2008 Pontiac G8

By Benjamin Cyr

Many choices will be offered to customers: a choice of 261-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 or a 362-hp 6.0-liter V8, and a choice of three transmissions: a five-speed automatic, a six-speed automatic and a six-speed manual. The weight distribution will be almost a balanced 50/50 and the car comes equiped with a four-link independent rear suspension. With the base model, powered by a DOHC 3.6-liter V6 that makes 256 hp at 6,300 rpm and 248 pound-feet of torque at 3,200 rpm, it should be able to go from zero to 100 km/h in about 7.5 seconds. The V8 that comes in the GT model is a version of the familiar small-block Chevy motor. The aluminum-block engine which incorporates iron cylinder liners has 6.0 liters of displacement, just like the Corvette engine. It will pump out a healthy 362 hp at 5,700 rpm and 390 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. That's 12 more hp than the most powerful Hemi (except for the hot-rod SRT version). With the six-speed automatic, the G8 GT should be able to cover the 0-100 km/h in less than 6 seconds. Given the limited-slip differential that comes standard with the V8, the GT model also should be able to put most of its considerable power down when exiting corners.

Both versions of the G8 ride on the same 114.8-inch wheelbase and space for passengers will not be an issue at all. Also, the G8's 17.5 cubic feet of trunk volume is huge. Actually, the G8 interior is all new. The instrument panel is dominated by a large tachometer and speedometer illuminated by white light, and separated by a rectangular driver information center. Both cloth- and leather-upholstered interiors will be available. All 2008 Pontiac G8s will come standard with antilock brakes, traction control and stability control. Also standard are side curtain airbags for front- and rear-seat passengers, as well as seat-mounted side airbags for those in the front row. Pontiac has not announced pricing yet, but the car will be available in early 2008.