Autoblog

Chevy SS prototype spotted wearing Pontiac G8 clothes

George Kennedy — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 17:14:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Chevrolet, Pontiac

Do not adjust your computer screen, you are not seeing the rebirth of the Pontiac brand. General Motors has chosen to use a G8 to disguise a test mule for the latest prototype of the forthcoming Chevrolet SS. The G8 was closely related to the Holden Commodore and Vauxhall VXR, the platform upon which the new Chevrolet performance model will be based. It should come as little surprise, then, that GM has opted to use the cladding from the former G8.

Thought the front clip of this mule is pure Pontiac, note the vents immediately behind the front wheel. That is a distinctive design hallmark of the Vauxhall VXR. Also note that this vehicle is right-hand drive, as the Holden and its Chevy counterpart will be very closely related. That likely includes potential drivetrains. The spy photos of this mule also reveal very wide rear tires, and rear wheels that do not match the fronts.

Production of all three vehicles is set to begin in Australia in late 2013. Click below to check out the gallery of the test mule for Chevy's new rear-drive performance vehicle.

Chevy SS prototype spotted wearing Pontiac G8 clothes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Holden announces export of RWD Commodore to North America, other bodystyles could follow *UPDATE

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 17 May 2012 09:55:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet, Holden, Australia, Rumormill

Calling it "Holden's worst kept secret," a report in Australia's Drive indicates that the General Motors antipodean brand will announce "very soon" that it will be exporting "thousands of Commodores to the U.S. from 2013." Or, put another way, we will be getting thousands of Chevrolet SS Performance sedans - the Pontiac G8 in a previous life - starting next year.

The report says Holden is divulging the news earlier than planned because leaks just about everywhere, including OnStar, as well as trade-publication reports and speculation about GM's 2013 NASCAR entrant, have got everyone looking southward for confirmation of the answer we already (almost) know.

Drive says our rear-wheel drive Chevrolet will get a revised take on the VF-model Commodore that has an aluminum hood to make it lighter and less aggressive wheel arches to make it more slippery. No hard numbers are attached to the export rumors, but it is expected to number "much fewer than the 50,000-odd" units that were predicted for the Pontiac G8 program.

The scintillating line for bitter enthusiasts still chafing over the confirmed-then-cancelled G8 ST Ute corn tease is that the exports "could also expand to involve ute and sportwagon variants." Drive didn't, but we will emphasize the word "could," since we've been here before. However, that does jive with a report in Car and Driver indicating the same thing. Holden's announcement could be made as soon as ~~later today~~ right now - see below for update.

*UPDATE: Well that didn't take long. General Motors has officially confirmed that the new Holden-derived sedan sold in the U.S. will be called simply Chevrolet SS. The "limited production" SS will race in NASCAR beginning with the 2013 Daytona 500 and will appear in showrooms in 2014. GM isn't getting into specifics, but says "The much anticipated Australian-built car will benefit from significant technology advances which enhance overall performance." As to additional bodystyles like a wagon or pickup, well, GM isn't saying. See more in the official press release added below, and click on the image above to get a look at GM's newest racer all camo'd up.

Continue reading Holden announces export of RWD Commodore to North America, other bodystyles could follow *UPDATE

Holden announces export of RWD Commodore to North America, other bodystyles could follow *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Has GM's OnStar accidentally confirmed the 2014 Chevy SS?

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Etc., Chevrolet, Rumormill

While we're not ready to label this the return of the Pontiac G8, count us eager to get behind the wheel of whatever a "2014 Chevrolet SS Performance" turns out to be. Hopefully the appearance of this reference on the OnStar website is more than just a digital placeholder.

Chevy SS rumors have been swirling lately, with General Motors registering the "SS" trademark earlier this month, just days after our spy shooters caught what looked like a hotted-up Impala. Then there's the NASCAR situation: Chevrolet has said its new entry in the racing series will be both a new vehicle and a new nameplate. We're guessing that car isn't going to be the Spark.

So this new OnStar "leak," if it is such a thing, would point to the Chevy SS being a separate model (you can check it out on OnStar's site here). If we are reading our tea leaves correctly, the model will be derived from the rear-drive Holden Commodore (the same Zeta architecture that underpins Chevrolet's law-enforcement-only Caprice PPV), while the brand's front-drive Impala will get a new, sportier variant. We'd also assume that the long-wheelbase version of the Commodore used for the Caprice cop car would donate its top-level powertrain, the 355-horsepower, 6.0-liter V8.

