SEMA 08: Pontiac G8 ST Concept

[rueben44]

I hate comments about bashing this truck about sales or red neck comments. I do not like El Camino's but I love this ute. Will it set the world on fire no but it is a great product that is worlds better than anything else at Pontiac except the Solstice and G8. I really like that concept also!!!!

[SCCA1995]

I'd better get my flame suit on.

Originally Posted by FierySolstice

This car/truck is a joke. They should of brought the coupe and wagon over. I think the wagon looks badass. People like SUV's, the space to put people and other cargo. The people that like trucks still like trucks. They will continue to buy pickups. The wagon would of sold better.

If you plan to bash GM's decisions (do you think you can do better?), at least use proper grammar. The word "have" should be used in the above statements.

Originally Posted by Orbit Orange

You hit the nail on the head describing my situation. I will own one and I don't give a damn how many people thinks it sucks. It will fulfill a vehicle want and need at the same time. I don't want or need a full size mammoth guzzler truck that handles like a brick. Haters can keep drinking the haterade. I'll be happy.

Proof that every vehicle will have a buyer. As was said before, those who are looking forward to this vehicle will not expect this to be a big seller. Plus, what flavor of Haterade is your favorite?

Originally Posted by GMusa

I dont think they are thinking it will sell well.. i think its just to bring more attention to the brand.

Then, it's done one job.

Originally Posted by BigAls87Z28

Why not?
G8 ST is a 2 door, with a big ol'trunk.
I think that Holden would love a coupe, but without North American support...

I agree. What is it about the 4-door stigma that you don't like TimR? About the coupe, Holden only built about 20K Monaros for worldwide consumption not counting the US GTOs.

Originally Posted by powervette

thank You for your precious time you spend on searching the links . Of course I know it. But being lazy, I'd rather order them from one company.

JHP For some reason, they have taken down the pics about Chevy items. But, one e-mail or phone call would probably set you up.

Originally Posted by Eddie Fiero

And I will always hold out hope for the SportWagon to come here, too. I read a lot of car enthusiasts screaming for Pontiac to be unique and stand out like the good ol' days -- well, if the ST doesn't do that, what will? Make mine Stryker Blue!

I do agree that the wagon would be worth a shot. The CTS by itself is higher priced than the G8. The wagon would follow suit. Plus, it hopefully would erase the "Pontiac SUV" image from our brains.

Originally Posted by jwrebholz

I still think this is a good substitute for a small truck, for someone who needs a truck some of the time but doesn't need to haul big loads. Didn't they say this thing could tow like 5 thousand pounds?

3,500 lbs. It can haul up to 1,900 lbs.

Originally Posted by TriShield

As a Pontiac yes, a terrible idea.

As a Chevrolet, a great idea. The Commodore sedan should have been a Chevrolet from the beginning as well.

That didn't stop you from buying one, did it?

[Aych Es Vee]

Originally Posted by TJ95GAGT

I think it'll be ok, it should sell in the limited numbers GM wants it to. I do think it's somewhat silly not to offer a V6, considering how GM seems to be so concerned with CAFE and the elimination/downsizing anything big. Do they not offer a V6 Ute in Australia?

Definitly a V6 ute in Australia, but I'm pretty sure with the VE Commodore Utes, sales of V8s have risen to about 50% of sales. Or maybe more.

[Aych Es Vee]

Originally Posted by SCCA1995

I agree. What is it about the 4-door stigma that you don't like TimR? About the coupe, Holden only built about 20K Monaros for worldwide consumption not counting the US GTOs.

yep Pretty sure the US figures were 38,000. Almost double the rest of the worlds sales.

[BBDOS CV8]

Coupe: ~13,000 Monaros/HSVs, ~43K GTOs, about 3,000 in the rest of the world. Just about 60,000 total. Not bad for a car drawn on a loungeroom wall.....

Sedan VEs run around 20% V8, Utes it's 60% on figures from a while ago.

Typically, Holden sells about 60-70,000 per annum Commys and 10,000 a year as Utes.. So it's an important sales class. Holden sells twice as many utes as Mazda sells 6s, for instance. Considering the ute is bought by businesses but mainly aimed at private users as a two-door sportscar it is an important market. Depreciation on Utes is less than sedans, as often getting colours/options is trickier - demand stays high. A ute is typically less to buy new than the same model sedan by a few thou.

The Maloo (ute) is the cheapest way into a HSV by several thou - it alone accounts for about 20-30% of sales.

[eaton53]

I love these utes... and they're more practical than most coupes that have worthless back seats.

Years from now when everyone else is trapped in government mandated putt-putt mobiles I'll probably be looking for one of these. I have a thing for fast & cheap - the exclusivity is just a bonus.

I doubt they'll make more than 15K total ever... Holden doesn't have the capacity.

[Josenez11]

Never really cared for the G8 ST, don't think it would do well in the states.

[Aych Es Vee]

Also, Utes make great tax write-offs

[SCCA1995]

Well, I think Pontiac can find 5K buyers for a few years. I just wish they would bring them over sooner than they are saying.

[Gixser995]

I'm late to this but, I like the G8 ST. I wish I could afford one.

[rob2299usa]

I don't get everyone's complaints about this being a waste of money... do you honestly think GM would bring this over if it were a waste of money??? The answer most certainly is no. There is nothing to be redesigned. The car already exists in Australia, just throw the front clip from the existing G8 on and throw it on a boat. The development cost is $0. If they sold 100 of these per year they would make a profit. Even if I didn't like this thing I see nothing wrong with additional choice.

[FStephenMasek]

Originally Posted by stevecmh

im sorry.. i the only one that thinks bring this to America is a bad idea.i do not think it is the time for it.. i think it will not sell good

You missed the earlier discussions, so you might want to search to read them.

It should do very well. Many people, including many contractors, do not need a body on frame pickup, and will appreciate the better fuel mileage, far better handling and ride, easier parking, and easier cargo access of the G8 ST car-truck.

Why don't they start selling it now? I suspect it will radically out-sell the G8 sedan.

[SCCA1995]

Originally Posted by Gixser995

I'm late to this but, I like the G8 ST. I wish I could afford one.

Start saving right now. There will still be almost another year before production models begin to arrive. Plus, you could wait another couple of months to see if they sell like hotcakes or sit & rot. If they don't sell well, then you might be able to get one on a good deal.

Originally Posted by FStephenMasek

Why don't they start selling it now? I suspect it will radically out-sell the G8 sedan.

I like your enthusiasm, but I don't forsee the ST outselling the sedan. The Utes don't even outsell the Commodore sedans in Oz.

[American_Muscle]

Originally Posted by killerrd2

Meh...

...Do you think the average redneck would treat this like a truck??

I just don't think it will appeal to a big enough audience.

no..but its not aimed at rednecks. its probably aimed at the middle aged suburbian who may occasionally need a pick up bed to haul stuff, but likes cars, or for those with extra pocket money and want something cool nobody else has. etc.

[chiefpontiac]

Originally Posted by powervette

thank You for your precious time you spend on searching the links . Of course I know it. But being lazy, I'd rather order them from one company.

here's 1 that has fully converted G8's to Holdens (mods/admins I know they probably are not a paid sponsor and so probably this post will probably vanish)