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Pontiac's new G8 sedan is just now hitting dealerships and many GM execs might like you to think of it as a much more affordable BMW 5-Series. This video actually tries to convince you that the $30K G8 is equal to and in many areas superior to the almost $60K BMW 550i.
The new Pontiac G8 is definitely one of the most exciting products to come from the brand in years, but is it comparable to a 5-Series? Is it safe to assume that most people that are shopping for a new 5-Series wouldn't be caught dead in a Pontiac dealership?
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Comments (72)
Boo! Comparing a lemon to an apple. Bah! American cars can't even beat the Japs!
Posted by H. Fernandez | March 31, 2008 10:55 PM
Posted on March 31, 2008 22:55
Yeah, American cars really can't. Too bad the G8's actually just a rebadged Aussie Holden.
Posted by anon | March 31, 2008 11:11 PM
Posted on March 31, 2008 23:11
seriously, pontiac just ripped off Yahtzee's review style from zeropunctuation.
go google "zero punctuation" and watch a clip or two, you'll see what i mean.
other than, that, funny stuff :)
Posted by Eddy | March 31, 2008 11:13 PM
Posted on March 31, 2008 23:13
You just have to have good engineering. How good these cars are I can't say, but I wish them good luck. I once owned a firebird and I'l bet the door weighed 2 hundred pounds. I took it off to try and alingn it better. Well, no luck there, I was lucky to get the thing back on.
Posted by Bill | March 31, 2008 11:18 PM
Posted on March 31, 2008 23:18
HAHAHAHA an American better than a German car, I need to see it to believe it
Posted by JROC | April 1, 2008 12:27 AM
Posted on April 1, 2008 00:27
Actually you are all wrong, its an Australian Holden Commodore rebadged and with a few minor cosmetic changes.
Not bad at all, considering this is the basis of GM's Aussie Supercar racing.
Posted by JP | April 1, 2008 1:16 AM
Posted on April 1, 2008 01:16
So you ask for a Million dollars when all you want is $20--because you know that if you ask for $20 you will get $5... This seems to me to be the real psyche behind this commercial. By no means will it persuade the blue-collar who is looking at a BMW. But, for all of us who could never afford a BMW, this commercial might just make us think we would be proud to own one of these little zippy cars!
Posted by Pip | April 1, 2008 2:35 AM
Posted on April 1, 2008 02:35
they had another one on 'Timex' vs Rolex. And the Timex was better because it was made of a new high tech material (plastic)...
Typical, just listen to the voice-over. All talk, no action. Hot air, no substance.
That's why USA is where it is today.
Shut-up, just do your homework. Then you can talk, and maybe we'll listen.
Posted by lowest IQ | April 1, 2008 2:40 AM
Posted on April 1, 2008 02:40
Ripping off design from BMW and then bragging about it. How low can americans go...
Posted by yeah | April 1, 2008 2:55 AM
Posted on April 1, 2008 02:55
30k to 50k
they must be talking in American prices
in the EU your talking 60k + to 100k +
for the same cars
in the EU anything with more than 150hp is a very large motor
95% of the cars in the EU dont have more than 150hp hehhe
any american car that cost 30k will out run a car that cost the same price in the EU
If iam wrong show me a car at you can buy in the EU for 30k euro
that can out run a car you can buy in the states for 30k dollors
sure BMW builds some very nice cars but they alot cheaper in the states than they are in the EU
that why BMW sell most of their big cars in the states not in the EU
Posted by Reg | April 1, 2008 3:20 AM
Posted on April 1, 2008 03:20
Hi Guys, I'm an aussie and currently drive a Commodore SS-V which you guys refer to as a Pontiac G8!
It truly is a magnificant car. It has to be driven to be believed.
I was a BMW 5 series owner but after having a lot of problems with my BMW, I decided to go for a different brand. Well the Holden costs a lot less and yeah it might have it's down sides but the good deffinately out weigh the bad.
Here in OZ, the BMW 530i which I owned cost me in excess of $120,000. My SS-V cost me $53,000. It out performs my old BMW and also out handles it.
Has it had a couple of small issues? Sure... But no more than my BMW. But at less than half the price, I'm much happier with the Holden.
Cheers,
Mike G
Posted by Mike G | April 1, 2008 6:09 AM
Posted on April 1, 2008 06:09
@H. Fernandez:
I didn't realize German cars were better than Japanese cars. Is BMW or Mercedes #2 in the world, and poised to become #1 soon? Or do any German makers have the most power efficient engines in the world(without forced induction)? Or fuel efficient for that matter? To put it a better way:
-The Evo's and STI's are technology giants, and quicker, faster and handle better than most cars double their price
-Almost every Honda engine is coming up to 100hp/liter, and still gets better than average gas mileage.
