The rear-wheel-drive G8 sedan represents Pontiac's newfound determination to live up to its once-glorious performance heritage. The 2009 G8 comes in three trims.
The base G8 provides a 3.6-liter V6 that spins out 256 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque through a five-speed automatic with manual shift control. You can expect to get from 0-60 in around 7 seconds, but the EPA gives the V6 a mediocre 17/25 mpg rating.
The next trim level, the GT, packs V8 punch with a 6.0-liter engine that pumps out 361 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic. A manual transmission isn't available. Track testing produced a 5.3-second jump from 0-60. Yet even with Pontiac's cylinder deactivation feature, which allows the engine to run on four cylinders when cruising, the big V8 gets an EPA rating of 15/24 mpg.
The GXP packs Corvette power with a detuned 6.2-liter V8 blasting out 402 hp with 402 lb-ft of torque. At this level, a six-speed automatic or manual transmission is available. Pontiac claims the bigger V8 cuts at least a half-second from the GT's 0-60 time, but it hasn't received an EPA rating yet.
Does it handle? is always the question with big American muscle cars. It looks like Pontiac did its homework for the G8. Its BMW-like front strut/rear multilink suspension produces handling characteristics that give the G8 European sport-sedan agility.
The base G8's standard equipment list includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, XM Satellite Radio, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, four-way power front sport seats, and a seven-speaker CD system. G8 interiors are a big advance over previous Pontiac offerings, with nicer materials, solid construction, and stylish design.
Standard safety equipment across the line includes front seat and full-length side curtain airbags, stability control, traction control, ABS discs with brake assist, and an OnStar communication system.
By Albert A. Dalia
