First Drive: 2008 Pontiac G8 V-6

Pontiac recently loaned us the keys to its new G8 GT, a V-8-powered sport sedan that Cars.com senior editor David Thomas reviewed, but it wasn't until this week that we got our hands on the base V-6 version of the car. So how does the V-6 hold up to its big brother?

The first thing you notice is how similar the base sedan and the GT model look; both have thin slits in the hood, wide fender flares and aggressively styled twin-kidney and lower grilles. They do have different wheels, taillights and exhaust outlets, though.

El Camino Likely Out As G8 Sport Truck Name

Yesterday, Cars.com attended a press event featuring the new Pontiac G8 Sport Truck. If you recall, Pontiac asked consumers to name the new model. Names came flooding in, and the company is now down to 10 finalists, and they’re going through a vetting process. According to Pontiac spokesman Brian Shipman, the name El Camino is most likely out as the name, because of internal discord about a Chevy nameplate being applied to a Pontiac vehicle. Sorry, El Camino fans.

Reader Review of the Week: 2008 Pontiac G8

Our reader reviewer of the week didn’t start out as a super fan of the 2008 Pontiac G8, but after comparing the vehicle's power, interior and pricing, the conversion began. A few minor tweaks aside, he points to the car's ability to compete neck-and-neck with vehicles that cost tens of thousands of dollars more. Post your own review here.

Pontiac Asks: What's in a Name?

And the winner is…

That's the question everyone wants answered when it comes to the 2010 car/truck rendition of the Pontiac G8. And the answer is: All those inquiring minds will have to wait.

The deadline for consumers to submit names for the upcoming two-door car/truck version of the G8 sedan came and passed last week, but don't expect the winning moniker to be revealed until the end of May at the earliest, says Pontiac spokesman Jim Hopson. 

Recall Alert: 2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe

We can now confirm that GM is recalling 122,593 2003 and 2004 model year Pontiac Vibes. The Vibe is built alongside the Toyota Matrix and Corolla, which announced recalls over the same model years yesterday. All three are being recalled thanks to faulty window bolts that can come loose and cause windows to shatter.

The recall affects only models with power windows. Notices will go out to owners this month.

Toyota, GM Recall 662,093 Corolla, Matrix, Vibe Cars (Bloomberg)

Buick, Pontiac, GMC Unveil April Deals

We told you about Chevrolet’s new incentives Tuesday, but there are also new deals available for 2008 Buick, Pontiac and GMC models. However, most aren’t as much as competitors are offering right now.

GMC trucks typically have some of the higher incentive offers available, and this month is no different. The automaker is offering between $2,000 and $3,250 on its 2008 GMC Sierra trucks (the specific deals vary based on trim level and features). GMC is also offering $2,000 on its Envoy and Yukon SUVs, and each model gets at least 2.9% financing for up to 36 months.

Pontiac’s and Buick’s deals are less exciting. Buick is offering 2.9% financing or $1,000 cash back on the Lacrosse and 2.9% or $1,500 on the Lucerne. Pontiac has similar offers on the Grand Prix and G6: 2.9% financing for both, or $2,000 cash back on the Grand Prix and $1,500 back on the G6. All the offers expire April 30.

OnStar Adding Live Directions to Nav Systems

When GM rolled out turn-by-turn directions for navigation-less models, we were impressed with the thrifty idea even if the execution wasn’t pretty. Now the company is making the obvious leap to adding live operator-provided directions to models equipped with factory-installed navigation systems.

Yep, using Destination Download you’ll be able to call an OnStar operator and get them to send directions to your navigation screen instead of having to type them in yourself.

Friday Fleet Notes: 3.28.08

This week our staff takes a look at the Audi R8, Scion xB, Pontiac G8 and Hyundai Veracruz. Check out what our reviewers and editors had to say, then get the full picture with our expert reviews.

