Pontiac G8

A new sport sedan from GM’s performance division, the Pontiac G8 will face some heady competition, but may best them all in terms of value.

Once the undisputed bad-boy performance division of General Motors, Pontiac returns to its roots with the G8, a V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger sport sedan based on the Holden Commodore from GM’s Australian Division. Athletic performance combined with ample passenger room and cargo capacity create a sporty but practical choice for under $30,000. That sticker can include a 361-horsepower 6.0-liter V8 and six-speed automatic, making the Pontiac G8 the performance bargain of 2008.

Two Versions Offered
The first rear-wheel-drive performance sedan from Pontiac in more than 20 years, the G8 is offered in two trim levels. The standard G8 sedan is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 that churns out 256-horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque and is teamed to a 5-speed automatic. The G8 GT is powered by a 361-horsepower 6.0-liter V8 that produces 385 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and limited-slip differential.

Silver-painted 18-inch aluminum wheels with P245/45R18 all-season tires are standard for the V6 G8, with optional summer performance tires. The G8 GT receives 18-inch machine-faced aluminum wheels with standard summer performance tires and optional all-season tires. The Sports Package for the GT adds 19-inch aluminum wheels, P245/40R19 summer performance tires, sport metallic pedals and a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel.

The same styling is applied to both the standard sedan and GT version, including a dual-port grille, twin hood scoops, projector headlights, front fender vents, aggressive front fascia, and chrome-tipped dual exhaust. The G8 GT adds clear-lens taillights and chrome quad exhaust outlets.
Power to the People
Powered by the 6.0-liter version of GM’s legendary small-block V8, the G8 GT is obviously the big news for performance enthusiasts, but the V6-powered G8 sedan should not be overlooked. GM claims a swift zero-to-60-mph time of around seven seconds for the V6, although that time drops to a claimed 5.3 seconds in the GT. Fuel economy ratings for the 3.6-liter V6 are 17/25 mpg (city/highway), while the 6.0-liter V8 is rated at 15/24.


Driver Shift Control with either automatic transmission allows the driver to select between normal, sport and manual-shift modes. Moving the shifter to the right selects Sport mode and from that position the driver may also manually select the gear.

Inner Space
This new sedan’s interior design is clean and straightforward with logical controls locations, and 4-way adjustable front sport seats providing lateral support for both the seatback and the lower cushion. Heated leather seats are optional for both trim levels, with two-tone black-and-red leather offered in the GT.

The G8 provides generous rear-seat legroom at nearly 40 inches, as well as 17.5 cubic feet of trunk space. The rear seats do not fold, but a large pass-through will accommodate long items such as skis or lumber. Interior storage includes a two-section glove compartment and a center storage bin.

* Message Board: Does the Pontiac G8 have what it takes to challenge the sport sedan competition from Europe and Asia?

On the Road
The G8 features a firmly tuned front multi-link strut-type front suspension and four-link independent rear suspension. This setup works well to control body roll, keeping a flat attitude when cornering and helping maintain a consistent arc through the corners even when encountering surface changes or mid-corner bumps.

With the front seats occupied, the rear-wheel-drive G8 provides nearly a perfect 50/50 weight distribution. For its size and weight — nearly 4,000 pounds with the V8 engine — the G8 is a fun car on twisty, two-lane roads. On freeway surfaces the G8 feels stiff but not harsh.

We found steering response to be direct with the proper level of effort and a precise feel. The G8’s steering rack is located ahead of the front-axle centerline, which GM engineers claim contributes to a more direct steering feel, adding to the balanced feel of the car.

The sweet, small-block V8 and 6-speed automatic work together flawlessly, with nearly imperceptible upshifts and downshifts. We also drove the standard G8, and the 3.6-liter V6 delivers plenty of power and the 5-speed automatic works equally well in this application.

Right for You?
At $29,995 with 361 horsepower on tap from a sweet V8, the G8 GT is the performance bargain of the year. Graced with great suspension and handling to match, the G8 is a practical car that any enthusiast will enjoy. The V6-powered G8 sedan provides an entertaining level of performance and a near identical appearance to the V8-powered GT, making it an attractive option.