2008 Pontiac G8
February 12, 2008
The 2008 Pontiac G8 was introduced at the Chicago auto show, and while it shares a new platform with the Chevrolet Camaro, it's still very obviously a Pontiac, with design cues that are reminiscent of the GTO that was discontinued this year, mixed with this year's G6 styling, and with a bit of the Grand Am's flair mixed in for good measure. On a scale of plainness vs. over-the-top style, it falls into the middle, but leans more toward the extreme, though nothing like any of Pontiac's older design choices.
Exterior highlights of the G8 include three pairs of air intakes, fender flares, and twin chrome tailpipes. The standard wheels are aluminum eighteen-inchers on both the G8 and G8 GT trim levels, with a Sport option bundle that subtracts the spoiler on the trunk lid and replaces it with a wing, as well as adding 19-inch alloy wheels (on the GT) which also comes with double the exhaust pipes, and tail light clusters with clear lenses.
Under the hood of the GM, there's a choice of two engines. The base G8 comes with GM's 3.6 liter, 261 horsepower V-6 providing 250 pounds-feet of torque, and a five-speed automatic transmission that can be operated in manual mode, but if that seems a bit tame, worry not, for the more muscular GT has a 6.0 liter, 362 horsepower V-8 offering 391 pounds-feet of torque, and you can choose the standard six speed automatic transmission or opt for a six-speed manual with limited-slip differential. The word from Pontiac is that the GT will go from zero to sixty in mpg in under 5.5 seconds.
The drive system is an Australian-designed rear-wheel drive platform, and the G8 is the first use of it in North America, though it will eventually be used on other models as well. Both front and rear suspension are fully independent, and use a multilink design, and while the painted brake calipers and performance tires won't be offered on production models, the list of standard features is impressive, and includes four wheel anti-lock disc brakes, fog lights and systems to control both stability and traction.
Inside the car, the design is simple and clean, with softly glowing gauges. The GT will have leather upholstery and bucket seats, the base model will not, but a total of six airbags are standard, including side torso bags for the driver and front passenger, and side curtain bags for every seating position. There's also GM's OnStar system, XM satellite radio, and power front seats to round out the package.
When the price of the 2008 Pontiac G8 was announced in Chicago - $27,995 for the base model, $29,995 for the GT (to start) - marketing director Craig Bierly referred to the G8 as representing Pontiac's commitment to bring, "…seductively designed, high-performance vehicles to the showroom floor."
Pontiac may call the G8 "seductive." Those planning to buy it call it "smokin'."
