Pontiac G8 GXP Sees An Early End, No Chance Of Reprieve

[mikeyb]

http://www.themotorreport.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/pontiac-g8gxp-01-thumb.jpg (http://www.themotorreport.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/pontiac-g8gxp-01.jpg)

THE PONTIAC G8 GXP, described by Pontiac as “the ultimate expression of Pontiac style and performance”, will follow the red Pontiac arrowhead into retirement rather than live on under the umbrella of another GM brand, General Motors CEO Fritz Henderson confirmed this week.


The death notice came during one of Henderson’s weekly web chats, arranged to keep GM loyalists and buyers in the loop during these tumultuous times for the company.


When asked, “Any chance it [the G8 GXP] will live on as a Chevy, or maybe an entry-level Caddy?” Henderson replied, simply, “No.”

http://www.themotorreport.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/pontiac-g8gxp-02-thumb.jpg (http://www.themotorreport.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/pontiac-g8gxp-02.jpg)


While the question focused specifically on the Holden VE Commodore SS-based high performance G8 GXP model, Henderson went into greater detail when addressing the concerns of a GM buyer who said that he is unlikely to buy another GM while the only RWD options are the US$37,000 Cadillac CTS (”not in my price range”) and the Camaro.

“Certainly, the G8 is going to be one of the Pontiacs we’ll miss. But, we haven’t closed the door on RWD now or in the future.


“You point out both the Camaro, which is definitely in the mainstream price range of today’s cars, and the CTS, which is an amazing value in the luxury sport segment.


“As we map out our future vehicle needs, if we can find the right opportunity and price point to do a world-class RWD car, you can bet we’ll consider it,” Henderson said.
On the bright side for G8 GXP owners, only 5000 more are to be built before the brand is put out to pasture. Given time, those buyers may just have a collector’s item on their hands.
Holden is currently examining its options for maintaining a steady export program for the Commodore (http://www.themotorreport.com.au/28976/holden-responds-to-gms-decision-to-close-pontiac/), with the Pontiac G8 having been one of its key overseas export successes (the Chevy Lumina, sold in the Middle East, is another).

[mikeyb]

Just stupid!!! I demand that this is badged as a Chevy!!!

[CitizenPro]

Damn. That sux. The GT's ive seen in white are sex, and the GXP is even sexier.

[kendon]

horrible. why in the hell would they not rename it as a chevy?! an american car company gets something right and when they get throat stomped for making crap, they decide to axe it? i will never understand the logic used behind some of the descisions made by domestic automakers, really most automakers. i guess as long as chevy keeps making reasonably priced cars to send celebrities around a power circuit in Britain, i'm good.

[Mikey444]

If they keep going down this path they'll never make money.

Cut every car that is a hit with people on the market for a new car. And attempt to sell something no one wants. Bravo!

[seanmcsean]

That's a shame.. it is probably the best pontiac to ever be produced.

[kendon]

That's a shame.. it is probably the best pontiac to ever be produced.


no! this is probably the best pontiac evAr produced!

http://www.idcow.net/idcow/products/ym2024.jpg

[wwpms6]

thats crazy, these things seem to sell the same day they arrive on the lots. i've been wanting to check one out in person, and maybe test drive one.

[mikeyb]

no! this is probably the best pontiac evAr produced!

http://www.idcow.net/idcow/products/ym2024.jpg

Not in my book. I've owned 6 Fieros. And everyone was a POS.

[stevessvt]

Actually, I think this was.
http://www.thirdgen.org/tech/images/gallery/WhoNeeds81989PontiacTurboTransAM.jpg
89 Turbo Trans Am. Grand National motor FTW!

[seanmcsean]

Not in my book. I've owned 6 Fieros. And everyone was a POS.

You didn't learn to stop buying them after the first five?

[mikeyb]

You didn't learn to stop buying them after the first five?

haha...

Dirty cheap.

[CantCMe]

GM officially sucks. They could have rebadeged it and gave it to Chevy.

[Kymerik]

I'm guessing this is a government puppet strings move...


