If the reactions we received while driving our Liquid Red G8 GT test car around the streets of Southern California are any indication of how the Pontiac will sell, GM dealers should be quite pleased. From a simple thumbs up to a full conversation about the G8 GT with the car next to us at red light, people seemed intrigued by Pontiac’s newest rear-wheel drive sedan.
Backstory
The G8 is critically important to Pontiac. It’s also important to GM. It’s the first vehicle based on GM’s new rear-wheel-drive Zeta platform to be sold in the United States. If the G8 falls short of expectations, it could have implications for the new Chevrolet Camaro, and any other vehicle based on this platform.
The GT model is the most appropriate G8 to use in evaluating the Zeta architecture, because it has the engine needed to push this chassis closer to its potential.
Aesthetics (3.5/5)
While about 80 percent of the Pontiac G8 GT’s parts are pulled straight from the Holden Commodore, Pontiac designers did a good job of giving the car its own unique look. For better or worse, the G8 GT’s fascia – which is shared with the base model – is unmistakably Pontiac. A large lower grille is flanked by integrated fog lights, and sits atop a splitter that looks pretty aggressive but still allows plenty of clearance for speed bumps and steep driveways.
The G8’s hood features a raised center line as well as twin non-functional hood scoops. While the center line adds to the G8’s taut look, the hood scoops give the otherwise upscale car a boy racer look. Not only do the scoops look out of place on a large sedan, once you discover they’re purely decorative, they become almost irritating. A few folks at General Motors reportedly share the same sentiment as us, and a hood “no-scoops” option might become available in the near future. Look for the high-performance Pontiac G8 GXP to sport hood scoops, but those ones will be functional.
Bold fender flares accent the G8’s large wheels — 18 or 19 inchers depending on which option box you check — and give the car a decidedly European look. An upward-sweeping beltline and chrome-accented door handles fill out the rest of the G8 GT’s profile.
Out back, the G8 GT sports clear taillight lenses and quad stainless steel exhaust tips that hint at the power they’re linked to. Maybe we’re a little old-fashioned, but we could do without the aftermarket-style clear taillights in favor of something more traditional.
Cabin (3.5/5)
On the inside, the G8 continues its Aussie-inspired styling. Because the G8 is built in Australia by GM’s Holden division, its switch gear is all-new to us here in the U.S. Also as a result of its Australian roots, the G8’s interior is very handsome and its fit and finish is top notch. Material quality isn’t quite top notch, but it’s light years ahead of where GM was just a few years ago.
The car’s interior lacks the daring shapes and lines seen in the new Cadillac CTS — and that seems to be its weak point. If it was a bit more modern, the good build quality would be easier to appreciate.
Of note, our test car came with an optional appearance package that features red-faced gauges and red seat inserts. While this is a no cost option, it can also be had in black for a more toned-down look. With the right exterior color (red), the two-tone seats are actually somewhat attractive, but on grey or silver car they’d probably look a little contrived.
One Australian touch that U.S. customers might take issue with is the G8’s center mounted power window switches. While Saab drivers might praise Pontiac for the placement, the majority of G8 buyers will likely find themselves reaching for the non-existent door-mounted controls when they want a little fresh air. Even so, the center placement lends itself to the G8’s upscale aspirations.
Seat controls proved to be just as perplexing, with the seatbacks controlled by a manually-operated wheel placed well out of any easy arm’s reach. The placement of the trunk release – inside the glove box – also left us scratching our heads. For that matter, why does any modern car still require a driver-operated trunk release?
Though a small detail, the G8’s unique steering wheel is a breath of fresh air in a world that has the HHR using the same steering wheel as the Corvette. The unit also houses controls for the car’s audio system, as well as the G8’s onboard computer system – which can display anything from tire pressure to a digital speedo readout on an LCD screen located between the tach and speedometer. However, we wish the wheel also had controls for the stalk-mounted cruise control functions.
A larger gripe, and our last one, is that the G8’s A-pillar is rather thick and can actually hinder your view — particularly during spirited driving.
Performance (4.5/5)
Once you get the G8 GT on the open road, you quickly forget about most of these concerns. Simply put, the G8 is a driver’s car. Its chassis is rock solid and its massive brakes can rub off speed as quickly as the 361 horsepower 6.0-liter V8 can dish it out. Though steering is a bit numb, the G8 GT will practically go anywhere you ask it to; a feeling usually reserved for European sports sedans.
