2009 Pontiac G8 Trims and Specs

Like gifts lavished upon an ignored stepchild, Pontiac loads the Aussie-built G8 with standard features, even in Base trim. Power everything is matched by remote entry and start, but perhaps surpassed by a 7-speaker Blaupunkt CD/MP3 stereo with a digital media connection, satellite radio, and Bluetooth. One year of OnStar is also standard, as well as air conditioning, a trip computer, and a compass. Sitting in the left of the two front 4-way power bucket seats, the driver will notice a tilt and telescoping steering wheel with integrated radio controls, a tachometer, cruise control, and a center console. Illuminated visor mirrors make sure you’re looking as good as the car you’re driving, with its foglights, rear spoiler, and 18-inch alloy wheels, more features not usually found on a base trim. Variable intermittent wipers and a rear defogger keep things visible, as well as automatic headlights.

The whole package is powered by a 3.6-liter, DOHC, 24-valve V6 attached to a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability, and just to make sure that it isn’t too much to handle, traction control is thrown in as well. Stopping is handled by four-wheel antilock disc brakes with brake assist. A tire pressure monitor is included, as well as daytime running lights, and airbags are abundant with dual front, front side, and curtain sides all standard.

While the youngest is treated favorably in this family, the GT receives plenty of attention for 2009 in the Pontiac G8 lineup, with power everything and an 11-speaker Blaupunkt 6-CD/MP3 stereo with digital media connection, satellite radio, and Bluetooth. One year of OnStar is also standard, as well as dual-zone automatic climate controls and a compass. A leather-wrapped tilt and telescoping steering wheel with integrated radio controls sits in front of the driver’s 4-way power bucket seat, as well as a tachometer, cruise control, and a trip computer. Moving to the passenger’s 4-way power bucket seat, we pass over a center console and notice illuminated visor mirrors to help make sure you look just as good as the car you’re driving.

Speaking of which, there are several visual cues to distinguish GTs from the base trim, like chrome-trimmed door handles, clear tail-lamp lenses, and quad exhaust tips, while foglights, a rear spoiler, and 18-inch alloy wheels are retained. Variable intermittent wipers and a rear defogger keep things visible, as well as automatic headlights.

The big upgrade is in the 6.0-liter V8 with a six-speed shiftable automatic transmission, with traction control and a limited-slip differential to distribute power evenly. Stopping duty is handled by four-wheel antilock disc brakes with brake assist. A tire pressure monitor is included as well as daytime running lights, and airbags are abundant with dual front, front side, and curtain sides all standard.

There’s a difference between being treated favorably and being the favorite, and apparently it’s about 40 hp. That’s the increase you’ll see with the 6.2-liter V8 in the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP over the GT’s 6.0-liter engine. It still comes with traction control and a limited-slip differential, but the six-speed shiftable automatic is offered alongside an optional six-speed manual transmission in the GXP. With unique exterior styling and leather upholstery, it’ll be hard to mistake it for anything other than a top-tier model, especially with its 19-inch polished alloy rims.

Power everything is complemented by an 11-speaker Blaupunkt 6-CD/MP3 stereo with digital media connection, satellite radio, and Bluetooth, which can be controlled via the buttons on the leather-wrapped tilt and telescoping steering wheel. That leather matches the heated, 6-way power bucket seats, something missing in the other trims. One year of OnStar is also standard, as well as dual-zone automatic climate controls and a compass, tachometer, cruise control, and a trip computer. A center console and illuminated visor mirrors keep things nice and convenient.

Visual cues carry over from the GT, including chrome-trimmed door handles and mirrors, clear tail-lamp lenses, quad exhaust tips, foglights, and a rear spoiler, but a performance suspension gives a more aggressive stance, along with body molding that sets the GXP apart from the rest of the family. Variable intermittent wipers and a rear defogger keep things visible, as well as automatic headlights.

Stopping duty is handled by uprated four-wheel antilock disc brakes with brake assist. A tire pressure monitor is included as well as daytime running lights, and airbags are abundant with dual front, front side, and curtain sides all standard.