2008 Audi R8

• This is the best cure for a bad day since ice cream. You’d have to be pretty far gone (or hate cars) to drive this and not feel better when you were done. The only complaint I had was that the clutch travel was quite long and my foot slipped around on the pedal face a couple of times. My shoes did have some snow on them, but it was a bit disconcerting. The brakes were the best I’ve driven: Right there, easy to modulate and confidence-inspiring. Overall, the R8 makes you smile. Just the right amount of engine noise comes into the cabin, the steering weight is just right (heavy, but not obtrusively so) and it looks really good. - William Jackson, Buying Guides editor, Weekend Athlete

GM Pays Out for Coolant-Related Repairs

Any chance you bought a GM vehicle between 1995 and 2004? If so, GM might owe you as much as $800 as part of a settlement in one of the largest product-liability lawsuits a U.S. automaker has ever faced.

The problem stems from an engine coolant known as Dex-Cool, which caused engine malfunction in an estimated 35 million vehicles. Even if you bought your car used, you could be entitled to compensation for repairs linked to the faulty coolant.

The details break down like this: If you paid for a repair because of Dex-Cool on any 3.1-, 3.4-, 3.8-, or 4.3-liter V-6 engine in the first seven years or 150,000 miles of the vehicle’s life, then GM owes you some amount of money. If the repair came in the seventh year, you're owed $50, in the sixth year $100, and any repair in the first five years earns you $400. Any damage to the car beyond the engine's cooling system, and you're looking at up to $800. Finally, if you had to pay for multiple repairs, you’re entitled to multiple repayments.

Now you're beginning to see how this could add up for GM.

Claims can be submitted until Oct. 27 of this year. For more information, or if you think you qualify for repayment, go to www.dexcoolsettlement.com. Read the models after the jump.

Why the Sport Truck is Back

It's been about 20 years since the Chevrolet El Camino passenger car/pickup truck was sold in the U.S., but GM is planning to resurrect the concept for the 2010 model year under its Pontiac brand. Why now? Why Pontiac?

According to Pontiac spokesman Jim Hopson, the company decided to launch the G8 Sport Truck in response to changing customer demand, specifically the movement away from traditional pickup trucks to cars.

"We're doing it primarily to explore if there is a market for this," Hopson said. GMC also recently showed a carlike concept truck, dubbed Denali XT, that featured a fuel-saving hybrid drivetrain.

Cars.com Reviews the 2008 Pontiac G8

Not only did I travel to New York City to cover the auto show last week, I also got to test drive Pontiac’s all-new sedan, the G8. The finished review is now live, complete with a video, which you can also watch to the left. I must say I liked the G8 GT a lot, but it did have some eccentricities that people will have to get used to. Read the review and feel free to ask questions in the comments below.

2008 Pontiac G8 GT Expert Review 

Video: 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe

Folks going to the New York auto show this week will get to check out the all-new Pontiac Solstice coupe. Those not so lucky can sit in the comfort of their desk chair and check out Joe Wiesenfelder’s video highlighting the good — hey, more headroom — and the bad — wicked blind spot — of the new two-seat sportster.

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More on the Pontiac Solstice

Video: 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck

Everyone's seen pictures of the modern El Camino, but has anyone see the tailgate fold down? Senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder lowers that tailgate and takes a look inside. He also shows the behind-seat storage, which we haven't seen in photos yet. Check it out.

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More on the 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck

Up Close: 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck

I've heard the term sport truck before, but this one definitely has more sport than most. The G8's aggressive front end, combined with long, clean flanks and a jacked-up rear end, make for a compelling presence. The cab is shorter than I expected, really exaggerating the length of the cargo box. Honestly, I can't tell if the profile is awkward or if it's just that I'm looking at an animal that's altogether unfamiliar to the eye.

The rear window is right behind the occupants' heads — similar to a roadster, and resulting in surprisingly good rear visibility. The interior is straight out of the G8 sedan, which is to say of decent quality and design, but a little foreign compared to the average North American-built GM car.