Pontiac chose Holden’s FE2 suspension for duty in the G8, and it proves to be the ideal setup. While it is a bit on the firm side – which allows for BMW-esque handling — it does an excellent job of absorbing any road abnormalities without upsetting the car. Pontiac claims a near perfect 50/50 weight distribution when a driver and passenger are accounted for, and has even placed the battery in the trunk to help even things out.
And although the G8 can hang with the imports in the twisties, it hasn’t forgotten its American roots. Its big V8 – with 385 lb-ft of torque — can rocket it from 0-60 in just 5.3 seconds, on its way to a mid-13 second quarter mile. Unlike the stereotypical muscle car, the G8 GT gets off the line without any drama — don’t expect to roast the tires with a simple mash of the gas pedal. Speed comes deceptively fast, almost surprising you when you glance down at the speedometer.
And not only is the G8 good off the line, it’s fantastic at any speed, thanks to its six-speed automatic transmission. It’s nearly impossible to catch the 6.0L V8 out of breathe. Whether you’re at a standstill or cruising at 60, the G8 accelerates with the same ferocity and mechanical symphony.
The G8’s brakes proved to be just as competent as its powertrain. Pontiac claims the four-wheel discs can stop the G8 from 60 in just 120 feet – despite our tester’s curb weight of 3,995 pounds. While we didn’t conduct our own test to determine the veracity of this claim, we sure did appreciate their power during sudden slow-downs, and their firm feel in stop-and-go Los Angeles traffic jams.
During our time with the Pontiac G8 GT, we managed about 17.5 mpg, just below its EPA combined fuel economy of 18 mpg. The majority of our driving was in the aforementioned stop-and-go traffic, and when there was open road, the hammer was usually down, so 17.5 isn’t a terrible figure. (EPA ratings for the G8 GT are 15/24 city/highway.)
Technology – (3.5/5)
The center stack continues the car’s use of LCD screens. The stereo and HVAC readouts share one large screen in the middle of the stack while a voltometer and oil temp gauge get their own screen atop the stack, which we found a bit questionable. While battery and oil information can be very useful, it’s not exactly necessary on a day-to-day basis. Instead, Pontiac should have used this second screen to display HVAC readouts or at least an ambient temperature readout — which is absent from the G8’s list of standard or optional equipment. Also glaringly absent from the G8’s list of features is XM Satellite radio — standard affair on most other GM vehicles.
One other small complaint is that the passenger’s ‘air bag on’ light is on the lower portion of the rear view mirror. Because it illuminates in an amber color, it can be momentarily mistaken for a car’s headlights at night, not to mention a little annoying.
The G8 features an acceptable amount of technology, but it doesn’t bring anything new to the table. The lack of satellite radio is disappointing, and the overall experience of the electronics could be more cohesive.
Bottom line
Overall, the Pontiac G8 GT is one of the best sports sedans on the market for the price. No other American sedan offers the same experience at this price point. A similarly priced Infiniti G35 might offer a comparable level of refinement, but it’s quite a bit smaller and has 60 less horsepower. With a base price of just under $30,000 – our tester stickered for $31,245 and came with every option except a power sunroof – the G8 is unbeatable for a sedan of this size.
Words and photos by Drew Johnson
03/03, 7:21 AM
posted by:
Brendino
I was just at the Melbourne Auto Show and so I got to sit in some of the Holdens. I was in a Caprice (Commodore with a longer wheelbase) and I was playing around with some of the interior parts. In the center console I noticed that the plastics were really loose; I could jiggle them around pretty easily. LLN, did you catch anything like that? I know that show cars can get abused.
03/03, 8:12 AM
posted by:
purdue
It’s RED. At least they have an upgrade plan for all those boys that drive Grand Ams.
03/03, 9:14 AM
posted by:
A4
id take one over a 300 any day, way more sport oriented
03/03, 9:56 AM
posted by:
Blakkarr
So is the Charger, but this looks much less… wrong(?)
03/03, 10:03 AM
posted by:
Richard
The good news in the review is that the hood scoops may be on the way out, if only as a delete option. The hood scoops, cheap materials, and lack of XM even as an option point out the disjointed attempt to find a market in North America for the car. The G8 GT costs more than $30k, the plain G8 notwithstanding. It has too many features that are acceptable in cars costing $10k less, but not at this price. Going forward, GM needs to thoroughly think through its targeting strategy for the car. Removing the hood scoops is a good start. Adding XM would be a nice follow-through.
