Pontiac G8: New Idea, New Design, New Revolution

Even though there are a great variety of cars on the market today that seem able to cater for every possible need of consumers, those who want performance and do not want to sacrifice space are sorely limited in their choices. While many powerful two door coupes can be found, the market for a performance oriented sedan that still remains stylish is lacking. Thankfully, Pontiac has attempted to correct this problem with the introduction of their brand new G8 Sedan.

Certainly the G8 shows a lot of promise. Although the car isn't new specifically for Pontiac, 2008 will mark the first introduction of the car to American markets. In other parts of the world, the car is known as a Vauxhall VXR8, and also embodies many of the same design features and specifications that can be found in the car being ported over to the United States.

However, all of the press and attention surrounding the G8 would lead one to wonder what is so incredibly special about the model. However, all it takes is a quick glance at the vehicles exterior to make one aware that there is something decidedly different about the Pontiac G8. With an aggressive front fascia, dual hood scoops, side turn signals, smooth body lines and a stance that is both wide and low, the G8 never lets one forget that it is a vehicle which is meant for performance. Keeping in mind that the G8 is designed to best vehicles which cost significantly more, the fact that the outward appearance is so refined and sporty should come as no surprise. As Pontiac attempts to draw the line between style and performance using the G8, it seems that they have done the car justice with the exterior.

Moving inside the vehicle, it seems as though Pontiac has take many cues from their other current running sports car, the GTO. Incorporating the same style interior, using blocky materials, and leaving simplified functional controls, as well as a two pronged steering wheel equipped with cruise and possibly music control, and some trims of the G8 coming with DVD and satellite navigation built right into the center column. Also similar to the GTO is the option to color match certain aspects of the interior with the outside color of the car, such as the lower dashboard portions and seats. Although the interior is definitely more stylish than the GTO, it does not seem to portray an air of advancement or space age style, as Honda did with their redefined Civic Si interior. No, the interior of the G8 seems instead one that is built around function. However, only time will tell how the interior will complement the driver, and if Pontiacs gambit for performance oriented style has hit the mark.

In actual terms of performance however, Pontiac seems to be aiming high. Offering two options available for the G8, and rear wheel drive set to complement the engine power, it is unlikely that the G8 will be a weak contender in the performance aspects of the vehicle. The first option offered to consumers is a standard V6 powered G8. Even though the engine is only a V6, it is set to put out around 260 horse power, coupled with a five speed automatic transmission. Although 260 does seem like an impressive number indeed, we must remember that the G8 is a full sized car, and only time will tell if the size or weight of the vehicle will remove the possibility of the six cylinder engine being a true contender for performance.

However, it is the other engine option which has most people talking. For those who truly want performance, Pontiac is offering the G8 GT, equipped with 6.0 liter V8 engine and the capacity to make 362 horse power. Unfortunately for some performance enthusiasts though, no G8 models will, at least for the initial run, be available with a manual transmission. However, the G8 GT will come standard with a six speed automatic with the option of a "slap stick" or auto-manual option. Current testing shows that the GT model is able to pull off zero to sixty speeds in just slightly over 5 seconds. Considering the overall size and weight of the vehicle, this means that the GT engine has some serious power running through it. The GT model is also equipped with a dual exhaust and both models are given traction control and electronic stability control standard. A four wheel independent suspension also gives the GT some serious handling credibility.

While the features of the G8 GT are definitely impressive, and the numbers stack up to it being a serious performance oriented vehicle, only time will tell if the G8 can live up to it's promises. Certainly, there is no denying that the G8 has an incredible looking outward and inward appearance, and the numbers supporting it's performance speak for themselves. There is also no denying that the wait for 2008 will now be an even longer one, as performance minded enthusiasts wait for the leather wrapped steering wheel of the G8 to fall into their hands.