Pontiac G8: Finding the Right Mix
By John Larson
General Manager, Buick, Pontiac, GMC
I think that most auto enthusiasts agree that it takes three basic characteristics to make a great performance car: great power, great handling and great looks. It's a timeless formula and, looking back through our history, one that the very best Pontiac cars have followed.
It's also the essential DNA that we strive for with modern Pontiacs. The Solstice GXP is a great example of how to blend power, performance and design into a vehicle that stirs the passion of drivers and spectators alike.
Enthusiasts both on and off the web are always asking me when they can expect more of these kinds of exciting Pontiacs, and today we're proud to deliver...
Today, at the Chicago Auto Show, Pontiac revealed the next step in our commitment to power, handling and looks: the 2008 G8 performance sedan. Wrapped in a clean, taut form, this rear-wheel drive sedan will offer a 261-hp V6 or a 362-hp V8 engine linked to a sport-tuned four-wheel independent suspension system designed to provide crisp handling, even when running a zero-to-60 times of well under five-and-a-half seconds.
In short, inside and out, the G8 is everything a Pontiac should be and we are very excited that it will be available in dealerships in early 2008.
To see more photos of the new G8, take a look at our Flickr albums.
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Well, I think the Pontiac G8 is another evidence how GM cleverly is using its global presence. Of course it’s no secret that the G8 is derived from the Holden Commodore, which, BTW, gained the latest Car Of The Year Award in Australia. I am confident that this will be a much more successful chapter than it was with the Pontiac GTO, a.k.a. Holden Monaro.
I even would welcome the Commodore (or maybe even the Holden Caprice) as a replacement for the current Opel Signum. In my opinion there’s too little separation from the Vectra and the sales slowed down anyway. Since the Opel Senator was discontinued, there never had been an adequate replacement for it so far. The Commodore (or Caprice) could play this part. The Caprice in the meanwhile is the top-vehicle for Chevrolet Arabia, consequently there exists a version with the steering-wheel on the left side.
The G8 looks to be an awesome car, minus the name. When it hits the show room, Pontiac will look like:
Solstice,
G5,
Vibe,
G6,
G8,
Torrent
So when are the Solstice, Vibe, and Torrent going to be renamed to be consistant with the rest of Pontiac?
Of course if I had it my way, the G5, G6, and G8 would have acutal names. Sunfire, Ventura, and Tempest? I would have probably ended up in the Sky if the Solstice was called G2.
Can wait for the slogan to change to “Pontiac: Ain’t nothin’ but a G thang [baby...]“
Great to see that the VE Commodore is gaining the world, both labeled as Chevrolet Lumina (in Mid East) or Omega (here in Brazil, as we believe that this generation will come here sooner than in the US), but also in the US as an up-to-date model.
What does it mean? That finally the LX cars are gaining a competitor that plays the same game: a FR sedan decently priced.
But some questions about this car remain:
1) When you’ll give it a full 60-40 or even a 40-20-40 foldable rear seat instead of this jokeable pass-through armrest? The LXs sedans and other RWD cars in the world have full-foldable rear seats at no cost. It’d turn more useful.
2) Here in Brazil, will you bring also the V8 or we still only have the V6 version at a price that makes a 300C a better choice?
3) When the world will have the LS2 that the HSVs have and the GTO had?
And also, thinking about Brazil, I must remember you about the huge price and size gap between the Vectra Elite and the Aussie Omega, that could be filled with a Fusion-sized Brazilian-made RWD car, which would represent a comeback to this configuration abandoned by you after the demise of the Omega A in 1998. I will also remember that you are the biggest seller of FR Brazilian-made rides, reaching more than 2 million units if we count all the Opalas, Omegas, Chevettes and their variants produced from 1968 to 1998. But now, we only have FF rides, all of them with torsion-beam axle in the rear. Make a decently priced car, as was the Opala in its career from 1968 to 1992, and you will have a winner. Don’t forget also to put good engines (powerful and not gas-guzzling as today’s GMBs are), IRS, a large trunk, a spacious interior, at least 4 airbags, ABS and voil√†, we’re seeing the Fusion-killer.
And also, maximizing this chassis, make it able to use a wide variety of engines, from a Family II or 4 banger Ecotec to a LS* V8 or a DOHC V8 (Northstar or Ultra), but making it lighter than a Zeta. Share components with Kappa and Zeta to keep the price low. And also, build some models on it, avoiding any badge-engineering. Here’s a suggestion:
Pontiac: a new G6 and, in a short version, the G5 successor. And also a Firebird very away from a Camaro clone.
Buick: stretch this basis a bit and you will have a sub-Lacrosse away from any geriatric fame of the tri-shield brand. And also a nice product to keep the good times in China.
Holden: the real-world version of the Torana TT36
Cadillac: the new BLS
Opel: maybe a new Omega, respecting the needs of the Old World to have smaller cars performing well with tinier engines.
GM do Brasil: build here a car and name it Opala, still a strong nameplate even 15 years after got the axe.
Hey, if a Mexican-built car as the Fusion sells 1000 units/month here, why can’t a Brazilian one sells more and offer a better set for the same price? We have here all kind of suppliers that are fully able to make parts for FR cars, as they were when you made the Omega A here.
This looks to be a fine effort John. Now build me a car that will seperate this 32 year old single-no-kids guy from his money (and others like me). Its called a Firebird Trans Am. And no, I don’t want a Camaro.
Congrats, this car looks like a winner. It is likely the Holden Monaro.
I would say that the styling looks aggressive yet fairly restrained so pls avoid the temptation to make it even more aggressive with Grand Am type skirts, spoilers and hood scoops i.e. don’t tart it up.
Styling restraint along with the impressive specs will sell and will also enhance the Pontiac image.
Thanks,
Chris Hayne (Toronto)
I love it. The new emblem looks great. I only wish the production version had the two tone interior.
