Pros :
- Handsome styling.
- Good handling.
- Value-packed price.
- Spacious interior.
- Tons of power and torque.
Cons :
- Dull interior design.
- Very heavy.
- Fuel economy.
- Fake hood scoops.
- Not much else wrong with it.
Interior :
Press Coverage :
For the first time in more than 20 years, a rear-wheel-drive Pontiac performance sedan will be seen on the streets of North America, as the all-new 2008 G8 arrives in dealerships. With bold styling and an available V-8 engine, the G8 is the most powerful sedan available for less than $30,000.
The Pontiac G8 GT model ups the ante with the introduction of the 6.0L small-block V8, producing 361 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque. Zero-to-60 times of 5.3 seconds are possible with the six-speed Hydra-Matic 6L80E automatic transmission linked to a standard limited-slip differential.
Both transmissions feature a uniquely tuned Driver Shift Control, allowing the driver to select three distinct shifting styles. In normal automatic mode, the transmission is geared to provide an optimal blend of performance and fuel economy. Sliding the shifter right into the manual shift gate selects a "Sport Mode," altering the automatic shift points to maintain higher torque and greater engine control.
For driving enthusiasts who want ultimate control, moving the shifter up or down in the manual shift gate provides complete control over each shift point. In this mode, the transmission will not automatically up-shift at any time, although a rev limiter will prevent the engine from exceeding the red line. For safety reasons, the transmission will down-shift if engine rpm drops to a point where a stall is possible.
The G8 can handle a wide variety of driving conditions. It features a robust, protected electrical system, a climate control system designed for weather extremes and noise/vibration-isolating suspension systems. A near 50/50 vehicle balance is achieved through design features that include a steering rack mounted ahead of the front axle, engines that are mounted low and rearward in the front chassis cradle and a rear-mounted battery.
A unique, four-wheel independent suspension system uses the strength of the G8's body structure to enhance the driving experience through optimized steering, handling and driving control. Both the G8 sedan and G8 GT use the same performance-tuned suspension.
The G8 rides on a long, 114.8-inch wheelbase, with the wheels set wide on 62.7-inch front and 63.3-inch rear tracks. The front suspension features a multi-link, MacPherson strut-type design that incorporates a direct-acting stabilizer bar and 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.
The rear suspension uses a four-link independent design, with coil springs over shocks and a decoupled stabilizer bar. 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 the body structure from noise, vibration and road harshness.
Matching the vehicle's handling and steering agility is a carefully tailored brake system that uses four-wheel discs sized to match each model's performance. The G8 sedan features 11.73-inch front rotors and 11.89-inch rear rotors. The higher-powered GT upgrades to 12.64-inch front rotors and 12.76-inch rear rotors. Front rotor thickness on both models is 1-inch while the rear rotors are 0.87-inch-thick.
Both models feature twin-piston front alloy calipers and vented rotors, and single-piston, alloy rear calipers with vented rotors. ABS is standard and the brake system is fully integrated into the vehicle's electronic stability control system.
The G8 sedan comes standard with 18-inch silver-painted aluminum wheels sporting P245/45R18 all-season tires. High-performance summer-only tires are optional. The G8 GT is equipped with 18-inch machine-faced aluminum wheels with a P245/45R18 summer performance tire standard. All-season tires are available.
GT owners can also option up to the Sports Package, which includes 19-inch machine-faced aluminum wheels with P245/40R19 summer performance tires, as well as sport metallic pedals and a unique leather-wrapped sport steering wheel.
An electronic tire pressure monitoring system is standard and displays the exact tire pressure for each tire in the driver information center.
Making full use of the G8's 114.8-inch wheelbase and exterior design, interior room has been maximized. In particular, passenger room in the rear seat attains near best-in-class status with nearly 40 inches of legroom.
No true performance car is complete without a sound system and the G8 offers a seven-speaker Blaupunkt AM/FM/CD radio with iPod/MP3 input jack. Owners can step up to a 230-watt Blaupunkt AM/FM/6-disc CD Changer with 11-speakers, standard on the G8 GT and optional on V6-powered sedan. The up-level radio also includes a 6.5-inch display that integrates sound system features with an electronic dual-zone climate control system.
Backed by a sturdy, crash-absorbing body structure and state-of-the-art passenger protection technology, the G8 is designed to offer superior passenger safety before, during and after an incident with an extensive list of safety features. The G8's also benefits from OnStar's Turn-by-Turn Navigation function. With the touch of a button, an OnStar advisor will route the driver to a destination and download the directions directly to the vehicle, where a combination of voice-guided and DIC-displayed instructions provide guidance. If the driver misses a turn, the system automatically updates itself to revise the directions. OnStar's digital equipment includes enhanced hands-free voice recognition capabilities, including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy, making hand-free, voice-activated calling safer and more convenient.
GM Media
Like the Charger, the G8 rolls over a big shadow, but except for the aluminum powertrain, it conquers the crash-test barrier without pricey lightweight alloys. Our loaded GT weighed 4100 pounds, fairly evenly distributed, with 48.3 percent carried by four stamped steel and cast iron links in back that replace the semi-trailing arms of the old GTO. Struts supported by links handle the remainder, just as struts do in those ballyhooed Munich machines.
Like them, the G8 is happy being fast-pitched into corners. It doesn't sass back with tire squeal, path wandering, or body bounding but stays cool and in control. GM considered offering a base and a sport tune but settled on the stiffer FE2 suspension for the whole line. A good decision, apparently, as the compliant ride hasn't been murdered, not even by the 40-series tires.
Reckless heroics bring forth understeer. But the G8 has a well-stocked toolbox for making confident speed. The steering, a little heavy at a slow canter, is a focused target seeker in action. A steadfast brake pedal serves everything from faint trail-braking to denture spitters.
Car and Driver
Ride quality is quite good given the G8's athletic abilities; the GT makes an excellent executive's express. The cabin is nicely tailored with a "tech-grain" dash, comfortable and enveloping seats, and simple controls. What's more, though it might not look it, the car is huge inside-particularly in back, which also features what at first sight appears to be the world's largest pass-through. Four adults could happily travel all day in the G8. The trunk serves up a generous 17.5 cubic feet.
Judging by our first drives, the G8 GT is good indeed. Good enough, in fact, to merit BMW, Infiniti, and Lexus intenders dropping by the Pontiac store for a serious look.
Motor Trend
History:
2004-2005 Pontiac Bonneville GXP
4,565 cc / 275 hp / 300 lb-ft / 3790 lbs / 0-60 mph 6.6 sec.
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