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Sedans Pontiac G8 2008 Pontiac G8
1265 messages, Last post on Jul 21, 2009 at 10:14 AM
You are in the Pontiac G8 Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens
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Replying to: wideglide (Apr 04, 2009 5:46 am) The G8 GXP automatic is faster than the manual. Does the fun of shifting outweigh the fun of performance? Also, the automatic is much more entertaining after a Superchips Cortex tune. |
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Replying to: pafromfl (Apr 04, 2009 7:16 pm) 
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I have driven V8s with automatic transmissions and ‘manumatic’ functionality since late 1999. [ Lincoln LS Sport 3.9L V8 and five speed auto. ] The Current 6L80 in the G8 GT is, by far, the best, IMHO. I drove a Corvette with an automatic labeled also as a 6L80 for over 30,000 miles. This G8 ‘version’ is superior in several respects: The Sport \ Manual Mode = DSC shifts quickly. Specifically, the response to manual commands [ the time between moving the shift lever and the beginning of shift execution ] is short. This is good. When driving [ um ] briskly, but not ** VERY ** briskly, the shift execution I find is a very good compromise between quickness & smoothness. The style of the shifts are very similar to what one might choose if driving a manual trans. and not hurrying. The electronic throttle is reduced and \ or timing is pulled at the beginning of the shift, and as the next gear is engaged, the throttle \ timing is re-applied smoothly – and on we go. When driving more briskly, the shift execution seems quicker, but still very smooth. The downshift rev-match is nearly perfect. The RPM rise exactly to where they must be for a smooth transition to the next lower gear. Well done, indeed. And on we go. The Sport Automatic mode is improved even more than the Sport \ Manual mode over the prior 6L80, as installed in the 2007 Corvette. The timing and execution of the shifts is much better, and the response to throttle input is much quicker and much more consistent. The multiple downshifts – say from cruise in sixth at 50 or 60 to second or third gear as a result of slamming the pedal to the floor are both quick, & smooth - not jarring. Very well done. No transmission [ automatic or manual ] will likely please everyone all the time – but the 6L80 in my G8 GT pleases me every time I drive it . . . Just my 0.02 gallons worth . . . - Ray Driving and driving and driving . . . |
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Replying to: wideglide (Apr 04, 2009 5:46 am) Well: "Handsome styling, great motor with fine response, excellent 6-speed automatic transmission and a reasonable price make this a very entertaining sports sedan — I like it," wrote Editor-in-Chief Thos L. Bryant. R&T's test of the G8 GT... with automatic trans. - Ray From my library...
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Replying to: rayainsw (Apr 06, 2009 3:21 am) From Googling: "sport truck is nearly identical to the G8 sports sedan." http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/features_classic_- - cars/most_significant_debuts_at_the_2008_new_york_auto_show_auto_show/2010_ponti- - ac_g8_sport_truck_auto_show and from other magazines, "AUTO SHOWS: 2008 Pontiac G8 Sports Sedan" http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/2007_chicago/0702_2008_pontiac_g8/ "The G8s are an accomplished family of sport sedans," http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Pontiac_G8/ etc. |
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Purchased a new 2009 G8 GT on March 24 (Maverick Silver/Sport/Premium/Sunroof) for $27,246. One year ago the Pontiac dealers in my area were demanding $3-5,000 over MSRP ($36-38,000). This is a great $27,000 car; not a very good $37,000 car. A friend once told me, "your expectations of something are in direct relation to how much you paid for it." I believe that's why G8 sales are increasing in contradiction of the market (and especially GMs market) in general. At $27-28,000 this car represents good value; not at $32-35,000 MSRP. The only things it doesn't have that I really would like are memory seats/mirrors and Homelink. The Homelink I can add later the same way I did in my GTO. Memory seats are available on the Holden models in Australia; sure wish they hadn't nixed those on our G8s. I've had a lot of trouble getting the seat adjusted properly (being 6'3'' and with a sunroof sucking 2-inches of headroom, it's not easy) and I know the first time the wife drives the car it will take me days to get it back right again. Car sure is fun to drive, though, and looks great.
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I had a Corvette with an automatic trans. Many posts on the various Corvette Forums I frequented before & during my ownership were essentially: A Sports Car is not really a Sports Car if equipped with an automatic. And \ or: A Corvette is not really Corvette unless equipped with a manual trans. While I certainly respect the view that a manual trans. has certain attributes that may enhance the driving experience for some – the reality is that [ when last I checked ] over two thirds of Corvettes were sold with the automatic trans. If you choose not to buy a G8 GT because it is only available with an automatic trans. – fine. If you will only consider a car with a manual trans – well, the debate rages on here - Future of the Manual Trans. - discussion: http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/WebX/.ef6716a/4576
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Replying to: rayainsw (Apr 06, 2009 5:41 am) The thing about the G8 and other RWD cars is the weight transfer you get to the drive wheels when accelerating. The faster you accerate the more weight you get over the drive tires. A manual transmission is especially tricky with FWD off of the line because if you overdo it the front end lifts as the weight transfers to the rear of the vehicle and there goes the traction. The Accord sits and burns when the too much power is used in initial takeoff . There is somewhat less control with an auto but there is a definite advantage too. Every time you shift a manual transmission there is no power delivery to the drive wheels. This is why autos can deliver better 0-60 runs in some situations. I also find the delay can hurt when dogging around on a crowded highway when short bursts of power is desired. I believe in the end sophisticated semi automatics will prevail as they are coming available on some of the exotic sport cars.
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Replying to: white6 (Apr 06, 2009 5:30 am) You have wonderful taste. [ kidding ] Your ’09 sounds a lot like mine: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/rayainsw/new%20G8%20GT%202009/MYg8gttocro- pP1320363cropnewG8GT2009.jpg I agree regarding the pricing issue – one reason that I waited until late last Fall to make my purchase. Having looked extensively at every other Sport Sedan with roughly comparable performance, dynamics & comfort, I believe that at $30K or less [ actual transaction price ], the G8 GT is untouchable. If those are your personal priorities. If a [ fairly good ] V6 is OK, the new Infiniti G37 sedan w/7 speed trans. sounds possibly comparable. There were none available for me to test drive when I was ready to decide. YMMV. - Ray Very happy with the G8 GT’s “bang for the buck” index . . . |
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Replying to: rayainsw (Apr 06, 2009 3:21 am) Well: "Handsome styling, great motor with fine response, excellent 6-speed automatic transmission and a reasonable price make this a very entertaining sports sedan — I like it," wrote Editor-in-Chief Thos L. Bryant. R&T's test of the G8 GT... with automatic trans. Hi Ray... I made the comment about reading R&T and C&D to the original poster to differentiate the difference between a "sports car", and a "sports sedan". I think the G8 is a great car, and I want one! But they're not getting my money until they offer the GT with a manual, and some interior choices other than black. (I know they offer a two-tone black/red, but that wouldn't go so well with magnetic grey!) Mark |
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