Everyone's wondering aloud who the buyer for this model would be, and some have suggested that it's the casual pickup truck buyer who wants to pay less for gas. I don't think someone who wants to pay less for gas is going to go buy a new car — especially not this one, seeing as its starting price will be around that of the G8 GT, which is almost $30,000. Then there's the fact that it's powered by the GT's 361-hp V-8, which delivers 15/24 mpg city/highway in the sedan. Pontiac says the sport truck’s fuel economy estimates should be similar because its standard soft tonneau cover eliminates any aerodynamics penalty. There's currently no plan for a V-6 version of the truck, but Pontiac says there's no reason it couldn't be done if it's demanded. Maybe pickup truck fans will be drawn to the base GT's 17/25 mpg. Or maybe buyers will be more interested in sport than in truck.

Related:
2008 New York Auto Show: 2010 Pontiac G8 Sports Truck

Up Close: 2009 Solstice GXP Coupe

More than six years after its concept debut alongside the Solstice roadster, the Solstice coupe is a real product. It looks pretty good in person. Even though the rear quarterpanels are the same as those on the roadster, the fastback roofline looks organic and well-integrated.

I removed the targa top, which attaches via two levers in front and one in the back. Though it's 31 pounds, it's a bit wide. I was able to handle it by myself, but some people will require a helper on the other side. They'll also require a garage to leave it in. Unfortunately, the roof panel doesn't fit into the cargo area as the Chevy Corvette's does, so you pretty much have to leave it at home and hope it doesn't rain. Pontiac's solution is an optional fabric roof panel that can be carried in the back, just in case. There wasn't one to play with, but the accessory should be available when the car goes on sale in January or February of 2009.

The roof panel isn't the only thing that won't fit in the cargo hatch; where the convertible has a famously cramped horseshoe-shaped depression under its trunklid (and that's only when the soft top is up), the coupe improves things only a little bit. Being a hatchback helps, but with the exception of some modest bins in the cargo floor, all the space is above the occupants' shoulder level. Technically, this isn't a safe way to carry cargo in case of a collision.

The coupe is slightly more aerodynamic than the roadster, but that's unlikely to improve gas mileage much. The car is only about 20 pounds heavier than the roadster, so Pontiac says to expect similar EPA figures. The base roadster gets 19 mpg in city driving and 25 mpg on the highway. (Remarkably, the turbocharged GXP gets better mileage — 28 mpg on the highway.) Though the auto show coupe is a GXP, a base model will also be available. More photos below which we'll continue to update.

Related:
2008 New York Auto Show: 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe

2008 New York Auto Show: 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe

• Competes with: Mini Cooper, Volvo C30, VW GTI
• Looks like: Pontiac has a true inheritor for the Fiero
• Drivetrain: 173-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder or 260-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with five-speed manual or five-speed automatic
• Hits dealerships: Early 2009

There aren’t many inexpensive sports coupes on the market, and Pontiac is hoping the 2009 Solstice coupe will catch fire and generate a buzz like the convertible did a few years ago.

The coupe is almost identical to the convertible in terms of the engines and transmissions offered, as well as the interior layout and materials. What’s obviously different is the fastback body style, which really sets it apart from its sibling.

Without the clunky fold-down ragtop and its assorted mechanisms, there’s a flat floor behind the front seats for storage; cargo room is virtually nonexistent in the convertible and doesn't look much improved here. The coupe isn’t actually a fixed roof — the roof panel can be removed, just like on the Corvette, and is made of magnesium.

We wonder what the demand for the Solstice coupe will be, but much of it may depend on the price. Common practice usually prices coupes less than convertibles, and the 2008 vert’s prices of $22,165 and $27,845 for the base and GXP versions are already pretty affordable. We’d still love to see a sub-$20,000 base price. Check out more photos below.