Great job John! I think offering a V8 powered rear wheel drive sedan with a manual transmission for under $40,000 will fill a gaping hole in the market. If the handling of the G8 passes muster with the enthusiast crowd, you’ll have a bonified hit on your hands.
However, I’ve gotta say that I prefer the front end styling of the Holdens over that of the G8. Sounds like an aftermarket opportunity to me…
I sure hope this has an AWD option. I’m driving an ‘06 Grand Prix GXP in the Chicago area, and am putting up with the occasional torque steer problem. I had to replace the stock summer-only Bridgestones with Goodyear triple-treads with 17″ wheels, and am now good for winter or summer. Although not crazy about the looks of the front end of the G8, I will be looking at this car to replace mine. After driving some Mustang GTs and a couple of Corvettes here in Chicago area, I won’t buy another rear-drive-only car even if they have a traction control system.
Car and Driver mag is reporting:
The G8 GT Pontiac showed in Chicago is not, in fact, exactly what the G8 GT is going to look like when it hits showrooms early in 2008. This car is dolled up with a few SEMA-style tweaks that will not make it into production. For example, if you like the 20-inch wheels, tough nuggets. They won’t make the cut. Ditto for the ride height (production will be about a half-inch higher), the paint color, the hi-po brakes and painted calipers, and most tragically of all, the
lovely two-tone leather interior. An available sport package will include alloy pedals and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shifter,
but the leather-wrapped dash is a show-car one-off. So sorry.
Is this true and if so, isn’t that bait and switch ?
This is only gonna work if the price is unexpectedly low.
Also, when well executed, the front-drive Grand Prix had
150,000 sales. This is gonna top out at 40,000, because it’s more expensive, and especially because there’s no AWD.
You just alienated everyone
in the freezing, snowy top half of this country!!
Trust me, you need to RELAUNCH THE G6 with a MUCH BETTER AD CAMPAIGN, IMPROVED HANDLING, a HIGHER-QUALITY CENTER STACK (not the same corporate stuff either), and with the steering wheel from the Grand Prix or G8(e.g., not the same corporate 3-spoke)! This is the only way to make up those sales!
But it is a nice car, though!
Nice car but another gas guzzling sedan is the last thing this planet needs. You just don’t get it do you?
This is one of the best news items to come out about Pontiac in a while, and I commend you, GM, for all the hard work. I’m sure when you were developing this car it took a lot of foresight to engineer it to not only Australian specs, but also to America’s.
Comparisons are inevitable, so I’ll get it over with. This car is very BMWish, which is a good thing. I think you hit the sweet spot and sales will be very good if it’s priced right. If you offer the manual transmission, this will be the car I aspire to own.
I can’t wait for this car to come out! I looks awesome and actually has good powertrains in it. But one question, is it coming to Canada? I sure hope so! That will make me very excited.
It is a good looking car, but I’ll have to see one in person to make a final call. Perhaps I was expecting something that looked like the 1999 GTO concept car. I’m real interested in seeing pricing and fuel mileage.
M Murphy
The car needs a name. How about the Pontiac Rogue.
Wow this is one great looking vehicle…once again Pontiac is heading back to claim its GM title of the Excitement Division…Where do i sign up?
I love the new G8. I’ve got a 2004 Maxima that will need to be replaced this fall/next spring. I’m disappointed that Nissan has dropped the manual transmission from their flagship sedan. My disappointment may be GM’s opportunity.
Also, several of the websites said that GM is looking for feedback re: the updated Arrowhead logo appearing on the G8. Here’s my comment: Its a fantastic, modern looking logo replacing what currently has kind of a 70s look about it.
My only other comment regarding the logo is that there is a lot of badging on the back. Might I suggest dropping the “Pontiac” script and also finding a better way to group “G8″ and “GT” rather than having them at opposite sides of the trunk lid. Granted they can’t be too close together or you have people wondering what a “G8GT” is.
I for one LOVE the new Pontiac logo. I hope the rest of public opinion is good because it would be great for such a turnaround product like the G8 to usher in the new logo. I also see the leather-wrapped dash is a concept-only feature. That sucks, but as long as the production version has some squishy foamy dash material, and not the plastic GM has been using lately (see Equinox, Lucerne) then I will be happy. This car is incredible, and I hope GM doesn’t cheapen the interior with the transition to production. Simply incredible.
John, make it all wheel drive and I smell a Buick Century and a Century GS or A Century Super!!!!!
Very nice. How come it seems GM’s international ops can design attractive cars and the US designers bring out undesirables? Likely because the US designers have too much meddling from bureaucrats and the international teams are beyond the reach of such fiddlers.
I read the lowered stance, wheels and some trim are only show car. Please keep the aggressive stance. We’ve got enough “grandpa” cars from GM.
FINALLY! A rear drive, V-8 powered Pontiac sedan, with a manual transmission. Thank you! But why oh why do you still insist on falling short by derating the V-8 to 362 hp? And why the silly, meaningless G8 moniker? Why not Bonneville, Grand Prix or Tempest?
Your “timeless formula” of great power, great handling and great looks overlooks two critical elements: rear wheel drive and manual transmissions. Pontiac will not flourish until every single vehicle in its lineup is rear wheel driven and available with a manual transmission. Period.
So can I count on you for a rear wheel drive GTO, Firebird and G6 to go with the G8 and Solstice? And how about that Solstice coupe? What a formidable performance lineup that would be.
If you are not sure how to get it done, just take a look over at Cadillac and their Grand River plant. Base the G8, G6, GTO, and Firebird all on Zeta, and build them all in the same flexible plant.
In the interim, the G8 is a great start, and I applaud you for it.
Why do we have to wait until 2008?? WHY??
I like the hood scoops. I hope they are functional and not just there for cosmetics. They just screw up the aerodynamics, if they aren’t using the air.
I can’t wait to test drive one.
Too bad it doesn’t have a NAME. Back in the 80’s we had T1000 J2000 6000 and then we started naming the Pontiac’s because the numbered ones did not sell. Now we are back to the numbers and they don’t sell. Give the car a name and character like the Solstice.
