General Motors has unveiled the all-new, rear-wheel drive 2008 Pontiac G8 at the Chicago Auto Show. Based on Holden’s new VE Commodore, the G8 is the first North American application of GM’s new global rear-wheel drive architecture that will also spawn the 2009 Camaro, Pontiac GTO, next-generation Impala, and others.
“With the balance of rear-wheel drive and the availability of V-8 power, the G8 represents another step in Pontiac’s commitment to its performance DNA,” said John Larson, Pontiac general manager. “Added to the Solstice and the recently announced additions of the G6 and Torrent to the GXP series, the G8 demonstrates that Pontiac has never been more serious about the business of performance - and we expect this vehicle to be very competitive in the segment, even against cars that cost far more.”
The 2008 Pontaic G8 is, for all intents and purposes, a badge-engineered Holden Commodore SS-V. The base Pontiac G8 will offer a 3.6L V6 engine with 261-hp and 250 lb-ft. of torque. The G8 GT with feature a 6.0L LS2 powered GT version with 362-hp and 391 lb-ft. of torque. The base car will offer a five-speed automatic with a manual model, with the GT will be offered with either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual gearbox.
While the G8 that will be unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show is a dressed-up “show car,” don’t expect at significant changes when the G8 actually reaches dealers. The 2008 Pontiac G8 will be available in dealerships early next year.