This is what happens when taxpayers own private companies...good stuff dies, crap lives on... see Aveo...

[mikeyb]

I'm guessing this is a government puppet strings move...


This is what happens when taxpayers own private companies...good stuff dies, crap lives on... see Aveo...

Aveo that is Korean built not US built.

[mazdaspeedster3]

Not in my book. I've owned 6 Fieros. And everyone was a POS.

And yet you owned 6...

G8 will be back, guaranteed!

[mikeyb]

And yet you owned 6...

G8 will be back, guaranteed!

The first 5 turned into parts cars. The 6th was the best one out of them all.

[Olestra]

Wow did someone just post a Fiero?
Those cars were the worst.

See Ferrarri clone thread for example.

[TheMAN]

the last year wasn't bad, you just had to fix all the stupid shit that breaks

[Olestra]

the last year wasn't bad, you just had to fix all the stupid shit that breaks

Like the engine setting on fire?

[TheMAN]

and the rx7 didn't catch on fire?

[kendon]

sarcasm!

[coolmazda5]

Get your G8 GXP while it lasts, it will be a collectible in the US for sure (G8 GXP 23 of 200 shipped, where only 5 are bright copper ;))

[mikeyb]

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/01_pontiacg8_garage-580op.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-pontiac-g8-gt/770251/)

The brand's demise next year will mark the end of the Pontiac G8 (http://www.autoblog.com/tag/PontiacG8/), but there's a faint glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel for the Aussie-built sports sedan. Speaking with Automotive News, Tom Stephens, General Motors' vice chairman of global product development, said "there's still discussions on" resurrecting the G8, "but Chevrolet already has several sedans. How many sedans do you need to cover the waterfront?"

His comments don't imbue us with much hope for the G8's future, particularly after GM CEO Fritz Henderson has clearly stated that no Pontiac models will live on within the "new" GM. Although there's a groundswell of enthusiast support for the General to replace the Impala SS – due to be killed next year – with the G8, or possibly offer the rear-wheel drive sedan as a Buick model, the idea doesn't seem to be gaining traction within the automaker.

[seanmcsean]

They've been trying to replace the current impala with a solid RWD sedan for a while.


This is a cheap and easy solution.

[CantCMe]

GM will find a way to screw up that idea.

[mikeyb]

I think they should just do it. The G8 is already labeled a Chevy in other parts of the world.

http://img.worldcarfans.com/2007/11/large/9071102.003.Mini1L.jpg

http://img.worldcarfans.com/2007/11/large/9071102.003.Mini2L.jpg

[CantCMe]

Damn that's sexy!!!

[Donas64]

I wanted one of these so bad. Hopefully depreciation hits them hard and I can pick up a clean example in a few years.

[coolmazda5]

I wanted one of these so bad. Hopefully depreciation hits them hard and I can pick up a clean example in a few years.

Don't forget to later check around for reliability stats. I'm sure the parts will go up and will be difficult to find, so even if the car costs peanuts, the maintenance cost will be a pain.

Now if Chevy takes it, different story I hope.

[CantCMe]

They could stretch that platform and make it the next Impala. Bet it would be an instant classic.

[Donas64]

They could stretch that platform and make it the next Impala. Bet it would be an instant classic.

No. It doesn't need to be any larger!!!!! Just swap the pontiac badge for a chevy badge, change the front fascia and done!

[Donas64]

Don't forget to later check around for reliability stats. I'm sure the parts will go up and will be difficult to find, so even if the car costs peanuts, the maintenance cost will be a pain.

Now if Chevy takes it, different story I hope.

True. Didn't consider that.

[BlackCherry06]

Other than Chevy's 'loyal' customer base in the snow belt, I can't imagine why they don't make the dead G8 the new Impala. That antique FWD POS needs to be put out to pasture.

But IMO, GM is letting several good platforms go in this bloodbath. I don't know the sales figures for the Sky / Solstice, but what beautifullly built cars they were. Very few concept cars take my breath away the way the Sky did, and I find myself still wanting one. And to forsake the Vue for the Equinox? Bad decision.

