This is the review that shouldn’t be written. Just hours before Pontiac’s most powerful car ever, the G8 GXP, arrived in our driveway for a week-long evaluation, General Motors announced the termination of the historic Pontiac brand. Talk about bad timing.
A week in the G8 was all it took to illustrate exactly what’s right – and what’s wrong – with GM, the automaker that’s now in Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
What is it?
One of the most anticipated new car introductions of 2009, the G8 GXP takes the critically acclaimed G8 GT and adds more of what we like: Power and pedals.
Born in Australia, much like the much-maligned neo-GTO that did little for Pontiac’s image, the G8 GXP was designed to sell in limited numbers and draw customers into showrooms. Pontiac – or, rather, GM’s Australian division, Holden – took the standard G8/Holden Commodore and shoehorned a 6.2-liter, 415-horsepower V8 under its hood. Add the option of a six-speed Tremec manual, 19-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, Brembo front brakes, a Nurburgring-tuned suspension and a mildy revised exterior appearance and things start to get pretty, uh, exciting, for the brand that didn’t drive excitement into showrooms.
What’s it up against?
From Detroit’s now-Italian automaker, the mechanically identical Dodge Charger SRT8 and Chrysler 300C SRT8 are the G8 GXP’s most obvious rivals. Making due without a manual transmission option, the Charger and 300 do at least add 10 more horsepower and the sweetest exhaust notes this side of NASCAR for those sold on a guttural growl.
The G8 and Charger/300 are the only non-luxury rear-wheel-drive sedans Detroit offers, unless you include the decidedly unsporty Mercury Grand Marquis, which leads us to Germany, site of much of the G8’s development.
The much pricier BMW 5-Series either gives up 55 horsepower (550i) or adds 85 horsepower (M5) to compete with the G8 GXP. Either way, you could leave the Pontiac showroom with a garage full of new Pontiacs for the price of a 5.
Any breakthroughs?
For the industry, no. While the G8 is hardly outdated, it brings little new to the table, aside from lots of power hooked up to a manual transmission for not too much cash. That’s no bad thing.
For Pontiac, it’s a textbook case of “too little, too late.” The G8 GXP was exactly what Pontiac needed: An uncontroversial halo car that lives up to the hype. While the GTO introduced in 2004 was actually a great-performing two-door, its bland style and controversial nameplate made it almost a liability for the brand. An Aztek it wasn’t, but it hardly influenced the rest of the excitement-oriented lineup until the G8 came along.
How does it look?
Pontiac chose to differentiate the G8 GXP slightly from its siblings. Aside from badging, only a unique set of 19-inch alloy wheels, a revised rear diffuser and a modified front bumper and lower grille mean only the most knowledgeable enthusiasts will know what lurks beneath the hood.
The G8 lineup has a vaguely generic look to it because of the segment in which its Holden siblings compete in Australia. Holden’s only truly unique vehicle, the basic package is sold in a couple of wheelbases and as anything from an entry-level large sedan to a luxury car to a pickup to a high-power sports sedan. Each looks more or less like the other, aside from front and rear fascias. It’s badge-engineering at its finest, but it works in Australia.
Though the overall look is generally pleasing, we chide Pontiac’s decision to fit trendy clear tail lamps and goofy, non-functional hood scoops on the G8 GXP. While only V8-engined G8s get the clear tails, even the base V6 G8 sports the extra snouts. Why does a base model snarl as much as the halo car?
And the inside?
GM faithful won’t recognize anything aside from the OnStar-equipped rearview mirror. An almost Germanic-conservative design, the G8’s interior is draped in impressive, unique materials and features some minor ergonomic gaffes that required some curious contortions to reach. Maybe Australians have opposable pinkies or index fingers, too.