03/03, 10:08 AM
posted by:
nachob
The next time you fly in a jet you will notice the key controls are in the center console. This is done so the pilot can control the aircraft without taking his eyes off centerline. Since most European cars are manuals center mounted controls allow allow a driver to control windows and sometimes mirrors without ever taking you left hand off the steering wheel. Your right hand is free to control shifting and window controls. Americans are so used to the stupid design of window switches in the door because they mostly drive automatics but I applaud their retaining of the central controls. I must admit it took some getting used to the central controls in my 2004 BMW 325i but once you start shifting you see the brilliance. Even BMW has gone stupid and shifted to door controls to appease the American market but it’s nice to see a “driver’s car” still being made. Now if they only put a manual transmission, I might finally go American.
03/03, 10:42 AM
posted by:
jdasch1
Looks like a Hertz rental car with hood scoops and two tone seats. Maybe…..I’ll take mine with Neverlost and collision insurance.
03/03, 10:52 AM
posted by:
frylock350
Ever consider that the G8 is just a fantastic car Deanster? Or are we just resorting to petty 5th grade insults?
03/03, 10:55 AM
posted by:
Borger
I agree with Richard, the hood scoops, the cheap interior feel, the 1980’s electronics, and the lack of XM radio, just reminds me all the more of the ill fated last generation Pontiac GTO. Has Pontiac learned nothing from that car? The window controls are in the middle because GM didn’t want to make the egineering call to put them on the left hand side because this car is a shared platform with Holden and they wanted them on the left. I wonder are the radio buttons backwards too, as they were on the GTO. I love the smell of compromise in the morning.
03/03, 11:03 AM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
So there are a few warts on an otherwise very attractive sedan. Big deal. The biggest mistake made by GM however has nothing to do these quibbles but rather the timing. I’m not sure exactly when the Holden version of this was first introduced but I’m willing to bet it wasn’t that long after the 300/Charger made their debut. And how many zillion of those do you see everyday? GM should have had this in showrooms shortly after the last GTO, but then we all know the General. Better late than never, I suppose.
03/03, 11:17 AM
posted by:
LexusSoarer
I like the car overall, but those seat-covers look TERRIBLE.
03/03, 12:04 PM
posted by:
injunraiv
johnnycanuck – this car was only introduced in Austrailia last year
03/03, 12:12 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Thanks injunraiv. Any idea how it sold the first year down under?
03/03, 12:21 PM
posted by:
C6Racer
Interior materials do look a bit on the cheap side but, since this car isn’t gonna cost $50-$60k then I wouldn’t expect anything much better. I also wish they would have been a bit more creative in applying the red to the seats but, overall this car looks MUCH better than anything Pontiac has had since the last WS6. That WS6 will always be my favorite late model Pontiac.
03/03, 12:30 PM
posted by:
injunraiv
Actually, I don’t. But the market down there isn’t the market up here anyway. I know lots of aussies who post on LS1GTO.com say this is a great car, but who knows if they have actually driven one?
BTW, interior materials from Holden are typically first rate, and the seats are among the most comfortable I have ever seen. And yes, I’ve sat in a G8. Wait until you see how much leg room you have in the back seat. It’s frigging AMAZING!
03/03, 1:04 PM
posted by:
livelyjay
I like the new G8 and if I was in the market for a G35 or 3-series with a cheaper price tag I would give this a test drive. Of course build quality, materials, etc would be lacking but this car might turn a few buyers who are looking to save a buck.
03/03, 1:22 PM
posted by:
cookie4me
What company in its right mind is going to change the location of window controls for a US spec’d model? Do you realize that requires a completely different set of manufacturing processes? I suggest everybody get use to it because as we get more global platforms in the US you are going to find more of these things that we are not use to.
03/03, 1:23 PM
posted by:
Ray Sinclair
What a fantastic car for Pontiac. It’s about time. It looks like a cross between the previous 3 Series and the previous Altima-with power to boot. I love it. One thing it could use: a manual transmission. Never thought I’d say this, but I would consider this Pontiac. I know it was conceived in Australia, but it’s got that old school rear-drive American attitude. Love it.
03/03, 1:31 PM
posted by:
Ray Sinclair
I like the hood scoops… If you look at the hood scoops as the eyes and the split grill between the headlamps as the mouth, it looks like that little red mask underneath the MGM Lion in the company’s logo.
