Pontiac G8 (6.0L V8 with 362 HP)

[AndyH]

Just spotted this on AutoBlog. The soon-to-be-released Pontiac G8 sedan, which is essentially an Aussie Holden Commodore SS-V. I would guess that this car is replacing the Pontiac GTO which was recently discussed in another thread. Anyway, looks like another nice Aussie-sourced import!

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/07/introducing-the-pontiac-g8/

{Edited to add picture}

 

[CBDFrontier06]

I figured they couldn't resist adding the 'Pontiac' touch to its appearance. Must everything they put out have scoops on the hood??

 

[BradC]

I think the G8 is a replacement for the Grand Prix.

There is supposed to be a new GTO as well, built on the same chassis as the new Camaro.

Rumour is that they will also be bring the Holden Ute over as well, and will likely resurrect the El Camino name for it.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Looks pretty good. The interior colors are a bit freaky on this particular one, but hopefully there will be other, more subtle color choices.

 

[DMC]

Indeed, this is the replacement for the Grand Prix. In addition to the LS2, rumors are that the base 3.6l VVT V6 will be available in this car with a 6-speed manual. If pricing starts where people are saying (mid-20's), Pontiac should have a hit on their hands.

 

[CBDFrontier06]

Finally...after years of almost exclusive FWD powertrains, RWD is returning to GM. That V6 6-speed sounds like great competition for the Charger SE. At 362 hp for the V8, it won't scare the SRT-8 crowd though.

 

[454MAG]

Beautiful car other than the hood scoops. It should run pretty good against the charger as it will be about 350lbs lighter. Cant wait till next year with the limited production LS7 version after they do a CTS-v with the LS7 this year. Nice thing about these aussie cars is the bulletproof suspension that will handle the potholes here in the northeast unlike our BMW which needed a new front suspension before 50k miles.

 

[Bryanccfshr]

Nice, I hope this is a trend. Pontiac may be going back to what they were once good at.

 

[mshu7]

More info: http://www.cheersandgears.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=15318

 

[Tosh]

Quote:

---

Nice, I hope this is a trend. Pontiac may be going back to what they were once good at.

---

Which was what? Extreme badge engineering, plastic cladding, and 'We Build Excrement'?

Which one of you pinkos doesn't want two scoops? At least that's the lesson they learned with the GTO. At first glance I thought these were radiator airflow outlets (which have a real function), but sure enough, they're just scoops. Looks racy though.

On the whole, one has to say that there's something not quite right about rebadging Holdens (or Opels) into American muscle. Yeah, yeah, global economy, bla, bla, bla...

 

[2Fast4U]

The real version (Holden) looks so much classier even though it is only for the grill and hood. Wheels are much better too on the Holden. Can't GM not booger up stuff? How about they just start selling the Holden edition or just sell them right under the gm lineup.

Oh yeah... once GM adds their onstar antenna... off center of course, it just make it even better. The off center on-star antenna just really does it for me.

 

[Bryanccfshr]

At least the Aussies know how to build an American car.

 

[dailydriver]

Quote:

---

Finally...after years of almost exclusive FWD powertrains, RWD is returning to GM. That V6 6-speed sounds like great competition for the Charger SE. At 362 hp for the V8, it won't scare the SRT-8 crowd though.

---

LSx engines' power specs are usually underrated by GM. (i.e.; the '98-'02 f body LS1s almost made the rated crank h.p. at the wheels!) That, plus the afforementioned lighter weight, should put it right on par with the Charger SRT-8. Of course, gearing, tire compound choice, etc., etc. are also factors, so we shall see. No ones knows until it is out and tested multiple times.

 

[Drivebelt]

I would like to see Pontiac use some fresh designs. I’m getting a little tired of that double-oval (kidney) front grille design. Seems like they’ve been using that for 15 years or more.

 

[INMY01TA]

Looks like a winner to me.

 

[Volvohead]

362 hp? That's all they could wring out of six litres? It better have all the torque in the world. That, or it's detuned so they can force buyers to option up to a stronger package.

Well . . . at least it doesn't have a screaming chicken on the hood.

 

[mrsilv04]

Quote:

---

I would like to see Pontiac use some fresh designs. I’m getting a little tired of that double-oval (kidney) front grille design. Seems like they’ve been using that for 15 years or more.

---

A "floating" Pontiac emblem, like GMC? Nice. Wanna job at GM? Change the wheels too, while you're at it.

Next door neighbor just bought a new Grand Prix. They're literally GIVING them away, so the end must be near. However, since I hate them as a rental, I'm sure not buying one for myself.

 

[CBDFrontier06]

When I compare the Holden with the Pontiac (it helps that they're sitting in the same position), for some reason the Pontiac looks VERY Audi A4 from the A-pillar back, while the Holden doesn't remind me of anything familiar. Maybe it's just the way the light's reflecting off the Pontiac. I like the body, but the nose, hood-nostrils and wheels need a re-think.

 

[Tosh]

Quote:

---

I would like to see Pontiac use some fresh designs. I’m getting a little tired of that double-oval (kidney) front grille design. Seems like they’ve been using that for 15 years or more.

---

Unfortunately, that's the only piece of corporate identity Pontiac still has left (and it was copied from BMW).

 

[CBDFrontier06]

It seems they had quite a transition in their styling department between the time the last gen Firebird was designed and the GTO was drawn up. They went from swoopy and scoopy to bland and boring. Granted, the Firebird and T/A could have lived without all the superfluous nostrils and holes, but the GTO looks lie a combination of GMs most pedestrian models. Branding is important, but where the GTO is concerned they really could have put more thought into what was the kidneys were attached to. IMO they 'fixed' a very bland package by throwing huge horsepower at it.