Since there’s no GM switchgear to be found – don’t go looking for the “bowtie” radio that has even infested the Saab and Daewoo camps – things take a little getting used to. For example, push the radio’s volume button and it will mute the system only until you turn the G8 off. Fire it up again and the sound blares at full blast. Sure, there’s a power button, but it’s placed far away at the opposite end of the radio, where a Holden driver might like it. Then there are the console-mounted window switches, which probably save a few bucks in wiring, but require some acclimation due to their way-back-there position in the console. Don’t forget the sunroof switch, which requires a rotation and then a push to select how far back you want the glass panel to slide. It works well, albeit not like anything else you’ve likely encountered in this hemisphere.
You’ll let those ergonomic follies pass, however, when you settle back into the leather-covered sports seat. Wrapped in a grippy, upscale leather, the seat possesses just the right amount of bolstering for a daily driver. A near-perfect driving position, marred only by the oddly bulgy sports steering wheel standard on the GXP but optional on the GT, means the pedals and gear lever fall readily to hand.
Don’t look for power backrest adjustment, auto-dimming mirrors or a navigation system. You won’t find them. Those who value luxury over all else should probably visit a Lexus showroom.
But does it go?
Though the G8 GXP introduced last year at the New York International Auto Show – by rapper Fifty Cent, of all people – featured a 403-horsepower V8, the production G8 GXP receives GM’s 415-horsepower LS3 V8 that also sees duty in the Corvette and Camaro. Down a couple ponies to the coupes, the G8 GXP is nonetheless endowed with enough power to move the big sedan to 60 mph in halfway between four and five seconds.
The big overhead valve engine’s power peaks at 4,600 rpm, while its 415 lb-ft. of torque tops out at 5,900 rpm before the 6,600 rpm redline hits.
Our test car carried the optional $695 six-speed Tremec manual transmission (not to mention the $1,700 gas guzzler charge). Like the Corvette, it forces the same first-to-fourth skip when you’re toddling around town and its rather balky shift action might scare off those looking for Toyota Yaris-like driving ease. For those who value fast, satisfying shifts and reasonably firm clutch pedal pressure, the Tremec is just what the doctor ordered.
The same can be said for the G8 GXP’s powertrain. Though it sounds a little gruff around town, the V8 will gladly light up the rear tires and wail its way to triple digits in virtually no time. High-speed highway passing is its forte: Don’t bother downshifting to fly past slow-moving traffic. The skinny pedal can do all the work.
For what it’s worth, we averaged as high as 24 mpg with cruise control engaged on a highway trip and about 16 mpg in mixed driving. Unlike the GT, the GXP requires premium fuel.
Though the relatively light steering didn’t provide as much feedback as we’ve come to expect from European performance sedans, there was no slop or lack of accuracy to the G8’s tiller. Every move was utterly predictable, whether slicing through curved pavement or deftly maneuvering between slow-moving vehicles on the expressway. The standard limited slip rear differential and stability control kept our aggressive back country driving from becoming expensive back country driving.
Perhaps what amazed us the most about the G8 GXP was its composure over every road surface we thew at it. The long wheelbase swallowed up rough pavement ,yet body roll was mild and perfectly controllable in the twisties. We judge the ride, which beautifully straddled the line between too taut and too soft, to be better composed overall than the G8’s German and American rivals. Combine that balance with the rock-solid structure and complete and utter lack of squeaks and rattles, even in our fairly high-mile press vehicle, and it all adds up to a vehicle that feels like it will last forever.
Why you wouldn’t buy it
You think the G6 is “sporty” or your Pontiac dealer is all out of G8 GXPs.
Why you would
You’re looking for a genuinely well-engineered, high-performance sedan that can be comfortably driven every day and you’re not afraid to admit that the best option might come from Detroit (via Australia).
Leftlane’s bottom line
The G8 lineup, as a whole, has the makings of a cult classic. Brilliant engineering, a versatile, roomy package, dynamite eight-cylinder powertrains and the indescribable aura of the car that was simply too late to save Pontiac are elements that won’t doom this model forever. If recent sales figures are anything to go by – Pontiac sold about twice as many G8s last month as it did in the same period the year before – we’re not the only oracles of motordom.
