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2008 Pontiac G8

1278 messages,  Last post on Nov 30, 2010 at 9:21 AM

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What is this discussion about? Pontiac Grand Prix, Pontiac G8, Future Vehicle, Sedan

Messages Page 62 of 129

#603 of 1278 "keep it" \ ADM Re: G8 GT first impressions ( static ) [circlew] by rayainsw

Mar 21, 2008 (4:56 am)

Replying to: circlew (Mar 20, 2008 8:45 pm)
- What did I tell you? Same garbage as the GTO. They can keep it! For SNG, I will do the same as the GTO...visit the dealer, tell the sales guy I want one and when he gives me the markup, I respond "Ain't happening, just like the GTO" "Keep it." –
 
The Sales Manager said ( to me & the salesperson showing me the car ) that the 888 ‘markup’ would not apply to any other G8s. Including the white one I hope to drive this weekend.
 
I have also read elsewhere that several have already purchased 888s MSRP.
 
As I stated above, if I do buy a G8, it will almost certainly be from the ( “invoice + $49 and no additional fees of any kind” ) dealer where I bought my Grand Prix.
 
With the volumes available over then next several months, I doubt that trying to add markup to the 888s will have any significant effect on sales. Not all Pontiac dealers ( there are 2000 or more, I believe ) will even have one 888.
 
We shall see.
 
- Ray
Ready for my test drive . . .

#604 of 1278 Re: G8 GT first impressions ( static ) [rayainsw] by etcarroll

Mar 23, 2008 (5:18 pm)

Replying to: rayainsw (Mar 20, 2008 10:00 am)
Ray - I seem to recall you and I being tall from old discussion in Malibu thread - so - if you test the white one, would you drop the seat to lowest point, and get an idea for how much space you have between head and roof liner and report back.
 
I'm 6'3", but only 32" in inseam, so my height is from waist up. The Malibu has been a good fit, but it's 7 years old with 180k, time to retire it.
 
Gene

#605 of 1278 Re: G8 seems appropriate to me [elias] by jpstax1

Mar 25, 2008 (10:55 am)

Replying to: elias (Mar 17, 2008 12:05 pm)
[quote] hi walterquint. I'm a GTO owner and the G8 looks appropriate to me - especially since it will have satellite radio for 2009.
 
[reply] With Sirius buying XM, I wonder what will happen to my XM subscription?
 
[quote] If you think the current GT is inappropriate, wait until you hear about the 2009 G8 GXP (with stick-shift!). Yow!
 
[reply] Here are the latest posts about the G8 GXP at the gminsidenews site:
 
http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f63/nyias-08-2009-pontiac-g8-gxp-62070/index7- .html

#606 of 1278 XM Re: G8 seems appropriate to me [jpstax1] by rayainsw

Mar 25, 2008 (11:05 am)

Replying to: jpstax1 (Mar 25, 2008 10:55 am)
What XM says:
 
http://www.xmradio.com/announcement/index.xmc?leopard=ticker

#607 of 1278 Re: XM Re: G8 seems appropriate to me [rayainsw] by jpstax1

Mar 25, 2008 (1:53 pm)

Replying to: rayainsw (Mar 25, 2008 11:05 am)
Thanks for posting the link! I never thought to look at their site, even though I extended my XM subscription to 2010. So, are they saying my car will be able to pick up Sirius stations as well as XM? That would be great because my wife and I are big NASCAR fans, and Sirius has a group of channels dedicated to the drivers.

#608 of 1278 Short G8 GT test drive – impressions . . . by rayainsw

Mar 27, 2008 (10:04 am)

Executive summary: I liked it. I found no flaws or shortcomings in design or execution that I’d label ‘significant’.
 
Brief background:
I currently drive a C6 ( current generation, introduced in 2005 ) Corvette coupe.
Automatic trans. with the same designation as the G8 GT – 6L80.
It is stock, except for the exhaust.
It is a rather more ‘intense’ driving experience, in most every way I can think of, than all but a very few sedans.
 
The car I drove: G8 GT w/Premium & Sport.
 
