638-hp Pontiac G8 GXP Street Edition coming to SEMA

November 3, 2008November 3, 2008 Omar Rana 2008 SEMA, 2008 SEMA Auto Show, 2009, 2009 Pontiac G8, 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP, Pontiac G8 GXP Street Edition, SEMA

In about five years, GM will drop the rear-wheel-drive G8 sedan from Pontiac’s lineup. But before that happens, enthusiasts and GM engineers that love the model will have their last couple of hurrahs. Following the Pontiac G8 GXP that goes on sale this fall, GM will release its new LSX454 crate motor. However, at the 2008 SEMA Auto Show, GM will be putting the two together to create a 638-hp G8 GXP called the Pontiac G8 GXP Street Edition.

The production 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP produces 415-hp through its 6.2L V8. Fitted with the new LSX454, the G8 GXP will make 638-hp and 600 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed automatic that sends power to the rear-wheels, those performance figures are almost up-to-par with the Corvette ZR1’s 638-hp and 604 lb-ft of torque.

Brakes have been borrowed from the Cadillac CTS-V to provide additional stopping power along with 20-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in high-performance tires.

We’ve added a video of Dr. Jamie Meyer of GM Performance Parts walking us through the components of the LSX 454 crate engine.

Pontiac G8 GXP Street Edition: