Pontiac G8: Autoblog First Drive

[igor]

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/29/f...08-pontiac-g8/




Igor

[HoosierRon]

I'm just quoting:

Manual? Nope. In a move that will surely be rectified by this time next year, Pontiac has decided that swapping your own cogs is not in a potential G8 buyer's interest. While that's disappointing enough, the two auto 'box offerings are just as dispiriting. If you opt for the 256-hp V6, you're saddled with a five-speed auto with manu-matic. Similarly with the V8, a six-speed slush box shovels 361 hp and 385 lb.-ft. of torque to the back while allowing you to choose your own ratios by throwing the gear selector to the right and pushing up or down for that not-quite-manual experience. Both are fine gearboxes, but for a vehicle that aims to put driver enjoyment first and foremost, it's an option that's sorely lacking from the spec sheet. However, we've been assured that a manual is coming, but launching the G8 without one seems to be the biggest mistake so far.

[GMusa]

Actually i would rather have a 6-speed shiftable Auto then a manual! Easy going in traffic .. but still gives you the power to shift between gears when you wanna get a lil wild!

[mikesright]

The G8 will have a manual this fall. Soooo....quit yer bitchin, Autoblog.

[JT87]

Originally Posted by HoosierRon

I'm just quoting:

Thats a weird comment to make for autoblog... Reading a previous G8 review, they said the 6spd auto was a very strong and smooth transmission... and one of the big advantages it had over the Charger...

[ctaylorzl1]

That is such a good looking car in real life. I don't know if I could choose between the sleak Black and the screaming loud brite Red.

[member12]

I love how they take a picture of the cop that pulls them over during the test.

This car is hot. I love the long and low look....Pontiac should have the complete Commodore lineup along with the Solstice and a sedan based off the Solstice. It looks so much better than the Charger.

That alone should be enough for Pontiac. They have the RWD sedan and coupe in a dozen configurations and a coupe version of the Astra.

When the dealers are selling Buicks AND GMCs along side of it, they shouldn't care that Pontiac will only get 3 or 4 models. With those models they can cover the hot compact market with a kappa based G6 with turbocharged fours and the American (Aussie) muscle to combat the Charger and Challenger with the G8 sedan and coupe.

[MrMax]

This thing has home run written all over it.

Can anyone confirm/disprove the rumors that the manual will only be offered in a GXP trim level?

[Hunter]

yeah, and you can get red leather seats

[Lichtronamo]

Originally Posted by MrMax

This thing has home run written all over it.

I don't agree - I think its maybe a 60% to 70% chance of being outright successful. High gas prices this summer, the lack of a manual and conservative styling will effect sales. These factors plus the V6 being only "sufficent" could be significant drawbacks. GM has apparently ratcheted sales expectations down from 50K to 30K.

Automobile also has an article on the G8 comparing it to a BMW 5-Series. I haven't read it yet, but the cover blurb is "THE VERY WICKED PONTIAC G8: V-8 and rear-drive help bring the swagger back."

[JetMech]

The 6 cyl should run 0-60 in about 7 seconds. That's a little more than "sufficient". Not much more, but enough. the DI V6 would only drop 2-3 tenths anyway.

[Lichtronamo]

Originally Posted by JetMech

The 6 cyl should run 0-60 in about 7 seconds. That's a little more than "sufficient". Not much more, but enough. the DI V6 would only drop 2-3 tenths anyway.

Simply put, the car is a porker and the V6/5-speed auto isn't enough to make it live up to its sports sedan image.

[Lichtronamo]

Jalopnik also has a review:

"Yesterday, we saddled up in the General's new Oz-import RWD V8 hotness, the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT, and went for a nice long spin skirting the Mexican border and up through the wildfire-scarred hills east of San Diego. Here's what you need to know: This is one dang fine automobile but it's not without its issues. But at just south of $30K, what are you gonna do? Be a whiny little punk all day long? Just stab it and steer baby."

http://jalopnik.com/362429/2008-pontiac-g8-gt

[Chaz_23]

And yet another review:

http://www.motivemag.com/pub/feature...ntiac_G8.shtml

"Despite a few minor flaws, the Pontiac G8 makes its competition look pretty sad. "

[JetMech]

Well the 530i runs high 6's 0-60. I don't see anyone complaining about it not living up to it's sport sedan target.