2008
Pontiac G8 GT
Plenty of Performance for Under $30,000
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SPECS
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Pontiac's
replacement for the once popular Grand Prix, the new G8 GT is a lot of automobile.
A long time coming, the G8 was a well-accepted and anticipated concept vehicle
on the auto show circuit in the last couple of years. Arriving in showrooms
this spring, it's a head turner.
Our bright
red four-door performance sedan GT is GM's largest rear-wheel-drive model
from its Australian-based Holden division. Hopefully better accepted than
the GTO, the new G8 offers a 3.6-liter V6 with 256 horsepower and a powerful
6.0-liter V8.GT and base are the two models, the base starting at $27,595.
Competitors
to the all-new G8 include the Dodge Charger, Infiniti G35. Pontiac claims
the G8 is the most powerful sedan available in U.S. under $30,000.
Standard
safety equipment includes a suite of six air bags, StabiliTrak, four-wheel
disc brakes with ABS and OnStar, Safe & Sound package, first year on GM.
Other standard equipment includes six air bags, Auto-dial zone A/C, Blaupaunt
AM/FM/CD radio with MP3 input jack, power windows/mirrors/locks with remote
keyless entry, 18-inch aluminum wheels.
Also standard
is battery run down protection, a driver information center with tire pressure
monitor, traction control, inside mirror with compass, theft deterrent alarm
system tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, limited slip differential,
premium stereo with 11 speakers, 230 watt amp and sub-woofers, front and rear
floor mats, cargo convenience net , rear spoiler, quad polished stainless
steel exhaust tips and fog lamps,
Options
on our test G8 included the Premium package (leather seating surfaces, driver/passenger
heated seats, 6-way power drive/pass seats, leather wrapped shift lever, $1,250);
18-inch all season tires, $150.
We enjoyed
driving the Pontiac G8, found it comfortable, quiet and well-received by passengers.
However, we found ourselves preferring the all-new 2008 Chevy Malibu, mostly
for its ease of handling and comfortable fit. There was a time, to be sure,
when a performance car was the only kind of car to be sitting in my driveway.
As the years have passed, though, I find myself preferring an easier car to
handle, with fewer demands from the driver.
It will
be interesting to watch what audience the G8 brings in. Pricing under $30,000
will make it more attractive to those looking for a performance sedan, especially
when considering the pricey competitors. Can it compete? We think so, if Pontiac
can just get potential buyers back into the showroom.
Copyright reserved.
Susan Frissell. Womenwithwheels.com, 2008