>QUARTER MILE </TD><TD>13.8 sec @ 102.8 mph </TD></TR><TR class=hdr3><TD>BRAKING, 60-0 MPH </TD><TD>112 ft </TD></TR><TR class=hdr2><TD>LATERAL ACCELERATION </TD><TD>0.88 g (avg) </TD></TR><TR class=hdr3><TD>MT FIGURE EIGHT </TD><TD>26.2 sec @ 0.67 g (avg) </TD></TR><TR class=hdr2><TD>TOP-GEAR REVS @ 60 MPH </TD><TD>1600 rpm </TD></TR><TR class=hdr1><TD colSpan=2>CONSUMER INFO </TD></TR><TR class=hdr2><TD>BASE PRICE </TD><TD>$29,995 </TD></TR><TR class=hdr3><TD>PRICE AS TESTED </TD><TD>$32,745 </TD></TR><TR class=hdr2><TD>STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL </TD><TD>Yes/yes </TD></TR><TR class=hdr3><TD>AIRBAGS </TD><TD>Dual front, front side, f/r curtain </TD></TR><TR class=hdr2><TD>BASIC WARRANTY </TD><TD>3 yrs/36,000 miles </TD></TR><TR class=hdr3><TD>POWERTRAIN WARRANTY </TD><TD>5 yrs/100,000 miles </TD></TR><TR class=hdr2><TD>ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE </TD><TD>5 yrs/100,000 miles </TD></TR><TR class=hdr3><TD>FUEL CAPACITY </TD><TD>19.2 gal </TD></TR><TR class=hdr2><TD>EPA CITY/HWY ECON </TD><TD>15/24 mpg </TD></TR><TR class=hdr3><TD>CO2 EMISSIONS </TD><TD>1.08 lb/mile </TD></TR><TR class=hdr2><TD>RECOMMENDED FUEL </TD><TD>Premium </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[mikeyb]

Premium fuel? Yuck!

[mikeyb]

The Cadillac CTS-V has very similar rims as well.

http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2008/1/14/3080114.004/1027big.jpg

[coolmazda5]

Yummm, the gauges... I would drive with the lights on at all times :D

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/roadtest/08.pontiac.g8.gt/08.pontiac.g8.int.det.1.500.jpg


http://images.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0804_03z+2008_pontiac_g8_GT+steering_wheel.jpg

[Donas64]

mine eyes have seen the glory. I just told my wife I am no longer in a hurry to buy a new car. I will be patient and will wait as long as is needed to a good pre-loved example of one of these. Then, when the time is right, all those tailgaters who have mocked my faithful P5, will get a taste of RWD V8 JUSTICE!!!!!!!!

[Donas64]

Premium fuel? Yuck!

yeah that does suck a little. But its recommended not required right? Does the engine retard power if lower grade fuel is used?

[jred321]

premium adds like $2/fill up. oh no!

[Donas64]

premium adds like $2/fill up. oh no!

Yeah, small price to pay for all that giddy-up. Plus the things got cylinder deactivation so that helps also.

[Donas64]

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/H87biHnOr2M&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/H87biHnOr2M&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br><font size=1><a href="http://www.dpccars.com/">fast cars</a> and <a href="http://www.dpccars.com/motorcycle/motorcycle-video-gallery.htm">motorcycle</a> videos</font>

[coolmazda5]

^^ What is his problem with my gauges?? (naughty)

[mikeyb]

The G8 is the most important new model that Pontiac has had in many years, and it could in fact be a make-or-break car for the brand. For several years, GM has been planning to transition the "performance" brand to an all rear-wheel-drive lineup. However, new fuel economy regulations may kill those plans unless GM can get some big sales out of the G8 and also make it more efficient. Now that the sedan is rolling into dealerships, the company is planning a major promotional push for it to ensure it doesn't suffer the same sad fate as Pontiac's last Aussie import, the GTO.

