Edmunds Breaks Sad News: No Manual Transmission G8's For MY08

[Perian]

Link: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=123068

DETROIT — Want the scorching V8-powered Pontiac G8 GT sedan coming in the first quarter next year? GM's performance division already will let you spec out the 361-horsepower G8 just the way you'd like.

As long as you want an automatic transmission, that is.

Yep, you read that right: The G8's probably the best thing to happen to Pontiac since John DeLorean bent the rules to make the GTO, but the first models shipped to these shores from Australia will have just two pedals, like it or leave it.

Early adopters, it appears, will have to be satisfied with slushboxes — six-speeders with GM's Drive Shift Control manual-shift function, at least. But if you can hold off, we're betting a manual transmission for the G8 GT will be along later in 2008, but perhaps not until the '09 model year.

Right now, Pontiac's G8 site says the automatic is the "standard" and only transmission offered for the G8 GT. And a Pontiac spokesperson tells Inside Line, "What we've said — and which is still the case — is that the six-speed manual won't be available at launch."

But a powertrain spokesman says that information is a mistake, flatly adding, "There is no manual option for 2008."

Full article at link.

[Perian]

I had my heart set on a manual transmission G8 GT.

Let's hope a year from now things improve.

Possibly a gas guzzler tax problem?

[Smaart Aas Saabr]

Originally Posted by Perian

I had my heart set on a manual transmission G8 GT.

Let's hope a year from now things improve.

Possibly a gas guzzler tax problem?

If I had to guess I'd say a supply chain issue.

[racy]

Originally Posted by Perian

I had my heart set on a manual transmission G8 GT.

Let's hope a year from now things improve.

Possibly a gas guzzler tax problem?

Gas guzzler tax would be more likely for the Auto than the Manual, so I don't think that's the reason. Its more likely just a matter of retooling for Left Hand Drive. They probably wanted the G8 out as quick as possible, and as such, something had to give. My guess.

[Quickening]

I'm so sick of GM launching vehicles without everything ready to go. Navigations showing up a year late. Sunroofs a year late for the new Vue. No manuals for a year on the G8. It just gets annoying. Why can't they have a solid launch. CTS having a problem with the wood package.

[CobaltSScrazy]

pontiac=sports car divison=manual ==(both of which equal) wishful thinking...

=go to Dodge, Nissan, or Mazda for real sports car affordable division = life...

CobaltSScrazy

[Perian]

Originally Posted by racy

Gas guzzler tax would be more likely for the Auto than the Manual, so I don't think that's the reason.

I don't think so. We know the automatic version of the V8 will come with cylinder deactivation, the manual transmission version would not have, according to reports.

The V8 GTO was rated 14/19 for the automatic and 15/23 for the manual. The Automatic WAS subject to a gas guzzler tax.

[Tony's BlkGTP]

I heard a gas guzzler tax is one reason for this. I still hope the G8 is well received by the public though. If so, then maybe a GXP version will follow very soon with a manual transmission and either a 2 door version or a GTO. Then I will be extremely excited.

[uvaeeman]

"THEY BLEW UP THE DEATH STAR? FFF-------------------------------- what -------------------------- s ------------------ m ---------------- argh.

Who's they?" - The Emperor
--
Had to break out the Robot Chicken Death Star Aftermath skit for this one. Everybody who wants a manual get over to fastlane and post a comment saying you want the manual! I already did.
http://fastlane.gmblogs.com/archives...nderful_w.html

[Perian]

Originally Posted by Quickening

CTS having a problem with the wood package.

CTS has had a good launch.

Just a few minor problems:

* Premium Luxury Collection (PDQ) and the Level Luxury II Package (W41) ordered without the Premium Luxury Collection (PDQ) may increase lead time by 2 to 4 weeks or more due to supplier capacity restrictions
* Wood Trim (B20) ordered without Premium Luxury Collection (PDQ) may increase lead time by 2 weeks or more due to supplier capacity restrictions

[stevecmh]

oh well.. i am sure it will be there next year.. I know they might get slammed for this.. but oh well.. its not like many BMW 3 or 5 series come with manuals.. everyone gets autos

[usa1]

Originally Posted by CobaltSScrazy

pontiac=sports car divison=manual ==(both of which equal) wishful thinking...

=go to Dodge, Nissan, or Mazda for real sports car affordable division = life...

CobaltSScrazy

Jeez.

Did I miss the manual in the Dodge Charger? How about the Nissan car with a V8 or a RWD Mazda with some torque? Hmmm... keep looking. BMW will be happy to charge you a small fortune to get a manual V8.

Mark

[dav305z]

This is no different than anything we've heard before. All Edmunds did was read Pontiac's webpage and then write something to make it seem like they're reporting news.

[CheetahDC]

Maybe this way there won't be a rush in on the model by enthusiasts and the dealers won't feel they can mark up the price, thus killing sales (hello GTO and Solstice).

[rueben44]

Well matters none to me because it is a large car and I hate sticks in large cars. I love them in small cars so I would never buy say a 5 series or 7 with a stick but a 3 series yes.