Article Comments - 2008 Pontiac G8 GT First Look and Full Test

99 messages, Last post on Apr 26, 2009 at 2:16 PM

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What is this discussion about? Pontiac G8, Sedan

First Look: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT - There wouldn't be much to talk about if the G8 was just another V6-powered family sedan, so Pontiac did itself a favor and made sure that a V8 is on the options list. If you order the big engine, it's called the G8 GT. (more)

Full Test: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT - Bottom Line: This is the Pontiac we've all been waiting for. (more)

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#70 of 99 The test drive comparison with the SRT8 by budoinst May 04, 2008 (3:45 pm)
To be honest, I really like the look of the G8 and am very high on it. I may buy one as a second car. On reading the account compared to the SRT8, I offer the following. The other vehicle I own is a 2006 Charger SRT8 and it is virtually stock outside of a MOPAR CAI. I have a G-Tech performance module and it compares virtually to the exact times I have had on drag strips. I have turned as low as 4.6 zero to 60 but mainly turn 5.0 to 5.1 constantly. On rare occasion I will turn 5.3-5.4 when traction is bad off lthe line. The 1/4 mile is normally in the 13.3 second area. I am not certain why 5.3 would be the best time recorded by the test vehicle but one reason may be all important. On the Charger there is an ability to switch off the intrusive built in computer traction/stability control. If you quickly push the turn off button, it only allows part of the function to be defeated. If you hold it continuously for 5-6 seconds it is virtually entirely turned off. If not totally off the variance is .3-.4 seconds slower which is obviously significant and more the delta between the 360 and 425 HP differences. In Motor Trend, R&T, Car and Driver, etc. their times vary from 4.8-5.0 inclusively which is where I am with mine. Not to suggest that the G8 is not one heck of a deal but that, in my estimation, the evenness with the SRT8 is a bit skewed. Nonetheless both are great cars and I hope soon to own both.
#71 of 99 Large? Re: On price, bargain? [paisan] by rayainsw May 05, 2008 (2:47 am)
Replying to: paisan (May 04, 2008 7:55 am) "Here are the "large sedans" with V8s that I seem to see as competitors to the G8 that have MT. BMW 550i CTS-V Competitors with ATs expand a bit: ... STS " Having rented a new CTS ( not a '-v', obviously ) and spent a while looking closely at the STS a while back, I don't see either as being in the same catagory as the G8 - at least regarding interior room - and specifically the rear seat room... Just my 2 gallons worth... - Ray Sitting behind myself with room to spare only in the G8... Replies to this message: paisan (May 05, 2008 4:52 pm) circlew (May 06, 2008 3:34 am) paisan (May 06, 2008 3:47 pm)
#72 of 99 Re: Large? Re: On price, bargain? [rayainsw] by paisan May 05, 2008 (4:52 pm)
Replying to: rayainsw (May 05, 2008 2:47 am) There is no V8 CTS so that's not even an option. I'd think the STS would be similar in size though, it's like $60k+ anyway so not really an alternative. -mike
#73 of 99 Re: Large? Re: On price, bargain? [rayainsw] by circlew May 06, 2008 (3:34 am)
Replying to: rayainsw (May 05, 2008 2:47 am) I have to say the reason one would move to the BMW in your example is because of the higher quality of all of the components. Outside and in. That is why each caters to different price-point consumers. One is a CEO and one is a mid-level manager. The CTS-V is for the flamboyant EVP of H.R.! Regards, OW Replies to this message: paisan (May 06, 2008 3:47 pm)
#74 of 99 BMW comparison by budoinst May 06, 2008 (5:49 am)
