2009 Pontiac G8 GXP Power Bumped to 415hp/415ftlbs

[ptviperz]

Originally Posted by PA Dweller

Yea, they can stick the turn by turn. $300 a year and all you get is a voice prompt, I think I will just spend the $2k and get something superior.

Now you have it figured out! After 6 years you are STILL paying for that crap system while I'm driving down the road ahead of the game. Thanks!

[PA Dweller]

Originally Posted by ptviperz

Now you have it figured out! After 6 years you are STILL paying for that crap system while I'm driving down the road ahead of the game. Thanks!

LOL I knew that about that little tidbit for a long time. For the price I would pay for On Star over the lifetime of a vehicle I can have an in dash navigation system for the same price.

[AndrewGS]

Originally Posted by PA Dweller

LOL I knew that about that little tidbit for a long time. For the price I would pay for On Star over the lifetime of a vehicle I can have an in dash navigation system for the same price.

You also have to look at it from the standpoint of keeping basic OnStar active. It's $100 more per year to have 'Directions and Connections' over 'Safe and Sound', so you'd have to keep the Turn-By-Turn subscription active for 20 years to pay for a $2,000 SatNav option.

I totally understand wanting a SatNav with a screen, I advised my grandparents to shell out $2K for it in their Acadia, but Turn-By-Turn does give visual cues on the radio/DIC/HUD. For most people that just want to get instructions on how to get somewhere without all the cool stuff a typical SatNav offers or by simply telling someone else where they need to go, Turn-By-Turn is great. However, with simple but excellent add-on units like my Garmin Nuvi 200 going for well under $200, I'd opt out of the in-dash SatNav in cars under $30,000 and seriously reconsider paying $100/yr. for Turn-By-Turn.

[PA Dweller]

Originally Posted by AndrewGS

You also have to look at it from the standpoint of keeping basic OnStar active. It's $100 more per year to have 'Directions and Connections' over 'Safe and Sound', so you'd have to keep the Turn-By-Turn subscription active for 20 years to pay for a $2,000 SatNav option.

I totally understand wanting a SatNav with a screen, I advised my grandparents to shell out $2K for it in their Acadia, but Turn-By-Turn does give visual cues on the radio/DIC/HUD. For most people that just want to get instructions on how to get somewhere without all the cool stuff a typical SatNav offers or by simply telling someone else where they need to go, Turn-By-Turn is great. However, with simple but excellent add-on units like my Garmin Nuvi 200 going for well under $200, I'd opt out of the in-dash SatNav in cars under $30,000 and seriously reconsider paying $100/yr. for Turn-By-Turn.

Where did you get the $100 per year price? According to the On Star website it is $300 a year for the Directions and Connections plan, which seems to be the only package to have the Turn by Turn navigation service. So I would break even in a little over 6 years. We keep our vehicles for 6-8 years so it works out for us at least. I am also aware that On Star can display some basic navigation data on the HUD/DIC/Radio display but you can't compare that to a large color screen with a map.

I understand what you mean about the price, I feel in dash units and On Star's turn by turn service cost more than it should. However the factory installed units have the advantage of being integrated, which looks better than an on dash navigation. It also has the added advantage of not being easy to steal. The screen is much bigger than any portable unit, a big plus IMO. Finally it can do things that the portable units can't. It can control/display information for your HVAC/Radio and most modern in-dash systems have voice recognition, which is an easy and safe way of controlling certain functions without taking your hands off the wheel.

Once I saw discovered all those advantages it was easy to see the superior choice. Honestly also I see more and more cars with this option, I have even seen many new Honda Civic's in the parking lots with the in dash system. The portable units are great from a price point and being able to move them but for me that’s where the advantages end.

[nferr]

Originally Posted by PA Dweller

Where did you get the $100 per year price? According to the On Star website it is $300 a year for the Directions and Connections plan, which seems to be the only package to have the Turn by Turn navigation service. So I would break even in a little over 6 years. We keep our vehicles for 6-8 years so it works out for us at least. I am also aware that On Star can display some basic navigation data on the HUD/DIC/Radio display but you can't compare that to a large color screen with a map.

I understand what you mean about the price, I feel in dash units and On Star's turn by turn service cost more than it should. However the factory installed units have the advantage of being integrated, which looks better than an on dash navigation. It also has the added advantage of not being easy to steal. The screen is much bigger than any portable unit, a big plus IMO. Finally it can do things that the portable units can't. It can control/display information for your HVAC/Radio and most modern in-dash systems have voice recognition, which is an easy and safe way of controlling certain functions without taking your hands off the wheel.

Once I saw discovered all those advantages it was easy to see the superior choice. Honestly also I see more and more cars with this option, I have even seen many new Honda Civic's in the parking lots with the in dash system. The portable units are great from a price point and being able to move them but for me that’s where the advantages end.

OnStar is ridiculously overpriced IMO. I just dropped everything on my 07 CTS. I have a portable GPS that works great and cost $150 and can be moved from car to car. A $2000 in dash system is just as crazy for me. But for many it's worth it.

