The all-new 2008 Pontiac G8 and G8 GT are just hitting showrooms and next week Pontiac is going to unveil and even hotter version of the new G8 sedan.
The 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP is powered by the 6.2L LS3 small-block V-8 and puts out 402 horsepower and 402 lb-ft of torque. All of that power is put to the ground through either an optional six-speed Tremec manual transmission or the standard six-speed automatic transmission.
The Pontiac G8 GXP features unique front and rear fascias as well as unique 19" aluminum wheels.
Stay tuned for live shots of the car's unveiling this coming Wednesday.
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PRESS RELEASE:
PONTIAC ANNOUNCES THE 2009 G8 GXP
High-Performance Flagship Combines Progressive Design and Powerful Performance
NEW YORK – Today Pontiac announced the flagship of its GXP performance series, the G8 GXP high-performance sedan, at the New York Auto Show. This 2009 model will join the Solstice, G6 and Torrent GXP models in Pontiac dealerships in late 2008. The G8 GXP takes the G8's responsive driving experience, refined passenger environment and aggressive good looks to a new level. It also delivers an enjoyable driving experience, thanks to a 6.2L V-8 that produces in excess of 400 horsepower.
"More than just raw power, the GXP delivers the sophisticated yet exciting driving experience that enthusiasts expect in a car costing far more than the GXP," said Jim Bunnell, Buick-Pontiac-GMC general manager
Engine performance
The heart of the G8 GXP is the 6.2L LS3 small-block V-8, currently rated at 402 horsepower (300 kW)* and 402 lb.-ft. of torque (546 Nm)* pending final SAE certification. This engine is the newest member of GM's small-block V-8 family. It features a revised, larger-bore cylinder block, high-flow, L92-style cylinder heads; larger-diameter pistons; unique camshaft and camshaft timing; revised valvetrain with offset intake rocker arms; high-flow intake manifold; and high-flow fuel injectors.
The LS3 engine has an aluminum cylinder block with cast-in-place iron cylinder liners. Larger bores help create a 376-cubic-inch displacement. The block casting also features revisions and machining in the bulkheads to enhance its strength and improve bay-to-bay breathing. New pistons were designed for high-rpm performance.
New, high-flow cylinder heads aid engine breathing and are based on the large port and valve design found on the LS7 engine and other GM L76 engines. The larger-capacity, straighter intake port-design optimizes intake flow to the combustion chamber, an effect augmented by large valves, measuring 2.16 inches (55.0 mm) on the intake side and 1.59 inches (40.4 mm) on the exhaust side.
Pending final testing, the G8 GXP is expected to deliver 0-to-60 mph performance of about 4.7 seconds, and a quarter-mile time of 13.0 seconds at 108 mph.
Six on the floor
A new six-speed Tremec TR6060 manual transmission is optional on the G8 GXP. This next-generation manual smoothly transfers the engine's power and torque to the rear wheels with a reduction in shift throw. The transmission features a host of refinements including premium gear synchronizers; stronger gears, housing, and bell housing; a single-piece counter shaft; and machined gear teeth.
The standard Hydra-Matic six-speed 6L80 automatic transmission is technologically advanced and robust. It uses a clutch-to-clutch operation and an integrated 32-bit transmission controller to deliver smooth and precise shifts. The six-speed has a generous 6.04:1 overall ratio that enables a "steep" first-gear. The result is strong launch acceleration along with "tall" overdrive ratios that lower engine rpms for better fuel economy and reduced noise.
A 3.27 final drive ratio comes with automatic-equipped GXPs, and a 3.70 gear is matched with the manual transmission. A limited-slip differential is standard.
High-performance suspension
The G8 GXP rides on the G8's 114.8-inch (2915 mm) wheelbase with wide front ( 62.7 inches / 1,592 mm) and rear ( 63.3 inches / 1,608 mm) tracks. The four-wheel independent suspension is fully adjustable and is tuned for the highest performance in the G8 family. The GXP's ride and handling was developed and validated on racetracks and highways around the world, including the famed Nürburgring racing circuit. It rewards the driver with sharp, immediate responses, as well as a well-balanced road feel during spirited driving.
The suspension employs a MacPherson strut design in the front and a four-link, coil-over-shock design in the rear. A direct-acting front stabilizer bar, decoupled rear stabilizer bar and lateral ball joints on the rear suspension deliver increased lateral stiffness for more responsive handling. The front suspension features fully adjustable caster, camber and toe; the rear suspension has fully adjustable camber and toe, for more precise tuning.
Steering and brakes
The steering rate for the GXP is tuned to provide immediate response with definitive driver feedback. Like the G8 sedan and GT, the GXP's steering box is located ahead of the front axle line for a quicker, more direct feel.
The Brembo braking system matches the GXP's boost in performance with an equivalent increase in stopping power. The system includes 14-inch (355 mm) vented front and 12.76-inch (324 mm) rear disc rotors, with special quad-piston alloy calipers in front. The alloy calipers on the rear brakes have single-piston actuation. The four-wheel disc brake system includes standard anti-lock brakes and traction control.
Wheels and tires
The GXP rides on 19-inch polished aluminum wheels with a special machined face. Performance-oriented summer P245/40R19 tires are standard, and a comparable all-season tire is available. Combined with the suspension and steering enhancements, this setup gives the GXP exceptional cornering grip.
Exterior styling
The G8 GXP exhibits strong Pontiac design cues. A unique front fascia with a lower splitter and a distinctive rear fascia diffuser contribute to its sporty look. The dual-port grille, fog lamps, bold wheels and confident, wheels-at-the-corners stance are all unmistakably Pontiac traits.
Interior amenities and comfort
The G8 GXP's interior is driver-oriented with aesthetic and tactile details like instruments with a sporty appearance that match the car's performance. Interior materials consist of satin and chrome trim and high-quality textured materials throughout. The instrument cluster glows with crisp, white light on the primary instruments. Pontiac's signature red lighting illuminates the rest of the instrument panel cluster.
Standard comfort and convenience amenities include:
* Highly bolstered two-tone sport seats with color-coordinated gauge cluster and GXP embroidery
* Leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear shifter
* Power-adjustable front seats
* Fog lamps
* Alloy sport pedals
* A 230-watt Blaupunkt audio system
* XM Satellite Radio
The seats offer firm support to hold occupants in place during aggressive cornering. The standard heated leather seats were designed to deliver excellent comfort during long drives. They are available in Ebony or an Ebony/Red two-tone.
Safety
Maintaining the G8's tradition of a full suite of standard safety features, the G8 GXP includes:
* Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control
* Electronic stability control
* Seat-mounted thorax air bags and dual-stage frontal air bags for front passengers, with automatic passenger sensing system
* Roof rail side-impact air bags for both seating rows
* OnStar
Comments (17)
Looks pretty good, but the price will likely push it into Infiniti G35 territory.
Posted by SEALBoy | March 15, 2008 2:41 PM
Posted on March 15, 2008 14:41
For all those people who were asking for the G8 GT with a manual: Here it is, and with an LS3 to boot. Probably won't take much modification to get the extra ~30HP the Vette makes with the same engine.
As for comparing it to the G35, I like the G35, but they're not quite the same animal (the G35 is almost 500 lbs lighter, for starters), so its hard to say that I would strictly like one over the other. The GXP absolutely has the advantage in power, and despite the extra weight, it will be much faster. In terms of weight it is closer to an M45 or 550i. I think a good comparison would be a Charger with a 6.1L. The G8 GT handled and braked better and was already almost as fast, the GXP should pull ahead and leave no room for doubt.
Side note: The G8 GT makes its power with regular gas. What about the GXP? I believe the 550, M45, and G35 all make their numbers with premium.
Posted by Alexvrb | March 15, 2008 3:28 PM
Posted on March 15, 2008 15:28
It'd beat the G35 in the straights and possibly keep up with it in the corners, but the G35 is a lux sedan on a whole other level. Its way more liveable day to day than this car, especially considering its non-gas-guzzler-tax-inducing fuel economy (the G35, that is.
Still, I can see this selling. What I don't get is why detune the LS3 for this car: only the Corvette has an LS3 otherwise, the CTS-V is getting an detuned LS9.
Posted by Allen | March 15, 2008 3:30 PM
Posted on March 15, 2008 15:30
It will also be interesting to see how it stacks up against the Hyundai Genesis V8 w/ 389HP, especially considering the the Genesis is bound to be thousands cheaper.
Posted by SEALBoy | March 15, 2008 3:43 PM
Posted on March 15, 2008 15:43
Finally GM makes something worth looking at
Posted by Luka | March 15, 2008 5:00 PM
Posted on March 15, 2008 17:00
car actually looks solid fast and yet slightly understated. not bad (plus I love orange so the orange version gets an extra star just for the paintjob)
Posted by SVT | March 15, 2008 6:23 PM
Posted on March 15, 2008 18:23
Is it a holden commdore hsv or a vauxhall vrx8 the American way?
However, it is a beautiful car, I shall see it as the heir of the GTO.
Quelle belle voiture, j'aimerai l'avoir chez moi. Elle est super-magnifique, tout ce que je désirerai, c'est de vous la prendre puis la garder pour moi. Maid finalement,elle n'est pas si belle que ça, il y a mieux je trouve mdt .
Posted by paul | March 15, 2008 6:36 PM
Posted on March 15, 2008 18:36
Is it a holden commdore hsv or a vauxhall vrx8 the American way?
However, it is a beautiful car, I shall see it as the heir of the GTO.
Quelle belle voiture, j'aimerai l'avoir chez moi. Elle est super-magnifique, tout ce que je désirerai, c'est de vous la prendre puis la garder pour moi. Maid finalement,elle n'est pas si belle que ça, il y a mieux je trouve mdr.
Posted by paul | March 15, 2008 6:37 PM
Posted on March 15, 2008 18:37
This car has the regular LS3. The new corvette has a mor modern LS3 that delivers 35 more horsepower. Pontiac saved money by adding the last gen LS3, besides in the 400 hp zone, a sedan doesn't need an extra 33 horses.
Posted by aj | March 17, 2008 9:04 AM
Posted on March 17, 2008 09:04
"This car has the regular LS3. The new corvette has a mor modern LS3 that delivers 35 more horsepower. Pontiac saved money by adding the last gen LS3, besides in the 400 hp zone, a sedan doesn't need an extra 33 horses."
There was always only one version of the LS3 (430hp, 424ft/lb), up until now. I'm not really sure why GM de-tuned it for the GXP; in my opinion, 361hp & 385ft/lb to 402 each isn't enough of a power boost.
At least I'll have the satisfaction of beating, or at worst keeping up with, the G8 GXP with my LS2 GTO.
Posted by Sabby | March 17, 2008 11:54 AM
Posted on March 17, 2008 11:54
There is no 'Regular LS3'. It is speculated that the LS3 in the G8 GXP is either detuned to give the Corvette something 'special', the exhaust/air intake is more restrictive, a more mild cam, it is tuned to run on regular gas like the L76 in the G8 GT, or a combo of these things.
You are talking about the LS2, which is what the L76 is based off of, just different heads (L92) and intake (L72) and tuned to run of regular. So it has the potential to make more power then the LS2 thanks to these, just add a tune and a cam. This combo has made about 500-550 hp on the LS2.
