2008 Pontiac G8 (3.33/5)
Email This Post
| View all reviews for Pontiac Cars | | Discuss 2008 Pontiac G8 |
- :
- :
- :
- :
- :
- :
The 2008 Pontiac G8 comes from Australia, this time on a new rear-wheel-drive platform developed by Holden. Since the launch of the Chrysler 300, American automakers have been eager to jump on the rear-wheel-drive bandwagon for their family-sized and executive sedans, even if it means looking to their overseas divisions for such platforms. The Grand Prix will join a Pontiac rear-wheel-drive lineup that includes the Solstice, a two-seat sports car.
The G8 also extends Pontiac’s new model nomenclature. In 2005, when Pontiac replaced its aged mid-sized Grand Am, it gave the new vehicle a new alphanumeric name, dubbing it the G6.
The 2008 Pontiac G8 will be available in base and GT models. The base G8 will come with a 261-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine linked to a five-speed automatic transmission. The G8 GT gets a 362-hp, 6.0-liter V8 with nearly 400 pound-feet of torque that will reach the rear wheels through either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.
Pontiac says the G8 GT will be capable of accelerating from a standing start to 60 miles per hour in a mere 5.5 seconds. To enhance the G8’s dynamic dexterity, its steering rack will be mounted ahead of the front axle. The car will be equipped with four-wheel independent suspension (struts in front, multi-link in the rear). It also gets four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes. Brakes on the base model will be 11.73 inches in diameter on the front wheels and 11.89 inches at the rear; the GT gets 12.64-inch front discs and with 12.76 rears.
All 2008 Pontiac G8 models will come with electronic stability control as standard equipment, which improves driver control, even in inclement weather. Eighteen- and 19-inch wheels and tires will be available. The GT gets a limited-slip rear differential to help keep all that power under proper control.
Safety equipment includes front and side-curtain airbags. OnStar, XM satellite radio, power-adjustable front seats and fog lamps also are on the standard equipment list, and a sport package will be available for both versions and will include 19-inch wheels, performance tires, a rear spoiler, leather shift knob, leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminum alloy pedals.
Cloth seats will be standard, with heated leather seats as an option. The GT will offer an optional two-tone interior in cloth or leather.
At 196.1 inches in overall length, 74.8 inches in width and 57.7 inches in height, the 2008 G8 will be more than two inches longer, though neither as wide nor as tall as the Grand Prix it replaces. It also will provide 124.5 cubic feet on interior volume as well as a 17.5-cu.ft. trunk.
In addition, the exterior design will be much more sporty than the outgoing Grand Prix, especially in the GT version with its twin hood scoops, quad exhaust outlets and wide, racing-style lower front air intake. Fenders will have bulging blisters to frame the wheel openings and there are vent-like gills set into the front quarter-panels.
I’m really excited about this car, as it gives Pontiac a credible reason to exist once again. But this is what frustrates me:
“what more could we want? Six-speed manual, obviously although Pontiac claims they may offer one if they do a performance version.”
Since when is a 361hp 6.0L not a performance version? Hell, the 256hp V6 was considered pretty serious performance material until the last few years.
It’s tragic that in their quest to deliver products people actually want, they’re really missing out on crucial details. I don’t want to have to buy the $45k limited edition 450hp monster just to get a 3rd pedal.
It’s particularly tragic because I’m almost exactly their target market, but I’m not buying it without at stick.
Review on 2008 Pontiac G8 by Ray — September 5, 2008 @ 1:45 am