2008 New York Auto Show: 2010 Pontiac G8 Sport Truck

• Competes with: Dodge Magnum, Honda Ridgeline, your uncle’s old El Camino
• Looks like: GM is serious about pleasing its mulleted buyers
• Drivetrain: 361-hp, 6.0-liter V-8 with six-speed automatic
• Hits dealerships: Late 2009

We’ve been expecting the G8 Sport Truck for some time, but finally seeing the real thing, even if just in the photos here, is something else entirely. GM actually went out and built a car with a truck bed … in the 21st century!

The sport truck is clearly reminiscent of the classic El Caminos many of us remember from our youth. Seeing one again nearly 20 years later is jarring in some respects. Helping ease our minds is the modern car it’s based on: the Pontiac G8 sedan that recently went on sale.

The sport truck shares the same powerful V-8 engine and rear-wheel drive as the G8 GT, and GM says it will get to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. It also has 18-inch wheels standard, with 19s optional. A color-coordinated soft tonneau cover is also standard. We’d still expect there to be various accessory tops to choose from when it goes on sale late in 2009.

It might not look like it, but there is a cargo area behind the seats that measures 8.5 cubic feet, which is pretty surprising. Stability control, side curtain and side thorax airbags are welcome standard safety equipment.

That late on-sale date is a killer, but it does give GM time to name the sport truck, an honor it will bestow upon one lucky consumer. If you go to www.pontiac.com/namethiscar you can submit your own idea for a name. The famed El Camino-ologists over at Jalopnik spent some up close time with this inheritor to the Camino throne and have a video and exclusive photos besides the ones provided by General Motors. Pickuptruck.com also delivers a video here. Give them both a visit and you can check a gallery of manufacturer photos and a few extra Jalopnik exclusively shared with us.

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.

Recall Alert: GM Calls Back Buick Regal, Pontiac Grand Prix

GM has issued a recall for the 1997-2003 Buick Regal GS and the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP from the same model years, not surprisingly for the same problem: a potential oil leak.

Hard braking may cause oil to leak under the exhaust manifold's heat shield, which could potentially start a small fire. The fire may not even occur until after the car has been parked for five to 10 minutes, so GM suggests not parking the car in any closed structure (including a garage or carport).

GM sent out notifications today, and dealerships should be prepared to fix the problem. The recall affects 207,542 vehicles. Follow the link to GM’s homepage for further information.

Recall Watch: 207,542 Pontiacs and Buicks Recalled Due to Engine Fire Fears (Autoblog)

Presidential Cash Back from GM

GM has been steady, if not spectacular, in doling out cash back incentives offers over the last six months. Those incentives are getting a sudden spike this week, according to Bloomberg News: The automaker is offering an additional $1,000 cash back on 15 models in an attempt to further boost sales in the typically difficult winter climate.

The promotion includes the 2008 Saturn Vue and Aura, bumping those vehicles’ offers to $2,500. Also receiving rebates, according to Bloomberg, are Buick Lucerne, Chevrolet Silverado, Pontiac G5, and 2007 Corvettes.

The sales are timed to coincide with Presidents’ Day, and if there’s a better way to honor American history than buying a Buick Lucerne or a Chevy Silverado, we’ve yet to hear of it.

For a full list of incentives, check out Cars.com’s Incentives Page and Top 10 Rebates list.

GM Continues Year-End Incentives

There's plenty of hype about year-end sales deals, and it's easy for deals to get lost in the shuffle. The Event of a Lifetime? Sounds a bit dramatic. Red Tag Sales Event? Better get shopping — those tags are red! For some, they’re just another unwelcome level of anxiety around the holidays — a mad rush to make cars fly out dealership doors before the year's over. But do they pay dividends?

For the consumer, at least in GM's case, the answer is no. Despite fussing over its December Red Tag Sales Event, the manufacturer is keeping offers going through March 3. Many of those offers — especially on 2007 models — are nearly identical to last month's deals, meaning consumers who sat things out in December have an extra couple of months to breathe deeply before buying.