I for one have owned many vehicles (way too many to be honest) including BMW and can honestly say that they are a great deal of hype. yes, they run well and handle well and hold their value. Yet they break a great deal and are expensive to maintain. Their reliability is not the best to be certain. they also have the most confounding controls for dialing in various performance settings. After owning one I purchased a G35 coupe and found it to be more than better than the BMW. It has had no reliability problems and runs and handles as well or better than the BMW AND it has the highest resale value of ANY coupe on the market. BMW is status to some, but not to me. It, in my opinion, is well overhyped--JMO.
#75 of 99 Re: Large? Re: On price, bargain? [circlew] by paisan May 06, 2008 (3:47 pm)
Replying to: circlew (May 06, 2008 3:34 am) I have to say the reason one would move to the BMW in your example is because of the higher quality of all of the components. Outside and in. That is why each caters to different price-point consumers. One is a CEO and one is a mid-level manager. Having hung out with CEOs, Mid-level Managers and Card Carrying Union folks, I'll take the last 2 over CEOs any day. Most CEOs are full of themselves and into vanity and cockyness and wouldn't know a performance vehicle if it hit them in the head. Just want a BMW for the golf club. I'll take the race track over a gold club any day. -mike
#76 of 99 Take a look at the Luxury V8 comparison by bankerdanny May 13, 2008 (8:47 am)
Posted yesterday. They compared an A6 4.2, 550i, Jagg XF, and E550. Based on the specs from this G8 test, if it had been included in the luxury test it would have tied for 2nd in 0-60 (0.2 sec behind the winner), 3rd in 1/4 mile (0.3 behind), 2nd in 60-0 braking (by 1 foot), and mid pack in slalom (65.7 compared to the 66.7 best and 63.0 worst). It provides as much or more interior space as any of the others, and weighs less than 3 of the four. All this for less than half the price of the most expensive car (BMW $69k) and just under half the price of the least expense ($63.5k Audi). Well done Pontiac.
#77 of 99 Re: G8 GXP [jpstax1] by wideglide Jun 10, 2008 (12:49 pm)
Replying to: jpstax1 (Apr 22, 2008 12:43 pm) Also, I hope Pontiac makes some necessary changes to the interior of their 2009 G8 base, GT, and GXP models by using fully-powered front seats (no more knobs for the tilt adjustment), fold-down rear seats, a tach with a red-line, and XM radio. I'd like to see those changes as well, but also a MT option (on ALL models, not just the GXP). Some more interior color choices. Right now, you can have any color you want, as long as it's black - or red and black, but that's pretty loud, and would probably only go well with a red or black car. How about beige/tan and grey leather options. An option for wood trim in place of the aluminized pieces would be nice to give the interior a little warmth. Wood is NOT that expensive, and I wouldn't mind paying a hundred or two extra for it. I'm not interested in the satellite radio, but it would be a good option for some. Replies to this message: paisan (Jun 15, 2008 2:50 pm)
#78 of 99 Re: G8 GXP [wideglide] by paisan Jun 15, 2008 (2:50 pm)
Replying to: wideglide (Jun 10, 2008 12:49 pm) I say leave the wood grain and camel interiors for the Caddys. Same with Navigation. As for an MT, you are not going to likely see an MT in the non GXP version, rightfully so, these cars are too heavy stock to really track and that's really the only place an MT would be helpful over the 6EAT. I'm a die-hard MT guy but to be honest this car doesn't warrant an MT, heck look at the competition, only 1 car in this class has an MT, and it's a BMW at 2x the price. -mike
#79 of 99 Great look! by bvdj84 Jun 15, 2008 (6:56 pm)
I am very impressed with the style of the G8! It looks very classy and not overdone. The fit and finish seems to be quite high. Just looking at the interior, it looks very simple and high tech. It really has a higher end feel to it. The exterior looks very nice, and gives pontiac, perhaps a newer look to there otherwise old style. It almost doesn't even look like a pontiac and again not overdone. I saw a white on black model, and it simply looks amazing, a real head turner, but classy!! Although a beautiful car, this might not be the nicest time to offer a car with a V8 or a high output V6. If they offer this kind of look for all new pontiac models, they I would say the have a winner.