It’s no secret that GM will phase out the Pontiac brand in 2010 with the 2010 Pontiac Vibe being the last model from the brand. Even though the Pontiac G8 is the most loved Pontiac model after the GTO, GM’s CEO Fritz Henderson is not a fan of keeping it alive.

Fritz has said over-and-over again that the G8 will not live on as a model in one of its four-core brands. There was some hope earlier this month when GM’s vice chairman of global product development Tom Stephens, said that the Pontiac G8 may survive with another GM badge.

Well, Fritz has blatantly rejected the idea once again. In his second online-chat with media and analysts on Friday, Fritz was asked whether or not “Pontiac G8 have any kind of future within General Motors as a re-badged model.” Fritz simply replied “I am not a fan of rebadging.”

What is it going to take to convince Fritz that Americans love and want the G8 to live on? Driving a bunch of G8s to the Renaissance Center may be one option but for now – we’re guessing a poll may help out. So let us know. Would you buy a Pontiac G8 if it was rebadged as Chevrolet or Buick?

Also, check out our recent review of the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP.

Reviewed: 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP:

- By: Mo Eladawy

Amidst GM’s ‘surgical bankruptcy’ process after which GM plans to discontinue the Pontiac brand, we were privileged enough to spend a week test-driving the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP. Initially, we were expecting the likes of the Charger/300C SRT8; a soft ride with an automatic transmission just barely powerful enough for highway pulls and loud drive bys. Instead what we encountered was a vehicle that could not have been more properly built, striking a perfect balance between finesse and power; a fitting and proper farewell from a brand that that once made the Pontiac GTO that was the epitome of American Muscle.

The fastest of the rear-wheel-drive G8 lineup (GM’s captive import of the Australian made Holden VE Commodore), the GXP sports a 415 horsepower V8 Corvette engine, a Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission, ventilated Brembo disc brakes, and a Nurburgring – tuned FE3 suspension package; all traits sought by any enthusiast in a high-performance sedan.

Reviewed: 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP:

Exterior:

It is evident that Pontiac put much into the aesthetics of this car, the company’s first full-size vehicle since they ceased production on the GTO after 2006, and the first full-size sedan since production ceased on the Bonneville in 2005. The base G8 model sports crisp, clear-cut creases and an aggressive hood, while the GXP adds to those traits with its unique front fascia with a lower slung grille and a distinctive rear fascia diffuser, contributing to an overall sportier appearance. Subtler features such as; the dual-port grille, fog lamp, and the cars sharp ‘wheels-at-the-corners stance’ also turn many heads. The car sits on a set of 19-inch wheels wrapped in 245/40R19 Bridgestone Potenza RE050A’s.

Interior:

The GXP sports seats comfortable enough for everyday driving yet supportive enough to handle the G-force generated by even the most spirited driver, a backseat with enough room to comfortably hold 3 adults (including our 6′ 3″ intern), and a steering wheel that while may pose as a nuisance to some due to its odd shape, much like an Audi steering wheel, had a comfortable and sport feel, thanks to its leather trim.

Though the car is very comfortable on the whole, there are a few things concerning the interior that detracted from our overall experience. For starters, the vehicle information display, navigation, and stereo controls are too cluttered and inefficient to operate, given the small nature of the LCD screen that they share. The HVAC controls are also in a position inconveniently accessed by the driver, as they sit nearer the passenger side of the dash. Having those controls located in the upper dash “pocket”, would provide much more convenient and efficient access for the driver in our opinion. The voice command feature is also disappointing, as the software’s language recognition capabilities are poor at best. It kept telling us our commands sounded too much like “exit” and “connect” after which we decided to give up using the feature. The window controls suffer a two second delay before going down automatically, and lack the ability to go back up automatically. The rear-view mirror also vibrated aggressively from the bass of the 230-watt Blaupunkt audio system.