Check out all of GM's deals — like $2,750 off a 2007 Saturn Vue, or 0.0% financing on a 2007 GMC Acadia — on Cars.com's Incentives page.

Recall Alert: 275,000 Cadillac, Pontiac, Saturn Cars and Crossovers

Today, GM announced it would recall 275,936 vehicles in the U.S. due to a faulty seal. The recalled vehicles include:

• 2005-07 Cadillac CTS
• 2005-07 Cadillac STS
• 2005-07 Cadillac SRX
• 2006-07 Pontiac Solstice
• 2007 Saturn Sky

The company said it had received a “higher than normal” number of warranty claims for the faulty seal, which can leak fluid, leading to a loss of control. One crash has been reported, in which the rear wheels locked due to a leak. In another incident, a driver was injured when his vehicle lost control.

The seal will be replaced for free, and the recall will begin in February 2008. Owners can call Cadillac at 800-982-2339, Pontiac at 800-620-7668 and Saturn at 800-972-8876 for more information.

GM Announces Recall (BusinessWeek)

New 2009 Pontiac Vibe Price Drops $1,500

The 2009 Pontiac Vibe is all-new and will hit dealerships in February. Along with a new exterior, interior and engines — which we can only assume will be an upgrade over the aging design they replace — the new Vibe will start $1,545 less than the 2008. Starting MSRP will be $15,310, versus the 2008’s $16,855 price.

Besides the manual transmission, this isn’t a totally stripped vehicle. All Vibes come with ABS, four-wheel-disc brakes, six airbags and stability control standard.

All-wheel drive and GT models return to the Vibe lineup for 2009, starting at $18,910 and $19,310, respectively. Both come with a more powerful 158-hp engine standard. None of the prices include a $585 destination charge. 

Related
Video: Pontiac Vibe (KickingTires)
2007 Los Angeles Auto Show: 2009 Pontiac Vibe with Photo Gallery (Cars.com)

El Camino Fans Rejoice: Pontiac G8 ST On The Way

While we wait to test drive the new Pontiac G8 sedan, PickupTruck.com has confirmed that Pontiac will add a sport utility version of the G8 that harkens back to the days of car-based pickups like the Chevy El Camino.

Like the G8 sedan, the ute, to be named G8 ST, will be built in Australia and imported to the U.S., with a V-8 engine as the only option and pricing to stay around $30,000. The picture above is of the Holden Ute. The G8 ST — and perhaps the G8 sport wagon — could bow at the Detroit auto show.   

El Catalina: Pontiac to Get U.S. Version of Holden Ute (PickupTruck.com)

GM Red Tag Sale Returns

It's the most wonderful time of the year — the time when consumers brave long lines and early-morning frost, all in the name of discount holiday gifts.

GM is hoping that festive consumerist spirit extends to its vehicles. The automaker just released details of its annual Red Tag Sales Event, which comes bearing gifts of increased cash-back and financing incentives on a variety of models. The offers range from 0.0% financing for 60 months on all 2007 GMC and Chevrolet models — including the popular GMC Acadia — to hefty cash-back bonuses perfect for shoppers looking to save some extra holiday cash right away. To lock in 0.0% financing on a 2007 Chevy HHR or save $2,000 on a 2007 Saturn Aura Hybrid, buyers will have to get to dealers before the sale expires Jan. 2. 

To locate GM's offers in your area, search the Red Tag Sales Event site here, or check out Cars.com's full list of national offers for all of GM's and other brands' latest incentives.

Recall Alert: Chevy Equinox, Pontiac Torrent, Others

GM is recalling 69,000 vehicles for various issues. The biggest chunk of the recall involves 57,100 2007-model-year Chevy Equinox and Pontiac Torrent SUVs. The recall is safety-related, but not a defect, per se. The company will install additional safety foam in models not equipped with side airbags or sunroofs. The change will help lessen the chance of head injuries in a crash.