Killed before it had any chance of mainstream success, the G8 GXP is the crème de la crème of the brand true enthusiasts had all but forgotten. Sadly, we’re hearing few reliable rumors that this model will live on again in North America badged as a Chevrolet, Buick or Cadillac any time soon. Get yours now. Fast.
2009 Pontiac G8 GXP base price, $37,610; As tested, $41,590.
Moonroof, $900; Six-speed manual transmission, $695; Gas guzzler tax, $1,700; Destination, $685.
Words and photos by Andrew Ganz.
06/03, 4:42 PM
posted by:
DB9
Sweet – same color as my GT – Sport Red. A friend, has a Maverick Silver GXp; I’ve been offered a Pacific Slate Blue GXP – a Sister to my Baby;-))
DB9
PS. ‘Too Bad’ doesn’t even begin… Oh well, Zeta and Zeta II still live – it ain’t over yet;-)
06/03, 4:45 PM
posted by:
A4
I want one of these.
06/03, 4:46 PM
posted by:
gta89mike
This and even the GT version are truly fantastic cars. It is terrible that GM cannot find a way to keep this vehicle here. One of the best cars GM has ever produced and they kill it just like that. Sad.
06/03, 4:54 PM
posted by:
Borat
It will whoop any Audi and looks better then 5 series. Unfortunately, its days are come and gone. Bad timing, great product. G8 came during gas crisis and now that we have relief from Arabs, we get no relief from GM. It would be a great little performance division: G8 (give a human name like Bonneville), move into it Camaro as Firebird, for a small car there is a Solstice (coupe and convertible). Minimize use of slush boxes, and for left foot challenged introduce DSG. You got a little division every man could call his own.
06/03, 5:10 PM
posted by:
AFSOCSARGE
GM would make a Smart Move to turn this into the Impala !
Why waste such a Great Platform?
Should the G8 become the Chevy Camaro SS Sedan? I would Say Impala SS
I’m A MOPAR Guy but I would give this a serious look !
-Sarge
06/03, 5:13 PM
posted by:
A4
There should be no such thing as a Camaro sedan… ever
06/03, 5:20 PM
posted by:
DB9
Short and to the Point: Borat – Agreed; A4 – Agreed, Agreed (An Abomination)
DB9;-)
06/03, 5:23 PM
posted by:
CADDY-V
You know they made one of these for the rapper 50cent and they put the ZR1 motor in it for him. That’s the one I want.
06/03, 5:24 PM
posted by:
AFSOCSARGE
I would not go with the Camaro Sedan Name, but as a Impala replacement it would be great ! Though the Charger worked for Chrysler
-Sarge
06/03, 5:31 PM
posted by:
ahnuconun
A4^^ I said the same thing about the Charger, but we all know what happened there.
Sarge: Camaro sedan? Really? Impala SS? Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t there already a much larger car named Impala.
What they should do is call it a Chevy III Nova :p
06/03, 5:34 PM
posted by:
A4
^ Yeah but the Charger had basically been gone for decades and there was no 2-door model available. It’s like all those Mustang sedan “rumors” they had floating around. It would never happen.
06/03, 5:39 PM
posted by:
AFSOCSARGE
That would be a replacement for the current Impala which is the same size as the G8 but on an Outdated FWD Platform. Switching to the RWD Platform would bring it more upscale than the Bland Car Rental Fleet Impala last week Chevy stated they will be Drooping the Impala SS Version
-Sarge
06/03, 5:41 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
As much as it pains me to say it: Buick Grand National.
06/03, 5:42 PM
posted by:
A4
The only problem with that Sarge, is that GM sells Impalas like hotcakes, and they are quite inexpensive to build. This is the opposite.
…and yeah johnny, that one hurt.
06/03, 5:54 PM
posted by:
CajuRican
With all the deals available on the G8s now, there’s no excuse not to buy one. I only wish I had had more patience (I bought an ‘08 GT with very little incentives). And FWIW, I have gotten as high as 28 mpg on my avg fuel economy. And that’s with the V8!
