Autoblog

REPORT: GM still working on importing Holden Commodore with police package

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, GM, Holden, Police/Emergency

Stop us if you've heard this one. GM's Australian-based arm is looking to send its Holden Commodore to the United States. Right, um, that's the Pontiac G8, right? Actually, no, it's dead. And it may not be a Chevy either, depending on how you read the report from drive.com.au, which quotes GM chief Fritz Henderson as saying, "We've been working on a package for police applications. I just think that's going to work. We're pretty optimistic about it and that product will be sourced in Australia."

We'll put in an unsolicited vote for sending the cars to the U.S. exactly as they roll off the assembly line in Oz, complete with a Holden crest on the front fascia. Why fix what isn't broken? One thing is for certain: Unless you happen to wear a badge and drive around in a black-and-white Crown Vic for your day job, you probably won't have access to one of the Australian sedans, which, as you surely know by now, is a downright shame.

We're sure that police officers in the United States and Canada will appreciate another modern V8-powered, rear-wheel drive sedan platform just as much as anyone else, but we still wish The General was able to find a way to keep this vehicle in American showrooms and available to the public.

[Source: drive.com.au]

REPORT: GM still working on importing Holden Commodore with police package originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hurst announces Pontiac H.O. G8 and G6

Drew Phillips — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Sedan, Pontiac

2010 Hurst/Pontiac H.O. G8 and G6 - Click above to enlarge

The Pontiac brand may be on its way out the door, but that doesn't mean it can't have one last fling with a renowned tuner. Hurst Performance Vehicles, the legendary shifter company that most recently has made waves with its Hemi Challenger, announced its new H.O. program for the Pontiac G6 and G8. Few details have been released regarding the performance upgrades of the cars, but each will feature Hurst's signature black/gold or white/gold paint scheme, forged alloy Hurst wheels, an exclusive Hurst shifter, supercharged engine, suspension upgrades, and a newly trimmed interior.

To help with the development of the car, Hurst also brought on performance icon "Doc" Watson, who developed such vehicles as the Hurst Hemi-Under-Glass and the 1972 Pontiac SSJ. Only 52 Hurst H.O. Pontiacs will be built along with ten G6 convertibles used as parade and special event vehicles. More details regarding the performance upgrades will be announced on August 1st, but until then all the available information can be found in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Hurst announces Pontiac H.O. G8 and G6

Hurst announces Pontiac H.O. G8 and G6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Top 10 Greatest Pontiacs Of All Time

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Pontiac

With Pontiac's death official, we decided it was only appropriate to take a look back to find the ten greatest vehicles that defined the brand's performance. As you will see and undoubtedly already know, there was a time when Pontiac really did build excitement.

First, some history: Pontiac was first launched in 1926 as a companion to the Oakland brand, which was purchased by General Motors way back in 1909. In 1949, Pontiac introduced a brand new model that was intended to usher in a new sporty flair to the automaker's stately line of automobiles. Though the new model was fairly successful, it was held back by the long-running straight-eight engine that had been used since the early 1930s. That was all about to change with the introduction of the first model on our Top 10 list. Want to know more? Read on.

Top 10 Greatest Pontiacs Of All Time originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pontiac SLP Firehawk G8 GT details, pricing released

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Sedan, Performance, Pontiac, Specialty

It seems that no amount of controversy will prevent SLP (Street Legal Performance) from launching its latest Firehawk, this time based on the Pontiac G8 GT. Prior to this model, all previous Firehawk packages were fitted to the Firebird, a fact that has a number of SLP purists rather upset. Before we get to the specifications, perhaps we should remind Firebird fans that it could be worse: At least they didn't choose to revive the Firehawk name on a version of the new Camaro, right?

As for the car, it sounds like a pretty nice package. To the stock V8 engine, SLP adds a supercharger that's similar to the one featured on the jaw-dropping Corvette ZR1, a stainless exhaust system and a cold air induction system. All that's good for an impressive 500 horsepower. Other mods include new 19-inch alloys painted up in gun metal gray and a sport suspension package. The car's most striking design element will surely be the flat black-painted hood, grille surrounds and rear spoiler - an obvious nod to the factory gaudiness of muscle cars from the late '60s and early '70s.

Aside from the Firehawk name, the biggest issue that's likely to inhibit future SLP G8 ownership is surely the price. To the stocker's $32,440 base price, the SLP package adds a substantial $18,995, plus an extra $4,995 for an upgraded brake kit. For that kind of money, buyers could very nearly opt for a Cadillac CTS-V and be rewarded with its amazing supercharged 6.2L V8 engine and 556 horsepower. Still want one? Check back with your favorite local Pontiac dealer on April 1st. No foolin'.