GM is also recalling 20,514 2001-model-year Saturn L-Series cars over a timing chain in the engine that could separate when the engine is running.

Rounding out the recall announcement are 11,974 2001-model-year Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks equipped with 8.1-liter V-8 engines. A faulty sensor can cause the engine in these trucks to stall.

GM Recalls Pickups, SUVs (Detroit Free Press)

Video: 2009 Pontiac Vibe

We already brought you pictures and information on the all-new 2009 Pontiac Vibe earlier today, but there’s nothing like the moving images of video to show off a car’s stance and real-world looks.

2007 Los Angeles Auto Show: 2009 Pontiac Vibe

• Competes with: Mazda3, Dodge Caliber, Toyota Matrix, Saturn Astra
• Looks like: A disproportioned SUV with a really small rear window
• Drivetrain: 132-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder or 158-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder
• Hits dealerships: February 2008

Last week, Toyota debuted its new Matrix hatchback at the SEMA specialty show in Las Vegas. This week, GM is unveiling its version of that hatchback online. We’ve got details and photos of the Vibe, but it will make its in-person debut next week at the L.A. Auto Show.

The Vibe shares the same platform as the Matrix, which itself is derived from the new Corolla. That means Pontiac buyers get a very Toyota-like product when they buy a Vibe. The big differences are in the exterior style and interior finishes. We’re not sure if the exterior styling does enough to beat out the sleek-looking Saturn Astra, which goes on sale in January.

The Vibe also features the same engines as the Matrix, with a 158-hp four-cylinder standard on AWD and GT trims and optional on the base model. AWD models also come with a four-speed automatic standard, while base or GT models get the choice of a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic with manual shifting. The engines are rated at 26/32 mpg city/highway for the base model with the manual transmission and 25/31 mpg with the automatic, 21/28 for the manual GT and 21/29 for the GT with the automatic. The AWD model with a four-speed automatic gets 20/26 mpg.

Stability control, a tire pressure monitoring system, six airbags and active head restraints are standard on all Vibe models. We’ll have more on the Vibe next week from L.A. Many more photos below.

Pontiac G8 GT SEMA Edition

• Looks like: The Nightmare Before Auto Show Season
• Defining characteristics: Halloween-themed color scheme
• Ridiculous features: Halloween-themed color scheme
• Chance of being mass-produced: Zero … we hope; the regular G8 GT we can’t wait for

We’re once again breaking our self-imposed rule of not showing any tuner-special cars that you won’t be able to buy at a local car dealership because … well, it’s still a Pontiac G8. We can’t get enough of the Aussie-imported V-8-powered, rear-wheel-drive sedan, no matter the jarring colors.

The cool thing about this show car is that it is pretty much exactly what we’ll get when the G8 GT goes on sale, except for the paint, a lowered suspension, enhanced brakes and 20-inch wheels. Although we’d like to see these wheels available as an option. Two more photos below.

We Need a Pontiac G8 Wagon

There, we said it. We want Pontiac to build a station wagon version of its upcoming G8 sedan. You see, the G8 is based on an Australian GM product called the Holden Commodore. Well, today GM revealed the wagon version of that car because, in Australia, folks — hold on to your hat — prefer wagons to SUVs.

Now, Pontiac could easily get away with adding a wagon to the G8 lineup. The Dodge Magnum proved you could sell a RWD wagon in the U.S., and Pontiac wants to shy away from non-car products — meaning SUVs. This would be a perfect fit. The 362-hp V-8 engine in the G8 GT would be great, but the 261-hp V-6 wouldn’t be bad either if you just wanted the utility.

What do you think? Are American soccer moms and dads ready for another big, bold station wagon? More photos below to help you make up your mind.

First Look: 2009 Pontiac Vibe

This is the first look GM’s given us of the 2009 Pontiac Vibe that will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show next month. While it just looks like a slight redesign in this picture, the car is all-new from the ground up. It will still be built alongside an all-new Toyota Matrix. That car will debut at the SEMA show in Las Vegas in early November.

