freestylzz

Hmmmm, the sister to the new Camaro?

A replacement to the defunct GTO??

I dunno bout you all, but the V8 GT model sounds like a real asphalt tearer!


2007 Chicago Auto Show: 2008 Pontiac G8 Showcar Debuts


CHICAGO — Pontiac rolled out a showcar version of the new 2008 Pontiac G8, noting that it is "representative of the production GT model" that will hit showrooms early next year. The GM brand also released information about the G8 — which is poised to become the new Pontiac flagship sedan — including the fact that it will be built in Adelaide, Australia.

The five-passenger G8 is the first North American application of GM's new global rear-wheel-drive architecture developed by Holden, GM's Australian subsidiary. The G8 is noteworthy not only because of its importance to Pontiac, but because it is the sister vehicle of the 2009 Chevrolet Camaro.

Pontiac says the G8 lineup will have two models: G8 and G8 GT. The base G8 is outfitted with a 3.6-liter DOHC V6 rated at 261 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 250 pound-feet of torque at 3,200 rpm. It is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with a manual-shift model.

The G8 GT is powered by a 6.0-liter small-block V8 rated at 362 hp at 5,700 rpm and 391 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. A six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode is standard. An optional six-speed manual transmission will be available soon after launch, Pontiac said. Fuel-economy numbers are not yet available for either model.

The G8 will ride on a 114.8-inch wheelbase with a 196.1-inch overall length. The base G8 has a curb weight of 3,885 pounds and the G8 GT weighs 3,995 pounds. GM says the G8 has a nearly 50/50 front-to-rear weight balance ratio thanks to the new architecture.

The global architecture for the G8 is designed to accommodate production for both left-hand-drive and right-hand-drive markets around the world, the automaker said.

Pontiac said the two production G8s will include four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control, electronic stability control, 18-inch aluminum wheels, power-adjustable front seats and foglamps. Cloth seating is standard, with heated leather seating available as an option. A sport package will be available and adds 19-inch aluminum wheels and performance tires on the GT, as well as a rear wing spoiler, leather shift ****, leather-wrapped steering wheel and alloy pedals.

The two production models are differentiated through styling. The G8 models have red taillamp lenses and twin chrome exhaust outlets; the G8 GT models feature clear taillamp lenses and quad chrome exhaust tips. In the cabin, G8 GT models will have an optional two-tone cloth or leather combination that pairs black with red or blue inserts and color-matched instrument faces on certain exterior color combinations.

The G8 showcar has the 362-hp V8 and optional six-speed manual transmission. It also includes items not found on the production model, including 20-inch "shadow chrome" wheels and performance tires, a ride height lowered by about a half-inch, high-performance brake rotors with painted brake calipers, custom interior trim color with a leather-wrapped dash and "phantom gray" exterior paint. Pontiac has included a concept of a monochromatic "modernized" Pontiac badge to "gauge public opinion."

Pontiac said the G8's key competitors are the Dodge Charger and Nissan Maxima.

What this means to you: Not only do Pontiac fans get a peek at the highly anticipated G8 this week, but Camaro enthusiasts get a clearer sense of the '09 model with a hard look at G8 specs.

TTA 1387

Should take a stock 3rd gen pretty easily. Its going to be a very nice car. If I can swing the payments, I'll have one

MrDude_1

my 3rdgen is faster, and gets better MPG.

but the G8 has me beat on passenger capacity and ability to fit golfclubs in the trunk.

87LS

Thats thing would CRUSH my Camaro right now
they are going to sell well though in my opinion..
It needs to be faster then the 300C,

Formula350Scott

iTrader: (3)

Thats cool but i think they should have named it instead of calling it the G8. Now instead of the "Goat" (GTO), we have the "Gate" (G8). I think they should call it the Pontiac Rogue.

stroker_SS

Big, fat(is nearly 4000 lbs really necessary) and ugly. As far as going against my camaro, i think it would win, with good margin.

I guess it's just another ugly car produced by gm.(i hate the new trucks too).

The new camaro(except the drop top) isn't actually that cool looking either(saw it in person) I'd much rather take the $30,000 or w/e and put it in my thirdgen.JMO though.

7plagues

iTrader: (1)

hmm i take chargers so this will need a little more umph to keep up. 4000lbs..ew.

