2008 Pontiac G8 GT Sedan: Bringing Back Pontiac Excitement!

With the all-new 2008 G8 GT, Pontiac is once again offering real high-performance thrills for the whole family. Unlike the two-door GTO coupe that lasted only two model years, the all-new G8 GT offers a thrilling ride with more comfort and safety for the whole family at a very reasonable price.

The G8 is the first application of GM’s new global rear-wheel-drive architecture. Available in either the base 3.6 liter engine making 256hp, or the GT model that makes a whopping 361hp. Each delivers a broad range of standard performance, convenience and safety features including: four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel vented disc brakes with ABS and traction control, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, seat-mounted thorax airbags and dual-stage frontal airbags, roof rail side-impact airbags for both seating rows, OnStar, XM Satellite Radio, power-adjustable front seats, fog lamps, polished stainless steel exhaust tips, and a low-profile rear lip spoiler. A sport package is available for the G8 GT models that add 19in. aluminum wheels and performance tires, a leather wrapped sport steering wheel and alloy foot pedals.

Both G8 models share a progressive styling package highlighted by strong Pontiac design cues, such as a dual-port grille, fog lamps, 5-spoke aluminum wheels and a confident, wheels-at-the corners stance. The design accents the car’s performance lineage, with fenders that flare over the wheels, seemingly hugging the wide tires and enhancing the sporty stance.

Distinctive elements include working hood scoops and front fender vents, projector headlamps housed in crystal-clear lenses. At the rear, taillamps feature bright detail work and clear lenses, a lower air diffuser better manages underbody airflow, a full-width spoiler at the end of the trunk lid increases downforce,
and quad polished stainless steel exhaust tips. From the side are steeply raked windshield pillars and beautifully formed and working fender air-extractor vents. A bright chrome strip surrounding the greenhouse give a touch of elegance while deep lower side extensions enhance aerodynamics and give the car a lower-to-the-ground stance.

Designed to meld form and function with world-class fit and finish, the G8’s interior delivers both comfort and convenience, packaged in a level of sophistication not often found in its price range. The cockpit is wonderfully designed with big, white on black rally gauges positioned for an easy, direct line of view.

An electronic driver information screen is located between the 180mph speedometer and 8,000rpm tachometer. Attention to detail is seen everywhere from the easy-to-read instruments, selective use of satin and chrome trim, and rich-feeling, grained textures throughout. The instrument cluster glows with crisp, white light on the primary instruments and Pontiac’s signature red lighting illuminates the rest of the instrument panel cluster. The sport bucket seats give bottom and rear comfort, and utilizes thick side bolstering to keep you in place during spirited driving times. All buttons, switches and dials are reached easily and fully illuminated for safe nighttime travel. The sport designed 4-spoke steering wheel is leather wrapped and tilt/telescoping for the perfect reach and angle.

Standard interior features in the G8 GT include auto dual zone climate control, cruise-control, intermittent wipers/washers, 4-way power seat adjustment for both front bucket seats, theft deterrent alarm system, lighted visor mirrors, inside mirror with compass, power windows/door locks with express down up front, grab handles for rear doors, center console with dual cup holders, storage bins, dual map lamps and sunglass holder in overhead console, rear pull-down center armrest, Blaupunkt Premium AM-AM-CD Audio System with 11-speakers, 320-watt and subwoofer, front and rear floor mats and cargo convenience net. Optional leather seats come with heating elements up front.

At 6ft. 3in. I found that my head was only 1in. from the headliner, but that the interior did feel roomy and enough space front and back plus the trunk for taking care of all my daily driving chores.
The base G8 model receives a 3.6 liter DOHC, all-aluminum V6 with VVT and is rated at 256hp and 248lb.ft. of torque.

The G8 GT that I tested was powered by a uniquely configured 6.0 liter all-aluminum V8 generating 361hp and 285lb.ft. of torque. It features GM’s Active Fuel Management technology which allows the engine to switch from V8 power to four-cylinder operation during light-load driving conditions, enhancing fuel economy.

This high-performance V8 engine is mated to a standard Hydra-Matic six-speed 6L80 automatic transmission turning the rear wheels. This robust transmission uses a clutch-to-clutch operation and an integrated 32-bit transmission controller to deliver smooth and precise shifts. The six-speed has a generous 6.0:1 overall ratio that enables a ‘steep’ first gear. The result is strong launch acceleration along with ‘tall’ overdrive ratios that lower engine rpms for better fuel economy and reduced noise. The 6L80 also features Driver Shift Control that enables you to take the rpms to redline for even faster acceleration.

A limited-slip rear differential is standard and helps get the power down on the pavement more efficiently.

The G8 GT blasts out to 60mph from a standstill in just 5.3sec., one of the fastest 4-door sedans for under $32,000.00.