GM says there will be all-wheel-drive and GT versions of the Vibe, and that it will hit dealerships in early 2008. We’ll have more information closer to the L.A. Auto Show.

Related
Toyota to Unveil New 2009 Corolla, Matrix in Vegas (KickingTires)
Research 2008 Pontiac Vibe (Cars.com)

2008 Pontiac G8 Comes in Under $27,000

One of the most anticipated new cars for 2008 is the rear-wheel-drive Pontiac G8 sedan. This Grand Prix replacement comes standard with a 256-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 for $26,900 and, even better, the 361-hp, 6.0-liter V-8 G8 GT will start at $29,300. Neither price includes the $695 destination charge.

We’ve had a first-hand look at a preproduction G8 and can say that, for the money, this is a very good value — especially the G8 GT. The interior quality is far superior to anything else in the Pontiac lineup. In fact, you’re getting more for your money — and at a lesser price — than the recently discontinued GTO that featured the same V-8 engine. Not only that, it beats the starting price of the Hemi-powered Chrysler 300C and Charger R/T, which come in at $35,100 and $30,640, respectively.

What do you think? Is the G8 price right?

Pontiac Launches G8 Microsite

Pontiac does two things right with its new microsite for the upcoming G8 sedan: First, the G8 on the microsite is black. All big, muscular cars, sedan or otherwise, better look good in black. Second, the site lets you build your own G8. No, there are no prices attached, but you can find out what colors — like the oddly purple Stealth Blue Metallic — and option packages will be available.

There are also full specs and a photo gallery but, alas, only a few more images of the G8. We’ll keep an eye out for more information from GM on the new G8 when it gets closer to its on-sale date early in 2008.

Pontiac G8 Microsite

Related
Hands On: Pontiac G8, Buick Enclave (KickingTires)
More Pontiac G8 News (KickingTires)

UAW Strike Against GM Ends, Everyone Happy

We’re not sure what exactly was holding things up over the weekend that led to the GM strike that lasted two days, but all sides seem to be happy today. The main sticking point, it turned out, wasn’t the UAW taking over retirement health care management — stay awake one more second — it was GM providing some kind of reassurance that there is job security for UAW members.

Oddly enough, this morning there are still no specifics on how GM managed to offer job security in an industry that is seeing increasing competition not just from Japan and Korea but from China as well.

GM says this deal helps reduce the gap in costs between foreign nameplate cars made in America with its own products. There’s roughly $200 per vehicle that domestics pay more than imports that use non-UAW labor. We’ll keep an eye on new car prices to see if they dip $200 or if the company adds more features. We’re not holding our breath on the former.

GM, UAW Reach Tentative Deal; Strike is Off (The Detroit News)

What GM's Strike Means to Car Shoppers

At 11 this morning, the United Auto Workers union went on strike at American GM plants. This basically shuts down production of many new GM cars, trucks and SUVs for the foreseeable future. But does that mean you won’t be able to find that new GM car, truck or SUV when you go car shopping in the immediate future?

According to the latest inventory numbers, GM on average has enough vehicles for 67 days at the current rate of sales. Some hot vehicles like the Buick Enclave — built in Lansing, Mich. — only had a 26-day supply, which is roughly 3,600 vehicles, as of Sept. 1. Trucks and SUVs like the Chevy Silverado (90 days) and GMC Yukon (139 days) won’t be hard to come by, however.

Another big issue is how new cars built at striking plants will suffer. Those new cars include the 2008 Cadillac CTS, on which GM has already spent millions of dollars in advertising and marketing. If the strike drags on, the CTS could be hard to find, especially because it has received so much positive buzz. GM is also heavily betting on the all-new Chevy Malibu, which was set to begin production next month. We’d guess the strike will be resolved by that time, however.