Maybe we should just press the OnStar button and ask?

Has GM's OnStar accidentally confirmed the 2014 Chevy SS? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008-2009 Pontiac G8 recalled over airbag concern

Chris Paukert — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Pontiac

General Motors is recalling around 38,000 Pontiac G8 sedans from its 2008 and 2009 model years. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the cars may have a passenger-side airbag flaw that might prevent proper deployment in certain scenarios.

According to NHTSA, the airbag might not adequately protect a fifth percentile woman - that is, a woman around four-foot, 11-inches weighing 108 pounds. The New York Times indicates that the anomaly was found during a crash test conducted by GM's Australian branch, Holden, which was testing the G8's twin (read: Commodore) for head injuries. According to that report, the test in question is specifically tailored to simulate injuries to females, so the results do not apply to men or children.

The issue has been blamed on a seat position sensor that governs airbag deployment rates. NHTSA indicates that when the front passenger seat is moved all the way forward, the faulty sensor may inappropriately trigger a 30-millisecond delay between airbag stages, potentially leading to greater injuries.

With the Pontiac division closed, other GM dealers will reprogram the sensor module of models covered under the recall at no cost to vehicle owners. GM says that no injuries have been reported as a result of this issue. For more information on the recall, click past the jump for the official notice.

Continue reading 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 recalled over airbag concern

2008-2009 Pontiac G8 recalled over airbag concern originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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G8 redux? Chevy comeback rumored for Holden Commodore

Alex Nunez — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Chevrolet, Holden, Australia, Rumormill

Holden VE Series II Commodore - Click above for high-res image gallery

A fountain of tears was shed when the Pontiac G8 sedans bit the dust along with their parent brand. The Poncho-fied Holden Commodore was one of our favorite rides - particularly in its delicious, LS3-powered GXP guise with a six-speed stick. As you know, Holden is once again ready to export Zeta-based sedans to the U.S. in the form of the new long-wheelbase Chevy Caprice police cruisers, but civilian variants are not part of the program. This brings us to the latest scuttlebutt published by Drive.com.au, which reports that a new export agreement to send standard-wheelbase Holden VE Commodores back stateside as Chevrolets may be on the horizon.

Drive quotes General Motors engineer Al Oppenheiser as confirming that negotiations are indeed underway, while a second unnamed GM source told the website that it's a done deal. A Holden spokesman told Drive that in terms of exports, the focus is presently on the Caprice PPV, but added that other deals are being pursued. There's good reason to be hopeful. GM North America President Mark Reuss was the boss at Holden in 2008 and 2009, and clearly knows just how good the product is.

The G8 won widespread praise during its brief tenure, and the lack of a legit sport sedan is a glaring hole in Chevy's otherwise comprehensive lineup. It's also important to remember that thanks to the Pontiac G8, most of the development to federalize the Aussie four-door has already been done. It would likely not take much to get the current VE Series II sedan ready for a U.S. encore. Hell, if it actually happens, maybe this time GM could even go through with the ute introduction, too. Naming the Chevy version would be a snap, after all.

Fingers crossed, everybody. Thanks to TriShield for the heads-up!

Gallery: 2011 Holden Series II Family

[Source: Drive.com.au]

G8 redux? Chevy comeback rumored for Holden Commodore originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Nov 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Holden tallies $210M loss, blames Pontiac

Zach Bowman — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Holden, Australia

2009 Pontiac G8 GXP - Click above for a high-res image gallery

When General Motors first announced it was sending Pontiac packing, our first thought was a pang for the loss of the most excellent G8 GXP, followed quickly by concern for Holden, the automaker's Australian subsidiary. After all, the General's Australian arm had done well by providing America with left-hand-drive versions of the Commodore to sail under the Poncho flag. Turns out Holden is now feeling the loss of that deal in a big way. According to a report in The Age, the company just announced a loss of $192 million USD. Thanks to the American thirst for Australian V8s, Holden pulled in $5.3 billion in revenue in 2008, but just $3.6 billion last year.

The pinch doesn't just fall on GM shoulders, though. Like the rest of the automaking world, Holden saw sales plummet due to a global recession last year. The loss of the Pontiac contract only added fuel to the fire.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP

[Source: The Age]

Report: Holden tallies $210M loss, blames Pontiac originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Australian "Pontiac" G8 given extended run?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Truck, Wagon, Pontiac, Holden, Australia

Holden VE Commodore SS V-Series Special Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

We kind of have the Aussies to thank for it, so we guess it's all right that they get to keep it... but we can still be jealous. Four months ago General Motors' Down-Under division unveiled the Holden VE Commodore SS V-Series Special Edition, essentially a Commodore with the front end from the late Pontiac G8, minus the Pontiac badges.

The old company line was that they would be made until the parts ran out. Then buyers started tripping over themselves to buy the sedan at a $1,000 Australian premium ($923 U.S.). The new company line is that Holden will offer the G8 look "indefinitely," for the same premium. Dealers have also been ordering Pontiac and G8 badges to make the no-longer-limited-edition sedans closer to the real Yankee thing. The package will remain available on the three models in the line: Pontiac G8 SS-V ute, sedan, and wagon, all of which come with a manual transmission. Have a look at Australian fortune in the high-res gallery below, and excuse us while we drown our frustrations with the nearest hammer.

Gallery: Holden VE Commodore SS V-Series Special Edition

[Source: CarPoint]

Australian "Pontiac" G8 given extended run? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Holden-based, RWD 2012 Chevy SS coming after all?

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Chevrolet, Holden, Australia, Rumormill

Chevrolet Lumina SS (Middle East edition) - Click above for high-res image gallery

If it's Monday, there must be a big, rear-wheel drive Chevrolet four-door coming soon. Tuesday? We'll retract and deny everything. We know, we know. We also know we just reported that the next Chevy Impala will remain front-wheel drive - but check this out. We've been hearing rumors for some time now, that despite whatever Fritz Henderson has to say on the matter, a high-performance version of General Motors' Zeta platform that underpins the Pontiac G8 will live on as a Chevy SS model, either badged as a Caprice or (more likely) an Impala. And we're not talking the police special. As Maximum Bob has said, the G8 is "Kinda too good to waste." Needless to say, we totally agree.

An eagle-eye'd AB reader named Jim just caught the following on a Pontiac G8 forum:

"My dealer had sent off pictures to GM of the cable portion of the front seats belts rubbing against the plastic on the side of the front seats. In an email sent back to the dealer, GM says that they have no plans to solve what has already been built but going forward a correction is planned. The email continues: ...a fix is planned for MY11.5 Chevy Police Program and MY12 Chevy SS. The fix will involve a protective sleeve that covers the buckle and section of the buckle stem that rubs on the plastic trim."

How 'bout them apples? That might normally be a sliver of a sliver of a rumor, but it exactly what what we've heard independently from a reliable source - and it brings a great big smile to our face. Now, repeat after us, LS3 with six-speed manual, LS3 with six-speed manual, LS3 with six-speed manual... Thanks a million, Jim!

Gallery: 2009 Chevy Lumina SS (Middle East)

[Source: G8 Board]

Rumormill: Holden-based, RWD 2012 Chevy SS coming after all? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Zeta-based Chevy "G8" police car to be unveiled Monday

John Neff — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Pontiac, Holden, Police/Emergency, Australia

The Pontiac G8 has not deserved its lot in life, and despite the Australians trying to steal it back with the debut of two special edition Holdens that look awfully similar, this rear-wheel-drive sport sedan will find one way or another to stay on sale in the U.S. Unfortunately, its customers won't be the general public since General Motors, after a few crossed wires, has decided not to let the G8 live on as the Chevrolet Caprice. No, the G8's new audience will be the po-po, as in law enforcement.

We've been telling you about GM's plan to introduce a G8-based cop car for some time, and all evidence points to Monday as the cruiser's official debut at the International Association of Chiefs of Police convention in Denver, CO. While GM has not technically confirmed that the G8 will form the underpinnings of this new police package, the Zeta platform on which the G8 is based is the only RWD one large enough to accommodate a pair of officers and their collars. In other words, we don't expect GM to unveil a Kappa-based Pontiac Solstice police cruiser next week, as cool as that might be. So keep your eyes and ears peeled on Monday. The cops are coming and they'll be driving a G8.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd, Photo by Tom Worthington]

REPORT: Zeta-based Chevy "G8" police car to be unveiled Monday originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pontiac G8 resurfaces in Australia as a pair of special-edition Holdens

Noah Joseph — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:42:00 EST

Filed under: Pontiac, Holden, Australia

Holden VE Commodore SS V-Series Special Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

Holden giveth, and Holden taketh away. While we're still mourning the departure of the Pontiac G8 here in the U.S., the General's Australian subsidiary - whose Commodore gave birth to the G8 in the first place - has just announced a pair of special editions that seem to take back what we've lost.

