2008 New York Auto Show: 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP

• Competes with: Chrysler 300 SRT8, Dodge Charger SRT8
• Looks like: A meaner G8
• Drivetrain: 402-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 with six-speed manual or automatic
• Hits dealerships: Late 2008

Every car really should have a Corvette engine wedged into it. Imagine your daily driver, whatever it is, with the vroom-vroom of a 402-hp V-8. Pontiac’s engineers live in this world; they’ve taken the V-8 engine that graced the 2007 Chevy Corvette — the ‘08 ‘Vette gets 430 hp — and dropped it into the newly on-sale Pontiac G8 sedan.

Dubbed the 2009 G8 GXP, this rear-wheel-drive sedan comes with either a manual or an automatic transmission, and GM says it’ll hit 60 mph in “about” 4.7 seconds. Or, as we like to say, fast.

There’s more, of course: 14-inch Brembo brakes rest behind some nice-looking 19-inch wheels. GM also says the suspension has been revised to offer better grip.

The GXP’s looks aren’t too over-the-top; it has the customary lowered stance, extra body cladding and interior touches. The big news is that you can finally get the wheels that were on the original G8 GT concept car.

The currently top-of-the-line G8 GT, with a 361-hp V-8, starts at $29,310. We’d expect the GXP to have a considerable “upgrade” cost. We’ll have to wait for a test drive before we decide if it’s worth it. More photos below.

Comments

[Jack]

If they don't offer an all wheel drive version, it won't sell very well in the northern states. A car that sits that low, with rear wheel drive, is bad news in the snow. I hope Pontiac checks out the Infiniti M45X and offers the G8 with similar equipment for $10,000 less.

[Mike Spadaro]

The wheels don't do much for me, but other than that, I like it.

[hillgoat]

It looks nice, I love the SRT8 too, but I will get a R/T awd to save my life in GTA, the rwd G8 will never be my choice.

[Infosaur]

Oh for pete's sake! You don't need AWD in the northeast, you just need to know how to drive!

I'm so SICK of this argument. This is why so many soccer moms buy these huge SUV's and suck up gas at 12mpg. Never mind the fact that they don't go out if it snows! (but if there's a CHANCE of snow in the forcast, they decend on the supermarket like a plague of locusts and buy all the milk, bread and eggs!)

I want to propose a new law! The muscle car should be put on the endangered species list. I should get a tax break for "adopting" one and giving it a good home.

[richmond]

the holden commodore is NOT made in 4wd so there would be high expense to set up 4wd on the g8
The 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Magnum all share the Chrysler LX platform, which features components derived from the discontinued W210 Mercedes-Benz E-Class of 1996 to 2002. Such components include the suspension design, front seat frames, wiring harnesses, steering column, the 5-speed automatic's design, and a derivative of the 4-Matic all-wheel drive system. Some European versions will get a four-wheel drive version

[Aussie Commodore manual owner (V6)]

VE Commodore was designed to take AWD they just haven't had enough pressure to bring it out yet, so start pressuring if you want one.