HSV ClubSport R8 spotted in Troy, Michigan - Performance Pontiac G8?

[Quickening]

This is kinda non, news. This is a given, it was just a matter of time before we saw some around in the US.

"A reader named Dominic sent in photos of a car he spotted in Troy, MI this week. In his email, he noted only that said car was RHD. To our enjoyment, when we looked at the photos, we were pleased to find an E-Series HSV Clubsport R8 (official pic at right). HSV is the performance arm of GM's Australia-based Holden division, and the HSV cars have the goods to back up their aggressive looks."



[SOURCE] http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/17/g...ed-in-troy-mi/

[New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66]

Although it's a damn impressive car (i.e. its growing on me), I'm not sure it will attract many new buyers to Pontiac. Although its interior is probably nice, I think Pontiac should have done a better job to make the exterior design particular to the NA market. Namely some hints of the exterior design on the Solstice. I thought the Solstice was setting the exterior design direction for Pontiac. Apparently not. Some "constancy" within a brand would be nice. It still appears they are picking from here, and there. They don't seem to have a long term vision for the brand.

And this will probably remind too many people of the current GTO, which has not neccessarily set the world on fire amongst the non-domestic consumer.

[mikmak]

HOw is the R8 even similar to to the Current GTO? and further more, the Current GTO shares more styling cues with the solstice than the G8 will. I really think the solstice is a good design for a small car but wold look cartoonish and ridiculous if transferred to anything bigger than a Golf/Rabbit.

[GMusa]

Man the G8 is such an awesome looking car! The G8 GXP is sure to look even better!! I would LOVE to have one of these!!

[Koasterking]

I think GM should wait to see how well the G8 sells before making a high-performance version, especially when gas prices are on the rise.

[TahoeMikeZ71]

But it's a Pontiac.

[Aych Es Vee]

I hope they sell the GTS there, as is, just a change of badging, and lhd

[TKR]

Originally Posted by New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66

Although it's a damn impressive car (i.e. its growing on me), I'm not sure it will attract many new buyers to Pontiac. Although its interior is probably nice, I think Pontiac should have done a better job to make the exterior design particular to the NA market. Namely some hints of the exterior design on the Solstice. I thought the Solstice was setting the exterior design direction for Pontiac. Apparently not. Some "constancy" within a brand would be nice. It still appears they are picking from here, and there. They don't seem to have a long term vision for the brand.

And this will probably remind too many people of the current GTO, which has not neccessarily set the world on fire amongst the non-domestic consumer.

I have no idea what you really want. For one you are negative about the new GMDAT styling ('Beat' headlights too wild?) and then you are suggesting this is not wild enough. What do NA consumers want? I'm confused.

[RedHotMike]

Originally Posted by Koasterking

I think GM should wait to see how well the G8 sells before making a high-performance version, especially when gas prices are on the rise.

People who buy that car will buy it nomatter what the gas prices are. If you can afford the car you will be able to afford the fuel. Most that cite high fuel prices as an excuse would not buy the car anyway because they have different needs/priorities for their money.

RedHotMike

[Butz]

Originally Posted by TKR

I have no idea what you really want. For one you are negative about the new GMDAT styling ('Beat' headlights too wild?) and then you are suggesting this is not wild enough. What do NA consumers want? I'm confused.

Thou shalt be confused for eternity.

I mean how come you couldn't figure it out by now?
We want our RWD muscle cars to be mean machines.
To each his own when it comes to compacts, but some of us prefer them, subtle and sedate.

[OrlandoGuy80]

Originally Posted by New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66

Although its interior is probably nice, I think Pontiac should have done a better job to make the exterior design particular to the NA market. Namely some hints of the exterior design on the Solstice. I thought the Solstice was setting the exterior design direction for Pontiac. Apparently not. Some "constancy" within a brand would be nice. It still appears they are picking from here, and there. They don't seem to have a long term vision for the brand.

If I recall correctly, this G8 is to be shortlived and therefore heavily based on its Holden counterpart- including its exterior design. When production moves to NA, the model is supposed to be reworked so that it is more Pontiac, less Holden.

Is that still the plan?

[tkrelston]

Originally Posted by Aych Es Vee

I hope they sell the GTS there, as is, just a change of badging, and lhd

“The 2008 Pontiac G8 lineup will offer two models: G8 and G8 GT.”- GM
If the current naming scheme holds out, this will just be the GTP…can we hope for a 500 hp GXP? It would certainly pull BMW Ms into the comparison well. Then maybe HSV would get the LS7 for the GTS.

As for styling, I loathe the Solstice so I am glad they are not going to tinker with it! I gotta go buy a lotto ticket…

[mcool]

Originally Posted by mikmak

HOw is the R8 even similar to to the Current GTO? and further more, the Current GTO shares more styling cues with the solstice than the G8 will. I really think the solstice is a good design for a small car but wold look cartoonish and ridiculous if transferred to anything bigger than a Golf/Rabbit.

Agreed. We've been asking Pontiac to ditch plastic cladding and add some credible styling to their lineup. The G6 got rid of the plastic, the Solstice added emotional styling, and the G8 will top the line with a steal of a performance sedan with clean, sophisticated lines. Applying the Solstice language to anything larger would be risky IMO.

Pontiac should hopefully deliver a GXP G8 by August 08. This line really needs to flourish to help cement the reputation for Pontiac built on the Solstice's shoulders (the G6 hard-top convertible won't do it). In a perfect world the RWD G6 will follow by 2010 and Pontiac will finally have a differentiated lineup that best uses the resources of GM.

[mcool]

Originally Posted by OrlandoGuy80

If I recall correctly, this G8 is to be shortlived and therefore heavily based on its Holden counterpart- including its exterior design. When production moves to NA, the model is supposed to be reworked so that it is more Pontiac, less Holden.

Is that still the plan?

I can see Holden continuing to lobby for Pontiac to share models with... it helps justify their manufacturing base for large cars through increased export units.

What I think Pontiac needs is consistency over constant re-invention. What it was in the glory days is nice but increasingly irrelevant. What it was in the 80's-90's-early00's is the antithesis of Pontiac as a value performance brand. A tieup with Holden gives Pontiac the distinction it doesn't have now: just another overwrought variant of core Chevy and Buick product. The G8/VE should be laying the foundation for Pontiac sedan styling... not just another short-lived stopgap.

[racy]

Originally Posted by Koasterking

I think GM should wait to see how well the G8 sells before making a high-performance version, especially when gas prices are on the rise.

You mean they should actually *think* about the long term and consider current trends? Surely you jest. That is not GM's style. GM builds today, based upon how they view yesterday.