Orr89RocZ

iTrader: (20)

hmm 4000lbs curb and 360 hp...possibly underated 400hp LS2? still only a high 13 second car at best

my camaro is doing 13.63...at the strip i'm not worried till they get drag radials and even then, it will be a good race

ShiftyCapone

iTrader: (7)

I like everything I read about the G8 so far. Far more useful for a daily than a GTO and has all the great features that Holden has been producing for years. This car is better in almost every way compared to a 3rd gen. There is no comparison other than opinion which holds little merit when holding design quality side by side. The only downfall will be the sticker but the V6 version should help alleviate that some.

subliminal

iTrader: (1)

Once again Pontiac slacks off in the design department. Its not going to sell well just like the new GTO didnt. Pontiac needs to get their **** together

Orr89RocZ

iTrader: (20)

while i'm not too crazy on the looks of the G8, it doesnt look bad. i seen a earlier prototype that was sorta a modified GTO look and i think it looked bad ***. this new design just doesnt do it for me, but i'd still drive it.

However, i think the GTO was the best car pontiac has put out in a long time since the Trans Am. The looks are absolutely awesome. PPL are upset that they didnt go retro, but i think retro is a lame excuse for not coming up with a new design. ppl say the new GTO isnt stickin to its heritage, but i'll argue that...its every bit a GTO as its original creation in the early 60's. subtle looks but added a hoodscoop and a big motor. thats all a GTO was and still is

i hope to own one

freestylzz

It definitely seems this new model needs a little trimming on the weight side.

The looks don't do it for me either. It looks like an aggressive Vibe from the front end, almost a VW Passat or Audi from the side profile, and looks from an Altima from the back end. Nothing too unique. A little bit of an identity crisis here maybe?

It sounds more of a revamped GTO to me. Not a bad car in it's description though, but it doesn't make me want to go out and buy one either.

Personally, I don't think this model will make any significant or major waves for GM or the auto industry altogether.

Could there be a 2-door version in the works?

fly89gta

iTrader: (1)

Nicely said.

1991CamaroRslow

iTrader: (3)

Looks overbloated and silly to me. I realize they're not marketing a sports car there but come on take a good look at that thing. If anything it looks like a rip off of every overseas automakers designs. Coming in at a scant 4000 pounds and sporting an independant rear, that'll be a real axle snapper there. The V6 model actually looks more up to my speed for something like that. It will probably sell in that model and I'm glad to see it, but I don't really see a reason for the bigger V8 option. I'de drag race that car any day and when it was over I'de still feel better about owning my car than one of those. Now if GM made that vehicle AWD and got it to knock down 30mpg they'de really have everyone's attention. How it stands it looks like another GTO; a blown up version of other production cars.

TTA 1387

The weight issue is because of all the safety and options. The ChryCo cars weigh in at even more.

As far as axle snapper, their are Commordores already running 10's with the stock rear assembly. Seems plenty strong to me. This car has been out for over 6 months down there.

2 door version? Yes, GTO and Camaro. That is what its based on.

It'll be a hit. 3.46 gears for the A6 and 3.27 gears for the M6. Even steeper 1st gear than the GTO had. Gas mileage should be nice as well as performance. When the GXP comes out, even better.

Gunny Highway

iTrader: (1)

My 3rd gen should handle it. Weight difference is huge.

ghettocruiser

iTrader: (4)

Mine'll take it But Im sure its a more comfy ride and as Mr. Dude said you can haul more bodies and junk in the back...

They arent bad tho...

Justin

RaverRacerX

one of the most badass cars gm has finally decided to give to us. its a little bit more subtle than the commodore that its based on but very little. itll be a very, very nice ride. holden ftw
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L76

fly89gta

iTrader: (1)

Shhh, remember thirdgens are far superior to that Aussie POS

Please, for anyone to **** on that car(especially on THIS site) needs their head checked. Not every freaking GM car needs to be a 500hp street monster. The opinion on style is subjective but how can anyone disagree with a 4-door sedan making over 350hp, has all the bells and whistles of other higher end cars AND comes with a 6-speed trans. I mean WTF people.

Tony89GTA

iTrader: (7)

It's what the GTO should have looked like from the start.

TTA 1387

Yep, a nice sedan making some power. There are now a couple of bone stock Commodore's, with the exact same power that the G8 is rated, crack into the 13.4's.

It makes great power under the curve, not peaky but very broad power curve. Impressive to me.

freestylzz

These pics do it more justice;


http://www.cars.com/go/features/auto...ntiac&model=G8

1991CamaroRslow

iTrader: (3)

That looks much better. The long nose and minimal hood cutouts look good. That's not a bad car there. reminds me ever so slightly of our 3rd gens. I like the subtle lines mixed with the sharp cuts. That car doesn't look nearly as knock offish.

2QUIK4U

iTrader: (1)

If this car, in street trim, can run a mid 13 in the 1/4 I would be very impressed. I bet its a plush riding vehicle. The late gto's had the best interiors i have seen on a GM...even caddy's