[PA Dweller]

Originally Posted by nferr

OnStar is ridiculously overpriced IMO. I just dropped everything on my 07 CTS. I have a portable GPS that works great and cost $150 and can be moved from car to car. A $2000 in dash system is just as crazy for me. But for many it's worth it.

You even dropped the safety package? IMO it's worth the price. Thanks for understanding that the in dash systems are worth the price for some.

[AndrewGS]

Originally Posted by PA Dweller

Where did you get the $100 per year price? According to the On Star website it is $300 a year for the Directions and Connections plan, which seems to be the only package to have the Turn by Turn navigation service.

Yes, but the standard 'Safe and Sound' plan is $200/yr., giving you a difference of $100/yr.

I'm with you on the integration, but there are some cool things the portable units can do that you can't with integrated. It's also much cheaper to update maps (free if you're a pirate ) and unlike integrated units, you can update the firmware and other software easily and for free.

I think in reality if automakers want more people to buy integrated SatNav they need to drop $1,000 off of the cost. Being that you can buy nice aftermarket head units with integrated SatNav and the best portable units available for under $1,000, the OEMs have to be making a mint on every unit sold.

[PA Dweller]

Originally Posted by AndrewGS

Yes, but the standard 'Safe and Sound' plan is $200/yr., giving you a difference of $100/yr.

I'm with you on the integration, but there are some cool things the portable units can do that you can't with integrated. It's also much cheaper to update maps (free if you're a pirate ) and unlike integrated units, you can update the firmware and other software easily and for free.

I think in reality if automakers want more people to buy integrated SatNav they need to drop $1,000 off of the cost. Being that you can buy nice aftermarket head units with integrated SatNav and the best portable units available for under $1,000, the OEMs have to be making a mint on every unit sold.

Oh I see. I think they should drop the price also but if you think about it the $2000 figure is accurate. The automakers usually give you an upgraded audio system and 6-Dish CD changer along with the navigation system. So the navigation system itself might only cost $1000 but the upgraded audio system increases the price even more.

[ColinOpseth]

Originally Posted by JT87

The auto Camaro will be paired with a different, 400hp small block (L99), which has a different cam and AFM, as well as more economy-tuned ECM.

I'm going to have a hard time in 2011/2012, trying to decide between an LS3 G8 and an LS3 Camaro.

Choosing between LS3 G8 and LS3 CAmaro is easy for me. GM has finally given me an OPTION. Since I have a family (two young boys under 2 years old) I will definitely choose the LS3 G8. All the performance, and the fun, with the utility of a family sedan.

Thanks, GM. I thought my only option was a used CTS-V.

[a_v_s]

Originally Posted by LSXd

For the G8 GT & GXP, according to a top publication: Hit the OnStar button on the rear view mirror, an operator comes on loud and clear and asks if you need driving directions. Tell him/her where you'd like to go and the driving directions get down-loaded to the car, with left/right/straight arrows and distance appearing on the small information center screen between the tachometer and speedometer, accompanied by equally clear audible directions.

Something people fail to realize, is that for Turn-by-Turn to work, you still need to have cell reception. OnStar still relies on the cellular network for ALL voice and data transmissions. That means if you are trying to use it in a place with no cell signal, you are hosed, cuz you won't be able to contact the operator, and the operator wouldn't be able to upload the maps to your car.

As far as after market units... Factory NAV ties into your vehicle speed sensors, so if you go into a tunnel, the factory NAV will continue to track your movement, and tell you of a turn in the middle or end of the tunnel... With an aftermarket, your tracking will stop when you enter the tunnel, and you will potentially miss your turn... (Happened MANY times with my garmin, when I travel).

[AusCalais]

Originally Posted by AndrewGS

I'm with you on the integration, but there are some cool things the portable units can do that you can't with integrated. It's also much cheaper to update maps (free if you're a pirate ) and unlike integrated units, you can update the firmware and other software easily and for free.

Trust me ..you wouldn't want the current Holden (Blaupunkt) DVD-based SatNav. It is not intuitive, takes too long to boot-up and program (twisting a knob and pressing the button, no touch screen) and you lose most of your glove box. To update the maps DVD costs a bomb.

I usually use it as a moving map and use a TomTom if I really want to navigate somewhere... so much easier to program and can place it where I dont have to take my eyes too far off the road.

Only good thing is the kids can see where we are going to and now rarely ask 'are we there yet?'... it's on the map dispaly in front of them.

[hondaelement]

The first time I saw this 2009 Pontiac I wasn't that satisfied with its performance, its because it is underpowered V6 and unproven fuel economy. The steering wheel bothers me a lot LOL! because it's too big. I like the exterior anyway.


___________________
All I want is bmw wheels on my birthday!

[pontiacnutt]

Originally Posted by Millefune

So the guy who actually drove a production version, did it have gauges in the center stack, or that lame, ugly blank cubby hole?

it has the cubby hole, i have two here at my store..

[Millefune]

Originally Posted by pontiacnutt

it has the cubby hole, i have two here at my store..

*Strikes G8 GXP from his list.*

[AndrewGS]

Originally Posted by Millefune

*Strikes G8 GXP from his list.*

It's a perfect spot for a SatNav unit.