Not much of their decision making makes sense to me, but I guess that's why I'm not getting paid millions more than I'm worth to run a car company.

[CantCMe]

No. It doesn't need to be any larger!!!!! Just swap the pontiac badge for a chevy badge, change the front fascia and done!

I would make the Impala about the same size as the one that they sell now, just rwd. They could just name the G8 something else and keep it the same size it is.

[KIJIMA]

The good thing is, we aussies still get to drive them over here! w00t

P.S. They are even better with a supercharger

[Donas64]

The good thing is, we aussies still get to drive them over here! w00t

P.S. They are even better with a supercharger

sure rub it in why don't you!

[CantCMe]

sure rub it in why don't you!

+1

[coolmazda5]

The good thing is, we aussies still get to drive them over here! w00t

P.S. They are even better with a supercharger

Pfffft, even the Commodore's steering wheel is on the wrong side Down-Under, an who in its 'right' mind would want to shift with the left hand anyway?

*** <--- envy smilie inserted here


:D :D

;)

[Newf]

I'm torn really. As much as I do like the looks of this car, I would never buy it. Even if GM wasn't in trouble. Why, not sure, but I would never buy it, it's not even in my top 10 to even look at.

how many here would actually go buy this car over an import or other car?

[Rogue]

I would!

[jred321]

i would as well. i was (and still am) looking to maybe pick one up on the used market since their resale will probably take a pretty bad hit with the brand closing and all. i can't think of a whole lot of imports in the same price category that can compete with it. the ones that are close are $5-10k more at least when comparably equipped.

[mikeyb]

I would buy a G8 GXP over any imports or even over a 2010 Taurus SHO.

[1sty]

I am desperately trying to talk myself out of buying a G8 GT.
The extra $10,000 for the GXP allows me to ignore it.
Having no dealership within 200 miles with a blue one is helping as well.


Does anyone know if the GT trim level will see life or is every part of the platform dead, not just the GXP dead?

[jred321]

most of the stuff i've seen leads me to believe the G8 in every trim is gone

[tunersteve]

I really don't see why this car isn't going to replace the Impala at the end of Pontiac's life. You can't say it was badge-engineered when the badge it came from is dead. Besides, they could take one of their closing(ed) plants and retool it for these vehicles, which would help keep the costs down. In return, GM (Chevy) gets a RWD sedan, a car that can be sold as a police unit, and doesn't lose the R&D costs, wherever they may be involved.

I also think that they should consider putting the turbo 4-cyl Ecotec in as a base level engine. Its lower center of gravity and reduced weight would still move that car around.

[coolmazda5]

Yup, but 4cyl/RWD for that car (the V6 is about 3900lb)?

I think the mighty 4cyl turbo ecotec can move it around, but not sure it will sell, perception is everything. I would start with the V6 instead.

[1sty]

Is the caddy at all based on the same car?

[tunersteve]

Yup, but 4cyl/RWD for that car (the V6 is about 3900lb)?

I think the mighty 4cyl turbo ecotec can move it around, but not sure it will sell, perception is everything. I would start with the V6 instead.

260hp is plenty to move that car. I'm sure giving it that motor and testing it to see what kind of 0-60 and perf. numbers it would put down would be plenty to prove to the masses that it's capable in a full size sedan.

[mikeyb]

Is the caddy at all based on the same car?

The CT-S is not based on the Commodore.

[mikeyb]

Yup, but 4cyl/RWD for that car (the V6 is about 3900lb)?

I think the mighty 4cyl turbo ecotec can move it around, but not sure it will sell, perception is everything. I would start with the V6 instead.

The 3.6L V6 with 264hp moves the G8 just fine. I would love to see the hp raised to 304hp like in the Camaro 3.6L.

[coolmazda5]

I am desperately trying to talk myself out of buying a G8 GT.
The extra $10,000 for the GXP allows me to ignore it.
Having no dealership within 200 miles with a blue one is helping as well.


www.autotrader.com has good search capabilities. Now, only the 09s have blue color choices (2?), the 08s nada, just checking :)

[1sty]

Closest per them is 210 miles.