Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
2008 Pontiac G8
This discussion has been closed.
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
Agreed.
- Ray
Still waiting........
It's kind of a selling point. Pretty good one.
EVERY compact car should get TWICE the economy of any V8.
DrFill
“EVERY compact car should get TWICE the economy of any V8.”
My opinion is that this statement is balderdash. ( No offense intended. )
It does reflect what seems to be a rather common perception – though one I see as misguided, at best.
While there has certainly been a ( justifiable ) emphasis on fuel economy here in the US, I do not see the G8 ( in V6 or V8 form ) as models that ought to be expected to provide absolutely maximized fuel economy. They have several other high priorities – and most are at odds with completely optimized MPG.
Statements with both ‘EVERY’ and ‘any’ in them tend to grab my attention.
I drive a V8. In 14,000+ miles of ‘actual’ Daily Driver, commuter, shopper, grocery-getter usage, I have averaged 22.39 MPG. ( Excel calculated. ) The EPA average rating of my car is 21. ( Would be 19 under the EPA’s ‘new scheme'. )
[ And I have even seen a few individual tanks, including long highway runs, average over 28 MPG. ]
So: By that proclamation, every compact ( not even subcompact ) should average over 44 MPG.
I find that absurd.
And I don’t use that word often.
And I certainly did not expect that any G8 would equal a compact Toyota in EPA MPG.
- Ray
6.0L V8, automatic trans. & very happy with the MPG, thanks . . .
see you on the highways...
Nothing really new, and they display with odd, stretched proportions on my home PC screen – but interesting to see so many . . .
- Ray
Still waiting . . .
Updates for G8
Week of 10/22/2007
Effective 10/22/2007, the following changes will be made to the Vehicle Order Guide:
* Interior section-(JF5) Pedals, Sport metallic, changed symbol on 2ER69 G8 Sedan from "A" to "--".
* Interior section-Windows, power, driver and front passenger, changed extended description to read "includes Express-Down".
* Exterior section-Deleted (T43) Spoiler, rear-wing entirely.
* Exterior section-Deleted (PDX) Sport Package from 2ER69 G8 Sedan entirely.
* Exterior section-On 2EC69 G8 GT Sedan, (PDX) Sport Package, changed extended description to read "includes (JF5) sport metallic pedals, (QS4) 19" (48.2 cm) machine-faced aluminum wheels, (QCZ) P245/40R19-94W, summer-only performance blackwall tires and (NK4) leather-wrapped Sport steering wheel".
* Exterior section-Deleted (PW2) Wheels, 18" (45.7 cm) machine-faced aluminum, split-spoke from 2ER69 G8 Sedan entirely.
* Mechanical section-(LY7) Engine, 3.6L Variable Valve Timing DOHC V6 SFI aluminum, changed extended description to read "(preliminary 256 hp [190.9 kW] @ 6300 rpm, 248 lb-ft of torque [334.8 N-m] @ 2100 rpm)".
* Mechanical section-(L76) Engine, 6.0L V8 SFI aluminum with Active Fuel Management, changed extended description to read "(preliminary 361 hp [269.2 kW] @ 5300 rpm, 385 lb-ft of torque [519.8 N-m] @ 4400 rpm)".
* Mechanical section-Deleted (FE1) Suspension, Sport entirely.
* Mechanical section-(FE2) Suspension, Performance, changed symbol on 2ER69 G8 Sedan from "--" to "S".
* Mechanical section-(M82) Transmission, 5-speed automatic, changed extended description to read "with Driver Shift Control and Sport Mode".
* Mechanical section-(MYC) Transmission, 6-speed automatic, changed extended description to read "with Driver Shift Control and Sport Mode".
I'm educated and I will be purchasing a G8.
lostwrench - Thanks for the support.
Why would somebody who wants small car gas mileage be looking at a G8? You can't have your cake and eat it too.
It will be possible to obtain small car fuel mileage from large cars and trucks/SUVs when the vehicles with diesel engines and two-mode hybrid systems are on sale. It seems very likely that Mercedes-Benz and GM will offer such vehicles, and somewhat likely that GM will offer such a drivetrain on at least one of the G8's Zeta-platform mates. However, the price will not be low, so it will appeal more to those who drive far more than average.
There are nice german cars out there that will smoke this thing and even burn more gas while they're at it, so if you take some time off making millions or posting on this forum, you might want to take a look at those.
I don't need the V8 but having it about $2,400 away from the V6 will be hard to over-look.
I have a couple of 17'' wheel/tire sets from the GTO. Does anyone know if they'll fit on the G8?
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Need help navigating? kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
Share your vehicle reviews
Who else will be at the LA Auto show? I will probably go on the first day, just after opening time, as it is not crowded, and I have found that the manufacturer's representatives are more willing and able to talk at that time.
And (if true) this is the usual BS move by automakers who really screw up a good concept and throw their hands up in the air that it isn't a big seller and decide americans just don't want that type of vehicle, although the real reason is that we don't want that vehicle because they did something horribly wrong like make it overweight and overpriced.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
G8 GT - ($29,310)
Prem Package - ($1250)
Sport Package - ($600)
Sunroof - ($900)
All Season Tires - ($150)
Freight - $685
Does anyone know for sure if the G8 GT will be offered with XM and/or NAV? I have read that they are...and aren't. Trying to keep the price down and simplify the options, I could understand no NAV when the G8 launches but no XM? That makes no sense as it is a simple and cheap addition. Any information would be appreciated.
As far as the failure/success of the UTE, it comes down to price/engine availabity...just like the SSR & GTO (IMHO). If the SSR had launched with a price in the high 20's/low 30's AND a high HP engine,things might have turned out much differently. To launch with that ridiculous price and the crap engine was folly of the worse sort. A lower cost hardtop version would have helped. An LS2, hardtop and a price of 27k, and they would have sold like hotcakes. Chevrolet is NOT a brand that can charge 40k for something that is basically a toy.
The GTO was simply priced WAY to high when it launched. The staid looks didn't help either...not even the (required) twin intakes on the hood? Anyhow, the main killer was price. Compared to the price of a Mustang GT, 7k more, give or take, was just silly. I love the way the GTO drives, but at 20k used, not 30k+ new. A 25k GT with lower depreciation make a lot more sense (if you're buying new)..and looked "hotter". It wasn't, but it looked it. By the time they fixed some of the "problems" with the GTO, the Pontiac dealers were having fire sale prices on the '04s, just about making certain that the resale would be horrible and thus stopping many from buying the later, improved models. It does, however, make for a GREAT used bargain and the interior is just lovely, especially for a GM car (I know they're getting better, but perceptions die hard).
End opinion, thanks for reading. Any info on the XM and NAV would be appreicated.
Cheers, Anteken
My ** GUESS ** is that neither will be available at launch.
MY 2009, anybody’s guess. . . .
- Ray
Hoping for both of those AND a HUD – for 2009 . . .
My ** GUESS ** is that the XM issue is related to the fact that the initial build will apparently include a Blaupunkt audio head unit – and the fact that I don’t believe that XM is available in Australia . . .
- Ray
Still hoping that 2009 will bring enhancements . . .
= = =
http://www.media.gm.com/us/gm/en/news/events/autoshows/07chicago/brands/pontiac/- #top
Production model details
The 2008 Pontiac G8 lineup will offer two models: G8 and G8 GT. Each will come with a host of standard performance, convenience and safety features, including:
. . .
Roof rail side-impact air bags for both seating rows
OnStar
XM Satellite Radio
Power-adjustable front seats
Fog lamps
Sorry, no listing for NAV or XM in any packages or by themselves at this time. No HUD listed either. There is an IPod / MP3 jack in the specs, which is fine by me since this is all I use anymore.
Price with Options
2008 Pontiac G8
GT 4dr Sedan (6.0L 8cyl 6A)
. . . . . . . MSRP . . . . .Invoice
. . . . . . . . $29,310 . . . . .$27,698
Select Options
PCQ Premium Package info $1,250 $1,038
CF5 Power Tilt-Sliding Sunroof info $900 $747
PDX Sport Package info $600 $498
QFX P245/45R18-96V All-Season Blackwall Tires info $150 $125
That said, I do agree that, especially in this price range, GM needs to be offering NAV if they intend to be competitive.
look around you today....those who what a nav system...simply get the portable one and mount it....they are cheaper and serve the same function....but dont give the integrate look....
the same can be said for BT as an option....as well....
I too havent ruled the G8 off my list....Im looking at the new Malibu as well...in addition to the new CTS...again three different classes of cars...all depends on how much of my $$ I want to part with......$43k for the CTS, $28k for the G8 or $26k for the Malibu...all a few percentage points over invoice.....
I would certainly buy XM, if offered.
Neither appear to be available in the initial build \ Job 1.
I am somewhat more concerned about the limited choices for interior colors.
Here in HotLanta, a dark ( black \ “onyx” or “onyx\red” ) interior just does not make much sense.