[Source: SLP via GM Inside News]

Continue reading Pontiac SLP Firehawk G8 GT details, pricing released

Pontiac SLP Firehawk G8 GT details, pricing released originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Someone did it: Holden Commodore conversion for your Pontiac G8

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Pontiac, Holden, HSV

General Motors has been the perpetrator of several fortunate and unfortunate badge engineering jobs over the years, and the G8 -- based off the Holden Commodore -- is the most recent example. The Aussie sedan was partially developed with American sales in mind and because of that, it doesn't take much to give your spiffy new G8 a nose job inspired by the Land Down Under. Australian firm JHP Vehicle Enhancements will sell you an entire body kit to change your G8 into a Holden for a mere, um, $4,000 if you choose to go all out in an attempt to replicate the HSV model. That's a sizable chunk of change, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Since we're less concerned with appearances, we'd just put the extra scratch towards upgrading to the GXP.

[Source: JHP Vehicle Enhancements via Autofiends]

Someone did it: Holden Commodore conversion for your Pontiac G8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pontiac: G8 and Solstice not being canceled

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Pontiac, Rumormill

Click above for hi-res gallery of the Pontiac G8 GXP

Pontiac hopes to clear things up with a post on Pontiac blog regarding the future of its current products, namely the G8 and Solstice. It was just the other day that rumors of the brand's two rear-wheel drive vehicles possible being canceled hit the interwebs, and we dutifully reported on the story as we always do. According to Pontiac, though, those rumors are nothing more than speculation and should not be taken as gospel unless you hear it from the horse's (or Mr. Lutz's) mouth, which we have not. Still, the rumor in question indicates that the G8 will live on at least another five years, assuming it continues to sell that long, but would not be replaced after that. This could still be the case. Likewise, the Solstice has not been canceled, but it's replacement in GM's lineup still seems unlikely given the low volume of sales the vehicle attracts. In short, nobody can predict the future, but sometimes the handwriting on the wall isn't that tough to read.

Gallery: 2008 Pontiac G8 GXP - Live Reveal

[Source: Pontiac Underground]

Pontiac: G8 and Solstice not being canceled originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

RWD Pontiac G8 will be dead in five years

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Pontiac

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

It looks like things will be getting a lot less exciting at Pontiac, as some reports indicate that the erstwhile performance brand will be losing its best performers. Despite the fact that the G8 sedan has seen nothing but positive press from the media, including your humble scribes here at Autoblog, the realities of fuel economy and the global economy appear set to kill off the rear-wheel drive performance sedan in the prime of its short life. GM will reportedly not renew the G8 after its Holden-sourced chassis architecture is redesigned following a planned five-year run.

The Pontiac Solstice in both coupe and convertible forms is also unlikely to see a second generation. Unfortunately, the Solstice, Saturn Sky and their Opel spin-off don't generate enough sales to support another go-round, which could leave Pontiac with exactly zero vehicles with overtly sporting pretensions. While the G6 may be a decent car, it and a Cobalt derivative in the form of the G5 and a rebadged Aveo known as the G3 do not a BMW competitor make. What does this mean for the future of Pontiac as a brand? We'll see.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

[Source: Inside Line]

RWD Pontiac G8 will be dead in five years originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pontiac G8 GT: No longer most powerful car under $30K

Chris Tutor — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Pontiac

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

If you like horsepower, speed and a usable back seat, the Pontiac G8 GT was a great deal with an MSRP of $29,995. In fact, Pontiac advertised the 2008 model as just such a bargain: "Most powerful car starting under $30K," which is riding the line pretty close.

But the company will have to ditch that ad campaign with the 2009 model as prices for a G8 GT will now begin at $31,360, or some $1,365 more than the previous year. Some of the cost is due to more standard luxuries like XM Radio, but at least part of the increase can be blamed on those familiar culprits of a weak U.S. dollar and rise in material costs. Still, we would've thought some of the car's cost was trimmed by ditching the oversized auxiliary gauges for the car's battery charge and oil pressure. Guess not.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

[Source: GM Inside News via Motor Authority]

Pontiac G8 GT: No longer most powerful car under $30K originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Another Pontiac G8 ad that goes after our childhood

Dan Roth — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Classics, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Pontiac

Click above to view the video after the jump.

If the ad campaign is any indication, those of us born in the late 1970s are the demographic Pontiac's aiming at with the G8. First, there was the Spy Hunter themed TV spot, and now this one, which pays homage to the seminal car-guy experience of zooming around on a carpet in 1/64 scale. Hey, we're cool with that. The G8 GT does induce heart palpitations in many of us who still cling to our battle-scarred collection of now-vintage Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars with our initials etched into the underside. Like many of the other tiny cars we racked up miles on, a miniature G8 would have made us wish for either a shrink-ray, or a personal fortune by the time we hit 16 so we could buy a real one. Video embedded after the jump.

