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Pontiac G8

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Pontiac G8
2008 Pontiac G8
Overview
ManufacturerHolden
Production2008–
AssemblyElizabeth, South Australia, Australia
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size car
Body style4-door sedan
2-door pickup truck
LayoutFR layout
PlatformGM Zeta platform
RelatedHolden Commodore
Holden Caprice
Holden Statesman
Vauxhall VXR8
Powertrain
Engine3.6 L LY7 V6
6.0 L L76 V8
Transmission5-speed 5L40-E automatic
6-speed 6L80-E automatic
6-speed Tremec TR-6060 manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase114.7 in (2913 mm)
Length196.1 in (4981 mm)
Width74.8 in (1900 mm)
Height57.7 in (1466 mm)
Curb weight3946 lb (1790 kg)
Chronology
PredecessorPontiac Grand Prix
Pontiac Bonneville

The Pontiac G8 is a rear-wheel drive sedan produced by General Motors to be released for the 2008 model year under the Pontiac name. It is a replacement for the Pontiac Grand Prix, which ceases production after the 2008 model year with one year of overlapping. The G8 will be Pontiac's first full-size car since the Bonneville was discontinued in 2005.

Overview

The G8 is based on the GM Zeta platform which was created by Holden for the Holden VE Commodore in the Australian market. At the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, GM chairman Bob Lutz confirmed that GM intended to import Holden Commodores into North America as G8s.[1] The news was not planned to be officially announced until the Chicago Auto Show in February. The G8 will become GM's first North American Zeta vehicle. The G8 shares much of its design with the Commodore. The G8 is a captive import of Australia.

The G8 will be the first rear-wheel drive Pontiac sedan sold in North America since the 1986 Bonneville and Parisienne. However there are several rear-wheel drive offerings on the road already such as the Solstice and the discontinued GTO. The size of the car is marginally bigger than the size of many German large cars such as the BMW 5-Series and the Audi A6.

In the April 2007 issue of Motor Trend, reviewer Matt Stone wrote, "If the experience recalls any other car, it's the previous-generation BMW M5, which also had a six-speed stick, 400 horses, and a wonderfully communicative chassis." Automobile Magazine's also compares the G8 to the current-generation 5-Series. Sam Smith writes, "...by the numbers and on American roads the 5-Series and the G8 are equals." [2]

The G8 will be available in two trims: base and the GT. The base G8 will be available with a 261 hp (194 kW) 3.6 L DOHC VVT V6 engine, standard with a 5-speed automatic. The GT will come with a 361 hp (270 kW)[3] 6.0 L Generation IV V8, featuring a 6-speed automatic and Active Fuel Management as standard, capable of reaching 60 mph (96 km/h) in just over 5 seconds. A 6-speed manual was formerly being considered as an option on the GT package, although Pontiac dropped the option, stating that it would possibly be available at a later time.[4] The cars will come standard with 6 airbags, including full-length side curtain airbags, 18 inch alloy wheels, sports body kit, power-adjustable front seats, cloth seats and a 7-speaker audio system, featuring a satellite radio system. An optional sports package will be available, containing 19 inch alloys with performance tires, upgraded sports suspension, 11-speaker stereo with six-stacker CD system, color display screen featuring climate control & audio functions, leather-bound steering wheel and alloy pedals. GT interiors will be available with the choice of a two-tone interior that will match black with either red or blue.

Holden chairman Denny Mooney announced that the G8 will be imported from the Australian Elizabeth plant for the life cycle of the car, but refused to comment on possible future production at GM's Oshawa, Ontario facility.[5] At the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, GM Global Chairman Bob Lutz announced that the G8 are expected in US Pontiac dealerships in "early 2008".[6] On July 4th, 2007 the first Pontiac G8 prototypes rolled out of the Elizabeth assembly plant in Australia.[7] [8]

General Motors heavily promoted the Pontiac G8 on January 1, 2008 by having it as the official sponsor of the Times Square New Year's Day Countdown, as well as the Rose Bowl.

The first shipment of the all new 2008 Pontiac G8s is currently floating its way from Australia to the United States. A total of four ships will soon arrive in Northern California's Benicia port, with the first ship expected on January 28. Aboard will be 1,800 new G8 sedans, a 50/50 mix of the 3.6-liter V6 G8 and the 361-horsepower 6.0-liter V8 G8 GT.

The G8 is expected to arrive in Pontiac showrooms by March 1, with West Coast dealers likely to receive their cars first due to the San Francisco Bay Area arrival port. Pontiac says it will have 7,000 G8s on U.S. soil at launch.

In addition to the sedan, a rebadged Holden Ute, originally thought to be called the G8 ST will be available Fall 2009. The vehicle, now an unnamed G8 "sport truck" will have its name selected from entries provided by the public.[9] A wagon was planned as well, but canceled, partially due to poor sales of the market in general, especially of the Dodge Magnum vs its Charger sedan counterpart.[10]

A GXP version is to be shown at the New York International Auto Show in March 2008 with a 6.2 liter 402 HP naturally aspirated V8 from the Chevrolet Corvette and a 6-speed manual transmission.

Launch commercial

In March 2008, a commercial based on the 1980s arcade game Spy Hunter will run nationally. In the commercial, the Pontiac G8 GT takes the place of the hero car when it is destroyed by enemies.[11]

2008

For the 2008 model year, the Pontiac G8 will be available in 6 colors: Stealth Blue, Liquid Red, Ignition Orange, White Hot, Magnetic Gray, and Panther Black.

Option packages are dependent upon the choice of engine: V6-powered G8's are available with either the Premium Package, Comfort and Sound Package, and a Sunroof Package, whereas the V8-powered G8's will be offered with either the Premium Package GT, Sport Package GT, or Moonroof Package.

All G8's will be equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment, and 19-inch wheels will be made available as an option on all G8 GT models optioned with the Sport Package.

The first 888 sold will have a special VIN and special interior trim. [citation needed]

References

  1. ^ "Holden VE Commodore to be sold as Pontiac G8". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved January 9. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ Sam Smith. "The Down-Under Express". Automobile Magazine (April 2008).
  3. ^ "All-new Pontiac G8 to unleash in 2008". The Crittenden Automotive Library. Retrieved May 5. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ 2008 Pontiac G8
  5. ^ "Holden announced US export deal". Drive.com.au. Retrieved February 8. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ "2008 Pontiac G8 debuts". Edmunds. Retrieved February 6. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ "Pontiac G8 prototypes roll off the line in Oz". Autoblog.com. Retrieved July 4. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ "The Rocky Road to the Holden VE SportWagon". Autoblog.com. Retrieved October 25. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  9. ^ "2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck: The El Camino Is Back!".
  10. ^ "Sorry Holden: GM cancels VE Sportwagon for US market".
  11. ^ Pontiac Spy Hunter commercial from Brightcove Internet TV
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