It looks a great car but I wished it was available this fall along with the ‘08 model year change. Thats when I am also in the market for a new car and the G8 would have been perfect. Good effort though.
Awesome!
Thank You Australia!
This car is a step forward in styling and a leap forward for the interior execution. The synergy of Pontiac and Holden are apparent here and we can see the pay off.
But I know your heart, mind, and thoughts are on Buick. Yeah, the 7,000 ton disgruntled Tauranasaurus Rex in the room. I know you’re worried that…
1. Buick may become the ONLY major automaker on the globe without a coupe.
2. Worried that the last 100 Buick dealers are starved of product.
3. Worried about the continued sales slide that I warned you about last year.
4. Worried that one of the hottest concept cars ever the Holden Efigy is sitting on a platform that is too expensive.
5. Mystified that the company with the most concept cars has nothing in the showroom yet to show for it.
Look, don’t worry about all that, things are going really well for Buick, in fact they are going super – in China. Yup, that’s right it seems like the product paralysis that plaguing Buick stateside, they are immune to it over there.
-So I guess it’s not the brand is it?
But like I said, don’t worry we got a plan.
Take this great great platform from Holden and what we are going to do is we are going to put that Efigy right on that cheaper platform. We leapfrog the Camry in styling by borrowing heavily from the Efigy to create a family sedan that exceeds even the original Taurus for its breakthrough styling.
Let GM and Buick be the first to put the stamp of heritage right smack dab in the middle of the highest volume segment introducing breakthrough style, height, spaciousness, and class that is going to blow up the segment like the original Taurus did.
Just think about the biggest successes in the last 30 years, and they were the vehicles that busted the envelope.
1. The original Taurus
2. The Chrysler minivans
3. The original Grand Cherokee
4. The Hummer H3
5. The PT Cruiser
6. The Chrysler 300
7. The Mustang
8. The Prius
9. The original crossovers like the Acura MDX and Nissan Murano and Highlander.
10. And now the Yaris and Aveo.
Make no mistake that in the next decades the market will continue to reward those automakers that are willing to step out of the envelope of design and technology.
Which goes to the point, what is the purpose of a product planning board? Are they gods that they can predict the next model craze. If it made sense which they are looking for, then every automaker is doing it.
Just ask yourself, of all the great designs that GM produced in the 50’s and 60’s, would those designs be approved by this product board we have in place today? Then ask yourself, would the product board of the 50’s and 60’s be approving the designs that came from GM in the 80’s 90’s and earlier this decade? No–No, They would probably laugh at some of the 80’s product and ask, “What are you trying to do put us out of business – Are you working for…?”
Ask yourself if they would approve of the Efigy design especially if on a lower cost platform.
I think they would approve.
GM used to have the rhythm of the market back then, they have lost that, but recently, we see that there is definitely promise. But this is not the time to hold up, and hold out and stunt great designs.
I think on that part your predecessors would be baffled and astonished.
The concept of a rear wheel drive Pontiac sedan with V-8 power sounds good. From what I can see it should suceed, although I am afraid that not enough thought might have been put into the styling. This looks like another stop – gap measure for Pontiac like they did with the GTO and it could be said that the GTO was a failure. Maybe GM should have waited until a well considered design could be offered. Is this model going to be sold in Canada or is this going to be a US car only? What about the next generation GTO?
WOW!!!! I just can’t believe that your actually going to be making the car that I’ve been searching for years for. Someone pinch me! This car gives me a reason to give GM another look. I only hope that any and all electronic nannies(stability control, traction control, and electronic throttle body) be kept to a minimum or there is a switch that FULLY DISABLES the systems. These things are big turnoffs for me as I want to actually drive the car. And a 2008 release seems to me to be a litle late. As I stressed in a previous post with the new camaro being released in 2009 these products should be ready to go. Granted 2008 is not a long wait but the car that it basically is the Holden Commadore has been out for nearly a year already and this car could have been released just shortly after it. All I’m saying is that give the people what they want today. Long release dates like the 2009 camaro means for advertisement and cameos(like the new T.I. music video where the concept camaro makes an appearance) will make people lose that spark when it finally comes out. Sell them while their hot and please bump up the realease date of the G8 sooner. I WANT IT!!!
I haven’yt been this excited about a new Pontiac product since the Solstice, and before that, way back to the 1997 Grand Prix GTP.
Great job guys, this car is going to be a winner!!
WoooooHOOOOOO! I’ve been waiting to see what you’d do with the Commodore. Nicely done. A few important things now that the subject has finally come up on fastlane:
1) Please keep the base prices for the V6/V8 under $24k/28k respectively. I don’t want a used CTS-V to compete for my attention with the G8.
2) Make the hood scoops optional, some people love em, some people hate em.
3) Get those awesome HSV GTS LED tail lights from Holden as an option on the V8’s and standard on the GXP.
4) Don’t take long with the 6-speed manual.
5) When we order one, it would be nice if there was some offical GM program to do it where we didn’t have to pay loads over MSRP. People on this blog ask all the time and it hasn’t happened yet, but I’ll ask again: Stop dealer gouging. I know it turned people off of the GTO at the beginning. Don’t let it happen again. Also, you could give us a login after we’ve bought the car where we could see some pics (even if they are stock) of our car being built and other stages on it’s way here, like Dell used to do when you bought a computer from them.
6) Get the thing out ASAP!!!
Again, congrats on a great looking product. Some more changes to the rear would have been good, but if it controls costs to do it this way, I’m for that. Keep the cost under control until Pontiac can build a reputation that commands more money from consumers.
This will hopefully bring Pontiac into the running for a a decent, modestly priced RWD sports sedan.
As a long time Pontiac fanatic, I’m glad to see Pontiac stepping up to plate again and offering cars that are worthy of the Pontiac Heritage. The new GTO was a great step toward this and now the G8 is another. Hopefully the top of the line Pontiac coming out in 2010, The next incarnation of the GTO is just as good.
