Pontiac G8
Pontiac G8 (GMX557) | |
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Chevrolet SS (U.S.) (U.S.)Chevrolet Caprice |
The Pontiac G8 is a
By December 2008, the rear wheel drive G8 had not become the expected sales replacement for the previous front-drive models, with 11,000 unsold G8s in the inventory and just 13,000 sold. During the 2009 global economic downturn, market prices had dropped by $3000–5000 below GM's sticker price for the car. By July 2009, there were only 5,000 unsold G8s in inventory, with almost 30,700 sold.
With the imminent demise of the Pontiac brand, a result of GM's Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the 2009 model year marked the end of all Pontiacs, including the G8. However, in July 2009, Bob Lutz made an off-hand comment during a press review that the G8 would be revived as the Chevrolet Caprice. Subsequently, Lutz retracted this statement, citing market conditions.[3][4] Nevertheless, General Motors announced the Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV)[5] in 2009, which Car and Driver described as a successor to the G8.[6] To fill the gap left by the G8, GM announced the Chevrolet SS, a RWD V8 powered sedan for 2014 based on the Holden Commodore (VF).[7]
Background
The G8 is based on the
Holden chairman
The G8 was the first rear-wheel drive four-door sedan sold under the Pontiac name since the 1986 Bonneville and Parisienne. However, at the time of the G8's release, Pontiac did offer the rear-wheel drive Solstice. The then recently discontinued GTO (as well as the Firebird/Trans Am before it), also utilized the rear-wheel drive layout. The GTO was another Holden product, known as the Monaro in Australia, repurposed and rebadged for U.S. consumption. Production was discontinued in 2006 due to new US safety regulations and the architecture being phased out worldwide in favor of the new Zeta platform on which the G8 is based.
Specification levels
G8
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/2008PontiacG8-002.jpg/220px-2008PontiacG8-002.jpg)
The base G8, referred to in Pontiac sales literature as the "G8 Sedan", is available with a 3.6-liter High Feature V6 engine, producing 256 hp (191 kW). The only transmission available is a five-speed GM 5L40-E automatic; fuel economy is officially rated at 17 mpg‑US (14 L/100 km) city/25 mpg‑US (9.4 L/100 km) highway.[14]
Base G8 models come standard with six airbags (including full-length side curtain airbags),
A "Comfort And Sound" package is available on V6 powered G8s, which upgrades the seven-speaker audio system and manual HVAC controls to the 11-speaker audio and automatic climate control found in the GT model. The "Premium" package upgrades the Sedan's cloth seats to leather seating surfaces, driver and passenger heated seats, six-way power driver seat adjuster, 6-way power front-passenger seat adjuster, rear center armrest, leather-wrapped shift lever, and the GT's standard leather-wrapped steering wheel. Both the base G8 and the GT utilize the "FE2" suspension package.
G8 GT
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0d/2009_Pontiac_G8_GT_sedan_01.jpg/220px-2009_Pontiac_G8_GT_sedan_01.jpg)
The GT comes with a 361 hp (269 kW)
In addition to the larger engine and six-speed transmission, GT models also contain additional equipment, including all of the standard Sedan features plus quad tailpipes, clear taillight lenses (as opposed to the Sedan's traditional red taillights), automatic dual-zone air conditioning, a larger center-console display screen, and an 11-speaker Blaupunkt premium audio system with 2 subwoofers, six-disc CD changer, and auxiliary input jack.[15] Some (but not all) of these features are available as options on the base model. A sports package is available on the GT, adding sport metallic pedals, QS4 19" machine-faced aluminum wheels, summer performance tires and a slightly smaller diameter, leather-wrapped Sport steering wheel.
G8 GXP
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2f/2009_Pontiac_G8_GXP_01.jpg/220px-2009_Pontiac_G8_GXP_01.jpg)
A G8 GXP version was shown at the
The GXP has an upgraded, Nürburgring-tuned FE3 suspension package, as well as larger, ventilated Brembo disc brakes. It also features a unique front bumper cover and a rear (non-functional) diffuser to differentiate it from the standard Sedan and GT models.