-Toyota's Hybrid system so far rated the best in efficiency, and they also have some decent engine technology(as proven by BMW using Toyota diesels in the new Mini)
Don't kid yourself, American automakers need to overcome German companies before they can even think about tackling the big Japanese manufacturers.
Posted by Jason | April 1, 2008 6:37 AM
Posted on April 1, 2008 06:37
I have the two cars bmw and pontic same model
the pontic the best of bmw of sure
Posted by john | April 1, 2008 6:45 AM
Posted on April 1, 2008 06:45
jason,
@ 1: what you mean to say is that 1% of all Mitsu's handle better then Golf/Astra. That still leaves 99% that handle worse.
@2: CO2 emissions are a neck-to-neck race in which the Europeans and Japanese both lead
@3: Nope, the BMW Turbo Diesels have the most energy efficient foot print.
At least we agree, American cars are no-where. But before they can beat the Eu/Japanese, they still have to beat the Koreans and Indians.
Posted by lowest IQ | April 1, 2008 6:48 AM
Posted on April 1, 2008 06:48
"Yeah, American cars really can't. Too bad the G8's actually just a rebadged Aussie Holden."
Thats funny...if the car wasnt a Holden than it would be crap cause its american right? lol
And if you want to analyse things in that redneck "nationalistic" way i would have to say that if it wasnt for GM (american) there wouldnt be no Aussie GM...in fact there wouldnt be aussie car industry.
Posted by PP | April 1, 2008 7:00 AM
Posted on April 1, 2008 07:00
Good lord, what a joke
Posted by Vlad | April 1, 2008 8:22 AM
Posted on April 1, 2008 08:22
How is the handling of the pontiac ?
I mean, american cars go very fast on straight roads but usualy have very bad handling on mountain roads.
Posted by poz | April 1, 2008 8:35 AM
Posted on April 1, 2008 08:35
High hp/liter isn't a good thing. Performance and fuel efficiency are good things. The civic si averages 21/29 while the regular civic gets 35 avg. Highly strung engines are not economical, comfortable engines are. I'd rather have a comfortable (larger) engine that puts out decent power, they're the same efficiency but one's a lot more fun to drive. The 128i is a good deal faster than a civic si and has much the same fuel efficiency.
The s2000 is subject to the gas guzzler tax @ 21 mpg combined. A dodge viper is too, at 20mpg. But the viper blows it away, at the same economy?
I think rx7 guy posted something similar to this a while back.
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | April 1, 2008 8:54 AM
Posted on April 1, 2008 08:54
There's too much conjecture about american cars sucking before they're even released, it's fair to criticize the one's that have been sold today but only the future can tell us how the G8 will stack up. You all ought to give it a chance before you assume it's garbage.
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | April 1, 2008 8:58 AM
Posted on April 1, 2008 08:58
American too BAD, starting from the paint, compare to a TOYOTA and you'll see it.
Posted by R3TNIAP | April 1, 2008 9:36 AM
Posted on April 1, 2008 09:36
You "america obsessed" people need some help...lol...
Posted by Doctor Phil | April 1, 2008 9:51 AM
Posted on April 1, 2008 09:51
Well seeing as many here did not seem to bother to read either the reviews or take a look at the car themself heres some facts.
The auto press is actually behind this car as state, many publications gave it praise for its handleing and overall performance. Car and Driver even noted that it felt very much like a BMW on the road and when parked next to his luxury car in the driveway the G8 did not look out of place.
Went to the NAIAS this year as well and got to take a look at the car. The car does have a nice look to it and thankfully did not have much of the old tacky pontaic typical trim. Inside its a step up from what GM has been putting out over the last decade for sure. I still find I enjoy the feel and look of a Japanese interior though but the diffrence is narrowing.
The price of this car is great for what your getting out of it. The V8 is a inexpensive option that does not hurt gas mileage much from what I saw (driving style could of course effect this). Do I expect this car to win over the BMW 5 and 6 series crowds, no I dont since the BMW is a social status symbol as much as a car. The point trying to be made by the advertisement I found was that just because it has a BMW badge does not mean you cannot obtain similar performance elsewhere.
To touch quickly on the Holden issue, well its a mute point to be honest. Holden is part of GM so to me its no strike against them for bringing over a good platform to other markets. People truly need to get past their national intrest and realise that the auto industry is today an international game. Guess all those American assembled Toyotas are no longer really Japanese cars since they were made here? It makes little sense for a company to add the cost of developing a new model if they have one suitable in another market that they could bring over.
I enjoyed reading the previous comments though as this was a topic about if a Pontaic staking a stab at BMW. My own opinion I could care a less who builds the car I am interested in the reality of the situation. Go read some quality reports from the industy like JD Power and you might be surprised to see how low Mercedes Benz and some other score. I try best to not get involved in the fanboy arguments that seem to be all over the internet about almost anything today.
Posted by Jason | April 1, 2008 10:37 AM
Posted on April 1, 2008 10:37
G8 = 550i? speed is not the only measure of sucess in autos although i realize it dose go a long way. This is the only pontiac i dont wish be totald by a locomotive. but the fact is its never going to come close to the over engeneerd BMW, it will excite the trousers off you no doubt about it. But the conservative's that drive 550i's dont usually want to go anywhere without there pants. so whos going to buy this car? well i guise anyone who needs a nice sedan but cant drive a forigen car because of threats of reprisals, from your local union rep.
Posted by dennisil | April 1, 2008 10:47 AM
Posted on April 1, 2008 10:47
I think the saying "you get what you paid for" rings true here. The BMW5 is twice the price of the G8 cos its twice as complicated and has bout twice as much technology packed into it. It comes with all the bells and whistles you could want and then some. Honestly id have to say that for those who need that BMW badge and can cough up the 120K without thinking twice to go for it. However there are those of us who think that spending 100K or more on car like this is too much and i wouldnt feel bad at all driving round in a G8 or SSV. As for the people talking fuel economy shut up and go buy a prius or something. If youre shopping for a V8, fuel economy is going to be the last thing on your mind.
Posted by AusV8 | April 1, 2008 11:01 AM
Posted on April 1, 2008 11:01
>CheapCarLover:
"There's too much conjecture about american cars sucking before they're even released, it's fair to criticize the one's that have been sold today but only the future can tell us how the G8 will stack up. You all ought to give it a chance before you assume it's garbage."
You're right, but that's because that last 20 years have shown us that they usually *do* suck. Only time will tell us if this is a quality car, or it's just another footnote to the rental fleet schlock that detroit usually throws up. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of American cars as the next guy, but I just can't seem to get excited from a G8. Like most of the modern american V8 fleets, it will probably sell well to a small community, but otherwise represent insinificant sales on the whole.
Posted by scotty | April 1, 2008 11:27 AM
Posted on April 1, 2008 11:27
"HAHAHAHA an American better than a German car, I need to see it to believe it"
The Sherman tank was inferior to the Panther in every way except one: it was easier to produce.
Guess who won that battle.
Posted by therooster | April 1, 2008 11:39 AM
Posted on April 1, 2008 11:39
American car manufacturers will never be able to fully recreate the massive electrical gremlins and bugs that plague all german cars!
Posted by mbw | April 1, 2008 11:59 AM
Posted on April 1, 2008 11:59
Well, we may be missing the obvious: the BMW is classier looking that the G8. I mean, the G8 is "better than the beemer" and all, but man, the BMW just looks superior and just plane nicer. It looks less sporty, but yet sporty. There's something about that look.
The Pontiac is stuck trying to "tweak" here and there with mostly the same looks that its been recycling for the past who-knows-when.
This is apples and oranges to me. If I had the money though, I'd still go with the BMW even without test-driving the G8. Since when is a car better than another that costs twice as much? No one is stupid enough to believe that the extra 50-percent more is for nothing. The BMW is in a class of its own and is superior.
Posted by JD | April 1, 2008 12:14 PM
Posted on April 1, 2008 12:14
Hilarious how all you say the Pontiac is crap and doesnt drive nearly as nice, yet none of you have actually driven it. Typical American talk. All talk, no facts.
Posted by jfelano | April 1, 2008 12:51 PM
Posted on April 1, 2008 12:51
im an american auto engineer. i like the G8. i like the BMW. i like STI's. i dont descriminate. however, i also live in michigan. i drive a ford focus. it is the best $6k i have ever spent. i will soon be purchasing a new ride. with this economy, the G8 is the best bang for its buck. cant you guys appreciate cool cars when you see them, and not descriminate based on origin? come together...
Posted by william | April 1, 2008 1:02 PM
Posted on April 1, 2008 13:02
on second thought, that car kicks ass. i wanna G8
Posted by william | April 1, 2008 1:05 PM
Posted on April 1, 2008 13:05
Fuel economy doesn't NEED to be the last thing on your mind with a big V8. You can pick up a 500hp Z06 vette and get 25mpg (500hp and NO gas guzzler tax).
of course the Japanese brands have LOT of cars with those sorts of performance/efficiency numbers...
lets see... there's the... ahh... well...
hmm...
hp/litre - what a stupid metric...
"Yaaaa, we're the hp/litre kings!"
"Cool, so you must get great gas mileage..."
"Ahh... no not really"
"Oh... well then you must be making ungodly amounts of power"
"not so much..."
"So... uhh... what exactly does that do for you?"
"Well... nothing exactly... but it sounds REALLY COOL!"
Posted by Dave K | April 1, 2008 1:05 PM
Posted on April 1, 2008 13:05
Fuel economy doesn't NEED to be the last thing on your mind with a big V8. You can pick up a 500hp Z06 vette and get 25mpg (500hp and NO gas guzzler tax).
of course the Japanese brands have LOT of cars with those sorts of performance/efficiency numbers...
lets see... there's the... ahh... well...
hmm... ;-)
hp/litre - what a stupid metric...
"Yaaaa, we're the hp/litre kings!"
"Cool, so you must get great gas mileage..."
"Ahh... no not really"
"Oh... well then you must be making ungodly amounts of power"
"not so much..."
"So... uhh... what exactly does that do for you?"
"Well... nothing exactly... but it sounds REALLY COOL!"
Posted by Dave K | April 1, 2008 1:06 PM
Posted on April 1, 2008 13:06
Its like the LS460 vs Genesis where they compare them and only say the LS wins because it can park itself. What next my beetle has headlights does that compete with a Bentley Flying Spur? they both have headlights. Compare things in the same class people.
Posted by John | April 1, 2008 1:52 PM
Posted on April 1, 2008 13:52
Since when is a cheaper car better than a more expensive one?
The GT-R is faster than any production car around the Nurburgring at 70k. Faster than a 600k Ferrari Enzo, faster than every Lamborghini.
I don't think you can say that more money always means better. Usually, but not always. In this case, the G8 is not as refined or balanced as the BMW, that's for sure. It is not a better car, but it is a better value for the most part. The acceleration stat is weird too, I dunno what mags have tested the G8 at, but the 550i 6-speed time is 5.3s.
Posted by loy | April 1, 2008 2:30 PM
Posted on April 1, 2008 14:30
@ loy
thanks for the GTR reference this thread was missing one.
Posted by dennisil | April 1, 2008 2:40 PM
Posted on April 1, 2008 14:40
The Evolution X owns all.
Posted by 09 | April 1, 2008 2:55 PM
Posted on April 1, 2008 14:55
Its great to be an American
PC maker Dell announced a plan to save $3 billion over the next three years by cutting costs and laying off employees. The firm will close its desktop manufacturing plant in Austin, Texas and will cut about 10 percent of its workforce:
Dell Inc. is also reaffirming its plan -- announced last year -- to cut at least 8,800 jobs, or about 10 percent of its work force. In the last nine months of fiscal 2008, the Round Rock, Texas-based company cut 3,200 jobs.
The company plans a broad range of cost cuts in design, manufacturing and logistics, materials and operating expenses to stay competitive.
Dell is also reviewing alternatives for its financial services business, especially its consumer and small to medium business revolving credit financing receivables. Shares of Dell rose 31 cents to close at $19.92. They added another 28 cents to $20.20 in aftermarket activity.
We must put the chains on the blacks to be great . Lets do it !!!
Posted by USA fucking its self | April 1, 2008 3:12 PM
Posted on April 1, 2008 15:12
loy which nurburgring numbers are you quoting there... the ones that claim it's faster than a Radical SR3? Or the one's that only claim it's faster than a Porsche GT?
The only time I read about that actually STATED that the GT-R was running Stock tires and boost levels was close to 8 minutes (far more believable than the rediculous 7:15 number some knucklehead is publishing). The GT-R is a great car and I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see it running with the 911's, but until I see some times for full production totally stock cars running the full course - the claims are all suspect.
Posted by Dave K | April 1, 2008 3:36 PM
Posted on April 1, 2008 15:36
@ Whoever you might be
I don't know what Dell has to do with automobiles. Dell laptops suck. Dell's tech support sucks, thats the reason I wouldn't buy one. They need to lay off their workforce in India. Go post your anti-american crap on other websites. The silly european countries banned slavery but a few years before the US fought over it.
@ loy
The Porsche GT2 is 6 seconds faster than the GTR.
The GTR weighs 3792lbs. That's entirely too much.
It's an awesome car, apart from all the electro-nannies they have on the Japanese cars.
Posted by USA Horay! : o ) | April 1, 2008 3:37 PM
Posted on April 1, 2008 15:37
Dell layoffs ?!?!?!?!?!?
Dude...psychiatrists need to start including the following question in their tests:
"Have you been having a complete obsession about the United States lately and does that obsession manifests itself by an hilarious combination of "leftwing-america-is-evil politics" and "right-wing nationalist" politics with the mandatory "nationalistic penis size envy towards america"?"
Posted by Doctor Phil | April 1, 2008 3:38 PM
Posted on April 1, 2008 15:38
@Doctor Phil
Lets make America great once again , bring back black slavery..
Posted by All 4 black slavery | April 1, 2008 3:47 PM
Posted on April 1, 2008 15:47
Just think of it.. This car would only cost you 5k if it was built all with ni66er slaves in the USA..!!!!. The world than would be a happy place and no would mind paying 3 dollars for gas !!!
Posted by All 4 black slavery | April 1, 2008 4:02 PM
Posted on April 1, 2008 16:02
Hmm, isn't this, I don't know at least half a decade too late?
As we all should know, the G8 is just the GTO with more vents and spoilers (hmm), and that was just a Holden Monaro with a few badges slapped on its rump.
Seriously though, this is Corvette muscle in a sedan form, and it doesn't break the bank.
I liked the GTO incarnation better, the Pontiac "I have more vents and spoilers to go fast" strategy needs to die (why it didn't with the AZtec is beyond me).
The base technology is sound, and I think that based on performance we have a close tie, but if you are shopping for luxury, we all know where that is, and what it costs.
Posted by Miles | April 1, 2008 4:11 PM
Posted on April 1, 2008 16:11
Forgot to add, the engines from GM are all designed in Germany now anyway, and probably the suspension too, so even GM is fully aware of the state of auto development.
The Chassis is from Holden, so good, strong Australian stock there.
So what does that leave? The styling, interior and luxury, and of course Pontiac Drops the ball, maybe a little closer to the mark this time, but clearly dropped.
I could easily still see buying a Pontiac GTO (to this day my head swivels every time I see one on the street), the price for this Pontiac meddling is too much, both in aesthetics and price, to justify. Even to get the independent rear suspension, V8, and rear-wheel drive.
Torque. Without a supercharger I don't care how many hundreds of horsepower you can wring from a wheezy 4 banger, it is not a smooth delivery. (I love 4 cylinders, they just belong on a racetrack, not a performance mid-size, or weight, street vehicle).
Posted by Miles | April 1, 2008 4:23 PM
Posted on April 1, 2008 16:23
car vs car comparison. An underdog car tries to stand with the big guys. The little guy made a humorous vid on it.
What follows is 50 comments of Anti-American and... racist propaganda???
Only on torque report...
Posted by TQ sucks | April 1, 2008 5:25 PM
Posted on April 1, 2008 17:25
This is a joke!
PONTIAC? -> (P)oor (O)ld (N)i66ger (T)hink (I)ts (A) (C)adillac?
Even Cadillac is no match to BMW, PONTIAC?
With this 30K, I would rather get an EVO no question ask, period!
GM and Ford loss hundreds of millions every month, dunt know how long they can survive in the near future? from government?
Posted by will | April 1, 2008 5:34 PM
Posted on April 1, 2008 17:34
the racist stuff is not cool you guys are fools for saying anything of that nature on this site.
Posted by dennisil | April 1, 2008 5:59 PM
Posted on April 1, 2008 17:59
The joke is not funny even on April Fool's; you should be ashamed.
Regardless, the thread ended with "therooster".
Posted by Trinity | April 1, 2008 6:11 PM
Posted on April 1, 2008 18:11
All for black slavery:
The next you go and burn a cross on some family's front yard, do America a big faver and tie your self to it.
Posted by Tommy Boy | April 1, 2008 6:58 PM
Posted on April 1, 2008 18:58
The racist crap has no place here.
In styling alone, not to mention the class a BMW brings to the table makes this an April fools joke.
No matter what having a G8 race past a BMW 5 series has got to get under the skin. At the next light BMW driver "I didn't have it in sport mode". The G8 driver replies "That's OK I had the AC on..."
Posted by RX-7 Guy | April 1, 2008 7:03 PM
Posted on April 1, 2008 19:03
First, the racist stuff stops or I send Anonymous out on you.
Second, the 550i is a good deal faster than the G8 according to many benchmarks. Officially the numbers are 5.3 seconds to 60 but many people have pulled it off in 5 flat. The G8... is just 5.3.
I've driven both now, and I do prefer the 550i. The engine is far smoother than the G8's, which only gets its torque up top. Also, the 550i did have better fuel economy (although I agree with the guy who said if you are shopping for a V8, this probably doesn't matter). And the G8 does not have BMW's telepathic steering. In a Bimmer (not "beemer," its Bimmer), if you want the car to go somewhere, it does exactly that. Turn the wheel and you are there.
In the G8, not so much. Oh its markedly better than any other American car I've driven, but there is still that little bit of guess work. And there is more body roll, but thats probably due to the slightly higher amount of weight.
And its a stupid automatic in the G8. It shifts bloody out of fucking control and and I never know what its going to do, like its possessed. I hit a turn and gun the gas, and if the turn zaps to much, I get an upshift! UPSHIFT! Usually this did not happen, but it does every once in a while.
The 550i however has a nice manual, and I don't have to sing its praise for everyone to know what a good little gearbox that is.
And again to fuel economy: while not really to important here, it is good to note that you can shift into higher gears sooner in the BMW. Going from second to fifth, to sixth, people have cruised to the high twenties in mpg. Thats really good for a V8. Probably does have to do with displacement here: 4.8 liters is not as much to fill at the same rpms. The 4.8 can use as much gas as the G8's 6.2, but only if both engines are being driven hard. At the same rpms, lets say 2000 rpm, the 4.8 uses less gas.
The G8, when I drove it, managed two ratings. When I drove it hard I hit a low of 10 (gulp gulp gulp). Again, 6.2 liters is a lot to fill. The high note though was that in highway driving with a light foot, I got 24. Some have said they manage 25mpg on the highway. This is simply an amazing number. Again, expect the 550i to be more efficient, especially in light driving, but 24 mpg in a $30,000 6.2L car is not bad at all.
Now for the engines. I absolutely hate the 6.2L in the G8. Its probably because I've not had to drive an American car in so long, but I don't know how you "America only people" survive. Every time I hit it hard, it never felt like I really had 361 hp. I could see the acceleration with my eyes, but I just thought that it should all be faster with all this power. And the torque, its all up high. Maybe its just the transmission, again, it never felt like I had as much power as I did. Car and Driver said this too.
The 550i though feels like a real engine. Smash the gas and you get instant acceleration (note to American auto manufacturers: wheel spin needs to be kept low, not high, get a LSD). There is little wheel spin in the 550i and you take right off. The transmission, well what about it? It shifts when I WANT TO, not when a computer says so. And the engine note, it just sounds so much better inside the cockpit. The G8 sounded good mind you, but only in a way Bubba could love. The 550i by comparison is a symphony. A concert.
On balance, I'd take a 550i in Alpine White with the winter package, please. But, the G8 is still a good car. Its just compared WAY out of its segment. A better comparison is the Dodge Charger.
The Charger had a 345 hp V8 last I drove one and now apparently its 350. No matter really, because although its based on a ten year old Mercedes platform, there is a reason Mercedes abandoned it ten years ago. By comparison to the G8, the Charger is more controlled, it sounds better, it gets better mileage, its faster, it holds turns better, and looks better than the Charger. In fact, the Charger just became irrelevant. There is no reason, other than stupidity, to buy a Charger over a G8, especially when the G8 can be found cheaper.
Here is a good wake up call to GM. They haven't been refreshing their platforms that often in the recent past, but the Charger came out what, only 3 years ago? And GM clearly beat them. When the next Charger comes out it is coming out an underdog. The next G8 however (if there is one) could be better still than the new Charger. Interesting, attention to engineering and detail beating the game? Remarkable. Thats an idea!
Now, the Charger isn't exactly a hot seller though. But the G8 still beats another car: the 300C. I've complained for some time that the 300C is obsolete: its not posh enough to be a luxury car, it doesn't have a quite interior as luxury cars go, and in reality, anyone who wants a big, plush luxury car will probably prefer an Avalon to the 300C.
But the G8 interior is good enough to outdo the 300C. Its far better in my opinion, it doesn't look as rich (barely), but its far better constructed I think. Doesn't feel as cheap (thats another area though where the G8 fails to meet the 550i: the 550i isn't as cheaply built inside). And the 300C feels way more like a muscle car than a good car.
On balance, GM is eating Chrysler's lunch. And dinner. And f!cking its wife. GM is beating them everywhere.
Does it beat anyone else though? .... no. Not really. It may take some sales from those looking for a family car with sportiness and buy a Civic Si Sedan, maybe, but not likely. Still, good car, I imagine it will eat every Chrysler customer off Chrysler's plate.
Don't expect any Germans to break a sweat over it though.
Posted by Allen | April 1, 2008 7:52 PM
Posted on April 1, 2008 19:52
Whoa! Just noticed that I said "G8, the Charger is more controlled, it sounds better, it gets better mileage, its faster, it holds turns better, and looks better than the Charger." Swap "G8 and "Charger" in that first part. Yah.
Posted by Allen | April 1, 2008 10:11 PM
Posted on April 1, 2008 22:11
I just can't take ANY car ad serious when they use the Hobo typeface. If they let that slip what can you expect of their engineers?
cheers,
Bob
Posted by bob | April 1, 2008 10:19 PM
Posted on April 1, 2008 22:19
That G8 looks blan and who cares if it's faster 0-60 if all it can do well is drive in a straight line, because 99% of american sports cars go around corners. The only american sports cars that can go around corners well, is the Ford GT super sports car which is now discountinued and the Ford Mustang Rousch Edition.
Posted by SteelCity1981 | April 2, 2008 2:32 AM
Posted on April 2, 2008 02:32
Ha ha ha! Happy April Fool's day!
Can't say I've driven a G8 but if it's designed in America it'll be crap. I drove a Pontiac G6 GT for a week and it handled like my dad's old buick...soft and squishy with tires screaming for mercy around the simplest corner.
As far as the Black comments, nooooo there's no racism in America what with Obamania sweeping the country. Let's see now, 90% of Blacks will vote for him but hey, his color doesn't matter. His pastor of 20 years is a White-bashing, 911-loving nutcase but that's okay cause it turns out Obama really didn't agree with his preaching and you know, race is such a complicated issue in America. Well, enjoy driving your unreliable, gas-guzzling American cars while your new Black president calls the shots. Can anyone say Climate Crisis Recession God Save America?
Posted by whome | April 2, 2008 3:07 AM
Posted on April 2, 2008 03:07
nice country you have.
You go out to steal somebodies oil, while at home, one half hates the other half.
Great. Its 2008 by the way, not 1644 or so.
And this is a site about European and Japanese cars.
Posted by lowest iq | April 2, 2008 5:18 AM
Posted on April 2, 2008 05:18
@ Jason:
"Do I expect this car to win over the BMW 5 and 6 series crowds, no I dont since the BMW is a social status symbol as much as a car. The point trying to be made by the advertisement I found was that just because it has a BMW badge does not mean you cannot obtain similar performance elsewhere."
and
"My own opinion I could care a less who builds the car I am interested in the reality of the situation. Go read some quality reports from the industy like JD Power and you might be surprised to see how low Mercedes Benz and some other score. I try best to not get involved in the fanboy arguments that seem to be all over the internet about almost anything today."
Well writ.
I usually just make quips on styling about vehicles.
But in response to other postings, and the article itself, I would have written comments along the same lines, as the above quoted text.
Posted by GT Fan | April 2, 2008 8:06 AM
Posted on April 2, 2008 08:06
@whome
dont worry the country needs to pull it self together and barack is a great motivator and he brings people together, im a 27 year old white guy and im in the lower middle class, i have a full time job i hate and i think Obama is the lesser of 3 evils we will have to choose from. the politicians would all sell us out in a heartbeat its just who wil do it less in this day and age. i feel that his being a 1st african american man to lead this nation his follys will be well documented and so long as he can keep his word on getting out of iraq then what ellse can we ask for, im a big proponent of small govenment and less regulations and less involvement from the govenment, i think we need to look at modern day success rather than historicly successfull measures to get our economy up, look at the countrys that where 3rd world 8 years ago and now have GDP's going up in doubble digets yearly, for example the break away soviet republic of Georga.
oh yeah and the G8 is going to be a fine car but the only reason its being compared to the bimmer is so it can get us talking about it and look at how many of you chimed in to speak your peace positive or negetive its all free advertising in a way.
good bless you all
Posted by dennisil | April 2, 2008 2:13 PM
Posted on April 2, 2008 14:13
Man where did all the vehement euro and asian fan boys come from? This was actually a good forum for rational conversation a few months ago.
Posted by Alysandra | April 3, 2008 9:25 AM
Posted on April 3, 2008 09:25
What's so unusual about comparing cars in different classes with similar specifications? The disgusting Hyundai Veracruz has been compared to a Lexus RX and there were no Korea-bad, Japan-good kinds of comments. Obviously there are good reasons that the BMW costs more than a Pontiac. Personally I find the front end of the Pontiac much nicer than the drag queen look of the 5. The G8 is a mainstream car that is slightly less refined… like a wobbly handbrake similar to that found in a SAAB 9/3. The 5 is a true luxury sports sedan while the G8 is not intended to coddle the owner with a luxury badge and electronic knickknacks like a luxury car is supposed to. The G8 appears to have GM’s old school interior materials… maybe because it’s a lightly modified existing Aussie Holden. But performance-wise, the BMW and G8 are very similar. If Pontiac could spend a few bucks to clean up the interior and offer nav, like in the Caddilac CTS, there would be no reason that it couldn’t me mentioned in the same breath as a BMW.
Posted by NE1BUTU | April 4, 2008 2:37 PM
Posted on April 4, 2008 14:37
Hmm, well said.
Posted by Tommy Boy | April 4, 2008 3:37 PM
Posted on April 4, 2008 15:37
Allen, the BMW burns 87 octane, just like the 6.0L G8 GT, right? So clearly its apples to apples, riight? Just like comparing the two cars period, or comparing a manual to an automatic. A V-series Caddy would be a better comparison. Or at least the impending GXP G8 with the manual gearbox.
Posted by Alexvrb | April 5, 2008 2:44 PM
Posted on April 5, 2008 14:44
Wow! 60k USD for a 550i??? You guys are so spoiled!!!! The price of it here in Norway is just around 230k USD!!!! All big engines are hit hard with taxes to save the environment...
Still would not buy the G8 though... :-)
Posted by Oystein | April 8, 2008 10:11 AM
Posted on April 8, 2008 10:11
Wow! 60k USD for a 550i??? You guys are so spoiled!!!! The price of it here in Norway is just around 230k USD!!!! All big engines are hit hard with taxes to save the environment...
Still would not buy the G8 though... :-)
Posted by Oystein | April 8, 2008 10:11 AM
Posted on April 8, 2008 10:11
Wow! 60k USD for a 550i??? You guys are so spoiled!!!! The price of it here in Norway is just around 230k USD!!!! All big engines are hit hard with taxes to save the environment...
Still would not buy the G8 though... :-)
Posted by Oystein | April 8, 2008 10:13 AM
Posted on April 8, 2008 10:13
Wow! 60k USD for a 550i??? You guys are so spoiled!!!! The price of it here in Norway is just around 230k USD - and that is before optional equipment..!!! All big engines are hit hard with taxes to save the environment...
Posted by Oystein | April 8, 2008 10:14 AM
Posted on April 8, 2008 10:14
Sorry for the multiple posts. The script at Torque Report gave me an error message... So I posted again...
Posted by Oystein | April 8, 2008 10:18 AM
Posted on April 8, 2008 10:18
Error message my ass. Are all Norweigans so thick? No wonder they scam you 230K for a 60K car.
Posted by Tommy Boy | April 9, 2008 2:39 AM
Posted on April 9, 2008 02:39
American cars suck because they are made in africanized areas of the US. BMW's, at least the 3 series are assembled in South Africa in 10-15% of the examples since 2004. Those suck too.
Posted by x | July 10, 2008 8:23 PM
Posted on July 10, 2008 20:23
Hey All 4 black slavery... the last thing I want is a slave built car. Or a car built in Detroit a a damned BMW built in S. Africa.
I'd rather have a car built by people who take pride in what they build and are dedicated to the model and brand they build. That means I want a Lexus built in Japan, a Corvette built in Kentucky, and a BMW built in Dingolfing. Not some African Growth and Economic Recover piece of crap from S. Africa, a Toyota made in Mississipi, etc. etc.
Slave labor is not a way to create quality. Dedicated craftsmen is the way to create quality, duh!
Posted by x | July 10, 2008 8:34 PM
Posted on July 10, 2008 20:34
Here are the 2008 Idiot of theYear Award Finalists
Drum roll please..................
All 4 black slavery
X
Whome
Will
Posted by mason | January 20, 2009 2:17 PM
Posted on January 20, 2009 14:17