Oops, based on the Holden Commodore, rather. That’s what I get for blogging at work.
Chris (Toronto)
I live where it snows a lot. I really like this car I mean I have been waiting for this car. But I must say that I am very disappointed that I will not be ablt to get AWD as an option. Snow tires are not going to cut it. Wow and to think this is the car I have been waiting to see from a GM car. I mean not everyone can afford a Cadillac. If I could I would get the new CTS with AWD!
It looks good, i hope its priced right.
However I am dissapointed that you insist on going through with the ‘G’ naming system.
That could’ve been a Pontiac LeMans, or Pontiac Tempest, or the next Grand Prix.
G8? G6? G5?
Dont like it at all.
Nice work GM.
As much as I’d like to see the new Pontiacs based on American architecture, at least you’ve finally realized that American car fans want Rear Wheel Drive and Manual Transmission. If you made these options available in every car, you’d sell a lot more of them.
Right now, except for the Camaro/Firebird/Corvette, there’s basically a 30 year gap in the GM RWD lineup, which means there’s a whole generation that missed out on what fun a full sized RWD American car can be.
Better late than never, so keep up the good work! If that new Camaro ragtop is anywhere near affordable, it’s probably my next car.
While I’m on the subject of praising GM, I’d like to take a moment to publicly thank Robert Wilson, Business Process and Systems Intergration Manager at GM Powertrain.
When I posted here that I was trying to help a friend buy a new Saturn Sky, he spent almost three weeks of his spare time searching the country to find a dealership with a car that met her specs.
He finally found her one, and my friend is absolutely in love with it.
She’s had it two weeks now, and she’s wondering if she’ll ever be able to keep her train of thought when she gets behind the wheel, because right now, as soon as she gets in, all she can think is “Yippee!!!” It’s pretty much her favorite purchase ever, which is saying a lot.
Way to go GM, you’ve made a young lady very, very happy.
And again, Robert Wilson went above and beyond the call in helping her find the car. It’s people putting in that kind of effort off the clock that make a company great!
Nice Work!
Looks good, except for the boy racer hood ducts. If its quality is on par with the Holden GTO, then I think you have a winner.
Good move not resurrecting a revered name from a past Pontiac for this one, but the alphanumeric thing isn’t lighting my fire.
Here are some better pictures:
http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/06/2008-pontiac-g8/#more-4765
This car looks fantastic, and resolves the problems that made the GTO fall a bit short in the market place (soft lines, small trunk, lack of options).
The only thing I cannot but help wondering is why Pontiac insists on discarding years of brand equity by giving the car a name no one recognizes. Ford’s decision to restore the Taurus name emphasizes that even a name with some baggage is invaluable if only for its recognition in the marketplace. If Pontiac named this Grand Prix, they could go straight to marketing the car rather than focusing so much on building recognition of the name. Also, because this is an active name, it would not face backlash from fans with unrealistic expectations, as did the GTO.
G8 or Grand Prix, great effort, and I hope to be driving one sooner rather than later.
Finally! An affordable RWD sedan with a V8! And it’s a looker too! Great job!
The G8 will be my next car.
John,
The G8 looks great. I am sure this will generate alot of excitement for Pontiac. Please keep the price reasonable. Pontiac will no doubt get a sports car like GTO but keep in mind that some want a more mature luxury sport type coupe. I think a two door car like grand prix’s, Regal, and Monte Carlo are missing. The reason GM does’nt sell Monte Carlo’s is they never get updated. The two door segment is not dead. It needs attention. Pontiac could sell a sporty mid sized stationwagon with power. The G5 needs a more aggressive look young people want cool. I think GM is the best in years. Keep up the good work
Congratulations! This is the best looking sedan GM / Pontiac has ever made. Thanks for taking this bold step in your revival process because that is exactly what was needed. As long as the G8 doesn’t get toned down too much, or gets its suspension raised more than 0.5″ as listed in the press release, it will still look hot. Current Pontiac owners will miss the Heads-Up Display, so if there’s a way to integrate that in the near future, that would be great. Pricing is obviously critical, but I’m sure it will be right on target. Keep up the great work!
Its about time. Our friends in Australia have had all the cool cars for too long. Bring ‘em on.
This is a great move for Pontiac. Sharp looking car.
I have some questions for GM?
1. When is the LaCrosse Super coming out?
2. Is Buick getting the Holden Statesman?
3. What is the status of Velite? That is the car that got non-Buick people to look at Buick and we are waiting and waiting and waiting ….
One of our neighbors recently bought a G6. It is a remarkably good looking car. If the G8 is as good, you will surely be on to something.
Sorry to ask such a dumb question, but it must be rear wheel drive with 362 hp, right?
We have a couple of friends with the smaller Cadillacs (CTS? – sorry) with the sort of Corvette engine. They really love them. This would seem to have every bit as much performance potential, if you can keep the weight under control.
Good luck with it.
Rear wheel drive and 362 horse V8. This is the car I’ve been waiting for from GM. First quarter 2008 can’t come soon enough. Better looking car then the Dodge Charger. Should be a winner.
Fantastic job, GM. The styling is superb and well integrated with the Commodore’s styling. I’ve been watching and commenting for years, and the Saturn Astra and Pontiac G8 are a great way to combat import brands that don’t hesitate to bring the best of what they make overseas to the U.S. market. Neither should GM, especially in a climate where development dollars are tight, and half of Pontiac’s lineup is a Chevy with a twin-port grille, and Buick is starved for product.
I wrote a long commentary here congratulating you on this excellent car and this new strategy. Check it out if you have the time: http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44515
Thanks,
- Ming of GMInsidenews
I like the car, except for the tail lights. Look like a Mitsubishi.
As for the new logo, I prefer teh old one. The new one doesn’t really stand out and say “Pontiac”.
I like the new pontiac badge. Very sleek and cool looking. I would like to see a little red in the emblem. I think people associate pontiac with red.
Darn-(smack forehead)
I cudda’ had a G8!
