GMI Preview: 2009 Pontiac G8 ST

[FierySolstice]

Originally Posted by PontiacBixler

I really think you will see these things sitting on dealer lots which will cause a massive rebate at the end of each model year.

I know that I'm obviously not the intended market for this car but with a price point that is going to be in the $30k range, why would anybody want this car that has so much less capabilities than a truck and a car?

I agree with the fellow that said it will sell as many as the SSR sold. Sure the SSR was fun to look at, but for what GM was trying to sell it as, it failed miserably. Even with the Vette engine under the hood, it couldn't perform as touted. Add on top of lack of performance the pricing was a down right slap in the face to the potential buyers. Why would you pay almost the same amount for an SSR that you would for an actual Corvette that had it all done right?

I totally agree with you. Americans like their pickup trucks. This will never fly here. I just see them sitting on lots too. They should of produced the coupe. That would of sold like hot cakes!

[FierySolstice]

Originally Posted by FStephenMasek

Come on now, are you just joking, or have you simply not taken the time to understand the vast differences differences between a proper car-truck and the SSR? You are correct that the SSR might have given car-trucks a bad name, except that it was really a truck (Trailblazer) with an almost useless bed, all of the bad truck attributes, and a crazy high price.

Uhh I wouldn't pay over 25k for this. Its useless, not even a back seat! I rather have a G8 coupe or a GMC Sierra than this. Hate to say it, but this is going to be Pontiac's next Aztec!

[Nightshark]

Originally Posted by FierySolstice

I totally agree with you. Americans like their pickup trucks. This will never fly here. I just see them sitting on lots too. They should of produced the coupe. That would of sold like hot cakes!

On the contrary there are a lot of people out there who buy pickups soley for the ability to haul occasional items in a bed but who would prefer a more car-like vehicle for the ride and handling. I know as I am one of those people. For years I was forced to buy a pickup as I had no alternative (looked at the Subaru Baja but the interior was horrible and the bed was too small). I would love one of these, and have been waiting for an El Camino replacement since the late 80's. The only thing that would prevent me from buying one would be the lack of an AWD version (a necessity for me in the winter).

Add in the escalating cost of gas and there will be a number of people out there who will be more than willing to buy one of these over a pickup. The key will be marketing and getting the word out.

[Nightshark]

Originally Posted by FierySolstice

I totally agree with you. Americans like their pickup trucks. This will never fly here. I just see them sitting on lots too. They should of produced the coupe. That would of sold like hot cakes!

...and no, a coupe most likely would not have "sold like hot cakes". Coupes are no longer a large market, plus it would end up competing for sales with the Camaro (different class yes, but still a new GM coupe. At least the ST will have a practical use in being able to haul and tow items. Is it suitable for a family as a sole vehicle, no. It is however very suitable for a family that has a sedan and and needs a pickup-like vehicle. It is also perfect for active people who enjoy outdoor activities such as cycling, skiiing, hiking, snow-shoeing, rafting, camping, etc....

[elderon]

Id consider this as a replacement for my Silverado in a few years, but only if it had back seats and could accomodate 5 passengers, the gas mileage was considerably better than my full size truck, and the price was cheaper than a full size truck as well.

[ViperDVMan]

I wonder if they give the cargo capacity and the EPA milage ratings for this car. I'm very certain it's a lot more fuel efficient than any of GM's trucks, or anybody's pickups. So for anyone who wants to haul stuff yet not worry about gas, and drive a much mre comfortable vehicle than a truck, then the G8 ST is the perfect vehicle.

It'll definately sell.

[FenwickHockey65]

Question: Will there be a GMC model? And is it going to have second row seating?

[vandy0419]

Pontiac's site says it won't be available till late 2009, which blows my mind of why it would be so difficult to not get them out in early 09. G8's steering wheel, Holden Ute's body with a simple swap of the grille...

[cruzned]

http://www.evolutionendshere.com.au/
They offer a lot of variants of the ute in Australia and I would think once it comes in country, the rest will follow, including inexpensive V6 and SS packages. Check out their site to see what I mean. I am really starting to like this a lot more. Can't wait to go down under next year to see for myself!

[Orbit Orange]

Question: Will there be a GMC model? And is it going to have second row seating?

That's why they just revealed the GMC XT concept a month or so ago. I have a feeling sales of the ST could dictate whether GM brings this to market.

[SCCA1995]

Originally Posted by Puzzel

For anyone interested in a G8 ST with a manual transmission, go to Pontiac.com and submit a comment/feedback to that effect. I did, and if enough others do, maybe we'll get it.

I didn't see a direct link for comments or feedback. But, I'll just e-mail Jim Hopson directly.

[BigAls87Z28]

No need, I can tell you right now that the G8 ST will not get the manual trans in its first year, but if you suggest it more, it could come.

[SCCA1995]

Originally Posted by BigAls87Z28

No need, I can tell you right now that the G8 ST will not get the manual trans in its first year, but if you suggest it more, it could come.

Then GM takes a HUGE gamble on whether it will sell in the numbers they hope.

[chinamonty]

Its not as if they are gearing up a dedicated production line for this. They can do an initial batch and adjust accordingly. If it folps Ok if it sells well OK too. I am wondering whether in the American market they would be a good rental vehicle. If you dont ned a a larger pick up but have the occassional need then one of these at Hertz would be a good alternative. I have often done this Australia where some of my mates have Utes but they are always being borrowed so enterprising renatl companies did the right thing and out them in their fleet.
I think the older guys who had El Caminos may be able to explain where you use a Ute rather than a pickup.
I am just happy that they are trying something different. As I have said before the Prius went in to America with no market. It made one. Although this has a predessor I think that the lack of risk makes for GM makes it an interesting exercise. I wuld love to have one here by the way. We have to make do with Triton type vehicles with no guts.

[Puzzel]

Originally Posted by SCCA1995

I didn't see a direct link for comments or feedback. But, I'll just e-mail Jim Hopson directly.

I had to use the "Contact Us" form for an "Other" comment. I tried to find a direct feedback link, but couldn't. But if you can email someone directly, that's even better.