There have been several rumors circulating that have indicated that the 2009 Pontiac G8 GT was going to include a six-speed manual transmission as an option, but Pontiac’s communications manager Jim Hopson has set the record straight. The only transmissions to be offered will be a 5L40 five speed automatic unit for the base models, and a 6L80 six speed automatic for the V8 models.

The G8 is based off of the Holden Commodore, which is available with both automatic and manual gearboxes, so one will naturally think that the G8 would be available with both transmission styles, but that isn’t the case. Studies conducted by GM have concluded that most consumers prefer an automatic, so no manual will be offered. For satisfying those performance cravings, both automatics are equipped with manual shift modes.

For those folks who have their heart set on rowing through the gears themselves in a new G8, all hope is not lost. The limited production G8 GXP will be equipped with a Tremec TR6060 and a more powerful LS3 V8.

Tags: automatic, g8, GT, Pontiac, transmission

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