Car looks super. I almost agree with argument against Pontiac’s new letter/# names.
How about Catalina?
Also agree that dealer greed killed the GTO. Local dealer had one up on ramps with ADM sticker of $5000.00–and the car did not come off of the ramps until dealer sold franchise to local Buick store. The GTO never had a chance to grow legs due to short sighted stupid dealers like I noted above. Do not let them do it to the new G8(Catalina).
Just please price it right….
One more thing: please, please do what you can to make sure the dealers do not completely destroy this model. They marked up the GTO out of a price range in which it could compete, and treated customers with arrogance. They killed what could have been a very successful car.
The Solstice succeeded, but dealers still caused damage. When my father went to intending to trade in his 2004 GTO for a Solstice, we were rudely told not to sit in the car. He owns a Dodge Charger R/T now.
Keeping in mind that GM cannot “fix” prices, I suggest you take very seriously the problems with Pontiac’s dealer very seriously, lest you waste a great product effort.
Ford is smart enbough to bring back the Taurus name.
They realized that a well established name means more than a number like the 500.
Pontiac has plenty of great historic names such as Tempest for a small car or Le Mans Catalina and Bonneville.
The proper way to market a car is to establish an iconic brand like Impala, Taurus, Mustang, Thunderbird or Charger and then keep the car in the same basic market. Everybody knows what a Camry is. Toyota doesnt mess with it. They dont have to invest a lot of money teaching the public what a Camry is. Unfortunately GM has abused and run down the many great brand names it once had. Even so bring back these names build quality stylish vehicles and they will regain their old reputations. Bring back the days when American cars were cool.
I’ve looked at all the pictures and the more I see it the more I like it, however I must agree with one of the above coments, how about a Real Name vs. G8. We don’t see Toyota calling the camery C6.
The RWD thing for Pontiac may work down South, but it will not win any traction or sales awards in the snow belt. A great looking car that is FWD will sell better than RWD.
I fear your choice on a RWD Impala will cost you big time. Is the camery RWD? It seems to sell well.
Certainly a strong effort by team Pontiac. The hood scoops aren’t thrilling me in pictures…maybe they look better in person. Same with the clear tail lights…I prefer the raised scoops and blacked-out tail lights of the GTO better. Would also rather see the tone-tone interior treatment applied to the seat inserts and door panels instead of the dash (more like the Tahoe Z71 package interior).
As for the new Pontiac logo, I prefer the current one better with the red color…would like to see that color on the wheel center inserts a-la 2008 Cadillac CTS too. Changing the emblem didn’t help Olds, just leave it alone.
Please, please give the car a real name…G8 is terrible (and confusing with G6 and G35)…just use a freakin’ name already! LeMans, Grand Prix, Bonneville, Tempest, etc
Please do not bring this to market without a proper name. I currently own six Pontiac products, all of which were built in the USA and have real names: Formula, Trans Am, Grand Prix, Sunbird, Solstice and Grand Safari. I am a lifelong devotee of Pontiac products, but I can not get excited about any of the “G” cars. Pontiac has rediscovered it’s performance heritage, now a re-discovery of classic names is desparately needed: G5 should be the Tempest, G6 should revive LeMans (to atone for the embarassing Daewoo LeMans of the late ’80s), and the forthcoming “G8″ needs to be the Grand Prix.
Nice car, I like the strong Pontiac treatment given to the front end, but the rear styling looks borrowed from a 10-year old 3-series BMW, and it sorely needs an AWD option (so offer AWD with the V6 and leave the RWD V8 & 6-speed manual for us purists). As for the new Pontiac arrowhead – at least you guys didn’t go to an oval like Olds did…
I neglected to express my thought in my prior post regarding the interior. Please retain the 2 color leather. GM stubbornly refuses to get away from the monochrome graphite plastic – for which my upholstery guy is grateful (I’ve 2-toned the seats & door panels in my GTP).
I’d also like to see a return of real, analog full instrumentation directly in front of the driver. It would also help if those instruments had real numbers on them – English readings, please, I have no idea what .1 Bar means…
So when can I get a G8 GXP? stuff an LS7 under the hood and charge well less than 40K for it and you will have a M3 and M5 beater in no time flat!
HOOD SCOOPS OPTIONAL NO-COST DELETE PLEASE!
I can’t emphasize that enough.
Oh, and AWD in a bad-ass sedan needs to happen real soon.
Perhaps in a Buick, with a turbo DOHC V6? (You know we crave it).
The presentation made a lot of the GXP deal. I have mixed feelings about Pontiac and the GXP line. I like that Pontiac is beginning to make speed and power a priority again. On the other hand, I am a performance purist. I love motorsports, and I prefer when manufacturers derive their street performance cars from the track. (For example, BMW’s M line versus Mercedes’ overdone AMG specials.)
However, seeing Pontiac’s Solstice GXP and the great value it is has done a lot of change my mind. I can’t make a judgment on Pontiac’s other GXP models since I have not read anything on them or driven them. I hope that Pontiac makes a real transatlantic effort in GT racing and promoting its successes. NASCAR doesn’t cut it. There’s nothing “stock” about stock car racing anymore.
GM’s global product strategy is long overdue. It’s just sad that it took the company nearly going bankrupt and the UAW accepting deep cuts for it to have happened. Aussies have gotten away with a lot. The 1970s Ford Falcons were killer, while we were stuck with Pintos and Pacers. I have faith GM has learned from its GTO mistake and will make the G8 a better product in value and performance.
I liked the GTO, but had qualms about it. The 2004 edition retailed in the neighborhood of $32,000. Sure, it had a 350 hp V-8, but that didn’t make the impact it should have with the car’s 3,700 lb. curb weight. The styling was bland and the speed numbers were unremarkable compared to the late-model Camaro SS or the Lancer Evo and WRX STI.
It’ll be fun to see the G8 and how it stacks up against the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300.