Total sales of the Pontiac G8 GXP were 1,829 units.[20] Only a limited production of G8 GXP were available in Canada. 10 units were shipped to Canada, however, only 4 were sold to customers. The remaining 6 were disposed of[clarification needed] through GM's internal system.[citation needed]
In 2014,
Holden VE Commodore versions (2009)
Following the cancellation of Pontiac brand, it was reported that Holden planned to sell 1,500 limited edition version of the Commodore SS V fitted with the Pontiac G8 front-end fascia and other trimmings. Unlike the G8, which was offered only as a sedan, Holden would be offering utility, sedan and wagon body variants of the G8.[22] They would be sold in Australia in November and December, with production beginning on 2 November.[23]
Production versions were sold as VE Commodore SS V-Series Special Edition (Sedan, Sportwagon) and as the Ute SS V-Series Special Edition,[24] with the choice of manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions. SS V-Series Special Edition was unveiled in 2009 Deni Ute Muster. Production version for SS V-Series Special Edition went on sale in 2009–11.[25]
Cancelled body variants
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9b/2009_Pontiac_G8_ST_pick_up_%285223047188%29.jpg/220px-2009_Pontiac_G8_ST_pick_up_%285223047188%29.jpg)
G8 ST
In addition to the sedan, a two-seat coupé utility called the G8 ST (for Sport Truck) was shown at the New York International Auto Show in March 2008. Based on the Holden Ute, it was built on the same G8 platform with a 73-inch (1,900 mm) cargo bed. The ST had the same 361 hp (269 kW), 6.0-liter V8 used in the G8 GT, as well as the 3.6-liter, 256 hp (191 kW) V6. After a naming contest with more than 18,000 suggestions, the name remained the G8 ST.[26]
The G8 ST, slated for release as a 2010 model, was to be Pontiac's first coupe utility, and GM's first coupe utility in the United States since the Chevrolet El Camino was discontinued in 1987. In January 2009, GM announced to Pontiac dealers that the G8 ST was cancelled due to budget cuts and restructuring.[27]
G8 "Sportwagon"
A Pontiac variant of the VE Commodore Sportwagon station wagon was considered as well, but not imported, partially due to poor sales of the market in general, especially of the
Model years
2008
For the 2008 model year, the Pontiac G8 was initially offered in six colors: Stealth Blue, Liquid Red, Ignition Orange, White Hot, Magnetic Gray, and Panther Black. Stealth Blue was discontinued after the first batch of vehicles were shipped from Australia. First deliveries to dealerships were posted on GM's website in March 2008, with comments that initial sales were brisk.[29] Subsequently, May 2008 monthly sales were reported at 1,832 units against a May 2007 sales volume of 12,230 units for the Grand Prix.[30]
2009
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0a/2009_Pontiac_G8_GT--DC.jpg/220px-2009_Pontiac_G8_GT--DC.jpg)
The 2009 model year adds the GXP version powered by a 415 hp (309 kW) 6.2-liter V8 engine with a standard 6-speed automatic transmission or optional six-speed manual transmission (see above). The GXP is available in all standard G8 colors.
The G8 lineup also adds standard XM Satellite Radio, with Bluetooth connectivity provided later in the year, and four new exterior color choices: Maverick Silver Metallic, Sport Red Metallic, Stryker Blue Metallic and Pacific Slate Metallic. Meanwhile, Stealth Blue and Ignition Orange were unavailable for 2009 (Stealth Blue having already been eliminated during 2008 model year production). For 2009, the oil pressure and battery voltage gauges at the top of the center console were eliminated. Criticism among the automotive press of the outdated appearance of the red LED gauges factored heavily in their removal. The gauges were replaced with a small storage compartment.
National Safety Agency Ltd., an Australian company in a joint project with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) displayed a prototype squad car based on the Pontiac G8, at the APCO 2009 Conference in Sydney in March 2009.[31] The vehicle is fitted with a large portrait format touch screen in the center console, replacing the clutter of controls common in police vehicles.[32]
Sales and marketing
Calendar year | Total sales (U.S.) |
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2008 (March–December) | 15,002[33] |
2009 | 23,157[34] |
Marketing
General Motors heavily promoted the Pontiac G8 on 31 December 2007 into 1 January 2008, by having it as the official sponsor of the
The G8 is the primary vehicle in the 2009 driving game, Wheelman.
In March 2008, a commercial based on the 1980s arcade game Spy Hunter ran nationally. In the commercial, the Pontiac G8 GT takes the place of the hero car when it is destroyed by enemies.[35]
References
- ^ a b Peskett, Karl (18 December 2007). "Pontiac G8 production begins". caradvice.com.au. Retrieved 26 May 2009.
