Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, GM, Pontiac
Real production Pontiac G8 spied, new concept logo ditched
With RWD, crisp, modern looks, and a prodigious V8, the G8 has to be the most highly anticipated Pontiac in a generation. We're beginning to see test models in southeast Michigan, but Down Under the G8 has been captured in production trim. When comparing the production G8 in the photo above to the preproduction model we snapped-up at Woodward, there isn't a whole lot different going on, except for one small logo. It looks like the General settled on the stand-by red Pontiac logo instead of the silver decoration that was on both the concept from Chicago and the G8 on Woodward. Either that, or GM is planning on having two different logos, which is possible, since the preproduction model is a GT and the purple production model isn't. To check out more pictures from Australia on the Wheelsmag website by click the "Read" link below.[Source: Wheelsmag]
Thanks for the tip, Gray!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
stefan 3:15PM (9/01/2007)
Pontiac (holden) should real do something about the design of thear cars couse this thing looks like'its from the 80's.
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paul34 3:18PM (9/01/2007)
Oh man. The G8 *was* such a gorgeous car, until Pontiac decided to put their style of front end, hood, and overall (and worst), their badging.
They seem to have a penchant for destroying otherwise good looking Holden cars. GTO as well.
Why can't GM just ditch Pontiac altogether and introduce Holden America instead? It'll allow people to shake the negative, "ugly" image associated with Pontiac which quite frankly, I don't know how it will ever be overcome.
Mike 3:32PM (9/01/2007)
If you don't like it you don't have to buy it. No one said, "Hey, here's a G8. Now the US Government has decreed that everyone should buy one, or you will be shot."
Yet, you are sittin there yackin like someone has said just that. Get a life. Go outside for a change instead of stumbling around here trashing things just to trash it.
416Hammy 8:44AM (9/02/2007)
@Mike
Your stupidity doesn't overrule anyone's right to post their opinion.
It's ugly. I can post that. You can't stop me.
Don 3:29PM (9/03/2007)
PURPLE?!!
Frijol 3:21PM (9/01/2007)
First thing I noticed was that the altezza style tails are GONE!!
Yes, Thank you for removing those ugly things from such a beautiful car design.
I can't wait to get my hands on one and take it to a loving home.
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Phil 10:40PM (9/02/2007)
If the rear trim follows how Holden does it down here then the base-spec model will have red taillights while the GT-spec will have the "altezzas".
Maestro1 3:37PM (9/01/2007)
When I look at it, all I am reminded of is the phrase 'muscle car' along with the thought of the current Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300C.
It doesn't even remotely look like the Holden Commodore SS that it was based on. That car had simpler, more understanted looks but it worked so well on the car and made it look like something you'd notice because of its tasteful styling.
This car however, screams 'look at me' in a non-flattering way and frankly looks quite chunky to me compared to the Commodore, which looked sleek. Why did GM have to screw this car up instead of just importing it and rebadging it? I mean the entire badging thing is going to work for the Astra, so why not for the Commodore?
It looks ok, but if I had to choose between this and the Holden, i'd take the Holden every time.
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Jared 4:06PM (9/01/2007)
I refuse to complain. GM is finally getting us a rear-drive sedan with agressive looks and two great engines. ...And the Commodore doesn't actually look better, it's just that we are used to Pontiac's usual front fascia. I'm sure Australians are pretty use to Holden's design as well.
The G8 is great I am happy we are getting it and I only hope that more Aussie sedans and more Euro hatchbacks make it here.
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Richard Warren 4:17PM (9/01/2007)
"It doesn't even remotely look like the Holden Commodore SS that it was based on. Why did GM have to screw this car up instead of just importing it and rebadging it?"
Duh! It's not supposed to, it's a Pontiac.
It is what it is, you don't have to buy it.
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Maestro1 5:05PM (9/01/2007)
The car doesn't look ugly or anything, and if they are aiming for the Charger and 300C then fine.
But they would have captured a much larger demographic had they kept the car as it is - with more neutral but nonetheless distinctive styling. That's the reason why it is selling well in Australia and why it would sell well here.
MikeUF 5:22PM (9/01/2007)
Wow...now were complaining that Pontiac didnt rebadge something...
Aetius 5:40PM (9/01/2007)
Complaining must be replacing baseball as the American pastime! Jeez. It was "too bland" in Holden form. Now it's "overdone" in Pontiac form. And yet, this is the same bunch which thinks the new Accord is a "design masterpiece".
Maestro1 5:45PM (9/01/2007)
I don't like the Accord, period. It may be a nice car but not one that is for me, so don't generalize.
What i'm saying is that this is too overdone, and considering Pontiac's sales are sagging they should be aiming for a broder demographic than those going for a Charger or 300C in order to get more sales. The hood scoops alone are off-putting.
I don't hate it, it looks pretty good overall. But some subtle changes to the car could make a world of difference in opening this car up to more people.
Petey 4:52PM (9/01/2007)
Pontiac, the American BMW .... lmao, not with this pos
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Aetius 5:02PM (9/01/2007)
How exactly is it a POS?
Viv 5:21PM (9/01/2007)
It's American, that means it has to be POS, right!!
Derek Kreindler 5:23PM (9/01/2007)
Jesus, why did they have to tack on those awful hoodscoops. I hate to sound like John Edwards but American consumers need to give up their hoodscoops. I honestly don't think the masses can appreciate the understated Holden design so we therefore get this crap tacked on to an otherwise nice vehicle.
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Dave 12:12AM (9/02/2007)
The hood scoops were added because people complained that the GTO was too subtle.
I agree that they are unnecessary, but they don't look all that bad in person.
That One Person 5:48PM (9/01/2007)
It's the same damn car as the Commodore. What is with everyone saying they "changed it". Sure the front end looks different and the taillamps are a tad different, too. But overall, it looks the same. Heck it even has the same front fender vents as the Commodore.
http://www.holden.com.au/www-holden/action/vehicleentry?vehicleid=4
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