The Holden VE Commodore SS V-Series Special Edition - available in sedan, Sportwagon and Ute body-styles - ditches the Australian brand's usual grille in favor of a twin nostril front end with a splitter down low and a pair of hood scoops up top. Look familiar? It's a Pontiac G8 GT, only without the Pontiac emblem. They just wiped the arrowhead off with a tissue like it was an errant booger. There's also the...um, sophisticated-sounding International Special Edition that packs AUS $7,500 of optional equipment, including leather interior and 18-inch alloys, into the ~~Pontiac~~ Commodore with the 3.0-liter direct injection V6 and six-speed auto, a.k.a. the Pontiac G8 V6.

You can read more about the pair in the press release after the jump. But all you really need to know is that the prisoner of GM's war on spending wasn't put to death, it was just sent off to Australia until the parts supply runs out. Press release after the jump, arrowhead-free high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Holden VE Commodore SS V-Series Special Edition

[Source: Holden]

Continue reading Pontiac G8 resurfaces in Australia as a pair of special-edition Holdens

Pontiac G8 resurfaces in Australia as a pair of special-edition Holdens originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Pontiac G8 Sedan, Wagon and Ute to be sold... in Australia

Alex Nunez — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Truck, Wagon, GM, Pontiac, Holden, Australia, Rumormill

The ill-fated Pontiac G8 ST - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's sad enough that the dizzying, platform-sharing, don't-call-it-rebadging upcoming product extravaganza General Motors unveiled to the Twitterati and media last week did not include the terms Zeta, Pontiac, G8, or any derivative thereof, but if a new report out of Australia is accurate, Holden is about to pour salt in America's wound - with an iodine chaser. Carsales.com.au claims to have an internal Holden memo stating that our friends Down Under will not only be able to purchase a Pontiac G8 SS-V sedan, but Wagon and Ute variants as well. (SS-V is the equivalent trim level to the U.S.-market G8 GT.)

These final Pontiac G8s will reportedly be offered through Holden dealerships (natch) as special limited-edition models. The reason? Simple: a final run of G8s made specifically for the Aussies will allow Holden to clean out some of the remaining Pontiac G8 part stock it currently has sitting around with nowhere to go. Dealer sources told Carsales.com.au that they expect the total run to be in the neighborhood of 1,500 cars, with the breakdown split fairly evenly among the three body styles.

Pontiac G8: the car that didn't deserve to die, that no one wants to see die, and that, so far, refuses to die quietly. Thanks to Stephen for the tip.

Gallery: 2010 Pontiac G8 ST

[Source: Carsales.com.au]

REPORT: Pontiac G8 Sedan, Wagon and Ute to be sold... in Australia originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pontiac G8 GXP spotted wearing HSV duds in Cali

Alex Nunez — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, Pontiac, Design/Style

Pontiac G8 GXP wears an HSV costume --Click above for an image gallery

Thanks to a tipster who shall remain anonymous, we have a set of photos showing what kind of fun you can have if you're the lucky owner of a Pontiac G8 GXP. This California car has been fitted the Aussie-market HSV front fascia, rear spoiler, hood, and wheels, but the vanity plate lets other motorists in on the Arrowhead-shaped secret. Any way you cut it, it looks good -- better even than the way the G8 GXP looks rolling out of your soon-to-be-defunct local Poncho store. So, hit the gallery to see the rest of it, and thanks to our tipster for the pics.

Gallery: Pontiac G8 GXP sporting HSV bodywork

Pontiac G8 GXP spotted wearing HSV duds in Cali originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM beginning to backpedal on Lutz' G8-turning-Caprice comments?

Chris Shunk — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac, Australia

2009 Chevy Caprice SS (Middle East) - Click above for high-res photo gallery

When General Motors' Bob Lutz talks, we listen. The reason, of course, is that he always gives us something good to write. Over the weekend, we told you about an interview Lutz had with Automobile Magazine where the Maximum One said that the G8 will live on as a Chevrolet Caprice. Lutz's comments looked like a sure thing to us, as it's hard to misinterpret these words.

"The last time we looked at [the G8], we decided that we would continue to import it as a Chevrolet. It is kind of too good to waste."

Just a few days later, Blogger Bob sounded a bit less certain about the future of the G8 as Chevrolet. On the company's Fast Lane Blog, Lutz simply said "we're studying the feasibility of bringing (the G8) in as a Caprice for both law enforcement and the public." That doesn't sound nearly as certain as the Automobile interview.