[Source: AdGabber]

Continue reading VIDEO: Another Pontiac G8 ad that goes after our childhood

VIDEO: Another Pontiac G8 ad that goes after our childhood originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 May 2008 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

APS builds 557 hp twin-turbo setup for Pontiac G8 GT

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:33:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Sedan, Pontiac, Holden, HSV

Click above for a gallery of the turbocharged APS HSV Commodore.

APS is in the business of making power and that's exactly what they've done for the new Pontiac G8 GT and its Aussie-spec sibling, the Holden Commodore HSV. The tuner's Stealth Intercooled turbocharger setup uses two water-cooled turbos mounted deep into the engine bay, just ahead of the transmission, to ensure underhood temps are kept in check - road debris be damned. According to APS, the system is a straightforward, bolt-in affair, utilizing a right-sized, aluminum, air-to-air intercooler, seven pounds of boost and a pair of TIAL 38mm external wastegates to bleed off exhaust gases and optimize throttle response. While APS hasn't installed the system on a Pontiac G8 GT yet, they've strapped its own blown HSV (with a three-inch cat-back exhaust) onto the rollers of a Dyno Dynamics dyno and produced 557 hp and 583 lb.-ft. of torque while running 93-octane. Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but considering how impressed we were with the standard G8 GT, this setup has the potential to redefine the bang-for-the-buck quotient in the segment.

Gallery: APS Stealth Intercooled HSV Commodore

Gallery: First Drive: Pontiac G8

[Source: APS via FreshTarmac]

APS builds 557 hp twin-turbo setup for Pontiac G8 GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 May 2008 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Autoblog Podcast #93

Dan Roth — Fri, 02 May 2008 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, BMW, Mazda, Nissan, Pontiac, Suzuki

It's been two weeks since our last podcast -- we tried to do one last week, but technical difficulties scuttled the effort. With that in mind, we packed some extra content into Autoblog Podcast #93. It's the usual rollicking good time where we discuss our current Autoblog Garage occupants, hit a few news items like the neo-M1 concept from BMW, Suzuki's content addition to the SX4, and the unveiling of the new Mazda6. Most importantly, we burn a healthy amount of minutes on the new Knight Rider suckfest. We also take a few emails from our podcast at autoblog dot com address. Thanks for your hour and seven minutes!

SUBSCRIBE to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
ADD the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
DOWNLOAD the show now

Autoblog Podcast #93 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 May 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Review: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

John Neff — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:59:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedan, Pontiac

2008 Pontiac G8 GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

As a tyke I staged an all-out assault on my parents' better judgment for a G.I. Joe hovercraft. Not three months had passed following their surrender when I ransomed my mischievousness for the next toy my happiness hinged upon. Oh, that hovercraft? Forgotten. The auto industry works the same way. We often convince automakers that we'll buy every cool car they'd make if they would just grow a pair and build 'em. They do their part and then... we don't. The trust is broken and we're back to buying what automakers know will sell.

After much whining from performance enthusiasts, the rear-wheel-drive 2008 Pontiac G8 GT is finally here and at first glance is packing almost everything we wanted. Will GM be made to look like the pushover parent and left paying the bill for this Aussie import while customers shift their attention on to the next big thing, or will the G8 turn out to be the toy we never tire of? Read on to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

Continue reading Review: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

Review: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pontiac G8 GXP Coupe being considered?

Dan Roth — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Etc., GM, Pontiac, Holden, Australia

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]

Pontiac G8 GXP Coupe being considered? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

First drives of 2008 Pontiac G8 GT published early

John Neff — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Pontiac, First Drive

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.

Gallery: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

First drives of 2008 Pontiac G8 GT published early originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Walkaround: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

Alex Nunez — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 19:55:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, GM, Pontiac

Click image for photo gallery

At the East Coast edition of the 2008 GM Collection, El General had one of his preproduction Pontiac G8 GT sedans on display for everyone's inspection. The car on hand was a red GT with an automatic transmission, the revised silver Pontiac badge, black leather seating. Unfortunately, the G8 at the event was eye candy only -- no driving allowed. Still, it was unlocked, and I was able to check out the production-spec interior up close. Follow the jump for a quick rundown and first impression of how it all looked

All Photos (C)2007 Alex Núñez / Weblogs, Inc.

Gallery: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT (Pre-Production)

Continue reading Walkaround: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

Walkaround: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Oct 2007 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments