G8GT spotted ~ !

[cm_ls1]

I'm still in the wilds of Wisconsin, but have non-track camera photos that might be of interest. Last night we got an early look at the all-new Pontiac G8 sedan and Buick Enclave crossover. Check out the photo album for some cell phone shots (we didn't know the cars would be there or we would've brought a better camera) below.

Some initial reactions:

The G8 is really nice. This red G8 we got a look at isn't a production model, but it's the most polished prototype I've ever seen. I can't believe the one that goes on sale at the end of the year will be different in the least. Perhaps, the new emblem will get some alterations. A Pontiac rep said the new, silver one is getting a lot of positive comments though.

The interior is far beyond any Pontiac in a long time, mainly because it's from Australia, but even still, it is an improvement from the GTO's interior. The armrests for example are padded in leather. The rear seats are quite comfy too.

The red really shows off the car's menacing look well, and looks a hundred times better than the grey show car from the Chicago auto show.

We did get some vague comments on the price of the G8 which should be in the low $30,000 range up to "around" $35,000 for the top of the line GT, but no one was announcing anything this far in advance of the on sale date.

http://imgred.com/http://blogs.cars.com/photos/pontiac_g8_buick_enclave/pic0177.jpg

http://imgred.com/http://blogs.cars.com/photos/pontiac_g8_buick_enclave/pic0176.jpg



http://imgred.com/http://blogs.cars.com/photos/pontiac_g8_buick_enclave/pic0174.jpg

[Frcefed98]

:cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool:

[ULTIMTEORANGESS]

im still not sure i like that nose but overall i think its a sweet car.

[1badls2goat]

gawdayumn. I love that car :cool:

[NONo443]

:D I can't wait to see one in person (even though I wont be able to "afford" one).

[thefritz1]

I definitely am thinking that might be my next purchase.

[KingKuba]

Looks pretty cool.:cool:

[triggerjerk]

So does it get a detuned LS2 or maybe an LS3?

[cm_ls1]

Originally posted by triggerjerk
So does it get a detuned LS2 or maybe an LS3?

it gets the L76 ( ls2 6.0L bottom end with L92 heads ) with DOD

[triggerjerk]

oic

[cm_ls1]

yes you can buy longtubes ... 6 months in advance of the car being released !!! ;)

http://g8gt.com/attachments/325d1177006418-ss10.jpg

http://g8gt.com/attachments/326d1177006418-ss13.jpg

[Frcefed98]

A twin turbo kit for the G8 is available or near available too:cool:

[Spectre]

Damn... the decision gets harder and harder; do I get a GTO now or wait for the G8GT? Have there been any performance specs released for the G8GT? Getting one fully loaded including Nav for $35k is quite enticing.

[George El Dorado]

What's the wheel hop situation like on this one?

[krispycobalt]

Originally posted by George El Dorado
What's the wheel hop situation like on this one?

likely the same as it was with the gto

[OCHO CINCO]

looks good.

[SIK02SS]

cute

[cm_ls1]

Originally posted by krispycamaro
likely the same as it was with the gto

why ? cause thay both come from aussie ?

the GTO has nothing to do with this car . actually.

i havent heard any complaints of wheel hop so far ... certainly not like the GTO , and certainly not like the uhhm errr caddy

[Kal-El]

Originally posted by cm_ls1
yes you can buy longtubes ... 6 months in advance of the car being released !!! ;)

http://g8gt.com/attachments/325d1177006418-ss10.jpg

http://g8gt.com/attachments/326d1177006418-ss13.jpg



where can i get a system like that for my SS?!?!? that looks great and quite possibly the best exhaust system i have ever seen on an LSX based car.

[F1_SS]

Originally posted by Kal-El
where can i get a system like that for my SS?!?!? that looks great and quite possibly the best exhaust system i have ever seen on an LSX based car.

ummm, this company called Kooks and several others make headers of equal quality. The black paint and distance makes it harder to see imperfections.

[MapleRed]

:cool:

Can't wait to check them out in person.

[krispycobalt]

Originally posted by cm_ls1
why ? cause thay both come from aussie ?

the GTO has nothing to do with this car . actually.

i havent heard any complaints of wheel hop so far ... certainly not like the GTO , and certainly not like the uhhm errr caddy

Well it is heavier with less power so that should help some but its still RWD w/ IRS. I thought it was a very similar chassis to the GTO? The interior looks nearly identical.

[Kata Skopos]

how much is the GT supposed to start at?


i sure would like a M6... and might as well get some LTs an intake, and tune to bring it up to LS2ish power :D

[Car Guy]

Originally posted by needcash
how much is the GT supposed to start at?


i sure would like a M6... and might as well get some LTs an intake, and tune to bring it up to LS2ish power :D

Hopefully between 30k and 35k depending on options like I have been reading.