The drive: Down a 4 lane, divided industrial parkway – for a mile +, stopping at a couple of traffic lights, at 0 to roughly 45\50 - then through a residential area, at 15 to 35 or so. And back to the dealer’s lot.
 
The initial accelerator response ( drive-by-wire mapping ) was much more aggressive than I am used to, in my Corvette. I startled myself & the sales guy ( ballast ) in the right seat quite unintentionally as I turned right to merge into a gap in traffic. Transmission was in Sport, Manual \ DSC & in first gear. Hmmm. Responsive. And I expect that I could adapt. But surprising.
 
The acceleration was very smooth – and I expect that it would be ‘sufficient’. Saying quite a lot, coming from a ‘Vette, I think. I was fairly gentle with the throttle ( except for that first time ) given less than 25 miles on the car and the fact that I knew I would not buy this particular example – but I found a satisfying level of quickness.
 
The ‘rev match on downshift’ worked very well on a couple of 4 – 3 shifts. The one 3 – 2 I tried took noticeably longer – to decide what RPM to order up? Other than that one anomaly (?), the trans. behaved much as I had expected. Since in my last 4 or 5 cars, I almost never drive in anything but ‘manual’ mode, that’s all I tried.
 
The one other related oddity that I noticed is that in Manual Mode ( Driver Shift Control ), the DIC displayed the gear selected in large numbers, in the center of the display ( after I had selected it via the shift lever ) but then quickly reverted to showing the ‘current’ gear selected in small characters, along the very bottom of the display. I would much prefer to keep that large, central display at all times, at least while in DSC \ manual mode. Oh, well. Or a HUD, like in my Corvette & my last Grand Prix. ( I know, I know . . . )
 
I ran the whole test drive route ( probably 2.5 or 3 miles, at most ) with the left front ( driver’s ) window down a half inch or so, the right rear window down an inch, and the sound system off. Climate control system also turned off.
 
The car was very quite. It seemed solid & well bolted \ screwed \ glued together. No rattles, squeaks, moans or groans – even over a few stretches of deteriorated, patched & uneven pavement.
 
I did detect just a hint of a lovely, V8 exhaust note – comprehensively stomped upon by the stock muffler system. I doubt I could make it 1,000 miles before doing SOMETHING to let a bit more of that tone out . . .
 
I did not stress the handling, at all. I believe the various publications regarding absolute cornering power numbers, etc. I was much more interested in the steering response and feel. It seemed quite acceptable. Though I will require at least a short stint at highway speeds. Before the final ‘buy’ decision.
 
I found the ride very comfortable & well damped at all times.
 
After the drive I opened the rear door & sat in the left rear, behind the driver’s seat adjusted to my liking. Excellent room & very good comfort.
 
I also opened & shut the doors a few times. Seemed solid.
 
Notes:
1 - The tire pressures ( checked after the drive, but likely not much higher than when cold – given low speeds & short distance traveled ) were 36\7 front and 41\2 rear.
 
2 - I took the ‘Vette over most of the same test drive route, immediately after I gave back the keys. This confirmed & re-emphasized that the G8’s ride is really quite impressive. Particularly with the 19” wheels & tires.
 
3 - I expect that a significant part of the ride difference between my car and the G8 is the ‘Vette has run-flats. With rather stiff sidewalls than the ‘Stones on the G8 GT Sport.
 
Conclusion:
I will ( as stated ) require a bit more seat time – at somewhat higher speeds, to make a final determination. But, based on all the impressions posted by the kind folks on this & other forums, I expect that a G8 GT will be my next Sport Sedan. Probably a 2009. In 3 to 6 months. For me, the G8 GT w/Premium, Sport & a Sunroof looks like the right combination of sport & utility & price.
 
I see this as a very impressive effort by Pontiac \ Holden. And a Bargain, with a capital ‘B’ – even at full list price. Though if anyone tells a Dealer sales person I said that – I will deny it.
 
Seriously, I was quite pleased.
 
- Ray
Impressed.

