Coupes seem to be somewhat resurgent lately, and the stupendously awesome Pontiac G8 GXP might be set to lose a pair of doors. While that would make it essentially a repeat of what came here as a revived GTO not too long ago, the name is not likely to return. The basic idea has been outlined in the Holden Coupe 60, itself starting out as an updated GTO, but turning out much cooler. The neo-ponycar wars will require the fitment of the 400 horsepower LS3 to run with the Shelby GT500KR, Challenger, and cousin Camaro.
The newly unveiled G8 GXP serves as the benchmark for what this coupe will likely come equipped with. That means big 19-inch wheels, uprated suspension, a meaner fascia and, most importantly, an available Tremec six-speed manual transmission. There should be a GT version, too, with "only" 361 horsepower, which should still offer a significant kick in the pants for less cash. The biggest impediment to the G8 Coupe actually seeing the light of day are looming new CAFE regulations, but we don't see how selling a bulk of these cars with the still-excellent 3.6 liter V6 to less performance-addled customers would be a bad thing. It'd hopefully prevent Pontiac from running afoul of the fuel economy rules while getting another car out there that enthusiasts can embrace in a variety of flavors. Thanks for the tip, Matthew!
[Source: Inside Line, Photo illustration by Nick Wilcox, Inside Line]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
sl8anic @ Apr 2nd 2008 7:38AM
So where do I leave my deposit? :)
Torrent @ Apr 2nd 2008 11:21AM
Agreed. I'll take two in Yellow and Black.
Xcountryflyer @ Apr 3rd 2008 12:44PM
The departed most recent GTO should have been named G8 or something other than GTO like this potential car.
Lester @ Apr 2nd 2008 7:54AM
Im in full accordance with this idea, but then again I also liked the last GTO, so why wouldnt I like this one. I think the release of it as a G8 coupe vs a GTO will be much more successful. Do it!
Guenther @ Apr 2nd 2008 11:53AM
Remember the ads 18 years ago- "in my dream, I was driving a Grand Prix. But get this, my Grand Prix had FOUR DOORS..."
BLS @ Apr 2nd 2008 7:55AM
It would be the only modern looking pony car unless you count the Genesis Coupe. What I don't understand is why the power is down so much on these engines compared to other applications:
LS6: Corvette 400 G8 361
LS3: Corvette up to 436 G8 402
Maybe to save enough gas to avoid gas-guzzler tax since G8 is 1,000 lb heavier than Corvette.
Habibus @ Apr 2nd 2008 8:08AM
The G8GT doesn't have an LS6. It's an L76 6.0L that is tuned for 87 octane.
Also the GXP LS3 has 403 HP because of the restrictive intake and exhaust in the G8.
BLS @ Apr 2nd 2008 8:40AM
That answers my question. Thanks.
BigRedSpecial @ Apr 2nd 2008 9:30AM
It isn't a LS6 in the vette either; it's the LS2. LS6 was in the C5 Z06 and pre-2006(?) CTS-V.
cowboy bob @ Apr 2nd 2008 7:57AM
HAIL TO THE KING. LONG LIVE THE GTO! This is what they should have made when they came out with the "new" GTO, instead of the wimpy 5.7 L. They never recovered. 350 horsepower didn't cut it in 2004 when I owned a 360 horsepower stocker GTO way back in '66. Even 400 is tame by todays standards in a 4000 lb. car.
John @ Apr 2nd 2008 9:00AM
Apples and oranges comparison. Your "360 horsepower" '66 GTO was rated completely different than cars today. Back then it was flywheel horsepower. Now it's a SAE spec with rear wheel horsepower.
BigRedSpecial @ Apr 2nd 2008 9:34AM
John: Half true... the '66 was SAE spec too, just SAE Gross - the engines were tested without accessories(alternator, power steering, A/C, etc). Probably made closer to 300 according to SAE net specs.
Scott @ Apr 2nd 2008 10:07AM
Bob, the difference is that today's cars can handle a turn as well as a straight.
cowboy bob @ Apr 2nd 2008 10:39AM
Of course yo'al close to the truth. However, my '66 ran 12.90's at 103 with a good tuneup, open headers, and 7 inch slicks. Otherwise stone stock. That car was 42 years old, last I checked. To compare it to modern technology is somewhat unfair, but the speed it was capable of back then is remarkable for it's age. My argument is that after 42 years something a whole 'lot faster should be commonplace. The "New" GTO would not run 12.90's with a set of headers, let alone be 42 years faster. It would outhandle the old goat, but how many backyard road races were straight lines vs. a solom lately? I'll wager a 2004/06 GTO will not be worth 40k in '08 money 42 years from now eh?
Dan Roth @ Apr 2nd 2008 11:01AM
Well, Bob, I'd venture that your old GTO might actually have been lighter than the G8 - not only that, the G8 and its crash protection (which is mostly responsible for the mass) gives you a much better chance of *not* turning into the strawberry filling inside the car.
Mark Ryan @ Apr 2nd 2008 1:02PM
cowboy bob, an '05 / 06 GTO does, bone stock on 17" all-season tires, 13.3 seconds in the quarter mile according to Car and Driver. It does not take much to make them do 12.9 in the quarter. You can find a list of drag times with mods here: http://ls2gto.com/forums/showthread.php?t=205352
Looks like 12.9 (and better) is possible without headers. The tech advantage of 40 years can be seen in fuel economy and other driving dynamics--straight-line speed is still largely limited by traction, and the laws of physics aren't advancing much these days.
cowboy bob @ Apr 2nd 2008 1:54PM
Dan and Mark-My argument is that for 42 years time, the "New" model doesn't have all that much to brag about. If there had been an incremental improvement of a fraction over those 42 years, a new model should run 10's, do 135 in the quarter, and still get 25 MPG while road racing on weekends. Now, THAT would be a car. To brag how a "New" car is, perhaps, as fast as one 42 years old, or is just safer, or handles better, is a crime. I expected something MUCH MUCH faster, and much better in every aspect. I didn't get it. As for safety, yea, airbags are good. I like 'em. However, a guy who can drive and doesn't need 'em is better.
Mark Ryan @ Apr 2nd 2008 2:21PM
Well sorry bob, the car you want doesn't exist anywhere, and certainly not for $30k.
jg @ Apr 2nd 2008 11:02PM
'To brag how a "New" car is, perhaps, as fast as one 42 years old, or is just safer, or handles better, is a crime. I expected something MUCH MUCH faster,...'
55 MPH. Federal highway speed limit put in place I think a short time after your 42 year old car was made. Might be part of the reason auto speeds haven't increased at the same rate as say, microprocessor speed increases. Costs, and physics also.
Donpella @ Apr 2nd 2008 8:17AM
I was and still am a big coupe fan. To bad they don't sell well, as GM had to discontinue making them. I still own my 1996 Buick Riviera and it is still one of the most sexy car designs ever. I think Pontiac should get the green light for this. I'd rather they make this instead of the Ute. If they favor the Ute that much, give it Chevrolet. Chevrolet got too many cars on there lot anyway! They can afford to get rid of one and give the people the El Camino. this new G8 coupe will be good for Pontiac performance image and will be great for those who can't afford the technology and refinement of the CTS coupe.