Congrats! Have been waiting for years for the Grand Prix to go rear drive. Oh wait a minute G8. The execution is right on, lets hope the marketing works! Nothing wrong with that Grand Prix name. Thought the lesson was learned in the 80’s.
Now where is that GTO? And the Firebird Trans Am? Doesnt get any better that! Build em’ right and we will come!
I love the G8. Why can’t we have the Wheels on the concept? Those are so much better than the Commodore’s wheels. I also like the new Arrowhead (Dart). And I’d also like to pay extra and get the color Leather on the dash, or if not leather make it cut and sew. Thanks!
I agree with some of the comments indicating that “G8″ isn’t a very exciting name, but I really don’t care all that much because this is one sweet vehicle. Maybe GMNA should bring the Holden designers to the US to revamp the entire NA line up. They seem to know more about cool designs than most of the people in Warren.
“Nice car but another gas guzzling sedan is the last thing this planet needs. You just don’t get it do you?”
What’s wrong with a sedan that gets 30mpg on the highway? They are putting incentives on the Prius because it is losing popularity. People are seeing it for what it is; an overpriced gimmick with a huge downside cost.
Home run gentleman! Sorry about the screen caps from the Chicago webcam we scooped but hey we Pontiac fans are extremely excited about this car. The GTO was fantastic (I don’t care what everyone else says!!) and this is just the next step for Pontiac getting fully back into the V8 Performance game. Grey is nice but RED, that’s the color for this car!
i have been waiting to take a look at this car and now i can’t wait to drive it-with a manual. two styling issues bother me. first, the rear passenger window detail is very buick lucerne, better for a la crosse replacement. also, i find the tail lights to be wierd!
Just wanted to throw in my two cents worth on the new logo: LOVE IT! I agree with some of the other comments that the current logo has a 70’s vibe going with it. The new one on the G8 is modern yet keeps the heritage. I say go for it and use it on the whole line up…
I read with interest a few coments stating that Dealers Killed the GTO with “bump stickers”. I’ve got news for them, the GTO was dead long before the first one arrived on a dealer’s lot. It looked like a Catera on steroids. It wasn’t what people wanted and later price reductions and even hood scoops proved it.
What’s up with those side scoops? Is that a new “gotta have” styling direction, or does your design team steal from each other? First the Escalade, then the new ‘08 CTS and now the G8. It seems every other auto show car has them as well. Make it stop, it’s an eyesore. Next thing you know the ribbed plastic cladding will come back all over again.
I personally really like the LeMans name – especially since GM has a vested interest in racing at LeMans and the rich history of that name for Pontiac. Ties it all together, doesn’t it?
Please keep real names:
G5 = Tempest
G6 = LeMans (Ventura convertible)
G8 = Grand Prix
Seriously guys, I’m losing sleep here….
To all who do not like the new Pontiac naming convention, it seems to work for other manufacturers (Infiniti G35 & FX 45, BMW 325, Mazda 6,etc.) and like these brands, the numerical system indicates hierarchy. Having said that, I am not a fan of this naming system, as well.
Thanks,
Chris (Toronto)
A beautifull car indeed. Many times, at least in my country, the look of the car is one of the most important things and only then the performance of the engines. For me GM Cars are simple beautiful with a great performance.
John:
I see a lot of comments here about the new alpha-numeric names. While I don’t dislike the new names, I would agree that changing names confuses consumers. I own an ‘07 G6 GTP. I tell people that I have a ‘G6′ they ask me what it is. I tell them that it’s basically a successor to the Grand Am and then they understand. Pontiac needs to pick a name and stick with it to avoid this.
Aside from names, the G8 is a good-looking car and had I not just bought a G6 I would give this car serious consideration. I love the power, the RWD platform, the interior design. I hope the fit-and-finish is up to snuff with the Avalon. I like the new 6-speed auto too. I hope that deleting the hood-scoopes will be a no-cost option. I feel that the hood-scoopes attract gear-heads, but young people in urban areas tend to perceive the scoopes as unsophisticated or even red-neck.
This is excellent!
Pontiac & Holden are a perfect couple!!!
Both Pontiac & Holden are all about performance and REAR WHEEL DRIVE WOOHOO!!
Bring on the Holden ute & wagon too…and then export the Solstice to Australia.
Love the new car, it’s very handsome and a good use of global production resources. I’d highly encourage you to include the two tone interior package as an option, it is quickly becoming in vogue in car interiors to have contrasting colors. I’m a big fan of the updated Pontiac Logo, it looks very high tech and sharp. While we in the north pray for an AWD offering, I think the car is impressive enough to get some snow tires on that bad boy! Price the car starting in the high 20s to the low 30s with the v8 and you’ve got yourself a very nice Charger/300m killer.
make sure heated seats are a option on the base car,also heated mirrors and auto rear view mirror. A DI ENGINE TUNED FOR mpg AS A OPTION….
I’ve got an Aussie version of one of these (VE Commodore) and 34 mpg (US)is easily achievable with what powers ours.
We also have a 4 cylinder which is lucky to achieve the same
John,
Thanks again for the post. Perhaps you can explain to all us posters the rationale for switching names to G6, G5, etc…? I understood that G6 was given to the G6 concept car (being 6th generation grand am), but I think readers deserve to know what Pontiac’s marketing strategy is?
Thanks!
Eric
Hi,
Sorry, just couldn’t resist: pls, pls, pls do not keep the hood scoops. Let this car be a rival for such cars as the Infiniti G35 and the like. Mechanically, this car is perfect for this purpose – so don’t overdo it with the plastic cladding etc. This is not a Grand Am so there is no need to tart it up like one.
Styling restraint – subtle and powerful.
Thanks,
Chris (Toronto)
Credit is due to whomever came up with the strategy of making vehicles available from all around the world. I think this shall not only save money, but will definitely work.
About time Pontiac built a RWD Sport Sedan with a proper V8 with 6-speed Manual and Automatic transmissions.
