Click above for high-res gallery from first drive of the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT
We don't know how it happened or who started it, but some automotive news outlets have published their first drive reviews of the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT before the imposed embargo by GM. Since we don't have one of our own (yet), we'll be sending you to a non-guilty party with a great review of Pontiac's new rear-wheel-drive performance sedan. Popular Mechanics had a chance to drive the G8 GT in Malibu, and we're not surprised that they were extremely impressed. Aside from the crazy fast performance numbers that come courtesy of the car's 6.0L V8 producing 361 horsepower, PM claims it's the steering and handling of the G8 GT that leaves the biggest positive impression. When was the last time you heard that said about a large domestic sedan? Even the six-speed automatic was praised, though a rumor that a Corvette LS3-powered G8 GXP version will offer a six-speed manual is music to our ears. Much thanks to PM for allowing us to host some high-res photos of their drive with the G8 GT, some of which you won't find on their own review, but make sure to click over and read the first round of many platitudes this car is bound to receive.
[Source: Popular Mechanics]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
TriShield @ Feb 22nd 2008 4:05PM
Edmunds drove the Commodore SS (which is rebadged and exported to Pontiac) in Australia and the handling numbers they got out of it are amazing.
"With only a hint of body roll, it pulled off a run through the slalom at 67.6 mph. That's a few ticks faster than the 2007 Infiniti G35 Sport and 2006 BMW 330i, although slower than BMW's killer 335i. It was much the same story on the skid pad, where our Commodore SS's run at 0.87g nearly matched the 335i's effort of 0.88g."
This is a serious muscle/performance car at a bargain price in our country.
Considering that the upcoming Camaro is made out of this car and has even more power this bodes very well for the retro-coupe's performance numbers.
Playdrv4me @ Feb 22nd 2008 4:09PM
Actually, Edmunds has a review of the REAL U.S. version up today on Insideline here: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=124876?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..1.*
Ligor @ Feb 22nd 2008 6:42PM
actually the G35 sport has been timed at over 68mph,
but regardless this car is hot and it's bigger
I want that wagon
please GM, i'll even take it in the 3.6L V6 version just as well
MemphisNET @ Feb 22nd 2008 4:07PM
""Aside from the crazy fast performance numbers that come courtesy of the car's 6.0L V8 producing 361 horsepower, PM claims it's the steering and handling of the G8 GT that leaves the biggest positive impression. When was the last time you heard that said about a large domestic sedan?""
Chryslers LX cars - when ever an online or print publication drives it! That aside, the price is VERY appealing - and the interior alone would sway me from the 300/Charger (but not the Challenger, sorry).
I know its not happening, but I would have loved the G8 Wagon.
Dave @ Feb 23rd 2008 8:13AM
'PM claims it's the steering and handling of the G8 GT that leaves the biggest positive impression. When was the last time you heard that said about a large domestic sedan?""
The Chevrolet Malibu was one of the last I heard of this. It is pretty close to this size.
John @ Feb 22nd 2008 4:11PM
Looks like they decided to ditch the idea of the new logo.
VP @ Feb 22nd 2008 4:17PM
Damn if i wasn't on a college student budget, i would be lined up infront of friendly local Pontiac dealer, ready to get one for myself in that red.
You'll have to excuse me, i got to go and clean off all this drool.
kanoswrx @ Feb 22nd 2008 4:22PM
Nice numbers but I still can't believe how ugly the front end is. Seriously the European/AUS model looks so much better. Anything that looks good elsewhere can't come to America for some reason, its like they want us to suffer. When will they realize those vents on the hood only take away from the look of the car, plus they do nothing!!!!
Matt @ Feb 24th 2008 7:19AM
I have to agree. Even though the front end of the standard model here in Australia isn't the best looking, it is still a mile ahead of the front in that pic - not to mention those stupid fake bonnet scoops. bleh
Seoultrain @ Feb 22nd 2008 4:29PM
WOW. 4,106 pounds.
So are we talking great handling for its size, or just great handling, full stop? Because the latter would be nothing short of spectacular.
Kevin @ Feb 22nd 2008 4:31PM
Well, from what I've read in this thread it's doing a good job of keeping up with a 335i.. And those guys weigh in around 3500lbs, I think. I'd say that's pretty impressive.
