Correction: Pontiac G8 GT will NOT have an optional 6-speed stick
Last week, we linked to a CarDomain piece about a lunch that gang had with GM's Bob Lutz. One of their topics of conversation with the product czar was manual transmissions, and it was reported that the '09 Pontiac G8 GT would be offered with an optional Tremec 6-speed manual transmission. This was certainly welcome news, both to us and readers. Unfortunately, it turns out that this information was, in fact, too good to be true. Pontiac's Jim Hopson dropped us a note this morning to clarify. In it, he writes, "We currently have no plans to offer the Tremec on any other G8 model (including the GT mentioned in the article), although it might be an option we could consider in the future." That's a bummer, and there you have it: The only way you'll be able to get a manual in the Pontiac G8 is if you pony up for the über-caliente GXP performance variant when it arrives later this year. Jim's email, in its entirety, is pasted after the jump.
Gallery: Review: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT
[Source: Pontiac]
Jim Hopson e-mail:
Alex,
I read with interest your recent posting regarding your discussion with Bob Lutz. You correctly noted that we are ditching the center stack gauge cluster on the 2009 G8, plus we are adding XM satellite radio as standard equipment. You'll also note that the G8 price increase Mr. Lutz mentioned is consistent with other 2009 GM models as announced yesterday.
However, there may have been some miscommunication about the availability of the six-speed Tremec manual transmission on the G8. At this time, the manual tranny will only be available as an option on the G8 GXP model that will be released very late this year. We currently have no plans to offer the Tremec on any other G8 model (including the GT mentioned in the article), although it might be an option we could consider in the future.
I apologize for any confusion that the G8 model nomenclature (GT vs GXP) may have caused, but I wanted to ensure you had the correct information. Please let me know if I can provide any additional clarification or assistance.
Jim Hopson
Manager, Pontiac Communication
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
adamtech 9:06AM (6/24/2008)
Can we PLEASE not call the guy a GM CZAR, or car CZAR, or product CZAR, or Chevy CZAR again?
Reply
Dude 9:29AM (6/24/2008)
You will call him a Czar and like it!
You don't want to make Maximum Bob angry. You won't like him when he gets angry.
tankd0g 10:24AM (6/24/2008)
How about "BS off the top of his head that has no basis in reality Czar"?
Ekow 9:52AM (6/24/2008)
Oh well....
Good for them to force people interested in buying performance to pony up to a more expensive model. If nothing else it makes that model unique and worth the money being paid for it.
-E
Reply
Noe 9:11AM (6/24/2008)
too bad, i just learned the art of stick, and when i get a new car in 2012 ( college graduation) im afraid its going to be to dead :(
Reply
Chris 9:11AM (6/24/2008)
Ugh....why why wouldnt you offer the stick? if your going to put in the GXP then you already have everything you need to just put into the GT as well. I dont get it.
Reply
Noe 9:12AM (6/24/2008)
too bad, i just learned the art of stick, and when i get a new car in 2012 ( college graduation) im afraid its going to be to dead :(
Reply
Eddie 9:14AM (6/24/2008)
It's a shame that AutoBlog refuses to properly source their stories. They received this information from G8Nation.com. Come on guys....show a little journalism etiquette.
Reply
Alex Nunez 9:16AM (6/24/2008)
Hey Eddie,
Stuff it. Jim Hopson emailed me this morning.
rndmnme 9:22AM (6/24/2008)
... Alex with the burn.
Internet forum trolls are annoying.
why not the LS2LS7? 11:14AM (6/24/2008)
Why aren't you deleting that guy's post?
He's just putting that there to advertise his site. By you leaving it, he's having the last laugh.
David 9:15AM (6/24/2008)
.... and there go my plans to buy a G8.
Reply
Volk 8:33PM (6/24/2008)
sorry, pal, but not mine
Noah 1:06AM (6/25/2008)
Can we please work on some journalistic integrity here? This site is wrong about more things than Motor Trend.
Reply
Veinzer 9:17AM (6/24/2008)
It probably costs them more to get the 6 spd Tremec rather than the 6 speed auto, bean counters at work
Reply
The Other Bob 10:26AM (6/24/2008)
Exactly! Thank you for a little economic reasoning.
Owen 10:23PM (6/24/2008)
How incredibly disapointing. I was actually considering, and I'm not kidding here, going to my local dealership and putting a down payment on a Manual GT for whenever it comes in. Unless the Manual GXP is within $2K of the GT with Auto, forget it, there are other beasties I can get into that offer what I'm looking for (which is sporty + RWD + Manual + seating for 5).
rndmnme 9:19AM (6/24/2008)
FAIL!
Seriously, you're going to give us a gas guzzling V8 and slap it to an automatic when premium is $4.30+ a gallon. I wouldn't buy a 4 banger with an automatic and you expect people to buy a V8 with one? Performance and fun to drive aspect, stick helps people save at the pump.
The price is wrong Bob!
Reply
Eddie 9:32AM (6/24/2008)
Im sure people who buy a 6 liter V8 in a sedan aren't too concerned about fuel economy.
tankd0g 10:24AM (6/24/2008)
All 150 of them.