Pontiac G8 test drive

Behind the wheel of the Pontiac G8, Holden's latest export to the United States.

The 2008 Pontiac G8 lineup will offer two models: G8 and G8 GT. Each will come with a host of standard performance, convenience and safety features, including:

Four-wheel independent suspension
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control
Electronic stability control
18-inch aluminum wheels (19-inch wheels available with sport package)
Seat-mounted thorax air bags and dual-stage frontal air bags for front passengers, with automatic passenger sensing system
Roof rail side-impact air bags for both seating rows
OnStar
XM Satellite Radio
Power-adjustable front seats
Fog lamps
Chrome exhaust tips
Rear lip spoiler

A sport package will be available for both models and adds features such as specific wheels including 19-inch aluminum wheels and performance tires on GT a rear wing spoiler, leather shift knob, leather-wrapped steering wheel and alloy pedals.

Distinctive elements include hood scoops and front fender vents, as well as projector-beam headlamps housed in crystal-clear lenses. At the rear, jewel-like taillamps also are mounted in housings and feature bright detail work surrounding the red lighting elements. G8 models have red taillamp lenses and twin chrome exhaust outlets, while G8 GT models feature clear taillamp lenses and quad chrome exhaust tips. All models have an antenna mounted at the rear of the roof.

The base G8 model receives a 3.6L DOHC V-6 with variable valve timing, rated at 261 horsepower (194 kW). It is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.

The G8 GT is powered by a uniquely configured 6.0L small-block V-8, rated at 362 horsepower (270 kW) and 391 lb.-ft. of torque (530 Nm). A six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode is standard and features the fuel-saving Active Fuel Management system, which enhances fuel economy by alternating between eight- and four-cylinder power. An optional six-speed manual transmission will be available soon after launch.

A limited-slip rear differential is standard with GT models.

A 114.8-inch (2915 mm) wheelbase, wide front ( 62.7 inches / 1592 mm) and rear ( 63.3 inches / 1608 mm) tracks, and a fully adjustable, four-wheel independent suspension system combine to give the G8 a confident, sharp driving experience.

The four-wheel independent suspension system employs a MacPherson strut design in the front and a four-link coil-over-shock design in the rear. Tuning is specific between the base and GT models, but both models use a direct-acting front stabilizer bar, decoupled rear stabilizer bar and lateral ball joints on the rear suspension. This system delivers increased lateral stiffness for enhanced handling.

The front suspension features fully adjustable caster, camber and toe; the rear suspension has fully adjustable camber and toe, which enables more precise, tailored suspension tuning.

A four-wheel disc brake system includes standard anti-lock and traction control features and is partnered with a standard electronic stability control system. Both the base and GT models feature vented front and rear disc rotors, with twin-piston alloy calipers in front; the rear brakes feature alloy calipers with single-piston actuation. The brakes are approximately one-inch larger on the higher-performance GT model.

Designed to meld form and function with world-class fit and finish, the G8's interior delivers both comfort and convenience, packaged in a level of sophistication not often found in its price range. A driver-oriented instrument cluster positions the gauges for easy, direct line of sight; an electronic driver information center is located between the large, round tachometer and speedometer.

Attention to detail includes jewel-like instruments, selective use of satin and chrome trim and rich-feeling, grained textures throughout. The instrument cluster glows with crisp, white light on the primary instruments and Pontiac 's signature red lighting illuminates the rest of the instrument panel cluster.

The seats offer firm support to hold occupants in place during aggressive cornering; all seats were designed to deliver excellent comfort during long drives. Cloth seating surfaces are standard, with heated leather seating available. G8 GT models will also offer an optional two-tone cloth or leather combination that pairs black with either red or blue inserts and color-matched instrument faces on certain exterior color combinations.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• holden
• commodore
• pontiac
• g8
• test
• drive

[biggredd911]

How the hell is GM an American brand? I'm from Michigan (the state that brought the automobile to this nation) and this state is turning into a giant ghost town! Hardly anything is made in here anymore! Hell, their full size pickup is made in Canada! And that's their best selling product!

[colderbeer]

Most everybody here in the States that is after this "Pontiac" already knows that Holden makes this GREAT car in Australia. So relax....it's all good.

[210Noskubc]

Is it true that the g8 v8 could run on 4 cylinder? Anybody?

[MrHmitra]

Hey there! Have you considered the intellitus cash system (do a google search)? Ive heard some awesome things about it and my father made a ton of money with it.

[deezomaxima]

Uh, the steering wheel is on the right side of the car. LOL!

[australianmade74]

thats bs exporting a car to the us and selling it cheaper, hows that for a slap in the face for aussie buyers......your getting ripped off. 

[AUSSIEDAVEROCKS]

@masterjedi89 My god I don't believe the sheer ignorance of your comment.

The GM LS3 motor is american designed but its made in Mexico.

But the rest of the car is wholely AUSTRALIAN designed and built.

I suspect even the Pontiac badging that was put on them was probably made outside the US.

But go on and try to steal the credit for an australian designed and built car and give it to the US you fucktard, because the facts can't be altered no matter how had you try.

[NicholasToras01]

@kompleti Two words Chevy Caprice

[kompleti]

bring back the g8 in a chevy badge

[Greendude33]

@Mechknight73 No the chassis they picked for the Camaro was shit, it was too heavy and big and weighed the camaro down. This is why only after 4 years they are already replacing it with the Alpha platform.

The current Zeta platform is fine for sedans but too large and heavy for the Camaro, GM only used it b/c they were rushing to put the Camaro out.

As for safety... Who gives a damn about that when buying a muscle car, if you want safety by a fucking Volvo.

[Mechknight73]

@Greendude33 Actually, the stying on the Camaro was done under Chevrolet's instructions. Most of the arguments between Holden and Chevrolet about the Camaro were to do with safety issues such as the height of the roof. Chevy's engineers had specific instructions on how they wanted it to look; unashamedly retro