03/03, 1:35 PM
posted by:
Ray Sinclair
See what I mean?
http://blogs.pcworld.com/staffblog/archives/mgm-logo.jpg
03/03, 1:38 PM
posted by:
Borger
Old school rear-drive American attitude? Don’t yo mean Australian old school? LOL! This car won’t even be offerd by GM after the 2009 model year
03/03, 1:58 PM
posted by:
Ray Sinclair
Borger…You exposed yourself twice to be a M-M-Moron. First, my ENTIRE sentence speaks for itself. Second…considering that we are just a couple of months away from the 2009 model year, only an idiot would assume this car would not be available after that. I would even say this car will be available after the 2009 CALENDAR YEAR. Take it easy, son. You’re outclassed here.
03/03, 2:53 PM
posted by:
Heart64
Its a piece of Junk Don’t BUY a G8. Eats too much Gas and its a Pontiac. Hey consider it a Pontiac 6000 reincarnated! Yuck. Ugly red gauages
03/03, 5:17 PM
posted by:
daniel.busoli
Everything you don’t like about this car, was only done because of the American Market.
The centre mounted electric window controls: Saves money pressing both a LHD & RHD version.
The (non-functional) bonnet scoops: Pontiac thought the Holden Commodore SV6 (G8-V6) and SS (G8-T) looked too bland for the American market (Australia doesn’t have them).
Why locate the trunk (Boot in Aussie speak) release in the glove box? It allows the owner to prevent access to the trunk by locking the glove box, which can only be done using the master key (and not the secondaries). This is a carry over from previous GM-H Commodores, but who really cares? There’s a button on the key anyway.
The cheap plastics: Well, you get what you pay for.
03/03, 8:10 PM
posted by:
gbb
Sweet, way up there in the bang for the buck chase. Very nice looking Poncho. 6 speed available?
03/03, 9:18 PM
posted by:
sj79
for all those complaing about Xm radio please note it will be offered on the 2009 model as will bluetooth and a few new colors. 2009s will apparently be on sale by summer or early fall.
Any of the haters who think you can criticize this car just because its a Pontiac should read the current issue of Automobile magazine where they compare it to the 550i. Read that before saying anything else.
Anyone talking about the materials must not have sat in a GTO before. The GTo had a top notch interior and the G8 should be no worse.
03/03, 10:51 PM
posted by:
Richard
Borger wrote: “… I wonder are the radio buttons backwards too, …”
Funny, you should mention that. The radio controls were indeed backwards on the G8 prototype that made all the auto shows in 2007.
Some of my colleagues on this forum fundamentally misunderstand the concept of [i]globalization.[/b] Globalization means that buyers purchase the product that best fit their needs from the most efficient [or cheapest] producer where ever on Earth the producer may be located. In a globalized market, the buyer needs to neither know the origin of anything he buys nor does he need to care.
The excuse that the G8’s design is compromised because we live in a global economy flies in the face of what globalization is all about. If GM does not understand globalization, then the Japanese more certainly do. They are eating the North American automobile market, and they are eating the Australian market as well. They are doing so by offering products that customers want to buy and they are not making excuses.
03/04, 12:15 AM
posted by:
Ray Sinclair
I think there were a few reasons why the GTO failed. First, the car looked like a Cavalier coupe. Second, if the car had all 400 horses when it debuted here, it would have done better. Third, it was initially priced too high (around 35k). And fourth, it was not marketed well at all.
I highly doubt the location of the window switches kept many buyers away.
This car is good-looking, and priced right. With an honest marketing approach, it should do great.
03/04, 1:10 AM
posted by:
meekin111
Brendino, Ive owned a HSV GTS for jsut over a year and havnt had any quality or reliability problems at all. I have heard about bad interior fit and finish in VE commodores tho.
03/04, 2:40 AM
posted by:
Kaizen
This thing still screams ‘fleet me’ for some reason.
03/21, 6:23 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
Looks good, but those seats are straight garish!
I like the Commodore, so this should be fine.
nachob: I never thought about the logic of center-mounted controls.
Heart64: the 6000 was replaced by the Grand Am (longest-lasting midsizer)
Ray Sinclair: “I think there were a few reasons why the GTO failed. First, the car looked like a Cavalier coupe. Second, if the car had all 400 horses when it debuted here, it would have done better. Third, it was initially priced too high (around 35k). And fourth, it was not marketed well at all.”
I think you hit it, except I’d also add that it felt cramped.
07/31, 2:01 PM
posted by:
sti parts
I’ve been seeing these more and more lately. It looks great in that red. If I were in the market for a sporty sedan, I would definitely be shopping one of these!