The Pontiac G8 is a modern muscle car, with rear-wheel drive and a snarly V8. Under full-throttle acceleration, the new GXP model reminds us of a Corvette, pasting us into the back of the seat as a guttural roar comes from under the hood. In fact, the high-performance GXP is powered by a Corvette engine.
Bigger than the Mustang and Camaro pony cars, the G8 is a four-door like the Dodge Charger. It's smaller than the Charger or Ford Taurus, however, with exterior dimensions close to those of the Cadillac CTS and BMW 5 Series.
The G8 is attractive, smooth and muscular with an unmistakably Pontiac nose. The interior is comfortable and tidy, with good instrumentation and nice materials. The back seat is reasonably roomy and the trunk is big. The standard cloth seats are excellent. Leather is optional, and the 11-speaker Blaupunkt audio upgrade sounds great. The G8 has a comprehensive list of passive and active safety features, including head-protection airbags, electronic stability control, and GM's OnStar telematics system. We found everything in the G8 melds together nicely.
The G8 comes with a 256-hp V6, the same engine found in the brilliant Cadillac CTS. There's adequate power from the V6 engine. The base model lacks the verve of the GT model, however, partly because its five-speed automatic is less responsive. Still, it costs $3,400 less than the GT, and it delivers better fuel economy, earning an EPA rating of 17/25 mpg City/Highway.
The G8 GT features a 361-horsepower V8 that's smooth and responsive at any speed, and it makes for the most powerful sedan in this price range. Step on the gas: The thrill starts at the hood scoops, passes through the seat of the pants and spills from the GT's four stainless-steel exhaust tips as the countryside disappears rapidly in the rearview mirror. The GT's six-speed automatic is one of the smoothest, quickest shifting transmissions anywhere. Its handling character is taut, and its ride is comfortably firm. Thanks to GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder-deactivation technology, mileage isn't bad either, for such a powerful car. The GT delivers up to 24 mpg highway.
For 2009, the high-performance G8 GXP joined the lineup, powered by the same engine as the standard Corvette sports car. GM's 6.2-liter LS3 V8 generates upwards of 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, and the GXP adds other performance upgrades, including an advanced Brembo brake system. It's hot. On a track it would be fantastic. Around town it feels like a muscle car. Order the GXP with the high-performance Tremec six-speed manual gearbox, and the clutch and strong torque conspire to make cruising around the neighborhood smoothly a bit of a challenge.
The G8 is Pontiac's first rear-wheel drive sedan in 20 years. It replaced the Grand Prix in the Pontiac line-up. We have Australia to thank for the Pontiac G8. It's built there by Holden, a division of General Motors, and is sold as the Commodore SS. It's been one Australia's favorites for years, and GM has had a long time to perfect it. North American shoppers seeking an engaging sports sedan with classic V8 thrust can now reap the benefits.
The G8 was launched as a 2008 model. For 2009, XM satellite radio hardware and Bluetooth connectivity come standard on all models.
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