#609 of 1278 Re: Short G8 GT test drive – impressions . . . [rayainsw] by circlew

Mar 28, 2008 (11:54 am)

Replying to: rayainsw (Mar 27, 2008 10:04 am)
Ray, thank you for your feedback. I have a real good feeling about this car and will test drive it soon as well. Considering my 330xi, I will try to compare the G8 to this with an unbiased approach as you have done.
 
I will be eager to read your further review after your highway test. It's good to see a winning combination at Pontiac again.
 
Regards,
OW

#610 of 1278 Re: Short G8 GT test drive – impressions . . . [circlew] by rayainsw

Mar 28, 2008 (6:24 pm)

Replying to: circlew (Mar 28, 2008 11:54 am)
"Considering my 330xi"
Do you mean a ( new ) 335xi?
I did not think BMW made a 330xi...?
My 3 drives in 335s have impressed me...
- Ray
Unbiased?

#611 of 1278 Re: Short G8 GT test drive – impressions . . . [rayainsw] by circlew

Mar 28, 2008 (7:06 pm)

Replying to: rayainsw (Mar 28, 2008 6:24 pm)
Ray, I have a 2006 330xi. I sat in the newly delivered G8 tonight at my local dealer after a quick visit to the BMW dealer across the road.
 
I compared the sport seats in the 335i and the new 135i with regards to seating position, room, space, etc,
 
The G8 had the most space but the sport seats in the BMW feel like they are molded just for you. My fist visual impressions are I could definately live with this car. The solid feel all around sways to the BMW but the G8 was surprisingly a good feel to me. It felt like a quality and good value build just sitting there...not top of the line but real good.
 
The room in the 135i was tight for me...livable but would need a lot of getting used to. The 335i felt like a large car in comparison and is just right for me. I plan to drive all of these cars to determine which one fits me closest.
 
The G8 seats are a good balance an far better than my '97 GTP and the leather was 2 notches up from the GP leather of that vintage.
 
The sticker was ~$32,500 so I need to drive it to see the difference in my car. I already see the +$10K difference so I can see the proposition that the G8 offers in a drive. The weight factor is a concern as you already felt vs. your C6.
 
I also test drove the 335i for about 60 miles one day on a loaner situation. That drive was a no brainier for a repeat for me but the value proposition with the G8 must be explored in my mind.
 
Regards,
OW
 
(Still pursuing the Z06!)

#612 of 1278 Re: Short G8 GT test drive – impressions . . . [rayainsw] by jpstax1

Apr 01, 2008 (12:32 pm)

Replying to: rayainsw (Mar 27, 2008 10:04 am)
Ray-
 
I also test drove a G8 GT (this morning, while waiting for an oil change on my Buick).
 
My responses (to yours) are as follows:
 
[yours] The drive: Down a 4 lane, divided industrial parkway – for a mile +, stopping at a couple of traffic lights, at 0 to roughly 45\50 - then through a residential area, at 15 to 35 or so. And back to the dealer’s lot.
 
[mine] I test drove it from dealer's lot and back (about 10 miles R/T). I started out East on main road (1 mile) to a frontage road (35mph), turned South (2 miles) on the frontage road to a traffic light (55mph), then went West using a freeway (2 miles) to an exit for a residential street (60mph) -- then North (2 miles) though a residential area (35mph), and then East (3 miles) back to dealer's lot (35mph).
  
[yours] The initial accelerator response ( drive-by-wire mapping ) was much more aggressive than I am used to, in my Corvette. I startled myself & the sales guy ( ballast ) in the right seat quite unintentionally as I turned right to merge into a gap in traffic. Transmission was in Sport, Manual \ DSC & in first gear. Hmmm. Responsive. And I expect that I could adapt. But surprising.
 
[mine] Basically, the same as yours. I would say the SOTP response of the G8 was much greater than my Super, but not as much as my brother-in-law's '68 Olds 442. As I previously said, I took two sharp turns on the frontage road at 60mph, and felt better lateral support (good seat bolstering in G8) than I would've in my Buick.
 