LS3 is different from the LS2 in a couple ways. First, more displacement, 6.2L vs 6.0L. Next, the LS3 has the L92 head and the L76 intake. These are based off of the ones used in the LS7. Lastly, it has iron lined cylinder walls to be able to safely handle boost when they add the supercharger to make it the LS9. This means put a 2.3L super (Like the ZR1 has) and you can safely make 600+ hp, or a 1.8L (Like the CTS-V has) and make 550+ hp. LS3 is going to be a very fun engine for modders.
Posted by Avatar | March 17, 2008 12:04 PM
Posted on March 17, 2008 12:04
Fastest stock LS2 GTO 1/4 time is 12.9. Most get low to mid 13s. GM tested the GXP at 13.0 1/4 time. 0-60 is 4.7s. With the driver mod, expect them to hit high 12s constantly. The suspension on the GXP is much better stock then the GTO for racing. Ride quality will most likely be better in the GTO though. Want a plush ride, get a GTO or G8 GT. Want go-go, get the G8 GXP.
On a side note, I really hope they make the Holden Coupe 60 and bring it over here as the new GTO. Looks much better then the last gen did. GTO had a great ride and interior, styling wasn't the greatest on the exterior though. Doesn't change the fact I still liked the car though.
Posted by Avatar | March 17, 2008 12:20 PM
Posted on March 17, 2008 12:20
Kudos to GM for letting this one out. It will turn out to be a great modder's sports sedan. This thing is going to eat a lot of imports, even up to twice the price. With a blower it will be insane. It takes corners very well too. All of this with a nice V8 roar. Test drive!
Posted by Kell | March 17, 2008 2:38 PM
Posted on March 17, 2008 14:38
The G35 may not guzzle gas, but it most definitely does not sip it either. 20 mpg on the freeway, using premium gas. The back seats are tiny in it as well. I have a size 8 shoe, and when my feet are all the way back, my toes still go under the passenger seat if that person in front of me is of average height.
I think this looks cool, although I'm guessing it's going to be priced over that of the G35.
I love the G35. It's small, sleek, fast, and beautiful, plus it's a sedan. However, I think the G8 may catch the eye of people in the market for a new car at this price range.
Posted by upl8n8 | March 17, 2008 8:41 PM
Posted on March 17, 2008 20:41
"I love the G35. It's small, sleek, fast but not nearly as fast as the G8 GT let alone the GXP, and beautiful, plus it's a sedan just like the G8."
There fixed that for you so you could see why the GXP might be more expensive. :P
Posted by Alexvrb | March 19, 2008 8:11 PM
Posted on March 19, 2008 20:11
Well, it's about time GM brought some Holdens over to the States. The G8 GXP looks good, has pretty good specs, and should be a bit of a bargain.
However, I see a lot of people comparing this beast to the G35, which isn't entirely accurate. The G8 (196.1") is quite a bit larger than the G35 (187.0"). The G8 GXP will probably target vehicles like the Infiniti M45 (194.1") and BMW 550i (191.1"), and will likely beat all of them...
...well, at least until BMW decides to stick that new 4.4L V8 twin-turbo in the 5 series.
All in all, kudos to GM for finally bringing some exciting cars to the states.
Posted by Xiaofeng | March 26, 2008 2:04 AM
Posted on March 26, 2008 02:04
THE 2009 G-8 GXP IS AWSOME, FINALLY A CAR THAT HAS PERFORMANCE AND STYLE, SOMTHING PONTIAC KNOWS ALOT ABOUT... IM TIRED OF SEEING ALL THOSE EUROPEAN MODELS THAT LOOK EXACTLY ALIKE EXCEPT FOR A NUMBER CHANGE ON THE REAR HOOD. IS THIS THE BEGINNING OF RETURNING TO SPORTS CARS THAT LOOK LIKE SPORTS CARS, SIGN ME UP FOR THIS ONE, IM ANXIOUSLY AWAITING ITS ARIVAL IN THE U.S.
Posted by Maurice DePalo | September 3, 2008 4:08 PM
Posted on September 3, 2008 16:08