UAW Strikes GM (The Detroit News)

GM Extends Financing for 2006 Models

GM has beefed up its incentives programs, extending 0.0 APR financing offers on most models in its family — including Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, Hummer, Pontiac, Saturn and Saab — to 60 months. The bad news is that the zero-percent-for-60-months-on-every-model offer only applies to 2006 models, which are often hard to find. On many of those models, GM has added an additional $1,000 cash bonus to those financing offers.

Customers also have the option of bigger cash rebates without the financing deal. Cash back ranges from $500 all the way up to the 2006 Cadllac STS’ ever-generous $9,000 offer. All offers expire Oct. 1.

For a complete rundown of GM and other manufacturer incentives, see Cars.com’s incentives page. You can search new car inventory, including new 2006 models, on Cars.com here.

GM Speeding 2009 Pontiac Vibe to Production

There probably isn’t a more outdated vehicle in GM’s lineup than the Pontiac Vibe – or the Matrix for Toyota. The wagonish-hatchback was popular when it debuted way back at the beginning of the millennium, but has lost favor as numerous new hatchbacks have hit the market.

Now GM is saying it will speed up plans for the 2009 Vibe and have it in production — meaning physically being built on production lines — in early 2008 instead of later in the year. That would most likely mean spring or summer sales to the public. The Vibe will remain a sister vehicle to the next-generation Toyota Matrix, which should debut at the same time. With this kind of timetable, we expect to see the Vibe debut at one of the upcoming American auto shows in Los Angeles or Detroit.

GM Speeds ’09 Vibe to Meet Matrix Timetable (WardsAuto via GM InsideNews)

First Drive: 2008 Pontiac Torrent GXP, 2008 Buick LaCrosse Super

Many car companies take aging models and snazz them up to make them relevant again. So GM isn’t alone when it comes to tarting up two underachievers like the Pontiac Torrent SUV and Buick LaCrosse. Joe Bruzek and I got to take them on the track and city streets and came away somewhat unimpressed. 

2008 Buick LaCrosse Super

Driving the LaCrosse Super reminded me of the first time I took out the last Impala SS. It drove just like the original, but with a huge, honking V-8 powering the front wheels. The Impala, however, was an underappreciated car with lots of value to it. The LaCrosse is still your grandfather’s Buick, he’ll just have a harder time driving it.

The LaCrosse Super’s ride is comfortable and dead quiet, but there’s a lot of body lean when cornering. Plus, I felt like there wasn’t a lot of headroom for such a large sedan. The blue gauges mixed with a dark brown interior was also not the most eye-pleasing combo. Don't believe me? Check out the photo gallery below. — David Thomas

GM Adds iPod Adapter to Some Cars

A big trend in the automotive industry is to offer optional iPod adapters that not only plug portable players into car stereos, but also display track information and allow drivers to control the iPod through the stock stereo. GM is getting into the game a bit late and on a limited basis by offering its new Personal Audio Link on the Chevy HHR, Chevy Cobalt, Pontiac G5, Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky only, at a cost of $159.

The price may sound expensive, especially because it doesn’t include installation, but it’s priced comparably to other manufacturers out there. Scion of course includes similar iPod links as standard equipment. We’re a bit surprised that this GM adapter isn’t available in more vehicles across its brands, but perhaps more current models will be added. Future models like the upcoming 2008 Cadillac CTS have iPod integration built-in. 

GM Promotes Sale With Transformers

There are movie tie-ins and then there are movie tie-ins. Starting today and running through July 9, General Motors is advertising a “Transform Your Ride” sale on select models. The sale is tied in with “The Transformers,” which opens July 3. Buyers can get 0% financing for 36 months — if they qualify — or $1,000 cash back. These deals are in addition to current offers which can be found on Cars.com's Incentives page. 

As sales go, this isn’t even close to the huge discounts of summers past, but the TV commercials are promised to be high-definition with 5.1 surround sound and will include images of robots from the movie, many of which transform into GM vehicles. A list of eligible cars can be found below, but we’re more intrigued by the movie than this sale.