Autoblog

Click image for high-res photo gallery

Finally. We have been begging GM to bring us a version of Holden's new VE Commodore ever since the Aussie sedan launched in July. And now, at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, we're about to be granted our wish. Introducing the front-engined, rear-wheel-drive 2008 Pontiac G8. The car depicted above and in the attached gallery is the slightly gussied-up "show car" version, but fret not, because 99 percent of what you see is what you're gonna get.

The G8 GT show car is essentially a Holden Commodore SS-V sporting a new Pontiac front clip and hood. The 6.0L V8 with 362 horsepower lurking under its hood is the standard engine that will be found in the G8 GT production car. At launch, it'll be connected to a six-speed automatic, but if you want to row through those gears yourself, a six-speed manual will follow shortly thereafter (all together now...."YEAH!"). Pontiac says that the lowered ride height, 20" wheels, performance brake rotors, custom interior trim color and exterior paint color are all show-car-only parts. The same goes for the revised Pontiac arrowhead, which is there to gauge reaction from the public. If it's favorable, we expect to see it on the production car when it arrives in showrooms in early 2008.

While Pontiac states that the wheels and suspension are exclusive to the show car, we must point out that the rolling stock is taken directly from Holden's high-performance HSV GTS model, and we're willing to bet that the suspension is also HSV-sourced. That means both are readily available, so never say never.

Follow the jump for more info, the official press release, and the G8's full technical specifications.

[Source: Pontiac]