[yours] The acceleration was very smooth – and I expect that it would be ‘sufficient’. Saying quite a lot, coming from a ‘Vette, I think. I was fairly gentle with the throttle ( except for that first time ) given less than 25 miles on the car and the fact that I knew I would not buy this particular example – but I found a satisfying level of quickness.
  
[mine] Basically the same as yours. There's apparently plenty of low-end torque at the driver's disposal throughout the entire power band. I didn't launch at full throttle (promised the salesman I wouldn't), but there seems to be lots of V-8 ponies available.
 
[yours] The ‘rev match on downshift’ worked very well on a couple of 4 – 3 shifts. The one 3 – 2 I tried took noticeably longer – to decide what RPM to order up? Other than that one anomaly (?), the trans. behaved much as I had expected. Since in my last 4 or 5 cars, I almost never drive in anything but ‘manual’ mode, that’s all I tried.
  
[mine] I left it in drive, so I really can't comment on the auto tranny's performance.
 
[yours] The one other related oddity that I noticed is that in Manual Mode ( Driver Shift Control ), the DIC displayed the gear selected in large numbers, in the center of the display ( after I had selected it via the shift lever ) but then quickly reverted to showing the ‘current’ gear selected in small characters, along the very bottom of the display. I would much prefer to keep that large, central display at all times, at least while in DSC \ manual mode. Oh, well. Or a HUD, like in my Corvette & my last Grand Prix. ( I know, I know . . . )
 
[mine] The same comment as above.
  
[yours] I ran the whole test drive route ( probably 2.5 or 3 miles, at most ) with the left front ( driver’s ) window down a half inch or so, the right rear window down an inch, and the sound system off. Climate control system also turned off.
  
The car was very quite. It seemed solid & well bolted \ screwed \ glued together. No rattles, squeaks, moans or groans – even over a few stretches of deteriorated, patched & uneven pavement.
 
[mine] Basically the same as yours. NIce relatively quiet and comfortable ride at cruising speeds. Build quality appears to be very good. Only time will tell if it lasts.
  
[yours] I did detect just a hint of a lovely, V8 exhaust note – comprehensively stomped upon by the stock muffler system. I doubt I could make it 1,000 miles before doing SOMETHING to let a bit more of that tone out . . .
 
[mine] Basically the same impressions as yours. I have to admit my Super's exhaust note has a little more of a rumble than the G8's, but it's still quiet. Both car's exhausts have been obviously toned down by more restrictive mufflers.The Super has a huge resonator to make it what their engineers call "Buick quiet". I'm planning on replacing my stocks with Flowmaster 40s sometime in the future.
 
[yours] I did not stress the handling, at all. I believe the various publications regarding absolute cornering power numbers, etc. I was much more interested in the steering response and feel. It seemed quite acceptable. Though I will require at least a short stint at highway speeds. Before the final ‘buy’ decision.
 
[mine] As I previously said, the G8 took a couple of sharp corners very well at 60mph, with no tire screaching or noticeable rear-end slipping. The car also had very good steering response.
  
[yours] I found the ride very comfortable & well damped at all times.
 
[mine] Ditto.
 
[yours] After the drive I opened the rear door & sat in the left rear, behind the driver’s seat adjusted to my liking. Excellent room & very good comfort.
 
[mine] I also sat behind the G8's driver's seat (after adjusting it to my liking) and found it very comfortable with plenty of leg and head room. Nice feel to the leather.
  
[yours] I also opened & shut the doors a few times. Seemed solid.
 
[mine] Ditto.
  
Notes:
1 - The tire pressures ( checked after the drive, but likely not much higher than when cold – given low speeds & short distance traveled ) were 36\7 front and 41\2 rear.
  
2 - I took the ‘Vette over most of the same test drive route, immediately after I gave back the keys. This confirmed & re-emphasized that the G8’s ride is really quite impressive. Particularly with the 19” wheels & tires.
  
3 - I expect that a significant part of the ride difference between my car and the G8 is the ‘Vette has run-flats. With rather stiff sidewalls than the ‘Stones on the G8 GT Sport.

Messages Page 62 of 129

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