Pontiac has issued the following press release:
Confirming its commitment to style and performance, Pontiac introduced a show car version of an all-new, rear-wheel-drive performance sedan at the Chicago Auto Show. The 2008 Pontiac G8 will be available in dealerships early next year.
“With the balance of rear-wheel drive and the availability of V-8 power, the G8 represents another step in Pontiac’s commitment to its performance DNA. Added to the Solstice and the recently announced additions of the G6 and Torrent to the GXP series, the G8 demonstrates that Pontiac has never been more serious about the business of performance – and we expect this vehicle to be very competitive in the segment, even against cars that cost far more.”
John Larson, Pontiac General Manager
The G8 is the first North American application of GM’s new global rear-wheel-drive architecture developed by Holden, GM’s Australian subsidiary.
G8 GT Show Car Details
The G8 show car unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show is representative of the production GT model, including use of the 362-horsepower (270 kW) 6.0L V-8 engine and optional six-speed manual transmission. The show car also features some unique items not found on the production model: — 2009 Ford Flex crossover.
- Twenty-inch “shadow chrome” wheels and performance tires
- Ride height lowered approximately half-inch
- High-performance brake rotors with painted brake calipers
- Custom interior trim color, including a leather-wrapped dash
- Exclusive exterior paint color: Phantom Grey
- Concept of “modernized” Pontiac badge, to gauge public opinion
Production Model Details
The 2008 Pontiac G8 lineup will offer two models: G8 and G8 GT. Each will come with a host of standard performance, convenience and safety features:
- Four-wheel independent suspension
- Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control
- Electronic stability control
- 18-inch aluminum wheels (19-inch wheels available with sport package)
- Seat-mounted thorax air bags and dual-stage frontal air bags
- Roof rail side-impact air bags for both seating rows
- OnStar and XM Satellite Radio
- Power-adjustable front seats
- Fog lamps, chrome exhaust tips, rear lip spoiler
A sport package will be available for both models, adding 19-inch aluminum wheels and performance tires on GT, a rear wing spoiler, leather shift knob, leather-wrapped steering wheel and alloy pedals.
Design
The G8 has a progressive styling package highlighted by strong Pontiac design cues: a dual-port grille, fog lamps, bold wheels and a confident wheels-at-the-corners stance. Distinctive elements include hood scoops and front fender vents, as well as projector-beam headlamps in crystal-clear lenses. At the rear, jewel-like taillamps feature bright detail work surrounding the red lighting elements. G8 models have red taillamp lenses and twin chrome exhaust outlets, while G8 GT models feature clear taillamp lenses and quad chrome exhaust tips.
Powertrain
The base G8 model receives a 3.6L DOHC V-6 with variable valve timing, rated at 261 horsepower (194 kW), paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. — Hennessey Venom GT concept.
The G8 GT is powered by a 6.0L small-block V-8, rated at 362 horsepower (270 kW) and 391 lb.-ft. of torque (530 Nm). A six-speed automatic with Active Fuel Management is standard — the system enhances fuel economy by alternating between eight- and four-cylinder power. An optional six-speed manual transmission will be available soon after launch. A limited-slip rear differential is standard on GT models.
Suspension
A 114.8-inch (2,915 mm) wheelbase, wide front (62.7 in / 1,592 mm) and rear (63.3 in / 1,608 mm) tracks, and a fully adjustable four-wheel independent suspension combine to give the G8 a confident, sharp driving experience. The system employs a MacPherson strut design in front and a four-link coil-over-shock design in the rear, delivering increased lateral stiffness for enhanced handling. The front suspension features fully adjustable caster, camber and toe; the rear has fully adjustable camber and toe.
Brakes
A four-wheel disc brake system includes standard ABS, traction control and electronic stability control. Both models feature vented front and rear disc rotors with twin-piston alloy calipers in front and single-piston alloy calipers at the rear. The brakes are approximately one-inch larger on the higher-performance GT model. — BMW X5 enhancements.
Interior
Designed to meld form and function with world-class fit and finish, the G8’s interior delivers both comfort and convenience. A driver-oriented instrument cluster positions the gauges for easy, direct line of sight; an electronic driver information center sits between the large tachometer and speedometer. The cluster glows with crisp white light on primary instruments and Pontiac’s signature red lighting illuminates the rest of the panel.
The seats offer firm support during aggressive cornering while delivering excellent comfort on long drives. Cloth seating surfaces are standard, with heated leather available. G8 GT models also offer an optional two-tone cloth or leather combination pairing black with either red or blue inserts and color-matched instrument faces.
Filed under: New model introduction · February 7, 2007 · Please quote Global Auto Index if you use this news article.
