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Sedans Pontiac G8 2008 Pontiac G8
1266 messages, Last post on Dec 07, 2009 at 12:07 PM
You are in the Pontiac G8 Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens
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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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Replying to: white6 (Apr 06, 2009 5:30 am) |
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Replying to: mrpushrod (Apr 06, 2009 6:27 am) One of the disadvantages of an AT is the power loss from the torque converter when it's not locked up. There's less power reaching the drive wheels, compared to the direct gears of a manual.
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Replying to: wideglide (Apr 07, 2009 12:12 am) This is true and was a big issue in the old days with 3 speeds. That said, autos these days lock up when cruising on the highway (very little loss in MPG). The electronic lock is released on acceleration. Some of the sophisticated semi autos do not have this hangup. The other big advantage to a manual is being able to dump the clutch from a standstill. This is especially an advantage on 4WD 4 cyl cars like the WRX which can grip during the influx of energy. It is a false launch as these vehicles show there real colors (lack of torque) once the engine slows down. Some of these 4WD vehicles accelerate to 60 faster under slippery conditions. It utilizes the engine momentum for a longer time. A buddy of mine did this with his WRX all the time. The car sounded like it was going to blow up when he did it
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Replying to: mrpushrod (Apr 07, 2009 5:10 am) The G8 GT has enough torque that the limiting factor with both the manual and automatic is melted tires during takeoff. The gear ratio of the G8 GXP provides closer shifting points (in terms of mph) at the expense of potentially needing extra shifts. |
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