Engineered and manufactured by GM’s Australian ‘Holden’ division, it is built on GM’s global rear-wheel-drive architecture, and is designed to deliver world-class levels of strength and refinement, along with crisp driving dynamics. Among the architecture’s design attributes is a layout that promotes a nearly 50/50 front-to-rear weight balance ratio, thanks a design features that include a steering rack mounted ahead of the front axle, engines mounted low and rearward in the front chassis cradle and a trunk mounted battery. GM’s rear-drive architecture also has an exceptionally strong unitized chassis/body structure, including advanced-strength steel used in more than 80% of its construction. This strong foundation enables several factory that benefit the G8 GT’s driving dynamics and experience, including smoother, more solid ride characteristics and more precise suspension tuning, as the stiffer structure allows engineers to tune the suspension without having to account for chassis flex.

The unique, four-wheel independent, performance-tuned suspension is integrated with the G8’s structure, and is the result of eight years of development. It uses the strength of the body structure to enhance the driving experience through optimized steering, handling and driving control.

The G8 rides on a long, 114.8in. wheelbase, with the wheels set wide on 62.7in. front, and 63.3in. rear tracks. The front suspension features a multi-link, MacPherson strut design that includes a direct-acting stabilizer bar, while the rear suspension uses a four-link design with progressive-rate coil springs over gas-charged shocks and a decoupled stabilizer bar.

The front suspension uses a hydraulically damped bushing on the forward end of the tension link for improved ride isolation. The lateral link features a rubber spherical joint that enhances lateral stiffness. Camber, caster and toe are fully adjustable. With the rear suspension, a high degree of lateral stiffness is achieved with the use of two lateral ball joints per side. A rubber-damped suspension frame further isolates body structure from noise, vibration and harshness from the road.

The G8 GT rides on big 18X8in. 5-spoke alloy wheels wrapped with Goodyear 245/45R18in. Eagle RS-A performance tires. The unique suspension geometry and the wide tires give the GT remarkable handling ability at triple-digit speeds on the open road and road hugging cornering ability when challenging curving back roads. It’s as if you were riding on rails.

The steering rack is mounted forward of the front axle centerline-with dual lower links and individual ball joints at the outer ends-which enhances the balanced feel of the car while also contributing to a more direct and connected steering feel. Turn-in is quick and precise. You can turn off the traction control system to let the rear hangout at the apex of turns, then ease off the throttle to get it back in line as you exit.

The G8 GT’s brakes are big and strong to quickly and safely slow you down from speed. All four disc brakes are vented and feature 12.64in. rotors up front, clamped by alloy, dual-piston calipers, and 12.76in. rear rotors clamped alloy calipers with single-piston actuation.

Your braking control is enhanced with standard ABS, all-speed traction control and StabiliTrak electronic stability control.

Standard safety features include efficient, energy-absorbing front structure and a strong occupant safety cage, six-standard airbags including dual-stage front airbags, side thorax airbags, for front passengers, and roof-mounted head curtain airbags for both seating rows, multiple airbag sensors, front safety belts with load limiters and dual pretensioners, ride-down steering column and breakaway pedal system, LATCH system for child seats, OnStar for emergency situations, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The all-new 2008 Pontiac G8 GT is the real deal in mid-size performance sedans costing less than $32,000.00. Engineered and manufactured in Australia by GM’s Holden division, known throughout the world for its high-performance track record, then styled in Detroit with signature Pontiac design cues, the all-new Pontiac G8 GT makes for the perfect family sedan where the consumer enjoys high-performance driving when the kids and the wife are away.

COPYRIGHT:2008:HARVEY SCHWARTZ

SPECIFICATIONS

Price: MSRP $31,555  Invoice $29,819
Type: Large Sedan
Where Built: Australia
EPA Class: Large Cars

Dimensions

Exterior
Length: 196.1 in.
Width: 74.8 in.
Height: 57.7 in.
Wheel Base: 114.8 in.
Curb Weight: 3995 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 38.7 in.
Front Hip Room: 56.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 59.1 in.
Rear Head Room: 38 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 59.1 in.
Rear Hip Room: 58 in.
Front Leg Room: 42.2 in.
Rear Leg Room: 39.4 in.
Luggage Capacity: 17.5 cu. ft.
Maximum Cargo Capacity: 18 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5

Performance Data

Base Number of Cylinders: 8 Base Engine Size: 6 liters
Base Engine Type: V8
Horsepower: 361 hp
Max Horsepower: 5300 rpm
Torque: 385 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4400 rpm
Maximum Towing Capacity: 2000 lbs.
Drive Type: RWD
Turning Circle: 37.4 ft.
0-60mph: 5.2 seconds

Fuel Data

Fuel Tank Capacity: 19 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Automatic: : 15 mpg / 24 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 285 mi. / 456 mi.