Kicking Tires reportedly received a similar statement from GM brass, saying "As part of its reinvention, General Motors is exploring every opportunity of effectively utilizing its global portfolio of vehicles, facilities and talent. While this exploration includes the possibility of extending imports of Holden vehicles (such as the recent Pontiac G8) to North America, no decision has been made at this time."

We're hoping this is corporate speak for 'We're going to do what Bob says, but we just don't want to promise anything just yet.' Turning the G8 into a Chevrolet model looks to us like the cheapest possible way to keep a terrific vehicle available in the States, and with the Bowtie's significantly larger dealer network, maybe GM can finally figure out how to turn a profit with with the awesome Aussie.

Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Caprice (Middle East)

[Sources: Automobile Magazine; Kicking Tires; Auto Observer]

GM beginning to backpedal on Lutz' G8-turning-Caprice comments? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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One Last Time: Henderson slams door on Pontiac G8 revival

Alex Nunez — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance

Middle East-market Chevy Lumina SS - Click above for high-res gallery

General Motors CEO Fritz Henderson held a web chat with journalists earlier today over at the automaker's Fastlane Blog. (Full transcript available here.) Now, despite persistent rumors to the contrary, it's been reported a few times over that GM has no intention of resurrecting the Aussie-built Pontiac G8 under a different division, even though variants of the G8's Holden Commodore source material are sold in foreign markets under both the Chevrolet and Buick nameplates. This is a lamentable course of action, to say the least, because the G8 is a really good car. In particular, the G8 GT and GXP models are downright excellent. Towards the end of the web proceedings, AutoWeek's Greg Migliore went to the well one last time on behalf of enthusiasts everywhere, asking Henderson if the G8 has any future under one of the "new" GM's remaining brands.

14:45 [Comment From Greg Migliore--AutoWeek]
Does the Pontiac G8 have any kind of future within General Motors as a re-badged model? What kinds of changes would need to be made to the car for it to be sold under another brand?

14:45 Fritz Henderson: I am not a fan of rebadging.

That's a terse, disappointing, answer - especially considering that of GM's four remaining divisions, GMC is made up almost exclusively of warmed-over Chevrolets. R.I.P. Pontiac G8. (Or new Chevy Impala. Or Buick Park Avenue...)

Gallery: 2009 Chevy Lumina SS (Middle East)

[Source: G M Fastlane via Motor Trend]

One Last Time: Henderson slams door on Pontiac G8 revival originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pontiac G8 could live on, sans Pontiac... but don't hold your breath

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Buick, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac, Rumormill

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

The brand's demise next year will mark the end of the Pontiac G8, but there's a faint glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel for the Aussie-built sports sedan. Speaking with Automotive News, Tom Stephens, General Motors' vice chairman of global product development, said "there's still discussions on" resurrecting the G8, "but Chevrolet already has several sedans. How many sedans do you need to cover the waterfront?"

His comments don't imbue us with much hope for the G8's future, particularly after GM CEO Fritz Henderson has clearly stated that no Pontiac models will live on within the "new" GM. Although there's a groundswell of enthusiast support for the General to replace the Impala SS - due to be killed next year - with the G8, or possibly offer the rear-wheel drive sedan as a Buick model, the idea doesn't seem to be gaining traction within the automaker.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Pontiac G8 could live on, sans Pontiac... but don't hold your breath originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Burying the Dead: Pontiac G8 faces recall over faulty taillamps, tire-pressure sensors

Chris Paukert — Fri, 22 May 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Pontiac

2009 Pontiac G8 GXP - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors may have already buried its Pontiac division, but the brand's recent passing isn't stopping a posthumous recall campaign by the automaker and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The action, which covers some 35,038 Pontiac G8 sedans from the 2008 and 2009 model years, stems from two potential issues:

1) The brake pedal position switch may be incorrectly programmed, which NHTSA says could lead to the brake lamps operating in a constant state of illumination, leaving trailing motorists unable to tell whether the G8 driver ahead of them is stepping on the binders or not. The defective taillamps could therefore contribute to an accident.

2) In another programming issue, certain G8s make have tire pressure monitoring systems loaded with incorrect values, which could result in the system failing to identify under-inflated tires, potentially leading to reduced handling abilities and/or tire failure.

According to NHTSA, Pontiac dealers will reprogram the brake position sensor and the remote control door lock receiver to remedy both issues. G8 drivers can expect the recall to begin by June 5, and anxious owners can call GM at 1-800-620-7668 to learn more. Thanks for the tip, Peter!