Liquid Red FTW!
06/03, 5:58 PM
posted by:
gta89mike
Johnny – Yes, it should be a Buick Grand National if they really want to get Buick back on the map as a serious brand.
06/03, 6:02 PM
posted by:
Rodman
If GM is smart they will continue this car as a rebadged Chevy Impala SS (a true SS!)
06/03, 6:14 PM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
<3
06/03, 6:17 PM
posted by:
AFSOCSARGE
A4 very true why it is true they do sell like Hot Cakes Why I have no idea because I would not drive one if you gave back the money I lost in my 401K !! LOL
-Sarge
06/03, 6:30 PM
posted by:
Lawnchair88
When pontiac dies you can always but a Camaro, so long as you don’t absolutely need 4 doors.
06/03, 6:58 PM
posted by:
Pazzo Canguri
http://www.hsv.com.au/w427/
this is our top of the range one. $157,000 AUD…BUT DAMNNN ITS FASTTTTTTTT..
06/03, 7:02 PM
posted by:
NRG
It figures, that the one good move GM made was to bring this car to the U.S., only to kill it off. They don’t seem to know when they have a good thing going, even if it was right in front of them. Another perfect example of how GM shoots themselves in the foot.
I love the car and hope it does become an Impala SS.
06/03, 7:33 PM
posted by:
Borat
Johnny, I would buy Buick GN, but who would venture into dealership? I think Buick is the best suited for casket sales at this point. If GM would close Buick, instead of Pontiac, I would be first in line to rent space for afterlife sale items.
06/03, 7:55 PM
posted by:
TornadoGTI
@ Borat – What? This will not whoop an Audi RS4 or an R8. You said any… Plus, it is NOT better looking, imo, than ANY BMW.
This is a nice car but just like all other GM’s lacks a bit of refinement. It is like they are 95% done. Almost but not quite.
06/03, 8:33 PM
posted by:
AutoCritical
I would agree with TornadoGTI in terms of how it looks – The BMW is surely a better looking car with much nicer detailing. Build quality is the biggest difference, but you do pay for what you get I guess.
06/03, 8:41 PM
posted by:
carstuff
Biggest issue with continuing the G8 here was the Australia to US $ ratio. Not sure what it is today but 6 months ago it was not favorable to us.
06/03, 9:00 PM
posted by:
iluvamcars
I always thought that the GTO (2004) was cool, but then again, the style was pretty boring, but the name was not controversial, but that is just my opinion. A Camaro sedan would be a bad idea and GM wouldnot do it, but then again, remember the Commodore coupe with the 4 cylinder for the Camaro? What happened to the four cylinder Camaro? And will it be a Commodre coupe? No that is just a test model. The day G8 production ends, they should just keep it going, but with Impala badges on it. It is brilliant, because, it will save GM the development money, and the U.S.-spec is already in production, they just have to redo the interior sloightly, put on a new grille, and add Chevy logos, Impala insignia, and The Impala name. If GM was smart, which they are starting to be, they would do this, because its an easy fix, and the customers would be happy.See, gas prices do not drive people away from these cars, because so far, Camaro sales are good, and G8 sales are starting to pick, but that might be because the car is coming to an end, GM will be putting them on sale to get rid of them, and people are realizing that they cannot wait anymore and need to pick one up soon or never. I always dreamed of having a G8, but I cannot even afford a Malibu, so that is out of the question. Plus, LLN, doesn’t the why you would buy it come before the why you wouldn’t? Its like they are hinting at something.
06/03, 10:11 PM
posted by:
Blakkarr
A high note for such a division that did not deserve to go.
The G8 is an almost bulletproof car. It’s a 15-year car easy. Relative to the price it is the EQUAL to anything BMW or MERCEDES-BENZ has to offer. Easily the best sports sedan GM has ever built, aside form the CTS-V. teh G8 compared very well against the 5-series and the E-class. Refinement? Don’t know or care about that. For G8 money go buy a Buick you wuss.
