Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Plants/Manufacturing, GM, Pontiac, Holden
Pontiac G8 production now underway
Since the G8 was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show, there has been an air of optimism for the Pontiac brand. There's good reason for the uptick in serotonin, too, as the G8 is a real live RWD sedan from the General. It doesn't hurt that its 6.0L V8 can kick out 362 HP and hit 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. It may seem as though the G8 unveiling was a million years ago, but production has finally begun for the Holden Commodore-based sedan. The G8 and the Commodore will be built in the same Australian plant, with the facility running at full steam to a tune of 620 units per day. About half of that number will make its way outside of OZ, split between Chevrolet (Middle East), Vauxhall (UK), Daewoo (Korea), and Pontiac. That probably doesn't make room for more than 50,000 G8s a year here in the States, and in the unlikely event the sports sedan isn't a hit, GM can shift sales anywhere else in the world. The G8 will hit dealer showrooms sometime in the 1st quarter of 2008, and we're eagerly anticipating taking a spin in the most exciting Pontiac in a generation.
[Source: Just-Auto (sub. req'd)]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
John R 8:43AM (12/19/2007)
that's going to be one hell of a daewoo.
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MikeSS 2:24PM (12/19/2007)
Yeah, I had to read that twice.
Maybe in Korea they are something else, but us in North America only remember(Forgot?) the Nubria, Leganza and that other thing.
Chris 8:44AM (12/19/2007)
I think I want one.....
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Syco 8:49AM (12/19/2007)
Ill take mine in Ignition Orange Metallic.
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Luis 11:54AM (12/19/2007)
Ditto...but I'm waiting for the manual tranny to come out...
Wally 8:52AM (12/19/2007)
Awesome car, it's going to be much better when they bring the manual over next year
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RamSport47 8:53AM (12/19/2007)
I can't see them selling fewer than 50,000...I'd put sales up with the Charger and Chrysler 300. 100,000 plus, if you ask me. Beautiful car, and a WAY better try than the GTO, and I'm not a GM fan.
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icu812ru469 9:10AM (12/19/2007)
Interesting... probably the most interesting car by Pontiac, but it's not built here in U.S. Wonder what "domestic" car lovers will think of that?
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J.Crew 10:19AM (12/19/2007)
I am not a hard core domestic fan as I'll drive anything that is fun. Having said that I do have a soft spot for the Big3... well more GM than Ford and Chrysler. The only thing that comes to mind when you asked that question is that it does not matter where its made, it is where the profits go that count.
elprogramer 2:22PM (12/19/2007)
They're union, at least. More than you can say for the trucks and cars coming out of Mexico.
compy386 9:12AM (12/19/2007)
There's a good chance this car won't be a hit. Just look at the GTO. That was a great car, but it sold poorly.
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MUSASHI66 10:31AM (12/19/2007)
GTO was in a tough market. Expensive 2 seater with V8 as an only option, and very plain looking. It was on the market with Mustangs, which started way lower for V8 models (app. 25K vs 31K).
There is a much larger market for a family sized V6 and V8 sedans, this car compares to 300's and Chargers.
WillDaThrill 11:50AM (12/19/2007)
Looks and convenience (ease of use) killed the GTO. It resembled nothing of the previous one and the rear suspension was mediocre because of U.S. safety requirements. Even new, where else could you get 400 HP for $32K? Heck, now you can get them under 20K miles for under $25K, that is if you can find them.
Not sure if you are being sarcastic, but the GTO has four seats.
DKB_SATX 12:08PM (12/19/2007)
I'm excited about the G8, but didn't think the GTO was a great car. Ingress/egress was very poor for a car that size, and the "back seat" was a joke. I drove the car at a GM Test Drive event and it was a bit of a pig. I'm sure it's great for drag racing, but it was ponderous for a tight low-speed track, and as I said getting in and out is WAY too inconvenient for such a large car. It was easier to get out of a Corvette without hitting your head.
MUSASHI66 1:25PM (12/19/2007)
/\/\ Yeah, I know it has for seats, but only the front 2 are capable of holding passengers.. rear are only for grocery bags
MCS05 9:18AM (12/19/2007)
My neighbor is driving a bright red v8 model. I was surprised how nice it is in person. It is also not as big as I thought.
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DDL 9:23AM (12/19/2007)
Production actually started just over a month ago. Some G8 specific websites have pictures of G8s sitting at a shipyard waiting to be loaded onto boats. The latest news is that the first boatload just shipped out for the US. I don't know how long it takes to cross the Pacific, but there's got to be a good chance that some will reach dealer lots before the next Chicago Auto Show.
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DDL 9:51AM (12/19/2007)
http://www.carpoint.com.au/car-review/2872425.aspx
Christian 9:24AM (12/19/2007)
For the stang haters, the pony is still faster. And 5-speed.
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Scott 1:34PM (12/19/2007)
Your commend is irrelevant to this discussion unless Ford has released a Mustang with more than 2 doors.