GMI Preview: 2009 Pontiac G8 ST

[Puzzel]

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.

That's the response I got from the Pontiac marketing group. And I'm hoping that the more comments they get about a lack of a manual transmission, the better chance they will ship a few over. The GTO did sell about 60/40 manual/auto in 2006 -- and there were far more slushbox cars left on the lot at the end of 2006.

[TriShield]

It doesn't have manual for the same reason the G8 GT sedan doesn't have one - cylinder deactivation.

GM would have to release an ST GXP with the LS3 or build the ST with the L98 engine Holden uses that doesn't have cylinder deactivation for it to appear here.

I'd like to see an ST GXP myself.

[Puzzel]

Originally Posted by TriShield

It doesn't have manual for the same reason the G8 GT sedan doesn't have one - cylinder deactivation.

GM would have to release an ST GXP with the LS3 or build the ST with the L98 engine Holden uses that doesn't have cylinder deactivation for it to appear here.

I'd like to see an ST GXP myself.

If a GXP version is the only way to get a manual in a G8 ST, then that's what I want -- and I will buy it.

[SCCA1995]

Originally Posted by Puzzel

If a GXP version is the only way to get a manual in a G8 ST, then that's what I want -- and I will buy it.

Same here.

[BigAls87Z28]

I was going to say, that since the ST will be classified as a truck, why bother with AFM anyway? When does the merging of truck and car CAFE numbers happen?

[OzStrat]

I find the American perception of the "ute" to be highly amusing. It is the perfect vehicle for 90% of trades people. It is designed to perfectly fit an 8'x4' panel and therefore negates the need for a big, lumbering, gas guzzling truck for most people. It can be a workhorse during the day and an seg muscle car at night, complete with the comfort, handling and muscle car attributes of it's sedan bretheren. Even the V6 without the seg has to be a more comfortable ride than a bouncy truck, and so much more efficient. Many here buy them purely for their muscle car attributes at a price substantially less than the sedan. I assume the par pricing with the sedan in the US may have something to do with your falling, and our rising dollar.

If you guys ever figure it out I'm sure the V6 will follow. Gas will only be going up and within a year or two, regardless of price, there won't be enough to go around (if they drill ANWAR, there is max, 3 months extra global supply, a drop in the ocean). By the time the ST goes on sale, gas is likely to be north of $5 a gallon. The business case for a ute will become irresistible, but the cost of shipping them over may put an end to all G8's.

And how many times does it have to be said that DOD = NO MT? This is the reason Holden did not adopt DOD, so they could provide manual transmissions to all VE's. 2009 G8's will not have MT's, only the GXP because it doesn't have DOD.

[TriShield]

Originally Posted by BigAls87Z28

I was going to say, that since the ST will be classified as a truck, why bother with AFM anyway?

Because they already paid to certify that powertrain for US sale.

[BigAls87Z28]

I guess, and now with the expensive price of gas, I guess its good for the consumer and it follows the rest of GM's trucks.