Trans AM for sale

Trans AM for sale

Enjoy!

This Pontiac commercial is largely inspired by the popular action/driving game from the early 80s. In the Pontiac spot, the mission is the same, with the G8 starring as the hero car.

Rag Top, Topless, Drop Top, Convertible, Sun Fun, Hardtop, Soft-top and more. Okay folks, we are not talking about women outfits here, we are talking about the top 10 convertibles for this summer.

The automotive industry has come back with a vengeance developing and marking some of the best convertible cars yet. When a new panoramic sunroof just does not do it for you need to go completely topless then you may want to take a look at one of the top 10 Topless Cars for this summer.

#10

Mini Cooper
Price: $21,950

The Mini Cooper has made its mark as a favorite “little” car and recently a favorite due to the high gas prices. This soft top convertible has the same attractive cues as does the regular coupe. Also available is a version with a retractable soft-top that glides back for a panoramic vista roof view.

#9 and #8

Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky
Price: $22,165 and $25,525

You can consider both the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky the little sisters or brothers of the Chevy Corvette, a convertible version of course. The new power plants may consider these little roadsters “pocket rockets” with a new 260hp turbocharged 2.0 liter. With that version it may set you back about 30 grand. Saturn Sky Test Drive.

#7

Ford Mustang
Price: $24,475

We have seen it, loved it, and now we still enjoy the infamous Ford Mustang with a soft drop top. When we say fun in the sun, this is it. Still one of the most affordable sports coupes you can buy on the market. As always, you can let your hair blow in the wind and still have some cash in your pocket for some expensive gas.

#6

Chrysler Sebring
Price: $26,160

This has got to be one of the most driven convertibles by tourists, business execs and those who want an inexpensive alternative to drive around in the sun. Rental car companies are not shy about offering a convertible and the Chrysler Sebring is usually THE choice. Recently added to the line-up is a hardtop convertible so you do not have to worry about a Mickey Mouse stalker cutting open your top to steal your iPod. Chrysler Sebring Convertible Test Drive.

#5

Honda S2000
Price: $34,300

The Honda S2000 is pretty much self explanatory by now. If you do not know about the Honda S2000 then you have been out-of touch from the automotive industry for a LONG TIME. This one is MONEY, quality in a pocket rocket with solid performance out of a 4-banger. If you live revving beyond the limit while enjoying the outside environment then this is the car for you.

#4

Chevrolet Corvette
Price: $54,575

Do you want some power pushing you around while the wind wisps past your face? No we don’t mean getting punched in the face, we mean the Chevrolet Corvette Convertible. Probably the fastest convertible you can buy for the money. 0-60 in 4.0 seconds, 430hp, over 25mpg, rear wheel drive all with a drop top… can’t beat that! Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Test Drive.

#3

Porsche Boxter S
Price: $55,700

The Porsche Boxter has grown up in the recent years and blossomed into a major alternative to those seeking a German engineered toy in a semi-practical package. With 295hp you would expect this convertible to drink gas faster than it makes heads turn when you drive past a group of on-lookers. Just like the Corvette, this drop top gets 26mpg and it is truly all Porsche for a lot less than it’s bigger brother, the 911.

#2

Jaguar XKR
Price: $92,035

We tested sex on wheels some time ago and found it to be just that, sex on wheels that can stay topless all day long and keep the heads turning. This cat purrs through it’s 300hp engine pushing near 4000lbs. around on the long cat legs that provide a subtle and smooth ride. Don’t let the soft fur of this cat fool you, it can play around with the best of the big dogs all while not being shameful of going topless.

#1

Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG
Price: $132,000

This one is a no-brainer if you want to choose a “nice” convertible to introduce the homecoming king and queen to a stadium full of alumni, just don’t press the gas pedal to hard. If do you do get this baby out on an open road with seatbelts securely in place, it wont disappoint at all. It touts 604hp through a turbocharged V12 engine matted to a 7-speed multi-clutch automatic tranny. If that is not enough to keep you satisfied then the hard top will allow you and your single passenger to both go topless and still make it in time for kickoff at the big game.

[idea of article from: msnautos.com]

Today GM released the announcement to its employees and to the public that they have plans to majorly cut production including 4 truck plants. The slow in the economy and high gas prices is obviously a major factor in the decision that GM is making in the upcoming months. Surprisingly Rick Wagoner, GM’s CEO, announced possible closing of plants that make many GM SUV’s and trucks with a mention of a possible removal or sale of Hummer which may remove this brand from the market all-together.

This may come as a surprise when you listen to Rick Wagoner mention the closing of plants that produce the Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon. We all know that is a big monster in the SUV market but we also know the SUV market is diminishing very fast mainly due to the fact that SUV’s consume A LOT of gas and the economy just cannot support the high price of such vehicles.