Interestingly, it seems GM thinks that the car will appeal more to the old-school types than us web junkies. The G8 will be getting the biggest bundle of Pontiac ad dollars this year, starting with the NCAA Tournament. Most of the effort will be put into old-style TV and print ads rather than the internet. Brian Shipman, G8 product manager, thinks this will bring more people into Pontiac stores than web and viral campaigns would. GM isn't saying how much it'll spend on the campaign, but dealers definitely want a car with some excitement to draw in customers. We'll know soon enough whether the G8 fits the bill.

[mikeyb]

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/01_first_drive_pontiac_g8.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/02_first_drive_pontiac_g8.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/03_first_drive_pontiac_g8.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/04_first_drive_pontiac_g8.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/05_first_drive_pontiac_g8.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/06_first_drive_pontiac_g8.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/07_first_drive_pontiac_g8.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/08_first_drive_pontiac_g8.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/09_first_drive_pontiac_g8.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/10_first_drive_pontiac_g8.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/11_first_drive_pontiac_g8.jpg

[mikeyb]

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/13_first_drive_pontiac_g8.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/14_first_drive_pontiac_g8.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/15_first_drive_pontiac_g8.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/17_first_drive_pontiac_g8.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/18_first_drive_pontiac_g8.jpg

[coolmazda5]

Yummm, haven't seen those wheels yet (the black one). I'm split in between the 3 designs shown so far but inclined for the plain 5 spoke ones (from the orange one pics) :cool:

[mikeyb]

http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2008/3/14/9080314.012/9080314.012.Mini1L.jpg

http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2008/3/14/9080314.012/9080314.012.Mini2L.jpg

http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2008/3/14/9080314.012/9080314.012.Mini3L.jpg

http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2008/3/14/9080314.012/9080314.012.Mini4L.jpg

El Camino is back

The legendary Chevrolet El Camino truck is carved into US car history in its very own, unique and special way. Its beginnings can be traced back to 1959 when the first generation, based on the Chevrolet Brookwood, was conceived to compete with the Ford Ranchero. Sales were not as expected, and in 1960 the El Camino was discontinued.
1964 saw the return of the El Camino, this time based on the Chevrolet Chevelle. Two more generations followed which were based on the Chevelle until 1978 when GM revealed the smaller, fourth generation El Camino based on the Chevrolet Malibu. In 1987 production of the Camino was discontinued once again.
Today, the El Camino has started yet another chapter with the unveiling of the Pontiac G8 Sport Truck (or simply the Pontiac G8 ST). Jalopnik got close to the new Pontiac G8 Sport Truck at a photo shoot of the pre-production model and dropped us a few shots of the new El Camino. PickUpTruck was the other lucky invitee.
The Pontiac G8 ST is based on the popular G8, which in turn is based on the Australian Holden VE Commodore. The Pontiac – Holden connection is not new of course since the legendary Pontiac GTO was derived from the Holden Monaro.
"Pontiac has never shied away from offering segment-defining vehicles, going back to the original GTO," said Jim Bunnell, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager. "There's simply nothing else like the G8 sport truck on the road today, and we definitely believe that there are customers who will be excited by its distinctive design, performance and cargo capabilities."
The Pontiac G8 ST will be powered by the 6.0L V-8 engine, producing 361 horsepower (270 kW) and 385 lb.-ft. (522 Nm) of torque just like the Pontiac G8 GT. In addition, the Sport Truck also comes with a 1.8 meter long cargo bed and 1208 liter cargo space.
GM will start an online petition to determine what the new ute should be called, but is there really an alternative to Pontiac G8 El Camino?

<!-- google_ad_section_end -->Source: Pontiac via Jalopnik

[seanmcsean]

I don't know why I like that little truck. its so cool.

[mikeyb]

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/g8stconcept_1024x768.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/pontiac-g8-st-1280-001.jpg

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http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/pontiac-g8-st-1280-009.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/pontiac-g8-st-1280-002.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/01_g8st.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/02_g8st.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/03_g8st.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/04_g8st.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/05_g8st.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/06_g8st.jpg