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.

[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