Performance:

However, all of those flaws seem so petty once your foot hits the gas pedal. The 415-hp Corvette LS3 V8 engine gets up to 415 lb-ft of torque, the Tremec transmission shifts flawlessly from gear to gear, and the “1-4″ gear shift animation in the center of the speedometer made driving this car in a civilized manner less of a chore. Nonetheless, driving in a civilized manner is one option that many enthusiasts will choose to ignore due to the sudden boost of acceleration that comes when from this Aussie beast. Once you hear the rumbling roar from the 415-hp LS3 V8, you are instantly reminded why you dropped 40 grand on this Pontiac Though the car is available with a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission, we feel that on this vehicle, such a transmission would detract from the overall driving experience that the 2009 G8 GXP provides.

The G8 GXP departs from your typical ‘all power and no handling’ high-performance American vehicle, embodying both power and precision. The Nurburgring tuned suspension, with its front end MacPherson strut design, and rear end ‘coil-over-shock’ design, allows the GXP to handle even the tightest turns with ease and precision. A direct-acting front stabilizer bar, decoupled rear stabilizer bar, and lateral ball joints on the rear suspension provide increased lateral stiffness for faster, and more responsive handling. In keeping with the trend of superior performance not generally expected from an American muscle car, the GXP is able to come to a complete stop from 60mph in only 110 feet, due to the fantastic braking abilities of the Brembo 4 piston brakes.

The 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP is not just another American muscle car with nothing more than a loud naturally aspirated V8 engine. It is a high-performance car that demonstrates a balance between power and handling that is usually reserved for its German counterparts.

Overall:

We were completely blown away by the Pontiac G8 GXP, but it was a bittersweet experience given the fate of Pontiac. The G8 had been shortlisted for the 2009 North American Car of the Year award, with the Hyundai Genesis eventually taking the honor. After an initial planned cutback in production of by 97% announced in February, GM eventually decided to drop Pontiac all together to focus on their four core brands. Yes folks, the first and only affordable high-performance sedan from GM that many compared to BMWs and Mercedes-Benz is no more.

The 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP comes with a base price of $38,360. However, with a $1,500 cash-back offer being offered by many Pontiac dealers, one could obtain one for $36,860. At that price, the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP becomes an outstanding deal. Priced so moderately for such a high-performing car, the G8 GXP makes a great car for the enthusiast effected by today’s economy. We can only hope that GM finds a place for this Aussie behemoth elsewhere in their stable.

Reviewed: 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP:

- By: Mo Eladawy and Stephen Calogera.

- All Photos Copyright ©2009 Omar Rana – egmCarTech.

We’ve been driving around in the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP for the past couple of days, and the more we drive it, the more we hear Fritz Henderson’s voice in the back of our heads – “No, the G8 will not be rebranded as a Chevy or Caddy.”

To be a little opinionated, if GM killed the G8 along with Pontiac, they would be killing a great car.

Well, it seems like they are finally realizing that. According to GM’s vice chairman of global product development Tom Stephens, the Pontiac G8 may survive with another GM badge. 

“I know there’s still discussions on it,” Stephens told Automotive News. “But Chevrolet already has several sedans. How many sedans do you need to cover the waterfront?”

The Pontiac G8 is engineered and put together by GM’s Holden brand; and that V8 from the Corvette in the G8 GXP just puts a huge grin on our faces.

We’ll be bringing you our full review on the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP shortly – so stay tuned.

- By: Mohamed Eladawy

Even though the ‘New GM’ will be forced to focus on producing fuel-efficient vehicles, it won’t abandon efforts to give its Corvette enthusiasts the much loved rear-wheel-drive, V8 power they have come to love.

“My wonderful baby is my 2005 Corvette coupe,” CEO Fritz Henderson said in his first online chat after filing GM’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. “We have more in store for the future and this iconic brand will retain its powerful place within the new GM.”

Nonetheless, GM’s plans to offer fuel-efficient vehicles puts some hope back into the future of American cars competing with Toyotas and Hondas. Henderson confirmed that a 4-cylinder turbo for the new 2010 Buick LaCrosse will be offered shortly after the start of production.