Good to see a AFM V8 coupled to the 6-speed, this should put it around 30 MPG. Any chance of the Yukon Two-Mode Hybrid driveline finding it’s way underhood? If not the direct injected 3.6L V6 with a 6-speed auto would be another option.
The most impressive features about the G8 are the rear passenger leg room with a large trunk. Not often you find a sedan in this price range that can do it all.
Small details like the side vent and lower rear bumper accent lighting and the way the hand brake is integrated into the console show that Holden and Pontiac designers put some thought into it.
Now that Pontiac has it’s 7-series (in size) sedan when will it introduce the 5-series and 3-series models.
A version of the CTS would do for the 5-series and a Solstice sedan will do it for the 3-series.
If these vehicles can replicate the G8 style, performance and room for the competitive price the G8 offers, Pontiac will have three (3) winners. Granted they do not deliver all that the BMW models do, but most of what American buyers want and can use on U.S. highways are there. G8 owners will gladly give up some luxury and upper limit handling for aggresive styling, lower price and no I-Drive.
For the money they save they can update the V8 and suspension to get what they want and have money left over for the sound system.
Don’t forget the Sport Wagon buyers out there, a G8 Estate will prove popular especially with AWD. Not everyone wants a high SUV to haul things with. I know Holden makes not one but two models so there are no excuses, besides it can lower the “per unit” costs.
I think the G8 is a great looking car inside and out. If I was after a family car this would be the one hands down. However, I’m 21 and I want a new Firebird Trans Am. Build the d**n car already. Screw it if the Chevy people don’t want it competing with the Camaro. There is no competition, the Firebird is better. I’ll take a black TA please.
Looks very good, drop the scoops.. Thanks.
Name, shmame! Build a great product and people really don’t care what you call it. When you buy a C230, does anyone give a care? Do you tell everyone it’s a “C230″? No. It’s a Mercedes. A 325i doesn’t mean a thing to most people. It’s a BMW. So, I honestly think you can just start calling Pontiacs “Pontiacs”. Great product trumps all, and the G8 seems to do just that. It’s such a leap ahead of the Grand Prix or Bonneville it’s not even funny. Tight, crisp design. Solid fit and finish. Low on the gimmicks. High on performance. And rear wheel drive. I think this car would be embarrased to have been named a Bonneville or Grand Prix. Great job with the car GM, and as far as I’m concerned, you can stick with the “G” nomenclature. Or change it every few years. I don’t care, really. All I care about is that Pontiac has a great car.
Lose the nostrils and use the HSV Holden tail-lights. That would be great.
Drove a 300c around the States, covered 6000miles, and loved it.Back in Australia now and drove mates SSV.Things great about both but the SSv is a) better quality
b)more fun c) Quicker in a straight line and around corners.
The 3ooc is a)As my boys put it (gangster) b)smooth
I would buy the commodore/pontiac over the 300c, but be happy with either. (Except that the 300c hood is so low that I had to duckdown to see the lights change at intersections. That really wore thin after a while.)
PS. Back in OZ we have both the 300c and commodore/ pontiac. Size wise the 3ooc looks bigger on its own but when together there is not a lot in it. The Commodore feels bigger inside and seems bigger in the boot (trunk).
I loved what the yanks have done to the rear spoiler, our spoilers are horrible, I hate the nostrils, and I like the ponty front better than the Commodore as the Commodore is too similar to the aging but awesome ford falcon.
This is my question. You come out with a 6.0L engine with over 400 horsepower in the GTO that could barely keep up with the Mustang GT. Then you discontinue that mediocre car and place another engine the same size but with less horsepower even when the derived car has more that 50 more horsepower. The Holden is rated at 411 horsepower. The Charger has 345hp out the box with a 5.7 and the SRT has 425hp. Why would you counter that with 60 less horsepower? You need to come with competition.
It’s the same as the Holden Comm odore….can’t Pontiac be original?
In retrospect I meant the roof of the 300c is too low to see traffic lights. The hood for you guys is the bonnet right? ie, the engine cover?
I love the G8!
What I’m really waiting for…
The TT36 concept as a G6!!
John-
I look forward to Pontiac’s resurgence.
The G8 is almost pure Pontiac!
I would love to see GM bring over the Holden Caprice, as well…maybe for Buick!
Call it the Buick Wildcat!
Keep up the good work.
JIM
Just kind of curious why we don’t get the two-tone interior or the wheels. Can’t they at least offer that as an option on the GT? I am going to be purchasing a car right about the time this should be on the streets and I would really want those wheels and that interior in it. I still have to decide between the new Impala and the G8, though. BTW, This blog is awesome!!
I applaud you on the new styling of your cars coming out in the next couple of years. My questions is, the G8 is a perfect candidate for all wheel drive, 6 speed GT would give competition to the german cars. along with some of the Saturn models would be good candidates to. Is there any chance that GM will do this as an option on some of the mid priced cars.
The Pontiac G8 is as good as in my driveway…awesome car…I’ve had three Pontiac Grand Prix’s – currently have the 2005 Grand Prix GXP and love it. BUT this new G8 MUST HAVE HEADS UP DISPLAY for me to sign the check. Please don’t spoil my euphoria and tell me it won’t come with HUD.
A great looking car. Can we please make sure that there are some V6 models for those of us who don’t need to burn our tires at every launch?
Also, how about a real name? G5,G6,G8…come on!!! These stink, big time!
I’ll still buy one, though!
At first glance I think the G8 is going to be on my list of vehicles to consider, however as with all GM show cars I’m sure the final version will leave much to be desired, they always seem to compared to the show cars. From what I’ve read already it appears the tan parts in the interior will not be available, nor will the hood vents (though I’m not going to complain on that one). I have also heard the massive brakes will not be on the final version. This said, considering the transmission options, I’m going to doubt GM has managed to get fuel economy above 30 MPG on the 6.0 (too bad).