While GM needs to build cars that make money, it gives up cars like this.
But maybe they will snap to and go ahead with the orginal plans, most of it anyway.
The Zeta was to have between four and six cars in America, the G8 sedan and Coupe (GTO), Camaro and Impala, a possible Buick and a DTS/STS replacement (though a revised and/or updated Sigma would have been more likely here), and the likelihood that the Denali XT Concept is a Zeta, that as well.
As I said and is being said by others, A bad move. That is, unless GM can slap together the other cars they hinted at before the G8 rolled out. I would hope so.
They spoke of GM letting US and consumers down. NOT BUILDING THESE CARS IS A LET DOWN!!!
06/03, 10:50 PM
posted by:
bigp
well i think the SHO CAn handle this well…
06/03, 10:54 PM
posted by:
aggie531
make it the Cadillac GTS. and a GTS-V then I wont be as mad at GM
06/04, 12:08 AM
posted by:
MAP
American Motor Co. New 2011 Pacer. ha ha ha ha
06/04, 1:56 AM
posted by:
Hyperion
I think JohnnyCanuck has the right idea: Buick Grand National successor, if only they’d engineer a V6 turbo and keep the great suspension, Brembos and Tremec manual.
06/04, 7:37 AM
posted by:
F50
Just call it the Lumina like they do in the Middle East/South Africa or call it the Chevelle, but the Impala and Grand National are good names for this car when Pontiac dies.
tbh I don’t like the looks of this car very much, its good and all but I’d rather have a Charger SRT8, mainly because I’m a mopar guy.
06/04, 9:41 AM
posted by:
Borat
Tornado, it is significantly better looking and BMW 5 and it will will whoop Audi in looks, handling and feel department. There was no V8 at my local Pontiac asshole, but I test drove V6 auto and it had definitely better feel then A6 (much better feel I might add). Now you package 400 HP V8 with gobbles of torque and slick 6 speed manual and you have a perfect formula for whoop ass. Unfortunately, Audi will continue to build Audis and Pontiac is RIP. End of saga.
06/04, 10:13 AM
posted by:
S2L2SC
If I had the money I would buy one right now. Was planning to do so in 2010/2011 once I got a pay raise and had my student debt paid off – can’t afford it right now.
Pissed at GM for killing a great car.
06/04, 10:42 AM
posted by:
oldraven
I’ll also chime in and agree that this should be a Regal (not a Grand National. A V8 GN? What the heck, guys?). The Regal was always a mid-sized/large sedan/coupe with a performance model that made everyone give it a little respect. Even those last Supercharged 3800 powered Regal GS’s.
If they ever bring back the GN name, it had better have a smaller displacement and cylinder count than the GXP has, and bear a turbo or two. In all seriousness, though, Buick really does need a CAR that appeals to younger people, not just their Enclave, with impressive build quality. Add enough leather, and Buick might actually be able to ask a price that can make this thing profitable.
Oh, yes. They’d have to start building them in North America, because being built in Australia is the second biggest problem with this car, next to its brand name.
06/04, 11:12 AM
posted by:
02WRXPSM
I will say this again, the same thing I’ve said in every thread about this car: never, in any way, shape or form, in any conceivable twisted form of the human mind, come hell or high water, in a blue moon, etc. will ANYONE cross-shop a Pontiac or Buick against a BMW 5-series or Aud A8.
NEVER.
It will not happen. There is no potential BMW buyer on earth who would think “well, you know, if I get the Pontiac my friends at work won’t snicker.” Same can be said for Buick or however you want to package this car. You can compare it in specs, but the cars serve ENTIRELY DIFFERENT CUSTOMER BASES and 90% of the people out there — clearly — do not shop on specs.
06/04, 11:25 AM
posted by:
ricky_b
I have to wonder how good GMs turn around plan is really going to be. For me, the most exciting products that GM offered in the last five years were either imported/designed in Australia (this bad boy G8) or from Opel in Europe. And GM must know how serious their Opels are because they’re barring Magna from selling Opels in US (for now).