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP

Live photos copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Burying the Dead: Pontiac G8 faces recall over faulty taillamps, tire-pressure sensors

Burying the Dead: Pontiac G8 faces recall over faulty taillamps, tire-pressure sensors originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 May 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: GM kills Pontiac UPDATED with LIVE webcast embed

Chris Paukert — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:50:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, GM, Pontiac, Earnings/Financials

Rumors from late last week have come home to roost, and as part of its restructuring efforts, General Motors has just announced that Pontiac will be "phased out by the end of 2010." GM will continue to build its accelerated viability plan around four brands: Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, and GMC.

As part of its latest announcement, GM also announced that it plans to have "the resolution" of Saab, Saturn, and Hummer by the end of 2009 "at the latest." In total, GM plans to end up with just 34 nameplates for 2010, as compared to 48 for 2008 - a reduction of some 29%. Further, as part of its viability plan tendered to President Obama's Auto Task Force, the automaker's revised viability plan projects that GM's total market share will dip to 18.4 to 18.9% - the plan is banking on a 19.5 percent share for this year.

A media conference call is scheduled for later this morning and we will have more details and analysis following that, but for now, the official press release after the jump.

*UPDATE: LIVE WEBCAST of GM press conference embedded after the jump... ~~going on right now!~~ (Concluded)

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Officially Official: GM kills Pontiac *UPDATED with LIVE webcast embed*

Officially Official: GM kills Pontiac *UPDATED with LIVE webcast embed* originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tear in my beer: GM reportedly kills off 2010 Pontiac G8 ST

Chris Paukert — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, GM, Pontiac

Click above for high-res gallery of the Pontiac G8 ST

Hold on to your Budweiser coozies: Details are scarce at the moment, but Pickuptruck.com is reporting that Pontiac has quietly euthanized plans to introduce the 2010 Pontiac G8 ST. The muscular G8-based trucklet was to signal the re-emergence of the unibody pickup in North America, a genre once populated with vehicles like the Chevrolet El Camino and Ford Ranchero, along with smaller front-drive moppets like the Volkswagen Rabbit pickup and Dodge Rampage.

The Austrailian-built rear-drive G8 ST was to arrive with V8 power, a 74-inch cargo hold, and a 3500-pound towing capacity, making it less capable than full-size body-on-frame pickups like General Motors' own Silverado/GMC Sierra twins, with the predicted trade-off of markedly better handling and fuel economy.

The ST was to launch as a 2010 model later this year, and prices were rumored to start in the low $30k range. Although we are unsurprised to learn of the truck's cancellation (as GM is actively slimming down its portfolio and the baby muscle pickup was expected to serve as a small-volume niche model), we can't help but get a little misty-eyed at the loss of what promised to be a truly epic donut-making machine. G8 ST, we hardly knew ye...

Gallery: 2010 Pontiac G8 ST

[Source: Pickuptruck.com]

Tear in my beer: GM reportedly kills off 2010 Pontiac G8 ST originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Goodbye-amino? Pontiac could kill G8 ST; become one-car brand

Chris Tutor — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Pontiac, Holden

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Pontiac G8 ST

It's been a bad month for Pontiac fans. While begging for money from Congress, GM mentioned its intentions to sacrifice the brand to aid the General's recovery and get a few billion from the feds in the process. Now comes word that GM may keep the brand around, but cut its lineup in half... or more.

Automotive News spoke with Susan Docherty, vice president of Buick-Pontiac-GMC, who said that Pontiac's Aveo-based 2010 G3 will sticker for $15,000, but says it's a short-term product for the brand. Unfortunately, Docherty also hints the G8 Sport Truck's lifespan could be even shorter. "We would be foolish if we didn't take a second look at whether or not that is the right thing to do."

In a separate AN article, Docherty goes even further and suggests Pontiac's lineup could be pared down from six vehicles to a single nameplate. According to Docherty, "We are not going to spend tons of money on product development" for Pontiac and that the Pontiac Torrent will be dropped for 2009.

So what will Pontiac be selling? According to Docherty, the G8 is the most likely candidate for GM's performance brand, and that the ideal future for Pontiac would be "very focused, very specialty or niche."

Gallery: 2010 Pontiac G8 ST

Gallery: 2009 Pontiac G3

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Goodbye-amino? Pontiac could kill G8 ST; become one-car brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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