2008 Pontiac G8 Preview

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Pontiac will add a G8 sedan to its lineup for the 2008 model year. The Australian-built G8, with V-8 power, is built off GM’s global rear-drive architecture and will arrive in Pontiac showrooms in early 2008.

 

The G8 is essentially a version of the Holden Commodore sold in Australia and other markets. For the U.S., the big Pontiac will come in G8 and G8 GT versions. Standard features on all G8s will include an independent suspension; anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control; front, side and curtain airbags; OnStar and XM; power seats, locks, windows, and mirrors; and 18-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler.

 

Base G8s will sport GM’s 3.6-liter V-6 with 261 horsepower, teamed to a five-speed automatic. The GT models get a 6.0-liter V-8 worth 362 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with stop-start technology and a limited-slip differential. A six-speed manual gearbox is planned for the new sedan.

 

The G8 sports a fully independent suspension with MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link rear. Four-wheel disc brakes have anti-lock, traction and stability control built in. And each G8 gets six airbags: duals, sides, and curtains.

 

Inside, the wraparound cockpit will be offered in cloth or leather trim. Heated seats will be offered, and GT models will have two-tone cloth or leather options with red or blue inserts and special instrument faces.

 

On display at the Chicago auto show this week is a thinly disguised version of the new model with show-car trim including 20-inch wheels, a lowered ride height, painted brake calipers, and a brown leather dash. The concept also wears a restyled Pontiac badge, as GM gauges other ways to update the brand other than with new products.

 

2008 Pontiac G8

Base price: $27,595; G8 GT, $29,995
Engines: 3.6-liter V-6, 261 hp/250 lb-ft; 6.0-liter V-8, 362 hp/391 lb-ft
Transmissions: Five-speed automatic, six-speed automatic (GT), or six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Length x width x height: 196.1 x 74.8 x 57.7 in
Wheelbase: 114.8 in
Curb weight: 3885-3995 lb
Fuel economy (EPA city/hwy): N/A
Safety equipment: Dual front, side, and curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control

Major standard features: Eighteen-inch wheels; AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio; air conditioning; power windows/locks/mirrors; cruise control; power seats
Warranty: Five years/100,000 miles