I’d love to see real chassis (stiffness and polar moment/inertia matrix) specs, the rumored adjustable suspension is rather intriguing to me, since it my give hope to proper autocross handling for the people who want to autocross. However I wonder what aspect of the suspension geometry was compromised to keep costs down. With todays tires and the right engineering I’d imagine a car like that should get within a 0.05 of a G from a full 1 G. So a 0.95 G 4 door with that kind of power would be awesome (though probably not very real world). I’d never go autocrossing but I do like to have fun once in a while, but I’d imagine there is now a black box in the car, so forget that.
I do kind of wish GM would mess with engine combos a bit more, I’d love to see a turbo V6 (you know 300-400 HP AND decent fuel economy at cruise aka higher then 32 MPG). GM if you actually read this I get 30 MPG consistently on trips with a 1990 Buick with 90K on it, to bad the transmission is on its way out, on the flip side I would expect at least that on a replacement car that is newer and higher technology (aka numbers to beat 32 MPG for the 6.0 and 36 MPG for the V6, with at least 120K miles before the auto needs work). Other manufacturers seem to be tuning in to the efficiency gains of turbos (to me the cost isnt’ a big deal if I get power AND economy, besides what is yet another engine option, just add a turbo to the V6 and pair it with the V8 transmissions).
In any rate I assume the 6.0 has been derated to meet new emissions standards (big surprise there). I’d also be willing to bet that the 6 speed auto lacks the crisp shifts of a manual, thus making it a typical GM auto (lets see if they can make this one last more then 65K miles without a major problem as has been the case with all GMs I’ve owned thus far).
I do however think they did a nice job on the interior this time and they have a Nav system which was a complaint I had of the GTO. All they need now is a GXP version with a 400+ HP engine, a HUD, and a properly tuned chassis (responsive without a super harsh ride).
A year ago I said I wis GM had a car with more modern lines (compared to the GTO), the CTS was a bit to sharp edged for me (and the STS was out of the price range for the features you get). It appears they got close, hopefully they won’t screw it up by limiting the buyer’s options. If I were to ever by one it’d be in a metallic black color with a black and tan interior, heated seats, large brakes, and a few other creature comforts like HUD, and sunroof.
Though I’d opt for the smallest wheels (and probably end up replacing them since I’d imagine the smaller wheels won’t look as cool as the larger ones shown on the show car). In my area pot holes are killer and anything more then 17s would be asking for trouble. So this leaves me curious at least to take one for a test drive, however unless they offer a 280 HP turbo diesel, my check book will be awaiting the BMW 330d (or 5xxd) that is also rumored for either 2008 or 2009 since I have little doubt that it’ll get 36 MPG or better highway consistantly and its got that cool turbo sound that I love.
The G8 almost seems to be competing with BMW, then again its not. Once again GM close but I think the final sale for me is in the details (that were missed). Keep up the good work maybe I’ll be pleasantly surprised. If they manage to keep the interior noise down, the long term rattles and shakes away and keep the hard to fix items from breaking long term they have a shot. Then again I’m probably one of the few people who wants to drive a car past 140K miles. The only other thing GM could do is match the service and warranty of BMW… I love the idea of having everything except tires covered under warranty. Typically all the stuff goes wrong after a GM car goes out of warranty, which is great for GM bean counters but honestly I don’t have the patience for that BS since cars are starting to get much more complicated and expensive to maintain (read GM auto transmissions and electronics aren’t fun for the do it yourselfer). Give it your best shot GM, the proof will be in the test drive and the scoring matrix I use.
I forgot to mention in my previous post, The new front end just doesn’t do it for me, its not bad but it doesn’t make me say “oh yeah thats awesome”. I’m sure body kits will be available after market or from Holden. Make a sportier Pontiac Logo (not sure what need to be done with it, but thats what I’m not liking. I think its also the honey comb in the front grille, and it needs sportier ground effects (though its close now). Fortunatly these would be easy to fix later. The only question left for any performance minded person is if it’ll handle the Z06 engine (I don’t see any reason it won’t).
Maybe someone can read my mind on that one (turbo GXP with some Cadillac V series styling??)
Can anyone say wagon? Think of it: a six-speed, V-8, rear-wheel drive Magnum Eater!
The sooner you produce this car the better!
I’m just waiting to dump my overrated and overpriced 2006 BMW 330i (with 8,000 miles) for a G-8. Some suggestions:
1. Please make the manual available with the V-8 ASAP. It’s a non-starter for me without that combination
2. The two-tone interior would be a big plus. Also, optional rear seat heaters would be nice.
Wow, I saw the awesome pictures of the new Grand Prix (g8) in motor trend. This looks to be an extremely sophisticated car, which is unfortunately way over-priced for a Pontiac. I just can’t foresee anybody paying $35,000 for a Pontiac. Remember, the entire GTO fiasco from several years back. That car was probably among the very best GM had to offer, yet it was the company’s slowest selling passenger vehicle (10,000/2005). Like the GTO before it, I believe the G8 is a great car that is being sold by the wrong division.
GM would be wise to follow Toyota’s lead by continuously improving their best selling cars before trying to woe people with niche vehicles like the G8.
The sad truth is that the G8 because of its price will never match the current Grand Prix in sales. I think many within GM believe that Pontiac is now the second coming of BMW. Since they probably believe this the results are going to be disastrous for both Pontiac and GM.
Nice try though…………
I love the styling of the new G8. I hope GM offers a keypod system, which has a push button start and remote entry with out taking the keypod out of you pocket (similar to what BMW and Nissan offer). Also I think Pontiac should add paddle shifters if that is not already an option
I am very impressed. Another winner from GM.
Very well done on GM’s behalf importing this beast. Personally, I’ll be test driving one this weekend. Sadly, it’ll be an automatic.
I went to the dealer yesterday and test drove the 2009 G8 GT. This car met NONE of my expectations. The transmission lags like crazy, and the braking is HORRIBLE! No wonder the “big 3″ are suffering. I ended up going with the Lexus IS350. Other than the BMW 335i, it’s probably the fastest and most luxurious car in its class.
Why can’t they name it the Pontiac Commodore?