CNN.com posted the news this morning and reads:

GM: Trucks out, cars in

Automaker plans to shut 4 pickup and SUV plants, build more fuel-efficient vehicles, and may dump the Hummer brand.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — General Motors announced plans Tuesday to shut four truck and SUV plants that employ thousands of workers. It also said high gas prices are here to stay – and, with them, consumers’ growing preference for more fuel-efficient vehicles.

At a news conference in Wilmington, Del., GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner announced plans to roll out more fuel-efficient vehicles, including approval to start the production process on a vehicle that can run gas-free for trips up to 40 miles.

But the plant-closing plans are a stunning admission from the nation’s largest automaker that its long dependence on large SUVs and pickups is no longer a viable strategy for a company struggling to end losses from its North American operations.

The plants to be closed include two U.S. facilities: The Moraine, Ohio plant that builds midsize SUVs, such as the Chevrolet Trailblazer and GMC Envoy; and the Janesville, Wisc., assembly line that builds large SUVs such as the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban and GMC Yukon.

In addition, it plans to close a pickup plant in Oshawa, Canada, and a truck plant in Toluca, Mexico.
The Mexican plant that builds medium-duty trucks sold to businesses rather than consumers will close later this year. The other plants will close in 2009 and 2010, with sooner closings possible if sales do not improve. Each U.S. plant has about 2,500 employees.

iReport.com: Still driving a gas guzzler?

The company said it believes that high oil and gasoline prices will be the norm, and that prices are likely to go higher due to strong global demand for oil.

“These higher gasoline prices are changing consumer behavior and rapidly,” said Wagoner. “We don’t think this is a temporary spike or shift. We think it is permanent.”
Goodbye Hummer Wagoner also said GM is looking at possibly selling its Hummer unit as part of a strategic review of the SUV brand based on military vehicles. The Hummer H3 mid-size SUV gets about 13 to 14 miles per gallon in city driving in the most recent EPA ratings. The H1 and H2 are larger vehicles on which EPA does not give mileage estimates.

The brand has become the symbol to many members of the public of a gas-guzzling large U.S. vehicle.
Hello Volt He also announced that GM has approved production of the Chevrolet Volt, a so-called plug-in hybrid vehicle that can run about 40 miles without any use of gasoline. The Volt will be built in GM’s Hamtramck, Mich., plant and is due in showrooms by the end of 2010.

Read more at cnn.com

Hummer H2 for sale

In our interesting world we have those who choose to drive one of the finest cars in the world. We have those choose to make an attempt to replicate one of the finest car brands in the world. Ever seen those old Pontiac Fiero’s with a Ferrari kit on it… usually a red car that looks like plastic? HA, yes, I am sure you have seen them running around sounding like a poor-mans Chevy with a 4-cyl engine. Well, it seems the pot is being stirred again with people making replicas of Ferrari’s from the form of Pontiacs, Toyotas, and others. Above is the video clip from cnn.com demonstrating what is happening now.

Enjoy and feel free to post your comments. Myself and my staff check the comments daily and want to hear from you!

Told ya so. GM will be developing an El Camino type vehicle. Debuting at the 2008 New York Auto show will be the Pontiac G8 ST where the ST stands for Sport Truck… go figure. Along side of the Pontiac will be a GMC version of the same “Crewman” Ute type vehicle. Does anyone actually remember the El Camino and how many of those cars (trucks) they sold?

All based on the Holden Crewman as in our previous post.

What is your outlook on this type of vehicle… is it more of a “move over gas guzzling pickup truck” or is it, “that’s just plain ugly, I never liked the El Camino anyway”. You decide!

One of the 4 Knight Rider cars is up for action on eBay. Yes, KITT is for sale, and you can own him if you win this eBay auction. Back in 2006 one of the Knight Rider cars sold for around $100,000 which was down from the asking price of $149,000. While these 1984 Pontiac Trans-Am cars remain circulated and in good re-conditioned shape they are looking into selling them off as you can see in this eBay auction. The car for sale in this auction is one of the camera cars that Michael Knight – David Hasselhoff actually sat in behind the wheel and this one was not wrecked in any stunt crashes. It remains in excellent shape and ready for its new own to take possession.

Of course this car is not really going to hold full conversations and drive itself around town by its self, but it sure might fool your friends by the added detail and aesthetics of what we all have known for the original KITT Knight Rider car. The opening bid was posted at $20,000 and has since gone up to over 30K at the time of posting this article.

Link to the auction on eBay Here!

Happy Bidding!

With some 20′s and some scary Halloween accents  you can’t mistake the new Pontiac G8 with some meaner looking parts dressed up for the 2007 SEMA show in Las Vegas, NV.