- McGraw-Hill. Archived from the originalon 15 July 2009. Retrieved 11 July 2009.
- ^ Kranz, Rick (17 July 2009). "GM cancels plan to convert Pontiac G8 into a Chevy". Automotive News. Crain Communications. Retrieved 18 July 2009.
- ^ Bob Lutz (16 July 2009). "It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time…". GM FastLane Blog. Archived from the original on 20 July 2009. Retrieved 19 July 2009.
- Jalopnik. Gawker Media. Retrieved 5 October 2009.
- ^ Gall, Jared (September 2011). "2012 Chevrolet Caprice PPV". Car and Driver.
- ^ "Chevrolet Announces New SS Performance Sedan". media.gm.com. 17 May 2012.
- ISBN 9780760359952.
- ^ Dowling, Joshua (9 January 2007). "Holden Commodore (VE) to be sold as Pontiac G8". The Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ Butler, Glenn (8 February 2007). "Holden announced US export deal". Drive.com.au.
- ^ Oldham, Scott (7 February 2007). "2008 Pontiac G8 debuts". Edmunds. Archived from the original on 7 July 2012.
- ^ Nunez, Alex (4 July 2007). "Pontiac G8 prototypes roll off the line in Oz". Autoblog.com.
- ^ Nunez, Alex (26 October 2007). "The Rocky Road to the Holden VE SportWagon". Autoblog.com.
- ^ a b c "2008 Pontiac G8 and G8 GXP" (Press release). Media.gm.com. 9 June 2008. Retrieved 28 April 2009.
- ^ a b "2008 Pontiac G8 Review". JB car pages. Retrieved 9 March 2009.
- ^ Brooks, Jerick (21 April 2007). "All-new Pontiac G8 to unleash in 2008". The Crittenden Automotive Library. Retrieved 5 May 2007.
- ^ a b "2008 Pontiac G8 GT". Motor Trend Magazine. 22 February 2008.
- ^ Arnold, Mark (15 March 2008). "2009 Pontiac G8 GXP Revealed, Gets Corvette LS3 Power And A Manual Transmission". Jalopnik.
- ^ "First Test: 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP". Motor Trend. Retrieved 6 January 2009.
- ^ "Sellers auto sports official G8 production number breakdown". Retrieved 13 January 2011.
- ^ "2014 Chevy SS Vs. 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP: Here's What's Different". Retrieved 12 April 2017.
- ^ Nunez, Alex (19 August 2009). "REPORT: Pontiac G8 Sedan, Wagon and Ute to be sold... in Australia". Autoblog.
- ^ Dowling, Joshua (19 August 2009). "Exclusive! Pontiac G8 revived in Australia". carsales.com.au. Archived from the original on 22 August 2009. Retrieved 20 August 2009.
- ^ "Ute SS V-Series Special Edition". Australia: Holden. Archived from the original on 31 December 2009.
- ^ Joseph, Noah (1 October 2009). "Pontiac G8 resurfaces in Australia as a pair of special-edition Holdens". Autoblog.
- ^ "Pontiac Names All New Sport Truck The "G8 ST"" (Press release). GM. 14 August 2008. Retrieved 6 January 2009.
- ^ "GM kills Pontiac G8 Sport Truck". Freep.
- ^ Neff, John (17 January 2008). "Sorry Holden: GM cancels VE Sportwagon for US market". Autoblog.
- ^ "GM Reports 282,732 Deliveries in March; 805,720 in First Quarter" (Press release). GM. 1 April 2008.
- ^ Thomas, David (5 June 2008). "New Models Not Breaking Through in Tough Market". KickingTires.
- ^ Worthington, Tom (9 March 2009). "Prototype Pontiac G8 for LAPD". Australia. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
- ^ Worthington, Tom (9 March 2009). "Touch screen in Prototype Pontiac G8 for LAPD". Australia. Retrieved 9 March 2009.
- ^ "GM Reports 221,983 Deliveries in December; 2,980,688 Vehicles Sold in 2008" (Press release). GM. 5 January 2009.
- ^ "Deliveries December 09" (XLS). media.gm.com/content. Retrieved 2 April 2010.
- ^ Pontiac Spy Hunter commercial from Brightcove Internet TV
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