As for the G8, try to save it. Turn Buick into a sporty, youthful, near luxury brand like Acura or Infiniti. If those seeking floaty boats still want a product, make a Chevy like an Avalon and be done with it. Or let them leave to buy a Hyundai or Kia (they’re soft and floaty).
06/04, 2:22 PM
posted by:
scottns
They should just make this the new Impala SS.
06/04, 4:17 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
Look at all of you Lutz haters saying how good of car this is and how it should stay around. If Lutz had his choice, we’d have this as a coupe and the trucklette in the States, but we’ll thank the bad market and those over Lutz for the dimise of this car. He was the reason for this car in this country, and Canada.
From Lutz –
“You’re Welcome”
06/05, 12:34 PM
posted by:
06 impala man
It hurts me to my heart. I make the money for a bmw 5, have one of two cars being paid off next year and EVERYTHING I see being released in the next year or so sucks. The new 5 is gay. The New E class Is ugly. And everything else is a cheap, Japanese Crossover family, econo box shapped, no power having peice of Sh**. This G8 is everything I have been waiting for but the name plate dies next year. So the resale value is automatically shot to hell. All I want is a lot of power for a fair price. Screw all you automakers!!!
06/05, 12:57 PM
posted by:
06 impala man
02wrx I disagree when you say no one would cross shop a BMW for a Pontiac. If you NEEEEED a chick magnet get a Bimmer. I am not trying to impress women anymore I am married and off the market. All I need is a car that can handle 20 inch rims and can get me from my job in Richmond VA to Norfolk VA (78 miles plus traffic) in an hour. Mapquest says an hour and a half. I push my “cop car” to the limits daily and get frustriated that I don’t have the power I desire. I need performance. And no bells and whistles either. I DRIVE and that is what I am in the market for. BMW has lost site of that. I did not get the 09 BMW 5 because I found out that the body style changes next year. That kills resale value.
06/05, 12:57 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
Mr. Ganz: This is the review that should be written.
I drove a Commodore in Australia. Great car. this is just an LHD version.
hard to believe with the Trans Am and other stuff in the division’s history that Pontiac’s most powerful car ever would be a four-door.
The neo-GTO was cramped and overpriced.
LLN: I think you mean “faux pas.”
“Those who value luxury over all else should probably avoid a L—s showroom. Maybach if the have the money, BMW if they don’t.
“Sadly, we’re hearing few reliable rumors that this model will live on again in North America badged as a Chevrolet, Buick or Cadillac any time soon.” sad indeed. I don’t like this car as an Impala, but as a GNX? No base models, just the erstwhile GXP as a GNX.
CajuRican: what’s a CajuRican?
gta89mike: Buick is already back on the map as a serious brand.
Rodman: It’s certainly more of an SS than that FWD thing their selling now.
Borat: I drive a Buick and m nowhere near the casket-point.
AutoCritical: the 5 is the best car in its class. The G8 is great for what it is.
iluvamcars: A Camaro sedan would be a horrible idea.
oldraven: When I was growing up in watts, the Regal/Cutlass was a gangbanger car.
02WRXPSM: I don’t see many people cross-shopping the G8 with a BMW on purpose.
ricky_b: It’s a stretch, but I’ll not dispute A—a as a “near luxury brand.” But datsun is Nissan’s Luxury sport division. And Datsuns are better.
06/16, 6:05 PM
posted by:
kvan
http://www.pontiacclubs.com/news/will-the-pontiac-g8-be-rebaded-as-either-a-chevrolet-or-buick/
As much as I hate to say it – I don’t think this car has a chance after Pontiac. Reality is – it’s very similar to the Impala in market terms. 90% of buyers won’t even appreciate the FWD vs RWD difference. And with the advent of the next Camaro – those that do want something more ‘exciting’ will simply opt for this.
I think GM started ‘differentiating’ and improving the quality of their cars just a little too late. You can’t have a single minded profit motive for 30+ years in a highly competitive industry.