SEMA 08: Pontiac G8 GXP Street Concept

[nsap]

SEMA 08: Pontiac G8 GXP Street Concept
www.gminsidenews.com
October 31, 2008

G8 GXP Street concept

Both the Pontiac G8 GXP and the LSX454 crate engine from GM Performance Parts are new this fall. GM engineers figured there was no better way to highlight them than combining them in an intimidating street machine.

In factory form, the G8 GXP features a 6.2L (376-cu.-in.) V-8 rated at 415 horsepower (309 kW) and 415 lb.-ft. of torque (562 Nm), but the new LSX454 (part number 19166972) delivers 7.4 liters of unadulterated grunt. It cranks out 638 horsepower (476 kW) and 600 lb.-ft. of torque (813 Nm). The engine uses the LSX Bowtie cylinder block, new six-bolt LSX cylinder heads and an all-forged rotating assembly. Backing the LSX454 is the GXP’s Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission.

Handling and stopping performance are enhanced with a lowered ride height, stiffer springs and a disc brake package borrowed from the Cadillac CTS-V. The calipers are painted red and feature CNC-milled GXP logos; they’re visible through a set of customer 20-inch aluminum wheels with a sinister black chrome finish. They’re mounted on performance rubber.

The exterior of the silver G8 GXP Street concept wears custom front and rear fascias and new rocker panels that give it a more aggressive appearance. The front fascia features unique upper and lower grilles, while the rear fascia incorporates a racing-style diffuser. All of the exterior bright trim has a black chrome finish. There’s also a performance exhaust system with custom-cut aluminum tips exiting through the rear fascia.

Inside are custom, leather-trimmed seats with “GXP” embroidered on the headrests. There’s also a new gauge cluster with unique graphics and the silver-finish factory trim has a new, black-chrome, metallic look.

Overall, the G8 GXP Street concept can be summed up with one word: menacing. And with 638 horsepower on tap, it has got the muscle to back up the attitude.

[logansowner]

Do want...do want...

[Skank Boy]

The more I see the G8 the more I love it (this is coming from someone who didn't care for it when it 1st came onto the scene).

[hercman]

I love the idea but that front end and those wheels have got to go.

[stevecmh]

badass

[killerrd2]

The lower fascia looks a little odd. Maybe it's just the angle.

Kind of looks like a childs play-doh press. HA!!

[steverino]

I'm sure the Government is real thrilled with this, considering how GM and others are to receive $25B (asked for $50B) with the intention of being used to develop fuel efficient vehicles in the 40mpg+ range. Not a real wise use of engineering resources at this time.

Plus it screams GHETTO

[breaker104]

Originally Posted by hercman

I love the idea but that front end and those wheels have got to go.

Agreed! The wheels look too bulky, and the new fascia does not match the otherwise amazing lines on the G8...

[Slideways]

Originally Posted by steverino

I'm sure the Government is real thrilled with this, considering how GM and others are to receive $25B (asked for $50B) with the intention of being used to develop fuel efficient vehicles in the 40mpg+ range. Not a real wise use of engineering resources at this time.

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This isn't for production, it's to show enthusiasts what can be done. These are dream cars for people who actually like cars and don't just seem them as an appliance. I also don't think there was any engineering involved in putting an an LSX block, that has the same exterior dimensions as an LS3, into the engine bay. I think it would have looked worse for GM if they hadn't built any vehicles this year at all. Besides, if you want green, take a look at some of their other SEMA builds, like the Ecojet from '06 and the '34 Coupe E85 from last year.

[crooner214]

[Aych Es Vee]

Grill - AWESOME. Put that on the production model!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lower air dam - WTF? Not that great... pretty odd.
Wheels - Odd. But I think I like them

[Bolex]

Originally Posted by steverino

I'm sure the Government is real thrilled with this, considering how GM and others are to receive $25B (asked for $50B) with the intention of being used to develop fuel efficient vehicles in the 40mpg+ range. Not a real wise use of engineering resources at this time.

Plus it screams GHETTO

i see your point but i gotta disagree. as 'Slideways' said its not for production. it is a form of promotion which can lead to sales. anyways, they havent recieved that 25B yet. as far as the looks....the lower grill seems incomplete or something. still like it better bone stock.

[88ls1blazer]

Originally Posted by nsap

Handling and stopping performance are enhanced with a lowered ride height, stiffer springs and a disc brake package borrowed from the Cadillac CTS-V. The calipers are painted red and feature CNC-milled GXP logos; they’re visible through a set of customer 20-inch aluminum wheels with a sinister black chrome finish.

o rly?

[F14CRAZY]

I don't much like the upper grill...the trademark Pontiac holes are two small, but the rest of the car is awesome...

LSX454? Why does the ZR1/V use the LS9 instead of this?

[BigAls87Z28]

Originally Posted by F14CRAZY

I don't much like the upper grill...the trademark Pontiac holes are two small, but the rest of the car is awesome...

LSX454? Why does the ZR1/V use the LS9 instead of this?

Cause the LSX would not be emissions friendly. This car is deisgned to display the LSX engine, not the G8 GXP.
This is NOT a production car. Its for SEMA. Shesh people. If everything that made it to SEMA made production, all trucks would be lifted 8 ft with 28 inch rims with mudders, imports would have hydraulic doors, trunklids, hoods, fenders, and Muscle cars would be 800hp monsters.