I prefer ( an have typically bought, in my last several new cars ) a medium to light gray leather interior. The lone exception was my Grand Prix GXP – with suede inserts on the seating surfaces, this was not a huge issue – for me.
The lack of a HUD, in addition to the above, may mean I will wait ( and hope ) until the 2009 Model Year changes are announced.
- Ray
Still hoping that not too long after the initial build of ‘pool’ cars, GM \ Pontiac will add options & colors . . .
I do see, however, that standard features on the GT include remote start and tire pressure monitoring. So that is appreciated. But those seem odd when the more common features listed above are overlooked. Maybe the offerings will change.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
PCQ = Premium Package, includes leather seating surfaces, (KA1) driver and passenger heated seats, (AJ6) 6-way power driver seat adjuster, (AQ5) 6-way power front passenger seat adjuster, rear center armrest, (VY7) leather-wrapped shift lever and (NP5) leather-wrapped steering wheel
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
And I agree that one could argue the G8 is coming to market without several items one might reasonably expect.
I am hoping that the lack of interior color choice and the lack of a HUD will be addressed.
My sense is that the G8, though it became a “world car” for GM, did not have the time or the attention of US representatives early enough in the product development cycle to insure that every item of ( standard & optional ) equipment was available initially.
Yet when we look at the number of 350+ HP, V8, RWD sedans available for less than $30K in the US, my sense is that Pontiac will sell every one they can build in Australia and ship here. Somewhat like the new 2008 CTS, there are missing pieces ( true BlueTooth integration is the one I hear most often regarding the CTS ) but the emphasis was apparently on bringing the G8 to market as soon as possible, with all of the basic features on the checklist such as drivetrain, seating, suspension, etc in place and thoroughly developed. My guess is that the G8 GT \ V8 will be a terrific car to drive, even if missing a few items many expect.
And my hope is that initial market reception will justify additional features & options – and models ( GXP ) in short order.
I have only 15,500 or so miles on my current ride, so I do not NEED a new car anytime soon. So ( fortunately ) I can wait to see what happens.
- Ray
Waiting, oh so very patiently . .
the only bit that worries me at this point is the seats. 6-ways might not work for me. It really depends. The only 6-way I ever tried that I felt completely comfortable in was an '02 WRX. All others have failed to give me the leg support my 6'5" frame needs.
Oh, one other thing I noticed that it does have, though, is a tilt AND telescoping steering wheel. This is also very important for my personal driving comfort.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Still current.....
Twitter: @Edmunds_Test
None of the navigation systems have a way to account for being in the HOV lane, so you to factor that into your decisions on routing.
If I want a phone or directions ... I think I'd rather go with a relatively inexpensive, mobile option like a Blackberry or IPhone. The cost is much less, you can upgrade every year or 2 as technology and options change, etc.
Why do you want an expensive unit buuilt-in to the dashboard, that may require expensive repair someday, and will be obsolete quickly? Give me a decent stand-alone sound-system and a manual HVAC system, and a few power ports, and I'll bring the MP3 player, the phone, the NAV, and the DVD players for the kids.
Now speaking of the car - I like the white, with the red/black interior. The fact it uses 87 octane is nice too. I wonder how much the tires will cost, and how fast they'll wear out; being Z-rated on a 2 ton car?
I think that is largely due to the fact that we are ( or at least I am ) waiting for actual driving impressions & test results of production examples, from Edmunds & The Print Media. Or test drives by potential purchasers.
Until then, there is not really much of anything new to discuss.
And the first published tests appear to be at least another month away – and no one knows exactly when dealers will have units available to examine. To see what the production fit & finish & materials look like. How well the suspension ride \ handling compromise works for us. What the acceleration feels like. Whether or not the seats offer sufficient support & adjustability for our particular height & build. Etc.
I don’t happen to care a lot one way or the other about a Navigation System.
And I don’t happen to care about BlueTooth, at all.
But I do care
( for example )
that XM appears not to be available at introduction . . .
And I find ** THAT ** very odd, indeed.
- Ray
Waiting.
Still.
the other point is the limited selection of options on either the 3.6 or the v8...to not even offer hid's or a heated steeering wheel or limited slip on the 3.6...these are glaring ommissions.
the car will sell well in the beginning, like the gto did, but i think the sales numbers will drop off dramatically after a short period of time.
it's too bad, a rwd platform with these power trains should be a real draw...let's hope i'm wrong and gm will fatten up the option list. who knows, maybe oil will go back to 55 a barrel....yeah, right.
jackg
06sts6