The 2010 Buick LaCrosse (which is the third most anticipated future GM vehicle according to you guys), will go on sale later this summer with a 255-hp 3.0L V6 and an optional 280-hp 3.6L V6. Henderson said that GM has plans to introduce a “performance 4-cylinder Ecotec” shortly after the 2010 LaCrosse enters production.

The Buick Invicta concept, which is the basis for the new LaCrosse, was powered by Buick’s first direct-injection turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes 250-hp and 220 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

That 4-cylinder turbo is expected to compete with Ford’s line of EcoBoost V6 engines, which are offered as V8 alternatives. GM’s 1.4L turbo 4-cylinder salted for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is expected to be pillar of GM’s fuel-economy plans.

As for the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP (which I’m driving this week), Henderson simply said that the model will not live on as a Chevrolet or as an entry-level Cadillac. There is no room for the car in the Buick lineup as well.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Motor Trend

If you’re a 400-hp+ kind of guy looking for a new ride and have at least $35,000, you’re in luck. According to KickingTires, the two most powerful sedans on the market – the 415-hp Pontiac G8 GXP and the 425 Dodge Charger SRT8 – are being offered with huge discounts making the gas-guzzlers an attractive buy during tough economic times.

The 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP, which has a starting price of $37,610, is being offered with 0% financing and $3,000 cash-back. With a gas-guzzler tax of $1,700, you’re looking at a total of $36,310.

The $41,120 2009 Dodge Charger SRT8 is being offered at $38,970 after the Employee Pricing discount. After that you get an additional 2,000 cash-back plus another $1,000 cash-back if you used Chrysler Financial to finance your car. That brings your price down to $34,516 for a whopping 425-hp.

Of course prices and deals may vary according to your region so make sure you do your research.

2009 Pontiac G8 GXP:

Source: KickingTires

GM has just announced the pricing on the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP which will arrive in showrooms in February 2009. The rear-wheel-drive sport sedan with 415-hp will start at $39,995 including a $1,700 gas-guzzler tax and $685 destination chargers.

The 2009 G8 GXP comes standard with a 6-speed automatic transmission but a 6-speed manual is available for an extra $695. A sunroof is optional with a price-tag of $900.

Fuel-economy for the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP is rated at 13/20 mpg (city/highway). Just a side note: The 422-hp 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS will go for $30,995.

Click through for the high-res image gallery.

2009 Pontiac G8 GXP:

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:

2009 Pontiac G8 GXP:

Pontiac will be losing its image of the “American BMW” that was once envisioned by Bob Lutz. According to sources, after confirming that there will be no replacement for the Solstice, Pontiac will drop the rear-wheel-drive G8 sedan in about 5-years.

InsideLine reports that Pontiac will not be getting the next rear-wheel-drive platform that underpins Australian Holden Commodore. The move comes as GM switches the direction for Pontiac in the feature.

Killing both, the Solstice roadster and the next-generation G8 sedan, will leave Pontiac with no rear-wheel-drive models. GM is saying that the driving forces behind the decision are the rise in fuel-economy standards and a consumer shift to more fuel-efficient vehicles.

2008 Pontiac G8 GT:

Source: InsideLine

We saw the Pontiac G8 GXP at the 2008 New York Auto Show earlier this year. The most powerful car in the GXP series, GM claims that the 6.2L V8 small-block under the hood produces 402-hp and 402 lb-ft of torque. That allows for a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds.

Well after some dyno testing, engineers have found more power under the hood. After undergoing testing on a SAE J1349 dyno, GM found that the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP produces a total of 415-hp with a maximum torque of 415 lb-ft. Not sure if that effects the 0-60 time by much. The engine is mated to a Hydra-Matic 6-speed automatic with an optional 6-speed Tremec TR6060 manual.

The 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP will hit dealerships later this year. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

2009 Pontiac G8 GXP:

Source: GM Inside News