[Kata Skopos]

and theyre shooting for early 08?

[Rich97 W68]

Man, that car is seriously tempting me to sell the GTO and go for it when it's released... :o

[LS1MONSTER]

Thats a nice looking Pontiac...

[PMD Power]

I really like car for not having seen it in person

[krispycobalt]

the thing that pisses me off is 362hp....comon...400hp or bust

[AlmostFamous]

Originally posted by krispycamaro
the thing that pisses me off is 362hp....comon...400hp or bust


It comes with better heads than the LS2. :o

[Gomez909]

Damn!!!! My plan was to buy a truck in the near future but this thing is seriously tempting me. :cool:

[PMD Power]

Originally posted by krispycamaro
the thing that pisses me off is 362hp....comon...400hp or bust

87 octane :shrug:

[Kata Skopos]

i heard an intake and tune produce HUGE results... like 50hp huge:cool:

then add LTs :drive:

[Rich97 W68]

Originally posted by krispycamaro
the thing that pisses me off is 362hp....comon...400hp or bust

Largly restrictive induction plumbing, restrictive exhaust (to a much lesser degree), and here's the kicker:

Restrictive tuning.

I'll call it now: Basic bolt-ons and a good tune will net a considerable amount of power in these cars.

:drive:

[Checkmate]

it looks like the back plugs are going to be fun. :o

[krispycobalt]

Originally posted by Checkmate
it looks like the back plugs are going to be fun. :o

go from below

[Jeffro]

I can't wait for this car to arrive.

[Checkmate]

Originally posted by krispycamaro
go from below

Have you seen the underside of the car to know there is perfect access?

Can you post pics too.

[krispycobalt]

Originally posted by Checkmate
Have you seen the underside of the car to know there is perfect access?

Can you post pics too.


:rolleyes:

why ya gotta be such a smartass?

[George El Dorado]

360hp ain't too bad. What does it weigh?

[Kata Skopos]

Originally posted by George El Dorado
360hp ain't too bad. What does it weigh?

3900 IIRC

[George El Dorado]

Originally posted by needcash
3900 IIRC

Then how come nobody is bitching about this yet? That's more than a GT500 and everyone here acts like that's the heaviest car ever made.

[Kata Skopos]

4 doors :shrug:

and its not a "sports car"

[George El Dorado]

Originally posted by needcash
4 doors :shrug:

and its not a "sports car"

So people just want a rwd 6.0l car to go to work and the grocery store?

[96BIGBODY]

MORE PICS! Have anything from the side?

[Jeffro]

Originally posted by George El Dorado
So people just want a rwd 6.0l car to go to work and the grocery store?

Yeah. That's why I want one.

[George El Dorado]

Originally posted by Morpheus
Yeah. That's why I want one.

Then why not a V6 model?

[Jeffro]

Originally posted by George El Dorado
Then why not a V6 model?

Cuz I want a V8. I like driving a V8. I didn't race the shit out of my WS6 when I had it but I didn't have to explain why the hell I didn't just get a V6 when I at gatherings.

[krispycobalt]

Originally posted by George El Dorado
So people just want a rwd 6.0l car to go to work and the grocery store?

I wouldn't mind it provided it wasn't a bitch in the snow

[5.0THIS]

Originally posted by George El Dorado
Then why not a V6 model?


:stfu: :thumbup:

[splogan]

I think the 6 would be ok for a commuter car but the manual is not available in the 6 only in the 8.

[Kata Skopos]

Originally posted by krispycamaro
I wouldn't mind it provided it wasn't a bitch in the snow

:werd: if this was AWD it would be perfect....


id like to see a buick version though :cool:

[cm_ls1]

edmonds apparently flew to aust to test drive one ! review (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=120615)


At the limit, front grip is tenacious and understeer is mild. Our test car generated 0.87g on GM's proving ground skid pad, almost matching BMW's killer 335i at 0.88g !
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/roadtest/07.holden.commodore.ss/07.holden.comodore.ss.act.r34.2.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/roadtest/07.holden.commodore.ss/07.holden.comodore.ss.ip.500.jpg

[02blackws679ta]

I wish all production cars had paint that good looking without all the fucking orange peel.

I see brand new trucks that aren't even close to being "smooth". :o

[Sturmovik]

Originally posted by krispycamaro
Well it is heavier with less power so that should help some but its still RWD w/ IRS. I thought it was a very similar chassis to the GTO?

Rear suspension is totally different.

[Hobbes]

Originally posted by George El Dorado
Then how come nobody is bitching about this yet? That's more than a GT500 and everyone here acts like that's the heaviest car ever made.

:umm: Because it has FOUR doors and isn't even in the same performance class as the GT500 :Picard:

[Jeffro]

Originally posted by cm_ls1
it gets the L76 ( ls2 6.0L bottom end with L92 heads ) with DOD

Positive that it's a LS2 bottom end? L76 is the 6.0L that's in the new trucks.

