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.
[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
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
adamtech @ Jun 24th 2008 9:06AM
Can we PLEASE not call the guy a GM CZAR, or car CZAR, or product CZAR, or Chevy CZAR again?
Dude @ Jun 24th 2008 9:29AM
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 @ Jun 24th 2008 10:24AM
How about "BS off the top of his head that has no basis in reality Czar"?
Noe @ Jun 24th 2008 9:11AM
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 :(
Chris @ Jun 24th 2008 9:11AM
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.
Noe @ Jun 24th 2008 9:12AM
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 :(
Eddie @ Jun 24th 2008 9:14AM
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.
Alex Nunez @ Jun 24th 2008 9:16AM
Hey Eddie,
Stuff it. Jim Hopson emailed me this morning.
rndmnme @ Jun 24th 2008 9:22AM
... Alex with the burn.
Internet forum trolls are annoying.
why not the LS2LS7? @ Jun 24th 2008 11:14AM
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 @ Jun 24th 2008 9:15AM
.... and there go my plans to buy a G8.
Volk @ Jun 24th 2008 8:33PM
sorry, pal, but not mine
Veinzer @ Jun 24th 2008 9:17AM
It probably costs them more to get the 6 spd Tremec rather than the 6 speed auto, bean counters at work
The Other Bob @ Jun 24th 2008 10:26AM
Exactly! Thank you for a little economic reasoning.
Owen @ Jun 24th 2008 10:23PM
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 @ Jun 24th 2008 9:19AM
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!
Eddie @ Jun 24th 2008 9:32AM
Im sure people who buy a 6 liter V8 in a sedan aren't too concerned about fuel economy.
tankd0g @ Jun 24th 2008 10:24AM
All 150 of them.
Scott @ Jun 24th 2008 11:07AM
You're should update your knowledge on the mileage factor. Mileage is no longer automatically reduced by choosing an automatic--sometimes it's actually improved by going with the auto.
I prefer manuals myself and have had one as my daily driver for 10 years now, but technology has improved and 6+ speed autos are now common.
rndmnme @ Jun 24th 2008 11:14AM
@Scott
Show me the GM vehicle with an automatic that gets the same or better gas mileage than it's manual counter part.
@The rest, just because the buy a V8 doesn't mean they are out to completely burn down the environment. Theres no point in needlesly wasting fuel by choosing an automatic over a manual.