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.

© 06RedfireGT for Modded Autos, 2008. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: automatic, g8, GT, Pontiac, transmission

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The brains at GM have decided it would be a good idea to bring back the El Camino style automobile in the form of the Pontiac G8 Sport Truck. From the front it looks just like the G8 GT but when you look around back you will find a 73.9 inch cargo area (bed), which is barley 6 foot. In this article I am going to discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly about this truck hitting show room floor in 2010.

The Good: The truck will be getting its performance from the same LS2 6.0L V-8 as its sister G8 GT. This means it will be putting down 361 horsepower and 385 lb./ft of torque which is not bad in today’s market. With the 6 speed automatic and Active Fuel Management technology, it will provide both a sedan like fuel-economy with small truck capabilities while still posting a surprising 5.4 second 0-60 time. The truck is based on the same rear wheel architecture as the G8 sedan so obviously they had to reinforce various aspects of the truck to handle cargo. On the insider the Sport Truck will have all of the same comforts and amenities as the G8 sedan with A/C, cruise control, driver information center, Bluetooth connectivity, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry and remote start, and others. The truck will be sitting on 18-inch, machine-faced wheels with P245/45R18 summer tires.

The Bad: As I stated earlier it has a 6 foot bed which makes the truck not exactly ideal for hauling anything more then groceries or boxes. Keep in mind you will have to use tie downs and or drop the tail-gate to haul most standard ladders. The total length of the truck is 118.5 inches which is 4 inches longer then the G8 sedan. With fancy styling and design of this truck I can’t really see anyone buying it as a work truck for the fear of scratching or denting a car you paid from the rest of the G8 line approximately 30-40k (actual price has not been announced at this time). If you want leather seats or all season tires that will cost you extra. There is also going to be a Sports Package available which includes 19 inch wheels. I wonder why a Sport Truck does not include a Sports Package.

The Ugly: Well just look at it. GM’s approach of bringing back to life the El Camino, I feel, is going to fall flat. You would have thought they learned when the SSR sold well below expectations and was discontinued in late 2006. You have a 2 seat vehicle with the ability to at most haul a couple of jet ski’s its not practical in any way. I see a loosing battle in the works for the folks at GM. You won’t see me moving to Adelaide, Australia, to seek a long term job.

© Dennis for Modded Autos, 2008. | Permalink | 4 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: g8, G8 sport truck, pontiac truck, Sport Truck

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Pontiac decided to bring us another hot V8 car in the mist of the GTO, which was discontinued in 2006. The 2009 G8 GXP is a straight up hot rod wrapped in a 4 door sedan you can take your kids to school in. The GXP is going to be offering a well known power plant, the 6.2-liter LS3 previously found in the 2007 Corvette which will be putting down 402 hp and 402 lb-ft of torque. The LS3 powerhouse trumps its GTO predecessor with high-flow L92-style cylinder heads, unique camshaft and timing, a tweaked valve train with offset rocker arms, high-flow intake and fuel injectors. All this combines for a 0-60 time of about 4.7 seconds which is .3 seconds faster then its competitor the Charger R/T.

When it comes to the drive train of this family hot rod it’s decked out with a 14 inch Brembo brakes setup that put up an impressive 112 foot stopping distance from 60mph. This car will come with a host of suspension goodies like MacPherson strut front multilink coil-over rear with a direct-acting front anti-roll bar. Caster, camber, and toe are adjustable in front, and camber and toe are adjustable in rear. You will have the option of one of two transmissions. The 6 speed automatic currently offered in the G8 GT, or a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual. P245/40R19 summer tires are standard and limit the cars top speed to a respectable 150mph.

On the inside you will find a very nice set up. From the embroidered GXP logos on the race inspired seats to the new display for battery voltage, oil temperature, and pressure out of the five-inch screen atop the center stack. GXP graphic on the gauge cluster, perforated leather-covered steering wheel and shift knob, and sport metallic pedals also come in the package. Audio is a standard 230-watt Blaupunkt with XM.

The downside so far when it comes to this car is its obviously going to not be a fuel economy car so in this day of rising fuel prices I believe that will hurt the sales. The GXP will also only come with 3 custom options which are Manual or stick, summer or all season tires, and sunroof. Also with a curb weight of 4023-4050 pounds it’s not exactly a light weight.

All in all I look forward to seeing this beast out on the road. Just think, you can take the kids to school and stop to pick up groceries all while showing up as many wanna-be racers you can find for a starting price estimate of about 35k. That’s not bad.

© Dennis for Modded Autos, 2008. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: g8, gxp, hotrod, Pontiac

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