[Element]

Originally posted by George El Dorado
So people just want a rwd 6.0l car to go to work and the grocery store?

People are buying Chargers like fat girls buy candy, and I'd imagine most of them are drafted for family duty.

I'd imagine the G6 fills that "Need a V6 car for those pesky grocery store trips?" niche nicely.

[Gravy Train]

Originally posted by George El Dorado
Then why not a V6 model?


Are you kidding me?


<-------See vehicles listed


The PONTIAC G8 GT outclasses my CTS-V in almost every category except peak HP, handling (marginal) and braking. Fuel prices be damned, I'm definitely getting one of these.

[cm_ls1]

Originally posted by Morpheus
Positive that it's a LS2 bottom end? L76 is the 6.0L that's in the new trucks.

ehhh its still a gen iv ... with the deep skirt design and six bolt mains , they've moved a few knock sensors and minor changes, milder cam than the ls2 though, and less comp to run reg unlead, put a nice cam in an L76 and it will whip any ls2 since its got l92 heads ;)

[Gravy Train]

I'm wondering if it's possible to even use a bigger/more aggressive cam in the L76, considering DoD-compliance. There's a chance the faster ramp rates/higher lift could wreck the stock lifters (or maybe not).

As I understand, the DoD provisions can be removed from the L76 using LS2 hardware. One thing's for sure--the L76 is not using a cam phaser like the L92 and LS3.... http://gm.wieck.com/forms/gm/previewpage?026548
http://gm.wieck.com/forms/gm/previewpage?026545
http://gm.wieck.com/forms/gm/previewpage?026555
http://gm.wieck.com/forms/gm/previewpage?026550

http://gm.wieck.com/forms/gm/previewpage?035702

[Gravy Train]

Pontiac G8 Specifications:

http://media.gm.com/ca/gm/en/releases/2007/02-14-2008%20Pontiac%20G8.htm


http://cache.jalopnik.com/assets/resources/2007/02/pontiac_g8_gt_show_car.jpg
http://www.peddersusa.com/images/G8IntAU.jpg

Parts of the show car which will not make it to production:

Twenty-inch "shadow chrome" wheels and performance tires :sadno:
Ride height lowered approximately half-inch
High-performance brake rotors with painted brake calipers :\
Custom interior trim color, including a leather-wrapped dash :sadnana: (the contrasting tan-leather parts of the dash and steering wheel shown above)
Exclusive exterior paint color: Phantom Grey :nosulk:
Concept of "modernized" Pontiac badge, to gauge public opinion.



Front suspension, sans engine cradle:
http://www.peddersusa.com/ZETA/ve%20front%20end%203.jpg

Rear suspension with aluminum differential housing:
http://www.peddersusa.com/ZETA/ve%20irs%202.jpg
http://www.peddersusa.com/ZETA/ve%20irs.jpg

Front strut and hub assembly from a program car:
http://www.peddersusa.com/ZETA/ve%20front%20end%204.jpg

Undercarriage shot of the same car... note the exhaust and multi-piece driveshaft are missing, but check out the crossmember and auto tranny fluid pan:
http://www.peddersusa.com/ZETA/ve%20front%20end%206.jpg

[triggerjerk]

No hi po brakes FTL :sadnana: :mad:

[Element]

Originally posted by Imperator


Parts of the show car which will not make it to production:

Twenty-inch "shadow chrome" wheels and performance tires :sadno:
Ride height lowered approximately half-inch
High-performance brake rotors with painted brake calipers :\
Custom interior trim color, including a leather-wrapped dash :sadnana: (the contrasting tan-leather parts of the dash and steering wheel shown above)
Exclusive exterior paint color: Phantom Grey :nosulk:
Concept of "modernized" Pontiac badge, to gauge public opinion.




Of course not. GM wouldn't want to make their new family sedan outperform the competition, with a nicer interior to boot, would they?

It's stupid moves like this that are probably making GM execs scratch their heads and wonder why people aren't buying their vehicles.

[triggerjerk]

Originally posted by Element
Of course not. GM wouldn't want to make their new family sedan outperform the competition, with a nicer interior to boot, would they?

It's stupid moves like this that are probably making GM execs scratch their heads and wonder why people aren't buying their vehicles.

Exactly.

They cannot merely compete, they must surpass the competition on content
and value.

[cm_ls1]

big deal its not gunna have the HSV wheels and brakes .... hardly a deal killer , especially when they will be available as an option , or on the GXP version.

the starndard brakes are miles ahead of the GTO's in terms or fade / modulation / grip anyway

im thinking an impulse blue gts :yup:

http://picsorban.com/upload/gts1.jpg