Louis Duran @ Feb 23rd 2008 2:22AM
The edmunds review today says that it keeps up with the 535i not the 335i. Big difference in weight there. Still that is very impressive to keep up with a car that stickers for nearly $20K more.
mike @ Feb 22nd 2008 4:35PM
Last week I was in the Honda dealership. So I was seating in all cars, just checking out what is up. I sat in Honda Fit Sport, it was OK, not all that amazing. After that I went to Gm dealership, there they had a top of the line G6, with leather seats and all that.
That was the most discussing interior I ever saw, EVER. Honda Fit was so much better, so much better looking. G6 has a horrible looking dash, horrible cheap plastic, ugly seats and this was a high trim level.
If G8 is anything like G6, and it will be, that car is not worth a penny.
By the way, do look up the price difference between G6 and Fit Sport. And they say GM has turned the corner. Complete BS.
Seoultrain @ Feb 22nd 2008 4:39PM
The G6 is left over from when GM was in trouble. GM has just recently turned the corner with the CTS, Malibu, and the G8. Check out the link to the edmunds review above. The interior looks nice in the picture posted there.
mk @ Feb 22nd 2008 4:59PM
The G6 and G8 don't share anything but the arrowhead.
The G6 is based on GM's FWD mid-size chassis that is not a new chassis, and it was designed by the US studios, and designed to a price point.
The G8 is a Holden. Designed and built in Australia, and is one of the biggest selling mainstream cars there, by the accounts that I have read. It was also designed to be a dynamic car, RWD, powerful, and designed to a slightly higher price point.
This car is a re-badged VE Commodore. The G6 is an updated Grand Am. Significant difference.
Lithous @ Feb 22nd 2008 5:23PM
I guess that is how it works sometimes. The import lovers at my work all think the odyssey is way over priced (just to show it isn't a domestic fanboy like me saying this) yet it is ugly on the eyes with that dash. Too many colors together and that shifter is quite beautiful located as such, isn't it?
http://automobiles.honda.com/images/2008/Odyssey/interior-gallery/gal_lg14.jpg
But I see what you are saying, looks are more important than function at Honda apparently. How easy is it to get a 3rd party head unit in the Fit? A couple hundred dollar plastic piece from honda if you are lucky that will help fit a standard head unit in there.
http://automobiles.honda.com/images/2008/fit/interior-gallery/gal_lg5.jpg
But then again, honda makes 50% (or more) of their world profits from the U.S. so they do a little extra (like making the Fit interior a little nicer) well, that is they do a little extra for us except they sell the Honda Accord, as the rest of the world gets it, at a premium as an Acura here.
You give the public something, you bend them over some. That is just how it works in the car business I guess.
That is one gorgeous interior on that $38K minivan they got there. /sarcasm
You little geisha boy.
Jason @ Feb 22nd 2008 5:33PM
I don't know what exactly was so discussing about the G6. I went car shopping with my little brother a few weeks ago and we happened to take a look at the two cars you mentioned and I didn't notice any gross differences in quality between the two. Both cars ARE economy cars but I felt like both gave a fair amount of effort for the price. I've spent a lot of time with the Cobalt too (my girlfriend's car) and it's a nice little small car.
Jrejre @ Feb 22nd 2008 8:29PM
I don't know why you think the G8 interior will be anything like the G6's. If you've seen any of the pictures of it you'd know it won't be. However, I will agree that the G6 interior is one of the ugliest things I have ever seen. It looks like they took a hose and pumped gobbs of black plastic into a random blobular shape and called it a day.
PJ @ Feb 23rd 2008 1:17AM
Sorry to be OT, but I couldn’t resist a Lithous reality check.
The Honda Accord that’s sold “at a premium” as the Acura TSX is a steal compared to its price in other markets. The TSX lists for $28,190 US. If you want to go bargain-hunting, by all means, snatch up a similarly-equipped Accord for £19,020 ($37,405) in the U.K., or for ¥3,118,500 ($29,015) in Japan.
Incidentally, how do you like the interior on the $36,000 Chrysler Town & Country Limited?
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-chrysler-town-and-country-1/122435/
Nice panel fit, eh? I notice the gearshift is right on the dash where you like it ;-)
wettlaufer @ Feb 23rd 2008 1:02PM
The G6 and G8 are nothing alike on the interior. The G8's interior is very sophisticated. The surfaces have more give, are a textured matte black, and the seats are supportive during cornering. Not only do the handling and overall chassis feel approach and meet those of the BMW and Audi, but the interior does as well.